CHARLESTON, SC
Find internet providers in Charleston, SC
Find internet offered in Charleston, SC – 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 Charleston, SC
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Charleston, SC, your best bet is AT&T, covering ~86% of the city with speeds up to 5,000 Mbps, though its fiber reaches ~36% of the city. Xfinity reaches 90.7% citywide, but its cable tier with speeds up to 2000 Mbps reaches ~30%, versus ~36% for AT&T fiber. South of Broad’s 29401 is Xfinity-heavy, with 55.6% on 1200/35 Mbps and 29.5% on 2000/300 Mbps; AT&T fiber reaches 7.2% at 1000/1000 Mbps and 6.7% at 5000/5000 Mbps. Wagener Terrace’s 29403 is a closer contest, with Xfinity at 33.5% for 2000/300 Mbps and AT&T at 28.5% for 5000/5000 Mbps. West Ashley’s 29407 favors WOW at 54.1%, while 29412 favors AT&T at 70.8% on 5000/5000 Mbps; 29402 is cable-heavy with 68.3% on Xfinity’s 1200/35 Mbps tier. Around Harleston Village, students at College of Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina, and The Citadel may find apartments differ from homes, while old copper can hinder Zoom, streaming, and gaming. T-Mobile and Verizon are fixed-wireless alternatives, with tiers up to 100/20 Mbps and 300/20 Mbps reaching ~40% and ~51% of the city, respectively. Check the exact address, technology, and filed speed before signing up.
Best plan here: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG — faster than 99% of all internet options in South Carolina
- 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 MbpsDownload78Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber300 MbpsDownload78Our score$35Per month
- 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 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 Charleston
AT&T Fiber 1 GIG costs $50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90, buying up to 1000 Mbps down and 1000 Mbps up with a 96/100 Speed Score, a top-tier option above Charleston’s city average of 71. For power users, Fiber 5 GIG costs $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135, for up to 5000 Mbps down and 5000 Mbps up with the provider’s 99/100 headline score. Fiber availability is address-dependent, with the 1 GIG plan reaching 42.3% of the city, while Internet Air fixed wireless offers up to 300 Mbps down and 300 Mbps up with a 78/100 score, so verify which technology your address can receive.
About AT&T
AT&T offers strong value at $35/mo for the first 12 months for Fiber 300, with up to 300 Mbps both ways, while $50/mo buys up to 1000 Mbps both ways on Fiber 1 GIG, then prices rise to $60 and $90. These are excellent fiber choices for work, streaming, and multiple devices, but they are address-dependent: Fiber 300 and Fiber 1 GIG are each available to 42.3% of the city, while Fiber 5 GIG is available to 35.8%. Where fiber is unavailable, Internet Air costs $55/mo initially and $60/mo afterward for up to 300 Mbps, but fixed wireless can be more variable, so check your address for fiber first if your household needs consistently strong performance.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Copper
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 Charleston
Xfinity reaches 90.7% of Charleston, giving many local households a strong chance of getting its service. Its cable plans are a reliable choice, with up to 1200 Mbps download, 35 Mbps upload, and a Speed Score of 89/100, above the city average of 71, though exact address availability should be confirmed before selecting a plan.
About Xfinity
Xfinity reaches 90.7% of Charleston, so many households have a strong chance of getting its service. Its cable plans are an excellent choice for most modern needs, with speeds up to 1200 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 89, while the 1 Gig plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download for $60/mo for the first 12 months, so check your address for exact availability and pricing.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
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 Charleston
Households that want above-average performance for streaming, work, and everyday use may find T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless service competitive, with speeds up to 498 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up and a Speed Score of 78/100, above Charleston’s city average of 71. The Rely plan costs $50/mo promotional, then $60/mo, while All-In costs $70/mo promotional, then $80/mo, and both have a 78/100 Speed Score. Fixed wireless can be more variable than wired service, so check your address because these plans are available to 71.1% of the city.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a good fit for households that want solid speeds for streaming, video calls, and everyday work, with All-In Home Internet offering up to 498 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up for $70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo, or Rely offering up to 354 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up for $50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo. These fixed wireless plans offer good, rather than excellent, performance, and availability is address-dependent, reaching 71.1% of the city, so check for fiber or cable first if you need the most reliable capacity or demanding upload performance.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Home Telecom
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 Charleston
Up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload can handle 4K streaming, video calls, gaming, and many connected devices, making Home Telecom’s fiber an excellent choice with a 96/100 Speed Score. That score is above Charleston’s 71 average, and the fiber plan covers 9.6% of the city. Because availability depends on your address, some locations may instead receive the 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload copper plan, which has a 33/100 score and limited performance compared to alternatives, so check which technology is available before signing up.
About Home Telecom
Home Telecom’s headline option is fiber with up to 1000 Mbps both ways, enough for streaming, video calls, gaming, and multiple connected devices. That excellent option is address-dependent and covers 9.6% of census blocks, while the copper plan covers 0.5% and tops out at 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up, which may struggle in modern households, so check your address for fiber first.
Available Plans
Fiber
Copper
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 Charleston
Satellite internet can support everyday browsing and streaming, but its higher latency may affect video calls, gaming, and other real-time activities. Starlink’s Residential – Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo, with a Speed Score of 72/100, about the same as the city average of 71, and is available to 100.0% of Charleston. Its 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans score 49/100, so check what other connection types are available at your address before choosing, especially if consistent performance or low latency matters.
About Starlink
Satellite internet can reach homes where wired service is unavailable, but its higher latency may make video calls, gaming, and other real-time activities less consistent. Starlink’s strongest option is Residential – Max, with up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo, while the 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans cost $85/mo and $55/mo, respectively. All three plans are available to 100.0% of Charleston, but they are best viewed as fallback options, so check your address for fiber or cable first if modern, low-latency internet is important to you.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Fiber 300 — faster than 78% of all internet options in South Carolina
- Fiber 300Cable300 MbpsDownload78Our score$25Per month
Source: WOW Internet, Cable & Phone 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
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Charleston
WOW Internet, Cable & Phone is a reliable choice for most Charleston households, with a cable plan that earns a 78/100 Speed Score. Its Fiber 300 (Cable) plan offers up to 300 Mbps download and upload for $25/mo, putting it above the city’s 71 average, but availability depends on your address and reaches 64.6% of Charleston.
About WOW Internet, Cable & Phone
WOW Internet, Cable & Phone is a solid choice for most households in its service area, with a reasonably priced cable plan that offers good performance. Fiber 300 (Cable) costs $25 per month for up to 300 Mbps download and 300 Mbps upload, has a Speed Score of 78, and is available to 64.6% of Charleston, so confirm that your address qualifies before signing up.
Available Plans
Cable
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 Charleston
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless can support everyday streaming, video calls, and gaming, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload. Its 78/100 Speed Score is above Charleston’s city average of 71, making it a competitive option, although fixed wireless performance can vary more than wired connections. Availability is address-dependent, with these plans reaching 53.0% of Charleston, so confirm service at your address before signing up.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, or up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it suitable for streaming, video calls, and many connected devices, though performance can vary with signal and congestion. The plans reach 53.0% of Charleston, so check your address, and compare fiber or cable first if available because those wired options are typically more consistent than fixed wireless.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
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 Charleston
At $49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/mo, HughesNet’s Select plan offers up to 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload for a 34/100 Speed Score, below Charleston’s 71 city average. Its satellite technology has higher latency and more limited performance than fiber or cable, so consider checking other providers first for your address. Select is available to 100.0% of Charleston.
About HughesNet
HughesNet plans range from $39.99/mo for up to 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up to $94.99/mo for up to 100 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up, but the satellite connection’s 34/100 Speed Score means those prices buy below-average performance. The plans reach 100.0% of Charleston, making HughesNet a practical fallback for basic use, but check your address for faster cable or fiber service first, especially for streaming, gaming, or frequent video calls.
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 Charleston
Viasat Inc is a limited-performance option in Charleston, so consider checking other providers first. Its satellite plans have a Speed Score of 34/100, below the city average of 71, with Viasat Essentials offering up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, and Viasat Unleashed offering up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload. Both plans are listed as available to 100.0% of Charleston, but satellite’s higher latency can affect gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mainly a fallback option, so check whether faster cable or fiber service is available at your address before choosing it. Its satellite plans reach 100.0% of Charleston, but offer up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month on Viasat Essentials, or up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month on Viasat Unleashed, with a Speed Score of 34/100, so performance and latency may be limiting for modern households.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Charleston
All 22 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 22 plans
- Xfinity1 Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload89Our score$60$70Per month~90.7%CoverageCable
- Xfinity1.2/2 Gig$90/mo for the first 12 months, then $100/mo1,200 MbpsDownload89Our score$90$100Per month~90.7%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload72Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $45/mo300 MbpsDownload78Our score$40$45Per month~90.7%CoverageCable
- Xfinity500 Mbps$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo500 MbpsDownload78Our score$50$60Per month~90.7%CoverageCable
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload78Our score$50$60Per month~71.1%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload78Our score$70$80Per month~71.1%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- WOW Internet, Cable & PhoneFiber 300300 MbpsDownload78Our score$25Per month~64.6%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload49Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload49Our score$85Per 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.
Compare Charleston providers head-to-head
See how Charleston’s providers stack up against each other — speed, coverage, price, and who wins block by block.
Best Fit by Household Type in Charleston
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose WOW Internet, Cable & Phone Fiber 300: a $25/mo promotional starting rate for 300 Mbps, reaching 64.6%.
Its 64.6% reach and listings in West Ashley and Wagener Terrace offer useful local starting points.
Check first: Verify the exact address; WOW’s 64.6% plan reach is not universal.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Consider AT&T Fiber 1 GIG at a $50/mo promotional starting rate for 1,000 Mbps, reaching 42.3% of Charleston.
AT&T fiber appears in South of Broad, Wagener Terrace, West Ashley, and ZIP 29412.
Check first: AT&T’s 1,000 Mbps plan reaches 42.3%, so verify service at your address.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose AT&T Fiber 5 GIG for 5,000 Mbps symmetrical service; its $95/mo promotional starting rate plan reaches 35.8%.
ZIP 29412 lists AT&T’s 5,000 Mbps fiber across 70.8%, its strongest listed local showing.
Check first: That top tier reaches only 35.8% citywide; confirm 5 GIG availability before choosing it.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Use Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps at a $55/mo promotional starting rate, reaching 100% of Charleston.
Starlink’s basic satellite service reaches approximately 100% of Charleston, matching the broadest listed footprints.
Check first: Check the address for plan eligibility even though this plan reaches 100% citywide.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Charleston
South of Broad
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Cable performance choices.
South of Broad lists Xfinity at 55.6% for 1,200 Mbps cable and 29.5% for 2,000 Mbps cable.
Wagener Terrace
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable and fiber comparison.
Wagener Terrace lists Xfinity cable at 33.5% for 2,000 Mbps and 25.2% for 1,200 Mbps; AT&T fiber reaches 28.5%.
West Ashley
WOW Internet, Cable & Phone is currently the strongest option for Broad WOW availability.
West Ashley lists WOW cable at 54.1%, compared with AT&T fiber at 23.1% and Xfinity cable at 18.0% and 4.5%.
ZIP 29412
AT&T is currently the strongest option for 5,000 Mbps fiber.
ZIP 29412 lists AT&T’s 5,000 Mbps fiber at 70.8%, ahead of Xfinity at 15.6% and WOW at 9.4%.
Internet providers near Charleston
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Charleston, check the neighboring market directly.
Charleston Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Charleston, SC?
AT&T offers Charleston’s fastest listed plan: Fiber 5 GIG delivers 5,000 Mbps and reaches 35.8% of the city. Its 5,000 Mbps fiber also appears in ZIP 29412 at 70.8%, but actual service remains address-specific for each address.
Can I get fiber internet in Charleston, SC?
Yes—AT&T Fiber 300 reaches 42.3% of Charleston, and Home Telecom’s 1,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 10%. Check the exact address because fiber availability varies substantially across ZIPs, including South of Broad and Wagener Terrace.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Charleston, SC?
WOW Internet, Cable & Phone Fiber 300 is the city’s cheapest plan: a $25/mo promotional starting rate for 300 Mbps, reaching 64.6% of Charleston. It is the lowest-priced listed option, but confirm that this plan serves your exact address before ordering.
How much internet speed do I need for streaming and working from home in Charleston, SC?
For simultaneous remote work and streaming, 300 Mbps is a listed starting point; WOW Fiber 300 reaches 64.6% of Charleston. Households wanting the faster listed tier can check AT&T Fiber 1 GIG at 1,000 Mbps, which reaches 42.3%.
What internet providers are available in Wagener Terrace?
In Wagener Terrace’s ZIP 29403, Xfinity cable is listed at 33.5% for 2,000 Mbps and 25.2% for 1,200 Mbps; AT&T fiber reaches 28.5%, and WOW cable reaches 10.0%. Check your address because these ZIP-level shares do not guarantee service at every home.
How We Analyze Internet in Charleston
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 Charleston report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Charleston
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.