BLUFFTON, SC
Find internet providers in Bluffton, SC
Find internet offered in Bluffton, SC – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Shop and compare 10 internet providers for Bluffton, SC
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Bluffton, SC, your best bet is Hargray Telephone Co, Inc., covering about 99% of the city. Its FCC-filed network reaches up to 1,000 Mbps, but the fiber tier reaches about 43% of the city, while its 1,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 99%. In ZIP 29910, Palmetto Bluff shows the local nuance: Hargray fiber covers 55.5% and Hargray cable another 30.0%, with Spectrum fiber at 10.4%. That makes fiber a genuine possibility there, although other parts of the city can still encounter slower copper service, which reaches about 76% through Hargray. Sun City Hilton Head, Hampton Hall, and Belfair deserve an address-level check rather than assumptions based on the neighborhood name. Students connected with the University of South Carolina Beaufort or Technical College of the Lowcountry should confirm their apartment’s options, since student housing can differ from nearby homes and reliable service matters for Zoom, streaming, and gaming. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T are reasonable fixed-wireless alternatives when wired service does not fit. Before signing up, enter the exact address, because coverage and the available speed tier can change from one street or building to the next.
Hargray Telephone Co, Inc.
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 96% of all internet options in South Carolina
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 Bluffton
Fiber is an excellent choice for everyday use, offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 96/100, making it a top-tier option. Fiber is available to 43.0% of Bluffton, so your address may instead qualify for Hargray’s cable service, a solid option with up to 1000 Mbps download, 50 Mbps upload, and a Speed Score of 86/100. Copper service reaches lower performance at up to 30 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 43/100, so consider checking other providers first if that is the only option at your address.
About Hargray Telephone Co, Inc.
Fiber is Hargray’s best option for heavy everyday use, with up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload for smooth streaming, video calls, gaming, and large uploads, but it is available in 43.0% of census blocks. Cable is also an excellent choice for most households, offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload across 99.2% of census blocks. Availability is address-dependent, so check for fiber or cable first, since the copper fallback reaches 75.5% of census blocks but offers only up to 30 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, which may not be sufficient for modern, multi-device use.
Available Plans
Cable
Copper
Fiber
Best plan here: Internet Gig — faster than 89% of all internet options in South 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 MbpsDownload78Our score$40Per month
- Internet AdvantageCable100 MbpsDownload50Our 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 Bluffton
Up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 89/100, can comfortably support 4K streaming, video calls, gaming, and several connected users at once. Spectrum’s cable service is a solid, reliable choice, and its score is above the city average of 66. Internet Gig is available to 26.7% of Bluffton, so check your address to confirm this plan reaches you.
About Spectrum
Spectrum’s Internet Gig offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, which is excellent for 4K streaming, gaming, video calls, and multiple people working online. This cable plan has a Speed Score of 89/100 but is available to 26.7% of Bluffton, so check your address first; Internet Premier offers up to 500 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload as another strong option where available.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 72% of all internet options in South Carolina
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload72Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload49Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload49Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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 Bluffton
Satellite internet can support everyday browsing and streaming, but its higher latency may be less suitable for competitive gaming or other real-time use. Starlink’s Residential – Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload with a 72/100 Speed Score, above the city average of 66, making it a competitive option. That plan is available to 100.0% of Bluffton, while the 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans score 49/100, so verify service conditions at your address and check other available options if latency-sensitive performance matters.
About Starlink
Satellite internet can reach homes beyond wired networks, but its higher latency may make online gaming and video calls feel less responsive. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo, with a good speed score of 72/100 and availability to 100.0% of Bluffton, while the $85 and $55 plans offer up to 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps with below-average speed scores of 49/100, so check for fiber or cable at your address first if those faster technologies are available.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 78% of all internet options in South Carolina
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload78Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload78Our score$50Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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 Bluffton
Households seeking good everyday performance at a lower monthly price may find T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless service competitive, with up to 498 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up and a Speed Score of 78/100, above Bluffton’s city average of 66. The All-In plan costs $70/mo promotional, while Rely costs $50/mo promotional, and both offer the same listed speed score. Fixed wireless can be more affected by local signal and network conditions than wired service, so confirm your address, since these plans are available to 33.8% of the city.
About T-Mobile
Households with moderate internet needs, such as streaming, browsing, and video calls, may find T-Mobile a good fit, with a 5G fixed wireless Speed Score of 78/100. All-In Home Internet offers up to 498↓/55↑ Mbps for $70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo, while Rely Home Internet offers up to 354↓/55↑ Mbps for $50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo. Both plans are available to 33.8% of Bluffton, so check your address first, and keep in mind that fixed wireless is adequate but can be less consistent than fiber or cable for busy households or heavy upload needs.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 78% of all internet options in South Carolina
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload78Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload78Our score$35Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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 Bluffton
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service can support everyday streaming, video calls, and browsing, though wireless performance may vary by location. 5G Home Plus offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 78/100 that is above Bluffton’s 66 city average. It is available to 55.5% of Bluffton, so check your address to confirm eligibility and consider how fixed wireless compares with other technologies available there.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service is an adequate option for everyday streaming, browsing, and video calls, though it may be less consistent than wired internet. 5G Home Plus offers up to 1000 Mbps down and 75 Mbps up for $45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps down and 75 Mbps up for $35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo; both are available to 55.5% of Bluffton, so check your address and compare fiber or cable options first if they are offered.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: 1.2/2 Gig — faster than 89% of all internet options in South Carolina
- 1.2/2 Gig$90/mo for the first 12 months, then $100/moCable1,200 MbpsDownload89Our score$90Per month
- 1 Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$60Per month
- 500 Mbps$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moCable500 MbpsDownload78Our score$50Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $45/moCable300 MbpsDownload78Our score$40Per month
Source: Xfinity 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 Bluffton
Xfinity reaches 9.3% of Bluffton, so your odds of getting service depend heavily on your address. Where available, its cable service is a solid option, with the 1 Gig plan offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, plus a Speed Score of 89/100, above Bluffton’s city average of 66.
About Xfinity
Xfinity reaches just 9.3% of Bluffton, so many residents will not be eligible. At served addresses, its cable plans are an excellent choice for most households, offering up to 1200 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, but you should verify availability at your address before counting on it.
Available Plans
Cable
Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air — faster than 78% of all internet options in South Carolina
- AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload78Our score$55Per month
Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
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.
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 Bluffton
At $55/mo promotional pricing, then $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 300 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 78/100. That score is above Bluffton’s city average of 66, making this fixed-wireless plan a competitive option, although performance can be more variable than wired connections. It is available to 27.4% of Bluffton, so check your address to confirm service and expected availability.
About AT&T
AT&T’s $55/mo promotional rate, rising to $60/mo, buys up to 300 Mbps both ways through Internet Air, making it a solid option for everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber or cable. Its Speed Score of 78/100 is good, but Internet Air is available to only 27.4% of Bluffton, so check your address before counting on it.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Speed Score: Faster than 72% of all internet options in South Carolina
SPEED SCORE
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.
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
Excellent
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Bluffton
Brightspeed’s fiber plan offers up to 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload, enough for streaming, video calls, and several connected devices, with a Speed Score of 72/100. That score is competitive with Bluffton’s average top speed score of 66, but the plan reaches only 1.5% of the city, so availability depends closely on your address. Brightspeed also lists up to 40 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload with a 50/100 score, which offers more limited performance for busy households.
About Brightspeed
Brightspeed’s fastest option is fiber with up to 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload, which should handle HD streaming, video calls, and everyday use for a small household. Fiber availability is highly address-dependent, with this plan reaching 1.5% of census blocks and the up to 40 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload plan reaching 0.2%, so check your address and compare other providers if the faster plan is unavailable.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 66% of all internet options in South Carolina
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload34Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload34Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload34Our 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 Bluffton
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 34/100 Speed Score is below Bluffton’s city average of 66. As satellite service, it has limited performance and higher latency than fiber or cable, so consider checking other providers first if you need responsive gaming, video calls, or heavy streaming. Select is shown as available to 100.0% of Bluffton, but confirm service at your specific address.
About HughesNet
At $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, HughesNet’s Lite plan buys up to 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up, while the $49.99/mo Select plan offers up to 50 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up, making it better suited to basic use than demanding modern needs. All three satellite plans have a 34/100 speed score, so even though each is available to 100.0% of Bluffton, check your address for faster fiber or cable service first because satellite latency and speeds may be limiting.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 66% of all internet options in South Carolina
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload34Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload34Our 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 Bluffton
Viasat is a limited-performance choice compared with alternatives, with a satellite Speed Score of 34/100, below Bluffton’s city average of 66. Viasat Essentials costs $69.99/mo for up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, while Viasat Unleashed costs $99.99/mo for up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, and both plans are shown as available to 100.0% of Bluffton. Check what else is available at your specific address before choosing, since satellite service generally has higher latency and weaker real-world performance than cable or fiber.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mainly an adequate fallback rather than a first choice, since its satellite plans have below-average Speed Scores of 34/100 and offer up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo, or up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99/mo. It reaches 100.0% of Bluffton, but satellite latency can make video calls, gaming, and other modern uses less reliable, so check whether a faster fiber, cable, or fixed wireless option is available at your address first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Bluffton
All 20 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 20 plans
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload72Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload49Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload49Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload78Our score$35$60Per month~55.5%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload78Our score$45$70Per month~55.5%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- HughesNetLite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/mo25 MbpsDownload34Our score$39.99$49.99Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- HughesNetSelect$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/mo50 MbpsDownload34Our score$49.99$74.99Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Viasat IncViasat Essentials55 MbpsDownload34Our score$69.99Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- HughesNetFusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo100 MbpsDownload34Our score$94.99$119.99Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Viasat IncViasat Unleashed34 MbpsDownload34Our score$99.99Per 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 Bluffton
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Spectrum Internet Advantage at its $30/mo promotional starting rate for 100 Mbps where its 26.7% reach serves your address.
It is Bluffton's cheapest listed plan, but only 26.7% of the city can get it.
Check first: Confirm address eligibility; Spectrum's faster fiber reaches about 24%.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Where available, choose Hargray fiber for 1000/1000 Mbps, reaching about 43% of Bluffton.
Hargray's cable also reaches about 99%, but fiber's symmetric speeds suit video calls and uploads.
Check first: Fiber availability is address-specific; do not assume Hargray's 99.3% overall footprint means fiber.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Hargray fiber's 1000/1000 Mbps where available; it reaches about 43% of Bluffton.
Its fiber upload capacity suits streaming, while Hargray cable reaches about 99% with 50 Mbps uploads.
Check first: Fiber coverage is far smaller than Hargray's 99.3% overall footprint, so verify the address.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps at its $55/mo promotional starting rate; it reaches 100% of Bluffton.
Starlink's 100 Mbps plan reaches 100% of the city, including homes outside wired footprints.
Check first: Verify the address and plan; Starlink's 100% reach is specifically listed for Residential – 100 Mbps.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Bluffton
Palmetto Bluff
Hargray Telephone Co, Inc. is currently the strongest option for Symmetric gigabit work and streaming.
In ZIP 29910, Hargray fiber reaches 55.5%, while Hargray cable reaches 30.0% and Spectrum fiber 10.4%.
Palmetto Bluff
Hargray Telephone Co, Inc. is currently the strongest option for multi-user homes, remote work, gaming, and 4K streaming.
Hargray Telephone Co, Inc.
Internet providers near Bluffton
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Bluffton, check the neighboring market directly.
Bluffton Internet FAQs
Which provider has the fastest internet in Bluffton, SC?
Xfinity has Bluffton's fastest listed plan: 1,200 Mbps over cable, reaching 9.3% of the city. Hargray fiber offers symmetrical 1,000/1,000 Mbps where available, reaching about 43%, so it may be more practical for uploads and calls.
Can I get fiber internet in Bluffton, SC?
Yes—fiber reaches about 43% via Hargray, about 24% via Spectrum, and about 2% via Brightspeed in Bluffton. These are separate provider footprints, so confirm the exact technology at your address rather than relying on any overall coverage figure.
What is the cheapest internet option in Bluffton, SC?
Bluffton's cheapest listed option is Spectrum Internet Advantage at $30/mo promotional starting rate for 100 Mbps, reaching 26.7% of the city. Check your address before relying on that rate, because the plan's reach is much smaller than Spectrum's 46.9% overall footprint.
What internet speed do I need for my Bluffton home?
The highest symmetrical speed listed is 1,000/1,000 Mbps from Hargray fiber, reaching about 43% of Bluffton. Where fiber is unavailable, Hargray cable lists 1,000/50 Mbps across about 99%, so verify your address's technology before selecting a plan.
What internet is available in Palmetto Bluff?
In Palmetto Bluff's ZIP 29910, Hargray fiber reaches 55.5%, Hargray cable 30.0%, Spectrum fiber 10.4%, and Xfinity cable 2.3%. Hargray is the strongest listed option there by ZIP footprint, but exact service still depends on the address.
How We Analyze Internet in Bluffton
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 Bluffton report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Bluffton
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.