FindBetterInternet

PHILADELPHIA, PA

Find internet providers in Philadelphia, PA

Find internet offered in Philadelphia, PA – 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 Philadelphia, PA

The 30-Second Verdict

Updated

In Philadelphia, PA, your best bet is Xfinity, covering ~100% of the city with speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. Verizon is a credible fiber alternative, but its fiber reaches ~42% of the city, so it is not as universal. In Center City, Xfinity leads with 55.5%, while Verizon fiber reaches 24.7%; University City tilts further toward Xfinity at 68.6%, with Verizon fiber at 28.8%. ZIP 19106 is the closest contest, with Xfinity at 40.1% and Verizon fiber at 35.2%, while 19101 is entirely Xfinity across its two listed cable tiers. Around the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, students should check apartment wiring, and the same goes for Temple University and Thomas Jefferson University, since older buildings can still be stuck on DSL or copper and need reliable service for Zoom, streaming, and gaming. Fishtown and Manayunk can vary from one building to the next, so do not assume the neighborhood winner applies to your address. T-Mobile is the main fixed-wireless fallback, reaching 49% of the city with speeds up to 100/20 Mbps. Confirm the exact address before ordering, especially around Naval Support Activity Philadelphia.

Speeds up to 2,000 Mbps

Plans range $40–$90 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 4 plans →


Coverage ~99.6% of city
Connection type Fiber/Cable
82

Best plan here: 1.2/2 Gig — faster than 82% of all internet options in Pennsylvania

  • 1.2/2 Gig$90/mo for the first 12 months, then $100/moFiber/Cable1,200 MbpsDownload82Our score$90Per month
  • 1 Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moFiber/Cable1,000 MbpsDownload82Our score$60Per month
  • 500 Mbps$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber/Cable500 MbpsDownload72Our score$50Per month
  • 300 Mbps$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $45/moFiber/Cable300 MbpsDownload72Our score$40Per month

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

SPEED SCORE

82

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 1,200 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 Philadelphia

Xfinity’s 1 Gig plan is available to 99.5% of Philadelphia, giving most shoppers a strong chance of getting it. It offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 82/100, above the city average of 64. Because the plan may use fiber or cable at your address, check the available technology: fiber is a top-tier option, while cable at this performance level is a solid, reliable choice.

About Xfinity

Xfinity’s fiber and cable plans are available to 99.5% of Philadelphia, so most residents have a strong chance of getting service. With options up to 1200 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, it is a strong choice for modern households, though your address determines whether the connection is fiber or cable, so verify the technology and plan before ordering.

Available Plans

96
Cable
2000 Mbps Download
300 Mbps Upload
Coverage 81.5% of city
81
Cable
1200 Mbps Download
35 Mbps Upload
Coverage 18.0% of city
82
Fiber
1200 Mbps Download
35 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.2% of city
96
Fiber
2000 Mbps Download
300 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.1% of city

Speeds up to 2,048 Mbps

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


Coverage ~96.3% of city
Connection type Fiber, 5G Fixed Wireless
73

Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 73% of all internet options in Pennsylvania

  • 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload73Our score$45Per month
  • 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload72Our score$35Per month

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

SPEED SCORE

73

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 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

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Philadelphia

Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service can handle everyday streaming, video calls, and web use, though performance may be less consistent than wired service. 5G Home Plus offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a 73/100 Speed Score, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a 72/100 Speed Score. The top plan’s 73/100 Speed Score is above the city average of 64, making Verizon a competitive option. Both plans are available to 41.6% of Philadelphia, so check your address to confirm service availability.

About Verizon

Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service is a reasonable choice for everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo, and 5G Home offering up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload for $35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo. Both plans are available to 41.6% of Philadelphia, so check your address first, and compare fiber or cable if available because fixed wireless can be less consistent for heavy modern use.

Available Plans

87
Fiber
940 Mbps Download
880 Mbps Upload
Coverage 51.9% of city
98
Fiber
2048 Mbps Download
2048 Mbps Upload
Coverage 42.1% of city
71
Licensed Fixed Wireless
300 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 28.7% of city
72
Licensed Fixed Wireless
1000 Mbps Download
75 Mbps Upload
Coverage 12.5% of city
41
Licensed Fixed Wireless
50 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.4% of city
40
Fiber
30 Mbps Download
10 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.1% of city

Speeds up to 1,500 Mbps

Plans start at $20 /mo *


Coverage ~1.1% of city
Connection type Cable
96

Speed Score: Faster than 96% of all internet options in Pennsylvania

SPEED SCORE

96

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 1,500 Mbps
Upload 1,500 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 Philadelphia

Astound Broadband is a top-tier option in Philadelphia, especially for households whose address can receive its fiber service. That fiber plan is an excellent choice, offering up to 1500 Mbps download and 1500 Mbps upload with a 96/100 Speed Score, above the city’s average top speed score of 64, though it reaches only 0.2% of the city. Where cable is the available option, up to 1500 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload with an 83/100 Speed Score is a reliable choice for most uses, but fiber is better suited to heavy uploads and demanding home use.

About Astound Broadband

Astound Broadband is a strong choice at select Philadelphia addresses, but it is not widely available. Its fiber plan offers up to 1500 Mbps down and 1500 Mbps up, with a 96/100 Speed Score and coverage in 0.2% of census blocks, while its cable plan covers 1.0% of census blocks and offers up to 1500 Mbps down and 50 Mbps up with an 83/100 score. Availability is highly address-dependent, and the cable option should handle most uses but may feel limiting for upload-heavy work, so check your exact address before choosing it.

Available Plans

83
Cable
1500 Mbps Download
50 Mbps Upload
Coverage 1.0% of city
96
Fiber
1500 Mbps Download
1500 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.2% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

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


Coverage ~91.0% of city
Connection type 5G Fixed Wireless
72

Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 72% of all internet options in Pennsylvania

  • All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload72Our score$70Per month
  • Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload72Our score$50Per month

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

SPEED SCORE

72

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 Philadelphia

For households that want faster-than-average home internet without a wired connection, T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless service is a competitive fit, with a 72/100 Speed Score above the city average of 64. All-In offers up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo promotional rate, while Rely offers up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo promotional rate. Both plans are available to 70.1% of Philadelphia, so check your address because fixed wireless performance can vary with local conditions and may be less consistent than wired service.

About T-Mobile

For households that need good everyday streaming, video calls, and work-from-home service without requiring fiber or cable, T-Mobile is a practical choice, offering up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload with All-In Home Internet for $70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo, or up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload with Rely for $50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo. These 5G fixed wireless plans have a Speed Score of 72/100 and are available to 70.1% of Philadelphia, so check your address and compare any faster wired option first if your household has heavy simultaneous use or needs more consistent performance.

Available Plans

48
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 49.0% of city
29
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 21.1% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $55 /mo * Refreshed Jul 23, 2026See all 1 plans →


Coverage ~48.8% of city
Connection type 5G Fixed Wireless
72

Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air — faster than 72% of all internet options in Pennsylvania

  • AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload72Our score$55Per month

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

SPEED SCORE

72

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 300 Mbps
Upload 300 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 Philadelphia

At $55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and up to 300 Mbps upload for a solid fixed-wireless value. Its 72/100 Speed Score is above Philadelphia’s 64 city average, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired service, and the plan is available to 48.8% of the city, so confirm availability at your address.

About AT&T

AT&T Internet Air costs $55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo, for up to 300 Mbps down and up, making it a solid value for everyday browsing, streaming, and work. It is an adequate 5G fixed wireless option rather than fiber or cable, and availability is limited to 48.8% of Philadelphia, so check your address and compare any faster wired option before signing up, especially for a busy household.

Available Plans

29
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 27.2% of city
48
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 21.5% 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
21

Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 79% of all internet options in Pennsylvania

  • Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload21Our score$94.99Per month
  • Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload3Our score$49.99Per month
  • Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload1Our score$39.99Per month

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

SPEED SCORE

21

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 Philadelphia

At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet Fusion buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its Speed Score is 21/100, below Philadelphia’s city average of 64. As satellite service, it has limited performance and higher latency than fiber or cable, so consider checking other providers first if your address has alternatives. Fusion is listed as available to 100.0% of Philadelphia, though address-level availability should still be confirmed.

About HughesNet

At $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, HughesNet’s Lite plan offers up to 25 Mbps, while Select costs $49.99/mo for up to 50 Mbps and Fusion costs $94.99/mo for up to 100 Mbps, making these satellite plans better suited to basic use than demanding streaming, gaming, or busy households. Their Speed Scores are 1, 3, and 21, respectively, and promotional prices increase after the first 12 months, so check for faster fiber or cable service at your address before choosing HughesNet. All three plans are available to 100.0% of Philadelphia, but satellite’s higher latency can still make it a limited fallback even where coverage is broad.

Available Plans

21
Gso Satellite
100 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 100.0% of city

Speeds up to 150 Mbps

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


Coverage ~10.3% of city
Connection type Satellite
3

Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 97% of all internet options in Pennsylvania

  • Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload3Our score$69.99Per month
  • Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload1Our score$99.99Per month

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

SPEED SCORE

3

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 Philadelphia

Viasat is a limited-performance choice in Philadelphia, with a headline Speed Score of 3/100, below the city average of 64. Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo with a 3/100 score and availability to 10.4% of the city, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99/mo with a 1/100 score; satellite’s high latency makes it worth checking other providers available at your address first.

About Viasat Inc

Viasat is mainly a fallback in Philadelphia rather than a first choice for modern internet needs, so check whether fiber or cable service is available at your address first. Its fastest local plan, Viasat Essentials, offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo, but satellite service has higher latency and a Speed Score of 3/100, while the $99.99/mo Viasat Unleashed plan is slower at up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 1/100.

Available Plans

39
Gso Satellite
150 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 10.3% of city
0
Gso Satellite
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.1% of city

Every plan available in Philadelphia

All 17 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 17 plans

  • Xfinity1 Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload82Our score$60$70Per month~99.5%CoverageFiber/Cable
  • Xfinity1.2/2 Gig$90/mo for the first 12 months, then $100/mo1,200 MbpsDownload82Our score$90$100Per month~99.5%CoverageFiber/Cable
  • Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $45/mo300 MbpsDownload72Our score$40$45Per month~99.5%CoverageFiber/Cable
  • Xfinity500 Mbps$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo500 MbpsDownload72Our score$50$60Per month~99.5%CoverageFiber/Cable
  • StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload65Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload72Our score$50$60Per month~70.1%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
  • T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload72Our score$70$80Per month~70.1%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
  • StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload42Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload42Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • AT&TAT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload72Our score$55$60Per month~48.8%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 Philadelphia providers head-to-head

See how Philadelphia’s providers stack up against each other — speed, coverage, price, and who wins block by block.

Best Fit by Household Type in Philadelphia

Best Fit

Students & Roommates

Choose Verizon 5G Home at a promotional starting rate of $35/mo for 300 Mbps, reaching 41.6% of Philadelphia.

It is the city's cheapest listed plan; Xfinity's 300 Mbps cable plan reaches 99.5%.

Check first: Verify the address because this plan reaches only 41.6% of the city.

Best Fit

Remote Workers

Prefer Verizon's 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber where available; that tier reaches about 42% citywide.

University City ZIP 19104 lists Verizon's 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber at 28.8% coverage.

Check first: Verizon's 940/880 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 52%, but every address still requires verification.

Best Fit

Gamers & Streamers

Choose Xfinity's 2,000/300 Mbps cable tier where available; it reaches about 82% of Philadelphia.

Center City ZIP 19102 lists this tier at 55.5%, while University City ZIP 19104 lists 68.6%.

Check first: Confirm the address; the fastest cable tier covers about 82%, not Xfinity's 99.6% overall footprint.

Best Fit

Rural & Edge-of-City Homes

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

Starlink and HughesNet each report 100% Philadelphia coverage, unlike providers with partial city footprints.

Check first: Confirm satellite service suits your household; local cable and fiber availability varies by address.

Top ZIP-Level Insights in Philadelphia

19102

Center City

Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable.

Xfinity's 2,000/300 Mbps cable tier covers 55.5% of Center City ZIP 19102.

19104

University City

Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Fast cable availability.

Xfinity's 2,000/300 Mbps cable tier covers 68.6% of University City ZIP 19104.

19106

Independence National Historical Park

Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Fast cable where available.

Xfinity's 2,000/300 Mbps tier covers 40.1% of ZIP 19106, ahead of Verizon's 35.2% fiber share.

19107

Thomas Jefferson University

Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable.

Xfinity's 2,000/300 Mbps cable tier covers 48.1% of ZIP 19107, while Verizon's 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber covers 28.9%.

Internet providers near Philadelphia

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

Philadelphia Internet FAQs

What is the fastest internet provider in Philadelphia?

Verizon offers Philadelphia's fastest listed plan: 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber, reaching about 42% of the city. Xfinity's 2,000/300 Mbps cable reaches about 82%, so compare address-level availability if Verizon fiber is unavailable at your Philadelphia home.

Can I get fiber internet in Philadelphia?

Yes, Verizon fiber reaches about 42% of Philadelphia at 2,048/2,048 Mbps and about 52% at 940/880 Mbps. Those are technology footprints, not Verizon's 96.3% overall footprint, so verify your exact address before ordering.

What is the cheapest internet plan in Philadelphia?

Verizon 5G Home is Philadelphia's cheapest listed plan at a promotional starting rate of $35/mo for 300 Mbps, reaching 41.6% of the city. It is the minimum listed price, so confirm that plan's 41.6% reach at your address before ordering.

How much internet speed do I need for gaming and streaming in Philadelphia?

For gaming and streaming, a top option is Verizon's 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber tier, reaching about 42% of Philadelphia. Xfinity's 2,000/300 Mbps cable reaches about 82%, so checking your address may matter more than maximum speed.

Which internet provider covers the most of University City?

Xfinity leads University City ZIP 19104 with 68.6% coverage for 2,000/300 Mbps cable. Verizon fiber reaches 28.8% at 2,048/2,048 Mbps there, so ZIP 19104 residents should verify the exact address before choosing an internet plan.

How We Analyze Internet in Philadelphia

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 Philadelphia report service availability from each provider.

Data Coverage for Philadelphia

ZIP Codes Analyzed:
19101191021910319104191051910619107191081910919110191111911219113191141911519116191181911919120191211912219123191241912519126191271912819129191301913119132191331913419135191361913719138191391914019141191421914319144191451914619147191481914919150191511915219153191541916019172191761918119192
Census Tracts: 416 tracts
Census Blocks: 15,847 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.