Columbia, SC Internet
Internet Providers in Columbia, SC
Compare every internet provider in Columbia, SC: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedSpectrum is the best overall, with cable speeds up to 1,000 Mbps reaching about 87% of Columbia, and an overall footprint of about 90%. If AT&T reaches your address, it is the faster choice, with fiber speeds up to 5,000 Mbps reaching about 40% of the city.
The local split is close in Shandon, where Spectrum serves about 49% and AT&T fiber about 48%, while 29206 strongly favors AT&T fiber at about 73%, with Spectrum at about 25%. Earlewood leans Spectrum at about 44%, but AT&T fiber reaches about 29%, and smaller fiber options from Lumos and TruVista add local possibilities. In 29201, Spectrum leads at about 48%, while AT&T fiber reaches about 18%, so downtown student housing near the University of South Carolina may differ sharply from nearby homes. Around Benedict College, Spectrum reaches about 54% and AT&T fiber about 37%; students at Benedict College, Allen University, and Columbia College should confirm that apartments support reliable Zoom, streaming, and gaming rather than old DSL or copper. Fixed wireless from T-Mobile or Verizon can be worth checking, including around Fort Jackson, but coverage changes street to street, so verify the exact address before choosing.
Best Internet Providers in Columbia, SC
Best plan here: Internet Gig 1 Gig — faster than 78% of all internet options in South Carolina
- Internet Gig 1 Gig$60/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable1,000 MbpsDownload78Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier 500 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable500 MbpsDownload78Our score$40Per month
- Internet 100$30/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable100 MbpsDownload20Our score$30Per month
Source: Spectrum official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbia
Up to 1,000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload is enough for 4K streaming, gaming, video calls, and many connected devices, making Spectrum’s cable service a solid option with a 78/100 Speed Score above Columbia’s city average of 65. The 1 Gig plan is available to about 87% of the city, but availability is address-specific, so confirm that this plan reaches your home before signing up.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Spectrum
Up to 1,000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload is enough for streaming, video calls, gaming, and busy households, making Spectrum a strong cable option where available. Its 500 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps plans both have a Speed Score of 78/100 and are available to about 87% of Columbia, but availability is address-dependent, so check your address before choosing the 100 Mbps plan, which may feel limiting for multiple users and modern home needs.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: AT&T Internet 5 GIG speed — faster than 97% of all internet options in South Carolina
- AT&T Internet 5 GIG speed$90/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 discount applies for 12 months on 1Gb+ plans) · $150 Visa reward cardFiber5,000 MbpsDownload97Our score$90Per month
- AT&T Fiber 1 GIG speed$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 off for 12 months; full plan cost due until discount starts within 3 bills) · $150 Visa reward cardFiber1,000 MbpsDownload78Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 500Mbps$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers, $15/mo discount for 12 months applies after up to 3 bill cycles) · $100 Visa reward cardFiber500 MbpsDownload78Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300Mbps$35/mo for 12 months (new customers, with AutoPay & paperless bill discount, wired connection to gateway) · $200 AT&T Visa Reward CardFiber300 MbpsDownload72Our score$35Per month
- AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new customers, no annual contract, AutoPay eligible for additional $5/mo discount)Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload72Our score$40Per month
Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbia
AT&T’s $90/mo 5 GIG Fiber plan buys up to 5000 Mbps both ways, plus a $150 reward card, making it a top-tier option with a 97/100 Speed Score above Columbia’s city average of 65. Fiber availability depends on your address and reaches about 40% of Columbia for this plan, while AT&T Internet Air reaches about 41% with up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, so confirm which technology is available before choosing.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About AT&T
Starting at $35/mo for 12 months, AT&T offers excellent value with fiber plans up to 300 Mbps for $35, up to 500 Mbps or 1,000 Mbps for $50, and up to 5,000 Mbps for $90, with fiber speeds both ways and strong performance for modern households. Fiber availability is address-dependent, reaching about 45% of Columbia for several plans and about 40% for the 5,000 Mbps option, while the fallback Internet Air plan offers up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $40 and reaches about 41%, so check your address for fiber first.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Lumos
Speeds up to 5,000 Mbps
Plans start at $50 /mo *
Speed Score: Faster than 97% of all internet options in South Carolina
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbia
Lumos reaches 8.6% of Columbia, so availability is limited, but its fiber plan is an excellent choice where offered. With up to 5,000 Mbps download and upload and a Speed Score of 97/100, it is a top-tier option and well above the city’s 65 average, though you should verify that fiber service reaches your specific address.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Lumos
Lumos reaches 8.6% of Columbia, so your chances of getting service depend heavily on your address. Where available, its fiber plan is an excellent option, offering up to 5000 Mbps both ways with a Speed Score of 97/100, but check your exact address to confirm availability.
Available Plans
Fiber
CarolinaConnect Cooperative Inc
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price Not listed
Speed Score: Faster than 78% of all internet options in South Carolina
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbia
At the monthly price shown on the card, CarolinaConnect Cooperative Inc offers strong value with fiber speeds up to 1000 Mbps down and 1000 Mbps up, earning a 78/100 Speed Score compared with Columbia’s 65 average. This is a competitive, high-performance choice for demanding home use, though fiber availability is address-dependent and this plan reaches about 5% of the city, so confirm it is available at your address.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About CarolinaConnect Cooperative Inc
At the quoted monthly price, CarolinaConnect Cooperative Inc offers strong value where available, with fiber providing up to 1000 Mbps both ways and a good plan Speed Score of 78/100. That fiber option covers about 5% of Columbia, so check your address carefully, but it is an excellent choice for streaming, work, gaming, and multiple connected devices if available.
Available Plans
Fiber
TruVista Communications
Speeds up to 5,000 Mbps
Price Not listed
Speed Score: Faster than 97% of all internet options in South Carolina
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbia
TruVista Communications’ fiber plan reaches 2.7% of Columbia, so availability is limited and your address must be checked. Where available, it is a top-tier option, offering up to 5000 Mbps both ways with a Speed Score of 97/100, well above the city’s average top speed score of 65.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About TruVista Communications
TruVista Communications reaches only 2.7% of Columbia, so most shoppers have a low chance of being able to order it. Where available, its fiber plan is an excellent option, offering up to 5000 Mbps both ways for demanding work, streaming, gaming, and large households, but availability is highly address-dependent.
Available Plans
Fiber
TRICOLINK
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price Not listed
Speed Score: Faster than 78% of all internet options in South Carolina
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbia
Homes that need fast, responsive service for streaming, gaming, remote work, or multiple users should consider TRICOLINK’s fiber plan, offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 78/100. This symmetrical fiber service is available to about 3% of Columbia, so confirm that it reaches your specific address before choosing it.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About TRICOLINK
TRICOLINK is a strong fit for households that need fast, reliable service for streaming, remote work, gaming, and multiple connected devices. Its fiber plan offers up to 1000 Mbps both ways, with good performance and a Speed Score of 78 out of 100, but availability is limited to about 3% of Columbia’s census blocks, so check your address before counting on it.
Available Plans
Fiber
Best plan here: 5G Home — faster than 72% of all internet options in South Carolina
- 5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload72Our score$60Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbia
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless connection offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it a solid choice for everyday streaming, work, and browsing, with a 72/100 Speed Score that is above Columbia’s city average of 65. Real-world performance can vary more than with wired connections, and this plan is available to about 68% of the city, so confirm that 5G Home reaches your address before signing up.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, which is a good fit for streaming, video calls, and everyday online use, though performance can vary with wireless conditions. This plan is available to about 68% of Columbia, so check your exact address, especially if you need more consistent service for heavy usage or multiple users; the $60 monthly price for 12 months requires Auto Pay and a qualifying postpaid unlimited mobile plan with 5G Ultra Wideband.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 78% of all internet options in South Carolina
- T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps$45/mo for 12 months, then $60/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload78Our score$45Per month
- T-Mobile All-In Home Internet 500 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months, then $70/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload78Our score$55Per month
- T-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps$35/mo for 12 months, then $50/mo (qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, and new Internet line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless400 MbpsDownload78Our score$35Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbia
T-Mobile fits budget-conscious households that want up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload for everyday browsing, streaming, and work, with the Rely Home Internet plan priced at $35/mo before its promotional period ends. Its fixed wireless service earns a 78/100 Speed Score, above Columbia’s city average of 65, and the listed plans are available to about 73% of the city. Because fixed wireless performance and availability depend on your exact address, confirm eligibility before choosing it, especially if your household needs consistently low-latency service.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a good fit for households that want solid everyday internet, including streaming, video calls, and several connected devices, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and a good 78/100 Speed Score. The best deals require a qualifying postpaid voice bundle, and availability varies by address, with the 500 Mbps plans reaching about 73% of Columbia, so check your address before choosing and compare faster wired options if they are available.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 78% of all internet options in South Carolina
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload78Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload57Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload20Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbia
Satellite service can reach homes that lack wired options, but its higher latency may be noticeable during gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 78/100, above the city average of 65, making it the strongest Starlink choice and available to 100.0% of Columbia. Because satellite generally has more latency than wired connections, check what other options are available at your address before choosing.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Starlink
Satellite internet offers broad availability and can handle streaming, video calls, and everyday browsing, but its higher latency may affect gaming and other real-time activities. Starlink reaches 100.0% of Columbia with up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload on its $130/month Residential Max plan, which has a 78/100 speed score, but check your address for fiber or cable first because those technologies typically provide a more responsive connection.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 80% of all internet options in South Carolina
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload20Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload15Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload5Our score$39.99Per month
Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbia
Fusion costs $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $119.99, for up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload over satellite. Its Speed Score is 20/100, below Columbia’s city average of 65, so the performance and high latency may offer limited value compared with other available technologies. Fusion is available to 100.0% of the city, but check what reaches your specific address before choosing HughesNet, especially if faster or lower-latency service is available there.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About HughesNet
At $39.99 to $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, HughesNet offers up to 25 to 100 Mbps download speeds, but its satellite service is below average and may not deliver the responsiveness needed for modern streaming, gaming, or work. Coverage reaches 100% of Columbia, yet you should check for faster fiber or cable options at your address first, since HughesNet is best viewed as a fallback when those choices are unavailable.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 81% of all internet options in South Carolina
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload19Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload15Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Columbia
Viasat Inc is a limited-performance satellite option compared with the alternatives available in Columbia. Its Viasat Essentials plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, with a Speed Score of 19/100 and availability to 100% of the city, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month, with a Speed Score of 15/100. Both plans are below Columbia’s city-average Speed Score of 65, so check what other technologies reach your specific address before choosing satellite.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mainly an adequate fallback, not a first choice, because its satellite plans offer below-average performance and higher latency for modern online needs. Viasat Essentials is the faster option at up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month; both are available to 100% of Columbia, but you should check for faster fiber, cable, or other local options at your address first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Columbia
All 20 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 20 plans
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload78Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- SpectrumInternet Premier 500 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)500 MbpsDownload78Our score$40Per month~87.1%CoverageCable
- SpectrumInternet Gig 1 Gig$60/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)1,000 MbpsDownload78Our score$60Per month~87.1%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload57Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- T-MobileT-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps$35/mo for 12 months, then $50/mo (qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, and new Internet line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard400 MbpsDownload78Our score$35$50Per month~73%CoverageFixed Wireless
- T-MobileT-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps$45/mo for 12 months, then $60/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard500 MbpsDownload78Our score$45$60Per month~73%CoverageFixed Wireless
- T-MobileT-Mobile All-In Home Internet 500 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months, then $70/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard500 MbpsDownload78Our score$55$70Per month~73%CoverageFixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)300 MbpsDownload72Our score$60Per month~67.9%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- AT&TAT&T Internet 5 GIG speed$90/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 discount applies for 12 months on 1Gb+ plans) · $150 Visa reward card5,000 MbpsDownload97Our score$90Per month~40.1%CoverageFiber
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 1 GIG speed$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 off for 12 months; full plan cost due until discount starts within 3 bills) · $150 Visa reward card1,000 MbpsDownload78Our score$50Per month~44.7%CoverageFiber
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 Columbia
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Spectrum Internet 100 for 100 Mbps where its cable network reaches your address.
It reaches about 87% of Columbia, including Shandon, Earlewood, and areas near local colleges.
Check first: Confirm address availability because the promotional rate lasts 12 months for eligible new customers.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T fiber for symmetrical speeds if available; otherwise consider Spectrum's cable service.
AT&T fiber reaches about 45% at 1,000 Mbps, while Spectrum reaches about 87% at 1,000 Mbps.
Check first: AT&T's 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches only about 40% of Columbia addresses.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose AT&T 5 GIG fiber where available for up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps.
Its symmetrical fiber tier is the city's fastest, but reaches only about 40% of Columbia.
Check first: Verify fiber service at your address; AT&T's overall footprint does not guarantee fiber.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Use Starlink when wired service is unavailable, with plans available everywhere in Columbia.
Starlink offers 100, 200, and 400 Mbps plans throughout the city.
Check first: Compare wired availability first, since cable or fiber may provide a better fit.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Columbia
ZIP 29206
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fiber-heavy home offices.
AT&T fiber reaches about 73% here, compared with Spectrum cable at about 25%.
Shandon 29205
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Spectrum cable reaches about 49%, while AT&T 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 48%.
Earlewood 29203
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Widely available gigabit cable.
Spectrum cable reaches about 44%, compared with AT&T fiber at about 29%.
South Carolina State House 29201
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Gigabit cable access.
Spectrum cable reaches about 48%, while AT&T 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 18%.
Internet providers near Columbia
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Columbia, check the neighboring market directly.
Columbia Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Columbia, SC?
Spectrum is the best overall provider, offering cable up to 1,000 Mbps reaching about 87% of Columbia. AT&T is the faster choice if it reaches your address, with 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaching about 40%; verify fiber availability before choosing it over Spectrum.
What is the fastest internet in Columbia, SC?
AT&T offers the fastest internet where available: 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaching about 40% of Columbia. Spectrum is the best overall option, with 1,000 Mbps cable reaching about 87%, making it more broadly available for high-speed service.
Which internet provider covers the most of Columbia, SC?
AT&T has the largest non-satellite overall footprint at about 92% of Columbia. Satellite services from Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat are available everywhere, while AT&T's specific fiber tiers reach smaller portions of the city.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Columbia, SC?
Spectrum Internet 100 is the cheapest plan at $30 per month for 100 Mbps, reaching about 87% of Columbia. This is a promotional starting rate for 12 months, limited to eligible new residential customers without Spectrum service during the previous 30 days.
Can I get fiber internet in Columbia?
AT&T fiber reaches about 45% of Columbia at its 1,000 Mbps tier, while 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 40%. Fiber alternatives include Lumos at about 9%, CarolinaConnect at about 5%, TRICOLINK at about 3%, and TruVista at about 3%, depending on address.
What internet speed do I need in Columbia?
A 100 Mbps plan reaches about 87% through Spectrum and can support typical browsing, video calls, and streaming for smaller households. Larger households or heavy upload users should check AT&T fiber, whose 1,000 Mbps symmetrical tier reaches about 45%.
What internet is available in Shandon?
ZIP 29205 has about 49% Spectrum cable coverage and about 48% AT&T 5,000 Mbps fiber coverage. Check the exact address because both providers' ZIP-level figures represent partial coverage, not universal availability throughout Shandon.
How We Analyze Internet in Columbia
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
A state-wide percentile of each plan’s maximum advertised download speed against every option filed with the FCC in the state, all technologies on one scale. It is not a measured speed test.
Coverage Calculation
Provider coverage shows what percentage of census blocks in Columbia report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Columbia
How We Calculate Speed Score
The Speed Score is a state-wide percentile from 0 to 100. It answers one question: of every internet option filed with the FCC in this state, across every technology, what share is slower than this plan’s maximum advertised download speed?
What goes in:
- The plan’s maximum advertised download speed, as the provider files it with the FCC and lists it for sale.
- Every other serviceable option in the state from the FCC Broadband Data Collection, counted by the census blocks it reaches.
Speed Score = share of the state’s filed options with a lower advertised download speed
A score of 85 means this plan’s advertised speed beats 85% of the options filed in the state. Fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless and satellite are all on the same scale, so a 1,000 Mbps plan scores the same whoever sells it.
What it is not: a measured speed test. It does not include latency, upload speed, reliability or congestion. Real throughput at an address varies with wiring, equipment and time of day.
How providers are ordered on this page: each provider’s tier scores are averaged across the census blocks it serves, then multiplied by the share of the city it reaches. Wired providers rank ahead of wireless-only ones, and satellite last, because their filings describe a signal footprint rather than a plant. The same rule sets the title and the 30-second verdict.
Data source: FCC National Broadband Map (Broadband Data Collection), republished roughly twice a year; provider plan lists checked monthly.
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.