PROVIDENCE, RI
Find internet providers in Providence, RI
Find internet offered in Providence, RI – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Shop and compare 7 internet providers for Providence, RI
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Providence, RI, your best bet is Cox Communications, covering ~94% of the city. Its cable network reaches ~93% of the city, with FCC-filed speeds up to 2,000 Mbps down and 100 Mbps up. Verizon is a strong runner-up, reaching 97.3% overall, with fiber reaching ~96% at speeds up to 940 Mbps down and 880 Mbps up. College Hill is the main local wrinkle: Cox’s 2,000/100 Mbps cable reaches 42.5%, another 26.0% is filed at 2,000/35 Mbps, and Verizon fiber reaches 18.2%. Wayland is more Cox-heavy, with 57.1% on 2,000/100 Mbps and 38.3% on 2,000/35 Mbps, while Verizon fiber reaches 3.0%. Federal Hill and Elmwood lean even harder toward Cox’s 2,000/100 Mbps cable, at 74.1% and 85.1%, respectively. Students at Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence College, Rhode Island College, and Johnson & Wales University should check apartment wiring for reliable Zoom, streaming, and gaming, since some buildings may still be limited by older DSL or copper lines. Fixed wireless can be a backup, but coverage changes street to street, so confirm the exact address before signing up.
Best plan here: 2 GIG internet — faster than 99% of all internet options in Rhode Island
- 2 GIG internet$115/mo promotional rate, then $154/moCable2,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$115Per month
- 1 GIG internet$100/mo promotional rate, then $124/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload69Our score$100Per month
- 500 Mbps internet$85/mo promotional rate, then $94/moCable500 MbpsDownload34Our score$85Per month
- 300 Mbps internet$55/mo promotional rate, then $74/moCable300 MbpsDownload21Our score$55Per month
- StraightUp InternetCable100 MbpsDownload7Our score$50Per month
Source: Cox Communications 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 Providence
Cox Communications is a solid option in Providence, with its 2 GIG cable plan scoring 99/100, above the city average of 56, and offering up to 2000 Mbps download and up to 35 Mbps upload for $115/mo promotional pricing. It is available to 93.2% of the city, so confirm your address, and keep in mind that the 35 Mbps upload speed is much lower than the download speed for upload-heavy tasks.
About Cox Communications
Cox is a strong option for most Providence shoppers, especially households that want fast cable internet for streaming, gaming, or multiple users. Its cable plans offer up to 2000 Mbps, including a 2 GIG option with a 99/100 Speed Score, and the listed plans are available to 93.2% of the city, though you should confirm your address because availability is location-dependent.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 69% of all internet options in Rhode Island
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload69Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload68Our score$35Per month
Source: Verizon 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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Providence
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service can support everyday streaming, browsing, and work, with plans offering up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload or up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload. Its top Speed Score of 69/100 is above Providence’s city average of 56, making it competitive, although fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired connections. The listed 5G Home and 5G Home Plus plans are available to 29.7% of the city, so check your address before choosing between the $35/mo promotional 5G Home plan and the $45/mo promotional 5G Home Plus plan.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service is an adequate choice for everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, and 5G Home offering up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload. Both plans are available to 29.7% of Providence, so check your address and compare fiber or cable first if available, especially if you need consistently strong upload performance or a more reliable connection.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 66% of all internet options in Rhode Island
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload66Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload66Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload66Our 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 Providence
Satellite internet can support everyday browsing and streaming, but its higher latency may feel less responsive for video calls, gaming, and other real-time uses than wired connections. Starlink offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo, up to 200 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload for $85/mo, or up to 100 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload for $55/mo, with each plan showing 100.0% availability in Providence. Its 66/100 Speed Score is above the city’s 56 average, but confirm service at your address and check other available providers if low-latency performance is important.
About Starlink
Satellite internet can reach homes that wired service misses, but its higher latency may make gaming and some video calls feel less responsive than fiber or cable. Starlink offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo, or up to 100 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload for $55/mo, with each plan available to 100.0% of Providence. Its 66/100 Speed Score is below average, so check for fiber or cable at your address first, while Starlink is a practical fallback where faster wired options are unavailable.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 68% of all internet options in Rhode Island
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload68Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload68Our score$50Per month
Source: T-Mobile 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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Providence
Households seeking a reasonably priced 5G fixed wireless connection for everyday browsing, streaming, and work may find T-Mobile a competitive fit. All-In Home Internet offers up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload, while Rely offers up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload, with both earning a 68/100 Speed Score above Providence’s 56 average. Because fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired service, check availability at your address, as these plans reach 63.1% of Providence, and compare other options if you need consistently low latency or peak performance.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile suits households that need a reasonably fast connection for streaming, video calls, and everyday use, especially where fiber or cable is not available. Its All-In plan 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, but both are fixed wireless options with a 68/100 speed score and are available to 63.1% of Providence, so check for faster wired service at your address first.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air — faster than 68% of all internet options in Rhode Island
- AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload68Our score$55Per month
Source: AT&T 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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Providence
At $55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 300 Mbps upload with a 68/100 Speed Score, above Providence’s city average of 56. As fixed wireless, it provides adequate rather than top-tier performance, and availability is address-dependent, with this plan reaching 43.1% of Providence, so consider checking other providers first for stronger performance at your address.
About AT&T
At $55/mo promotional pricing, then $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 300 Mbps upload, a reasonable value for a fixed-wireless plan, though its 68/100 Speed Score is below average. It should handle everyday browsing, streaming, and many households, but fixed wireless is less consistent than fiber or cable, so check your address and compare faster options first because this plan is available to 43.1% of Providence.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 67% of all internet options in Rhode Island
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload33Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload33Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload33Our 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 Providence
At $49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/mo, HughesNet Select buys up to 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 33/100 Speed Score is below Providence’s 56 average. As a satellite service, it has higher latency and more limited performance compared with alternatives, so check what other technologies are available at your address, especially for gaming, video calls, or heavy streaming; this plan is available to 100.0% of Providence.
About HughesNet
At $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/mo, HughesNet’s Lite plan gets you up to 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up; Select costs $49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/mo for up to 50 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up; Fusion costs $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo for up to 100 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up, which is a lot to pay for satellite service with a Speed Score of 33/100. HughesNet covers 100.0% of Providence, but satellite’s high latency and below-average speeds can be limiting for video calls, gaming, streaming, and multiple users, so check whether fiber or cable is available at your address first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 67% of all internet options in Rhode Island
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload33Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload33Our 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 Providence
Viasat is a limited-performance choice in Providence, so consider checking other providers first. Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo, with a Speed Score of 33/100, below the city average of 56. Satellite service is available to 100.0% of Providence, but its higher latency may be less suitable for gaming, video calls, and other real-time uses.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat is best treated as a fallback rather than a first choice, since its satellite plans have a below-average Speed Score of 33/100 and can be limiting for modern online use. Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up for $69.99/mo, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up for $99.99/mo, and both are available to 100.0% of Providence, so check your address for faster fiber or cable service first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Providence
All 18 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 18 plans
- Cox Communications2 GIG internet$115/mo promotional rate, then $154/mo2,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$115$154Per month~93.2%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload66Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload66Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload66Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Cox Communications1 GIG internet$100/mo promotional rate, then $124/mo1,000 MbpsDownload69Our score$100$124Per month~93.2%CoverageCable
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload68Our score$50$60Per month~63.1%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload68Our score$70$80Per month~63.1%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- HughesNetLite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/mo25 MbpsDownload33Our score$39.99$49.99Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- HughesNetSelect$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/mo50 MbpsDownload33Our score$49.99$74.99Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Viasat IncViasat Essentials55 MbpsDownload33Our score$69.99Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
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 Providence
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Cox StraightUp Internet for 100 Mbps across its 93.2% plan footprint.
Cox's 100 Mbps plan reaches 93.2% of Providence, supporting shared coursework, calls, and streaming.
Check first: Verify your address, especially where ZIP-level Cox tiers vary in College Hill and Wayland.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Prioritize Verizon fiber's 940/880 Mbps service where its approximately 96% Providence footprint is available.
Verizon fiber reaches approximately 96% of Providence, offering the strongest listed upload speed for remote work.
Check first: Confirm fiber specifically: Verizon's 5G Home 300 Mbps plan reaches only 29.7%.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Verizon fiber's 940/880 Mbps service where available for high-download and high-upload performance.
Verizon fiber reaches approximately 96% of Providence, while Cox's 2,000/100 Mbps cable reaches 93.2%.
Check first: Check exact technology at your address; Verizon fiber and 5G Home have different footprints.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Use Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps where wired options are unavailable; its plan reaches 100% of Providence.
Starlink's basic NGSO satellite service reaches approximately 100% of the city, covering difficult-to-serve addresses.
Check first: Confirm the selected plan at your address; Starlink's 100% reach applies to Residential – 100 Mbps.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Providence
College Hill
Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Shared streaming and coursework.
Cox's 2,000/100 Mbps cable reaches 42.5% in College Hill, while Verizon fiber reaches 18.2%.
Wayland
Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for General household connectivity.
Cox's 2,000/100 Mbps cable reaches 57.1% in Wayland; Verizon fiber reaches 3.0%.
Elmwood
Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable availability.
Cox's 2,000/100 Mbps cable reaches 85.1% in Elmwood, while Verizon fiber reaches 4.4%.
Federal Hill
Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Streaming and gaming.
Cox's 2,000/100 Mbps cable reaches 74.1% in Federal Hill, while Verizon fiber reaches 2.2%.
Internet providers near Providence
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Providence, check the neighboring market directly.
Providence Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Providence, RI?
Cox Communications is fastest by listed download speed: its 2 GIG cable plan provides 2,000/100 Mbps and reaches 93.2% of Providence. Verizon fiber provides 940/880 Mbps across approximately 96% of the city, so compare address-level availability and decide whether download or upload capacity matters more.
Can I get fiber internet in Providence, RI?
Yes—Verizon fiber reaches approximately 96% of Providence, with 940/880 Mbps where that technology is available. ZIP variation is substantial: coverage is 18.2% in College Hill ZIP 02903 but 3.0% in Wayland ZIP 02906, so verify your exact address before ordering.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Providence, RI?
Verizon 5G Home is the city's cheapest listed plan at a promotional starting rate of $35/mo for 300 Mbps, reaching 29.7% of Providence. Check your address before ordering, because this plan's availability is 29.7% even though Verizon's overall city coverage is 97.3%.
How much internet speed does my Providence household need?
For a shared household, start with 100 Mbps: Cox StraightUp Internet reaches 93.2% of Providence at that speed. Cox also lists 300, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 Mbps plans, each reaching 93.2%, but confirm service at your address.
What internet is available in Elmwood, Providence?
In Elmwood, Cox's 2,000/100 Mbps cable tier reaches 85.1% of ZIP 02907, while Verizon's 940/880 Mbps fiber reaches 4.4%. Check your exact address because the ZIP also lists Cox's 2,000/35 Mbps tier at 9.4%, and these percentages describe technology-specific availability.
How We Analyze Internet in Providence
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 Providence report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Providence
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.