FindBetterInternet

WILMINGTON, NC

Find internet providers in Wilmington, NC

Find internet offered in Wilmington, NC – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.

FindBetterInternet was created by two guys with years of first-hand industry experience selling internet services online. Frankly, what we found left a lot to be desired. Internet providers can pay for their listings to be placed higher up the page, cookies can be captured, and your data can be shared for banner ads that stalk your online profile for the next week. We built FindBetterInternet to be different.

Our methodology translates the complex treasure trove of 115m locations on the FCC Broadband Map into one simple resource. We layer on pricing to help you sift through what’s good value.

We hope this is helpful for you and appreciate all the community’s support with this project. If you find it helpful, we do make a commission if you buy internet from a link on our address-check page. We pour that back into maintaining the site.

Austin Shrum, FindBetterInternet

Austin Shrum

Charlotte, NC

Ali Yazdi, FindBetterInternet

Ali Yazdi

Charlotte, NC

Every price and coverage figure on this site traces back to FCC Broadband Data Collection filings (the National Broadband Map); here’s exactly how we do it.

Person using internet

Shop and compare 8 internet providers for Wilmington, NC

The 30-Second Verdict

Updated

In Wilmington, NC, your best bet is AT&T, covering about 78% of the city. Its fiber reaches 38% of the city with speeds up to 5,000 Mbps, while basic copper reaches 6%, so verify the technology at your address. Carolina Place is a strong AT&T pocket, with fiber speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps reaching 50.6% of the ZIP; Landfall instead favors Spectrum cable at 40.3% versus AT&T fiber at 36.1%. ZIP 28404 is another AT&T stronghold, with 63.0% on fiber speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps, while ZIP 28408 and ZIP 28409 lean Spectrum cable at 64.3% and 65.4%, with speeds up to 1000/35 Mbps. Forest Hills deserves a street-by-street check, especially where older DSL or copper lines may limit choices. Near the University of North Carolina Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College, students need reliable connections for Zoom, streaming, and gaming, and apartments may not match nearby houses. For a wireless alternative, T-Mobile reaches 48% with fixed wireless up to 100/20 Mbps, while Verizon reaches 40% with speeds up to 300/20 Mbps. Coverage changes street to street, so confirm the exact address before choosing.

Speeds up to 5,000 Mbps

Plans range $35–$95 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 5 plans →


Coverage ~78.2% of city
Connection type Fiber, 5G Fixed Wireless
98

Best plan here: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG — faster than 98% of all internet options in North Carolina

  • AT&T Fiber 5 GIG$95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/moFiber5,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$95Per month
  • AT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/moFiber1,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$50Per month
  • AT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/moFiber500 MbpsDownload77Our score$50Per month
  • AT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber300 MbpsDownload76Our score$35Per month
  • AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload76Our score$55Per month

Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

98

Local data shows excellent speeds for your area

This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.

Download 5,000 Mbps
Upload 5,000 Mbps
Avg. Latency Low

The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.

EST. CAPABILITIES

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Excellent

Gaming

Excellent

Whole home

Excellent

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Wilmington

At $50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo, AT&T Fiber 1 GIG buys up to 1000 Mbps down and 1000 Mbps up, with a Speed Score of 95/100, making it a top-tier option for demanding home use. AT&T’s headline Speed Score is 98/100, above Wilmington’s city average of 66, and its 5 GIG fiber plan offers up to 5000 Mbps down and 5000 Mbps up for $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo. Fiber availability is address-specific, with the 1 GIG plan available to 51.3% of the city, so confirm fiber reaches your address for the most consistent, low-latency performance.

About AT&T

Starting at $35/mo for the first 12 months, AT&T offers strong value, with fiber plans providing up to 300 Mbps and reaching up to 5000 Mbps, including up to 1000 Mbps both ways for $50/mo. Fiber is the excellent choice for streaming, work, and busy households, but availability is address-dependent, covering 51.3% of Wilmington for the 300, 500, and 1 GIG plans and 38.4% for 5 GIG; where fiber is unavailable, Internet Air reaches 15.5% and offers up to 300 Mbps, though fixed wireless may be limiting for heavy simultaneous use.

Available Plans

98
Fiber
5000 Mbps Download
5000 Mbps Upload
Coverage 38.4% of city
5
Copper
10 Mbps Download
1 Mbps Upload
Coverage 19.2% of city
37
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 15.1% of city
94
Fiber
1000 Mbps Download
1000 Mbps Upload
Coverage 12.8% of city
45
Copper
50 Mbps Download
10 Mbps Upload
Coverage 6.7% of city
51
Copper
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 6.0% of city
29
Copper
25 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 4.3% of city
48
Copper
75 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 3.0% of city
56
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.2% of city
6
Licensed Fixed Wireless
10 Mbps Download
1 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.2% of city

Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps

Plans range $30–$60 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 3 plans →


Coverage ~90.1% of city
Connection type Cable, Fiber
89

Best plan here: Internet Gig — faster than 89% of all internet options in North Carolina

  • Internet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$60Per month
  • Internet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/moCable500 MbpsDownload76Our score$40Per month
  • Internet AdvantageCable100 MbpsDownload56Our score$30Per month

Source: Spectrum official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

89

Local data shows excellent speeds for your area

This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.

Download 1,000 Mbps
Upload 35 Mbps
Avg. Latency Low

The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.

EST. CAPABILITIES

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Good

Gaming

Good

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Wilmington

Spectrum’s Internet Gig plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, enough for multiple simultaneous streams, video calls, gaming, and large downloads. Its 89/100 Speed Score is above Wilmington’s city average of 66, making this cable plan a reliable choice for most households. Internet Gig is available to 88.4% of the city, so confirm your address, and consider other available technologies if upload-heavy work is a priority.

About Spectrum

Up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload can comfortably support multiple 4K streams, gaming, video calls, and large downloads, though the upload speed is less suited to heavy content creation or many simultaneous uploads. Spectrum’s cable service is a strong choice for most households, with the 1000 Mbps plan available to 88.4% of Wilmington, but availability is address-dependent, so check your address to confirm that tier is offered.

Available Plans

87
Cable
1000 Mbps Download
35 Mbps Upload
Coverage 88.4% of city
89
Fiber
1000 Mbps Download
500 Mbps Upload
Coverage 6.4% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $50–$70 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~80.9% of city
Connection type 5G Fixed Wireless
76

Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 76% of all internet options in North Carolina

  • All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload76Our score$70Per month
  • Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload76Our score$50Per month

Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

76

Local data shows average speeds for your area

This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.

Download 498 Mbps
Upload 55 Mbps
Avg. Latency Medium

The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.

EST. CAPABILITIES

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Wilmington

Households seeking a straightforward home internet option for streaming, work, and everyday use may find T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless service appealing. Its 76/100 Speed Score is above Wilmington’s city average of 66, with plans offering up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo, or up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo. Fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired service, and these plans are available to 68.2% of Wilmington, so confirm your address before signing up.

About T-Mobile

For households that want good everyday speeds for streaming, working from home, and multiple devices, T-Mobile offers fixed wireless plans with up to 498↓/55↑ Mbps for $70/mo promotional pricing, or up to 354↓/55↑ Mbps for $50/mo promotional pricing. Fixed wireless is an adequate option rather than a fiber or cable replacement, and these plans are available to 68.2% of Wilmington, so check your address for faster wired service first if it is available.

Available Plans

56
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 48.1% of city
37
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 20.1% of city

Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps

Price   Check your address →


Coverage ~2.3% of city
Connection type Fiber
94

Speed Score: Faster than 94% of all internet options in North Carolina

SPEED SCORE

94

Local data shows excellent speeds for your area

This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.

Download 1,000 Mbps
Upload 1,000 Mbps
Avg. Latency Low

The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.

EST. CAPABILITIES

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Excellent

Gaming

Excellent

Whole home

Excellent

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Wilmington

Up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload can comfortably support 4K streaming, video calls, gaming, remote work, and many connected devices at once. FOCUS BROADBAND’s fiber service has a 94/100 Speed Score, making it a top-tier option with excellent performance and low latency. The plan is available across 2.3% of Wilmington, so confirm fiber availability at your address before relying on these speeds.

About FOCUS BROADBAND

Up to 1000 Mbps fiber in both directions can comfortably handle streaming, video calls, online gaming, and multiple connected devices at once. It is an excellent option where available, but this plan reaches only 2.3% of Wilmington, so check your address to see whether FOCUS BROADBAND’s fiber service is offered.

Available Plans

94
Fiber
1000 Mbps Download
1000 Mbps Upload
Coverage 2.3% of city

Speeds up to 300 Mbps

Plans range $35–$45 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~45.3% of city
Connection type 5G Fixed Wireless
77

Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 77% of all internet options in North Carolina

  • 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload77Our score$45Per month
  • 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload76Our score$35Per month

Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

77

Local data shows average speeds for your area

This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.

Download 1,000 Mbps
Upload 75 Mbps
Avg. Latency Medium

The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.

EST. CAPABILITIES

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Wilmington

Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless can support everyday streaming, work, and multiple connected devices, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload and a 77/100 Speed Score. The lower-priced 5G Home plan offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a 76/100 score, though fixed wireless performance can be more variable than wired service. Both plans are available to 45.3% of Wilmington, so confirm your address before relying on these speeds; Verizon’s 77/100 headline score is above the city’s 66 average.

About Verizon

Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service is a good fit for everyday use, offering up to 1000 Mbps download and up to 75 Mbps upload on 5G Home Plus, or up to 300 Mbps download and up to 75 Mbps upload on 5G Home. This adequate, address-dependent option is available to 45.3% of Wilmington, so check your address first and choose fiber or cable instead where available if you need the most consistent performance for heavy uploads or multiple demanding users.

Available Plans

76
Licensed Fixed Wireless
300 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 40.4% of city
46
Licensed Fixed Wireless
50 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 4.9% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $39.99–$94.99 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 3 plans →


Coverage ~100.0% of city
Connection type Satellite
29

Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 71% of all internet options in North Carolina

  • Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload29Our score$94.99Per month
  • Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload6Our score$49.99Per month
  • Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload6Our score$39.99Per month

Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

29

Local data shows below average speeds for your area

This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.

Download 100 Mbps
Upload 5 Mbps
Avg. Latency High

The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.

EST. CAPABILITIES

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Wilmington

At $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $119.99, HughesNet’s Fusion plan buys you up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its Speed Score is just 29/100. That is below Wilmington’s city average of 66, and satellite’s higher latency and limited performance make it worth checking what other technologies are available at your address before choosing it. The lower-priced Select and Lite plans cost $49.99 and $39.99 for the first 12 months, then $74.99 and $49.99, but offer only up to 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, or up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, respectively, with a Speed Score of 6/100.

About HughesNet

HughesNet costs $39.99/mo for the first 12 months for up to 25 Mbps, or $94.99/mo for the first 12 months for up to 100 Mbps, but those satellite speeds offer limited value for households with heavier streaming, gaming, or video-calling needs. All three plans are available to 100.0% of Wilmington, though satellite has high latency and below-average Speed Scores, so check your address for fiber, cable, or another faster option before choosing HughesNet.

Available Plans

28
Gso Satellite
100 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 100.0% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $69.99–$99.99 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~59.7% of city
Connection type Satellite
6

Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 94% of all internet options in North Carolina

  • Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload6Our score$69.99Per month
  • Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload6Our score$99.99Per month

Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

6

Local data shows below average speeds for your area

This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.

Download 55 Mbps
Upload 4 Mbps
Avg. Latency High

The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.

EST. CAPABILITIES

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Wilmington

Viasat is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives in Wilmington, especially for latency-sensitive activities. Its satellite plans both have a Speed Score of 6/100, below the city average of 66, with Essentials offering up to 55 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up and Unleashed offering up to 34 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up. Address availability still matters: Essentials is available to 59.7% of Wilmington, so check your address and compare other available technologies before choosing satellite.

About Viasat Inc

Viasat Inc is mainly a fallback option, so check whether faster fiber or cable service is available at your address first. Its Viasat Essentials plan is the better of the two, offering up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo with a Speed Score of 6/100, while Viasat Unleashed costs $99.99/mo for up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload; both are available to 59.7% of Wilmington, and satellite service can struggle with latency for modern online activities.

Available Plans

13
Gso Satellite
100 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 59.7% of city

Every plan available in Wilmington

All 20 product lines from the 7 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.

Showing 10 of 20 plans

  • SpectrumInternet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$60$70Per month~88.4%CoverageCable
  • StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload71Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • SpectrumInternet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/mo500 MbpsDownload76Our score$40$50Per month~88.4%CoverageCable
  • T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload76Our score$50$60Per month~68.2%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
  • T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload76Our score$70$80Per month~68.2%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
  • SpectrumInternet Advantage100 MbpsDownload56Our score$30Per month~88.4%CoverageCable
  • AT&TAT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo1,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$50$90Per month~51.3%CoverageFiber
  • StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload48Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload48Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • AT&TAT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/mo500 MbpsDownload77Our score$50$75Per month~51.3%CoverageFiber

Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.

Best Fit by Household Type in Wilmington

Best Fit

Students & Roommates

Choose Spectrum Internet Advantage at a promotional starting rate of $30/mo for 100 Mbps, reaching 88.4% of Wilmington.

In ZIP 28408, Spectrum cable reaches 64.3%, giving many Wilmington student households a wired alternative.

Check first: Confirm service at the exact address; 88.4% reach does not mean every Wilmington home qualifies.

Best Fit

Remote Workers

Consider AT&T Fiber 300 at a promotional starting rate of $35/mo for 300 Mbps, reaching 51.3% of Wilmington.

AT&T's 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaches 52.6% in ZIP 28401 and 50.6% in ZIP 28403.

Check first: Verify the exact address; AT&T's 78.2% overall footprint exceeds individual fiber-tier availability.

Best Fit

Gamers & Streamers

Choose AT&T Fiber 5 GIG at a promotional starting rate of $95/mo for 5,000 Mbps, reaching 38.4% of Wilmington.

Its 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaches 52.6% of ZIP 28401 and 36.1% of ZIP 28405.

Check first: The 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber footprint is only about 38% citywide, so address verification is essential.

Best Fit

Rural & Edge-of-City Homes

Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps at a promotional starting rate of $55/mo, reaching 100% of Wilmington.

Starlink's 100% citywide reach avoids the narrower listed footprints of cable and fiber providers.

Check first: Still verify the address and plan details before ordering, despite the plan's 100% city reach.

Top ZIP-Level Insights in Wilmington

28401

Downtown Wilmington

AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fastest fiber availability.

AT&T leads ZIP 28401 with 52.6% coverage for 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber; Spectrum cable reaches 30.4%.

28403

Carolina Place

AT&T is currently the strongest option for High-speed fiber shoppers.

AT&T leads ZIP 28403 with 50.6% coverage for 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber; Spectrum cable reaches 29.4%.

28405

Landfall

Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.

Spectrum leads ZIP 28405 with 40.3% cable coverage, while AT&T's 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaches 36.1%.

Internet providers near Wilmington

Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Wilmington, check the neighboring market directly.

Wilmington Internet FAQs

What is the fastest internet provider in Wilmington, NC?

AT&T is Wilmington's fastest listed provider, with 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaching 38.4% of the city. Address checks matter because AT&T's overall 78.2% footprint is broader than its fastest fiber, while ZIP 28401 and ZIP 28403 show 52.6% and 50.6% coverage, respectively.

Can I get fiber in Wilmington, NC?

Yes—AT&T's listed fiber plans reach 51.3% of Wilmington, while FOCUS BROADBAND's fiber reaches about 2%. Availability varies by address: AT&T's 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaches 63.0% in ZIP 28404 but 21.4% in ZIP 28408, so confirm exact serviceability.

What is the cheapest internet in Wilmington, NC?

Spectrum Internet Advantage is Wilmington's cheapest listed plan at a promotional starting rate of $30/mo for 100 Mbps, reaching 88.4% of the city. It is the city's minimum-priced option, but address-level availability can differ; Spectrum cable covers 65.4% of ZIP 28409 and 64.3% of ZIP 28408.

What internet speed do I need for streaming and working from home in Wilmington?

For demanding home use, Spectrum Internet Gig offers 1,000 Mbps at a promotional starting rate of $60/mo, reaching 88.4% of the city. Where available, AT&T Fiber 5 GIG offers 5,000 Mbps and reaches 38.4%, making it the higher listed tier but the less widely reachable option.

Which internet provider covers Downtown Wilmington best?

AT&T leads Downtown Wilmington's ZIP 28401, where its 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber covers 52.6%. Spectrum cable covers 30.4% there, while Starlink NGSO satellite covers 10.0%, so verify which network serves your specific Downtown address before ordering.

How We Analyze Internet in Wilmington

FCC Broadband Data

We use the FCC National Broadband Map, updated twice a year with provider-reported coverage at the census block level.

Speed Score

Our proprietary score weights technology type (fiber=100%, cable=85%, etc.) with download (70%) and upload (30%) speeds, ranked as a state percentile.

Coverage Calculation

Provider coverage shows what percentage of census blocks in Wilmington report service availability from each provider.

Data Coverage for Wilmington

ZIP Codes Analyzed:
2840128402284032840428405284062840828409284102841128412
Census Tracts: 53 tracts
Census Blocks: 2,985 blocks analyzed

How We Calculate Speed Score

Our Speed Score is a state-level percentile ranking (0-100) that shows how a provider’s service compares to all other internet options available in your state.

The Formula:

We calculate a raw performance score using:

Technology Factor × (Download Speed × 70% + Upload Speed × 30%)

Technology Factors:

Not all connections are equal. We weight each technology based on real-world reliability and performance:

  • Fiber: 100% – Fastest, most reliable technology
  • Cable: 85% – High speeds, shared neighborhood bandwidth
  • Fixed Wireless (Licensed): 70% – Dedicated spectrum, weather-dependent
  • Copper/DSL: 65% – Distance-limited, aging infrastructure
  • Fixed Wireless (Unlicensed): 60% – Shared spectrum, variable performance
  • Satellite (LEO): 40% – Low-earth orbit (e.g., Starlink), higher latency
  • Satellite (GEO): 15% – Geostationary orbit, significant latency

Percentile Ranking:

After calculating raw scores, we rank every service option in your state by geographic coverage (census blocks served). A score of 85 means this service performs better than 85% of all internet options available in your state.

Data Source: FCC National Broadband Map data, updated twice a year.

How We Calculate Capabilities

Estimated Capabilities predict how well each internet plan supports common household activities based on speed requirements and connection type.

Rating Scale:

  • Excellent – Optimal performance, handles peak usage easily
  • Good – Reliable performance with minimal issues
  • Fair – Functional but may experience slowdowns during heavy use
  • Poor – Not recommended; expect frequent buffering or lag

How We Rate Each Category:

Streaming

Based on download speed. 4K streaming requires 25+ Mbps per stream; HD requires 5+ Mbps. We account for multiple simultaneous streams.

Multi-device

Evaluates total bandwidth capacity divided by typical household device count (phones, tablets, smart TVs, computers). Fiber and cable handle many devices better than DSL or satellite.

Gaming

Considers both upload speed (for sending game data) and latency (ping time). Fiber and cable excel here; satellite connections struggle due to inherent signal delay.

Whole Home

Assesses whether the connection can reliably serve an entire household during peak evening hours. Factors in technology type (shared vs. dedicated bandwidth) and total speed capacity.

Note: Actual performance depends on your specific location, network congestion, and equipment quality.