COLUMBUS, OH
Find internet providers in Columbus, OH
Find internet offered in Columbus, OH – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Shop and compare 9 internet providers for Columbus, OH
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Columbus, OH, your best bet is AT&T, covering ~96% of the city; its fiber reaches ~30% with speeds up to 5,000 Mbps. That top tier is not citywide, and AT&T’s 1,000/1,000 Mbps fiber reaches ~8%, so verify the address. Local results shift: Short North, ZIP 43201, gives Breezeline 31.7%, AT&T 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber 26.6%, and AT&T 1,000/1,000 Mbps fiber 24.1%. Around The Ohio State University in ZIP 43210, Breezeline leads at 50.6%, while in 43203, AT&T’s 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber leads at 41.5%. ZIP 43205 favors AT&T’s 1,000/1,000 Mbps fiber at 35.3%, ahead of Breezeline at 31.1%. At The Ohio State University, Columbus College of Art & Design, Franklin University, and Columbus State Community College, apartment wiring may differ, while old copper can hurt Zoom, streaming, and gaming. The same street-level caution applies in German Village, Clintonville, and Franklinton, including addresses near Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. Breezeline and Spectrum are close cable alternatives, reaching ~94% and ~92% citywide with speeds up to 1,000/50 and 1,000/1,000 Mbps, respectively. T-Mobile’s fixed wireless reaches ~36% with speeds up to 100/20 Mbps, then confirm your exact address.
Best plan here: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG — faster than 99% of all internet options in Ohio
- AT&T Fiber 5 GIG$95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/moFiber5,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$95Per month
- AT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/moFiber1,000 MbpsDownload96Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/moFiber500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35Per month
- AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload79Our score$55Per month
Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbus
At $50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo, AT&T Fiber 1 GIG offers up to 1000 Mbps down and up with a 96/100 Speed Score, making it a top-tier option for the price. Its score is above the city average of 64, and the plan is available to 37.8% of Columbus. Because AT&T also offers Internet Air, the fiber option may not reach your address, so check availability before choosing between up to 1000 Mbps fiber and up to 300 Mbps fixed wireless.
About AT&T
AT&T offers excellent fiber value, from up to 300 Mbps for $35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo, to up to 5000 Mbps for $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo. The best fiber options are address-dependent, with the up to 1000 Mbps Fiber 1 GIG plan available to 37.8% of Columbus, while Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps for $55/mo, then $60/mo, across 51.3% and is a more variable fallback, so check your address first if you need reliable service for several users, gaming, or heavy uploads.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Best plan here: Internet Gig — faster than 92% of all internet options in Ohio
- Internet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload92Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/moCable500 MbpsDownload80Our score$40Per month
- Internet AdvantageCable100 MbpsDownload69Our score$30Per month
Source: Spectrum official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbus
A 92/100 Speed Score puts Spectrum’s Internet Gig cable plan at up to 1000 Mbps download and up to 1000 Mbps upload, a reliable choice for multiple users, 4K streaming, gaming, and video calls. Its score is above the city average of 64, and the plan is available to 91.8% of Columbus, though availability still depends on your specific address.
About Spectrum
Up to 1000 Mbps both ways can comfortably handle 4K streaming, video calls, gaming, and many connected devices at once. Spectrum is a strong choice for most households because its cable service offers excellent speeds, with the Gig plan scoring 92/100 and available to 91.8% of Columbus, though availability is address-dependent, so check your exact location before ordering.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 89% of all internet options in Ohio
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload79Our score$35Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbus
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service can support streaming, work, and connected devices, though signal and network conditions can affect real-world performance. 5G Home Plus offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 89/100, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a score of 79/100. The top score is above the city average of 64, making Verizon a competitive option, but service is available to 64.4% of Columbus, so your address must qualify.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service is an adequate option for everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload. Both plans are available to 64.4% of Columbus, so check your address first, especially if you need a consistently strong connection for heavy use or have access to fiber or cable alternatives.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Breezeline Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 80% of all internet options in Ohio
- Breezeline Internet 500 Mbps$50 Gift cardCable500 MbpsDownload80Our score$40Per month
Source: Breezeline official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbus
Breezeline is a solid cable option for Columbus, offering up to 500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 80/100, above the city average of 64. It should be reliable for most households, but availability depends on your address, with this plan shown across 93.6% of the city.
About Breezeline
Breezeline is a strong option for most Columbus households, offering cable internet with download speeds up to 500 Mbps and upload speeds up to 50 Mbps for $40/mo, plus a $50 reward card. The plan has an excellent 80/100 Speed Score and is available to 93.6% of Columbus, but check your address to confirm service and pricing before ordering.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 80% of all internet options in Ohio
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload80Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload79Our score$50Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbus
Households seeking strong everyday performance for streaming, work, and multiple connected devices may find T-Mobile a competitive fixed-wireless choice, with an 80/100 Speed Score above the city average of 64. All-In Home Internet offers up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo promotional pricing, while Rely offers up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo promotional pricing. Both plans are available to 66.0% of Columbus, so confirm your address and expect performance to vary more than with a wired connection.
About T-Mobile
Homes that need good everyday speeds without fiber or cable may find T-Mobile a practical fit, with 5G fixed wireless offering up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo promotional pricing, then $80/mo, or up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo promotional pricing, then $60/mo. These are good fixed wireless options for streaming and general use, but performance can vary by address, and the plans are available to 66.0% of Columbus, so check whether fiber or cable is available first if your household has heavy usage or needs the most consistent connection.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 69% of all internet options in Ohio
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload69Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload69Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload69Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbus
Satellite internet can support streaming and everyday browsing, but its higher latency may be noticeable during video calls and gaming compared with wired connections. Starlink offers plans with up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, as well as up to 200/25 Mbps and 100/25 Mbps options, with each listed plan available to 100.0% of Columbus. Its 69/100 Speed Score is above the Columbus average of 64, making it competitive, though shoppers should check what other technologies are available at their address if low latency matters.
About Starlink
Satellite internet gives Starlink broad availability and can handle streaming, work, and everyday browsing, but its higher latency may make gaming and video calls less responsive than fiber or cable. In Columbus, its plans are available to 100.0% of the city, with speeds up to 400 Mbps down and 30 Mbps up for $130/mo, up to 200 Mbps down and 25 Mbps up for $85/mo, or up to 100 Mbps down and 25 Mbps up for $55/mo. Check your address for fiber or cable first because those technologies are generally better for busy households, while Starlink is a useful fallback where wired options are unavailable.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 76% of all internet options in Ohio
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload24Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload8Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload8Our score$39.99Per month
Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbus
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 24/100, below Columbus’s city average of 64. As a satellite service, it has higher latency and more limited real-world performance than fiber or cable, so consider checking other providers first for demanding streaming, gaming, or work-from-home needs. Fusion is available to 100.0% of Columbus, but the best technology option depends on your specific address, while Select and Lite offer up to 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload and up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, respectively, with Speed Scores of 8/100.
About HughesNet
At $39.99 to $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $49.99 to $119.99, HughesNet buys you satellite service with up to 100 Mbps download and up to 5 Mbps upload, but the lower-priced plans offer only up to 25 Mbps download and up to 3 Mbps upload. Satellite’s higher latency and below-average Speed Scores of 8/100 and 24/100 make it worth checking for faster fiber or cable options at your address first, even though HughesNet shows 100.0% coverage in Columbus.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 92% of all internet options in Ohio
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload8Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload8Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbus
Viasat is a limited-performance option in Columbus, with satellite plans scoring 8/100, below the city average of 64. Viasat Essentials is the better-priced choice at $69.99/mo for up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, while Unleashed costs $99.99/mo for up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload; both plans show 100.0% availability in the city. Satellite latency can affect gaming, video calls, and other responsive uses, so check what other technologies are available at your specific address before choosing.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mainly a fallback option in Columbus, so check whether faster fiber or cable service is available at your address first. Its satellite plans reach 100.0% of the city, but the fastest offers only up to 55 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up with a Speed Score of 8/100, which may be limiting for modern households, especially for latency-sensitive activities.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Point Broadband Fiber Holding LLC
Speeds up to 50 Mbps
Plans start at $49.99 /mo *
Speed Score: Slower than 76% of all internet options in Ohio
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Adequate
Adequate
Adequate
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbus
Point Broadband Fiber Holding LLC’s listed fixed-wireless plan reaches only 0.3% of Columbus, making availability unlikely for most shoppers. At a served address, the best option is up to 25 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 24/100, while the other plan offers up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload with a score of 0/100, so performance is limited compared to alternatives. Verify availability at your address and consider checking other providers first.
About Point Broadband Fiber Holding LLC
Point Broadband’s up to 25 Mbps fixed wireless plan reaches only 0.3% of census blocks in Columbus, so your odds of getting its faster option are limited. Its local choices are fixed wireless only, with up to 25 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload or up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload, which may cover light browsing but can struggle with streaming, video calls, and multiple users. Availability is address-dependent, so check for faster fiber or cable service first if your household has modern internet needs.
Available Plans
Lbr Fixed Wireless
Lbr Fixed Wireless
Every plan available in Columbus
All 21 product lines from the 8 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 21 plans
- SpectrumInternet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload92Our score$60$70Per month~91.8%CoverageCable
- BreezelineBreezeline Internet 500 Mbps$50 Gift card500 MbpsDownload80Our score$40Per month~93.6%CoverageCable
- SpectrumInternet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/mo500 MbpsDownload80Our score$40$50Per month~91.8%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload69Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload69Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload69Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- SpectrumInternet Advantage100 MbpsDownload69Our score$30Per month~91.8%CoverageCable
- Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$45$70Per month~64.4%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload80Our score$70$80Per month~66%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload79Our score$50$60Per month~66%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Compare Columbus providers head-to-head
See how Columbus’s providers stack up against each other — speed, coverage, price, and who wins block by block.
Best Fit by Household Type in Columbus
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Breezeline Internet 500 Mbps, 500 Mbps at a $40/mo promotional starting rate, reaching 93.6% of Columbus.
In ZIP 43210, Breezeline reaches 50.6%, the highest listed footprint ahead of Spectrum at 24.0%.
Check first: Confirm service at your Ohio State address before ordering.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T Fiber 1 GIG, 1,000 Mbps where available, with the plan reaching 37.8% of Columbus.
AT&T fiber appears in Downtown Columbus, Short North, and ZIP 43202.
Check first: Its 1 GIG plan reaches 37.8%, not AT&T's 95.5% overall footprint.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Spectrum Internet Gig, 1,000 Mbps reaching 91.8% of Columbus, for broad high-speed availability.
Spectrum reaches 20.7% in Downtown Columbus, 24.0% in ZIP 43210, and 12.5% in Short North.
Check first: Confirm the gig plan at your address; Spectrum's 1,000 Mbps plan reaches 91.8%.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps, 100 Mbps at a $55/mo promotional starting rate, reaching 100% of Columbus.
Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat Inc each reach 100% citywide; Point Broadband reaches 4.9%.
Check first: Satellite service still requires address-level confirmation before ordering.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Columbus
Downtown Columbus
Breezeline is currently the strongest option for Cable coverage in Downtown Columbus.
Breezeline leads Downtown Columbus at 26.6%, followed by Spectrum at 20.7% and AT&T 5 GIG fiber at 20.4%.
The Ohio State University
Breezeline is currently the strongest option for Ohio State-area cable coverage.
In ZIP 43210, Breezeline reaches 50.6%, ahead of Spectrum at 24.0% and AT&T 5 GIG fiber at 14.2%.
Short North
Breezeline is currently the strongest option for Short North cable coverage.
Breezeline leads Short North ZIP 43201 at 31.7%, with AT&T 5 GIG fiber at 26.6% and 1 GIG fiber at 24.1%.
Internet providers near Columbus
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Columbus, check the neighboring market directly.
Columbus Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Columbus, OH?
AT&T offers Columbus's fastest listed plan: Fiber 5 GIG delivers 5,000 Mbps and reaches 29.6% of the city. Check the address before choosing it, because AT&T Fiber 1 GIG reaches 37.8%, while the 5 GIG footprint is smaller.
Can I get fiber in Downtown Columbus?
Yes—AT&T fiber appears in Downtown Columbus ZIP 43215, with 5 GIG listed at 20.4% and 1 GIG at 14.6%. Check your exact address because those ZIP-level footprints do not guarantee every building qualifies; Breezeline reaches 26.6% and Spectrum 20.7% there.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Columbus, OH?
Spectrum Internet Advantage is Columbus's cheapest listed plan at a $30/mo promotional starting rate for 100 Mbps, reaching 91.8% of the city. Its broad plan footprint makes it a practical first address check before comparing faster tiers from the listed providers.
How much internet speed do I need for a Columbus household?
For a Columbus household, Spectrum Internet Advantage's 100 Mbps tier reaches 91.8%; 1,000 Mbps options include Spectrum Internet Gig, reaching 91.8%, and AT&T Fiber 1 GIG, reaching 37.8%. Use the lower tier for lighter needs or a gigabit tier for heavier use, after confirming address-level availability.
Which internet provider covers the Short North best?
Breezeline leads the listed Short North ZIP 43201 footprints at 31.7%, ahead of AT&T Fiber 5 GIG at 26.6%. Compare the address carefully because AT&T also lists 1 GIG at 24.1% and Spectrum 12.5% in the same ZIP.
How We Analyze Internet in Columbus
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 Columbus report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Columbus
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.