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Hampton, VA Internet

Internet Providers in Hampton, VA

Compare every internet provider in Hampton, VA: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.

Person using internet

The 30-Second Verdict

Updated
CoxBest overall
Coverage90%Speed Score92
VerizonBroad backup
Coverage85%Speed Score73
T-Mobile
Coverage89%Speed Score73
AT&T
Coverage54%Speed Score69

Cox Communications is the best overall, with cable speeds up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 90% of Hampton. Verizon is the safe fallback where Cox does not reach, mostly fiber with speeds up to 940/880 Mbps reaching about 75% of the city.

Local coverage strongly favors Cox in Phoebus, Buckroe, and Wythe, where it serves about 49%, 71%, and 54% of each ZIP respectively, while Verizon fiber is present but limited to about 1% in Phoebus and about 5% in Wythe. Coliseum Central is more mixed, with Cox covering about 42% and Verizon fiber reaching about 10%, making address-level checking especially worthwhile there. ZIP 23665 leans Cox at about 61%, but its larger slower pocket and limited Verizon presence make the exact street important. T-Mobile is worth a look for budget-minded households, with fixed wireless reaching about 48% of Hampton at speeds up to 100/20 Mbps, while AT&T has a smaller footprint. Students at Hampton University and Virginia Peninsula Community College should check apartment-specific wiring for aging DSL or copper, since reliable Zoom, streaming, and gaming connections can vary. Coverage changes street by street, so confirm the exact address before choosing, especially near Langley Air Force Base.

Best Internet Providers in Hampton, VA

Speeds up to 2,000 Mbps

Plans range $50–$90 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 4 plans →


Coverage ~90% of city
Connection type Cable, Fiber
92

Best plan here: Go Beyond Fast 2 Gig — faster than 92% of all internet options in Virginia

  • Go Beyond Fast 2 Gig$90/mo for 12 monthsCable2,000 MbpsDownload92Our score$90Per month
  • Go Super Fast 1 Gig$70/mo for 12 monthsCable1,000 MbpsDownload78Our score$70Per month
  • Go Even Faster 500 Mbps$50/mo for 12 monthsCable500 MbpsDownload73Our score$50Per month
  • Fast 300 Mbps$55/mo for 12 monthsCable300 MbpsDownload69Our score$55Per month

Source: Cox Communications official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

92

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.

Download 2,000 Mbps
Upload 100 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) Low

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

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Good

Gaming

Good

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Hampton

Cox Communications is a solid cable option in Hampton, with a headline Speed Score of 92/100 that is above the city average of 42. Its Go Beyond Fast 2 Gig plan offers up to 2000 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload for $90 per month, with a plan Speed Score of 92/100 and availability to about 90% of the city. Cox’s listed plans use cable and reach about 90% of Hampton, but availability depends on your address, so confirm that the plan you want is offered at your home.

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 Cox Communications

Cox Communications is a strong option for many Hampton households, with cable plans offering up to 2,000 Mbps download speeds and a Speed Score of 92/100 on Go Beyond Fast 2 Gig. The listed plans are available to about 90% of the city, but availability is address-dependent, so check your exact address before choosing among the fast cable options.

Available Plans

92
Cable
2000 Mbps Download
100 Mbps Upload
Coverage 89.7% of city
78
Fiber
1000 Mbps Download
100 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.8% of city
92
Fiber
2000 Mbps Download
100 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.4% of city

Speeds up to 940 Mbps

Plans range $49.99–$89.99 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 4 plans →


Coverage ~85% of cityfastest plan shown reaches ~75%
Connection type Fiber, 5G Fixed Wireless
73

Best plan here: 1 Gig — faster than 73% of all internet options in Virginia

  • 1 Gig$89.99/mo for 12 months, then $99.99/mo (w/ AutoPay & paper-free billing, new customers, credit approval required) · $200 Amazon Gift CardFiber940 MbpsDownload73Our score$89.99Per month
  • 500 Mbps$74.99/mo for 12 months, then $84.99/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, in select areas) · $100 Amazon Gift CardFiber500 MbpsDownload73Our score$74.99Per month
  • 300 Mbps$49.99/mo for 12 months (Auto Pay & paper-free billing required, new customers, Fios available in select areas) · $100 Amazon Gift CardFiber300 MbpsDownload69Our score$49.99Per month
  • 5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload69Our score$60Per month

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

SPEED SCORE

73

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.

Download 940 Mbps
Upload 880 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) Low

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

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Excellent

Gaming

Excellent

Whole home

Excellent

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Hampton

Fiber is Verizon’s strongest connection for everyday use, offering low-latency performance and up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload on the 1 Gig plan, or symmetrical speeds up to 500 Mbps on the 500 Mbps plan. Verizon’s 73/100 Speed Score is above Hampton’s city average of 42, making its fiber service a competitive option. Fiber is available to about 75% of Hampton, and because Verizon also offers 5G Home, check your address to confirm that the faster, more consistent fiber option reaches you.

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 fiber plans offer excellent everyday performance, with symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload, making them a strong choice for streaming, remote work, gaming, and busy households. Fiber availability is address-dependent, reaching about 75% of Hampton, while 5G Home is a more limited option reaching 25% with speeds up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, so check your address for fiber first.

Available Plans

73
Fiber
940 Mbps Download
880 Mbps Upload
Coverage 74.8% of city
69
Licensed Fixed Wireless
300 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 24.0% of city
11
Licensed Fixed Wireless
50 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.8% of city
78
Licensed Fixed Wireless
1000 Mbps Download
75 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.2% of city

Speeds up to 500 Mbps

Plans range $35–$55 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 3 plans →


Coverage ~89% of cityfastest plan shown reaches ~73%
Connection type Fixed Wireless
73

Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 73% of all internet options in Virginia

  • 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 MbpsDownload73Our 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 MbpsDownload73Our 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 MbpsDownload73Our score$35Per month

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

SPEED SCORE

73

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.

Download 500 Mbps
Upload 60 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) Medium

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

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Hampton

Budget-conscious households with several everyday users may find T-Mobile Rely Home Internet a practical fit, with up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload for $35 per month for 12 months, then $50, with a required bundle. Its fixed wireless Speed Score of 73/100 is above the Hampton city average of 42, though performance can vary more than wired service during congestion. This plan is available to about 73% of Hampton addresses, so confirm eligibility and expected service at 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 T-Mobile

T-Mobile is a good fit for households that want affordable, moderate-speed service for streaming, browsing, and everyday online use, with plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload and a good 73/100 Speed Score. The service is fixed wireless rather than fiber or cable, and the faster 500 Mbps plans are available to about 73% of Hampton, so check your address because performance and availability can vary.

Available Plans

12
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 47.9% of city
2
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 24.9% of city

Speeds up to 300 Mbps

Plans range $40 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 1 plans →


Coverage ~54% of city
Connection type Fixed Wireless
69

Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps — faster than 69% of all internet options in Virginia

  • 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 MbpsDownload69Our score$40Per month

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

SPEED SCORE

69

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.

Download 300 Mbps
Upload 30 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) Medium

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

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Hampton

At $40 per month for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air provides up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, offering a strong Speed Score of 69/100 for the price. Its score is above Hampton’s city average of 42, making it a competitive value, though fixed wireless can be more variable than wired service for latency and consistency. This plan is available to about 54% of Hampton, so check your address to confirm availability and whether its performance fits your household’s needs.

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

At $40 per month for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air gives you up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, making it a reasonably priced option for everyday browsing, streaming, and smaller households. Its fixed wireless technology is adequate rather than top-tier, and availability reaches about 54% of Hampton, so check your address first, especially if your household needs consistently strong performance for gaming, work, or many connected devices.

Available Plans

2
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 48.1% of city
12
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 5.5% of city

Speeds up to 55 Mbps

Plans range $69.99–$99.99 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~100% of city
Connection type Satellite
11

Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 89% of all internet options in Virginia

  • Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload11Our score$69.99Per month
  • Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload10Our score$99.99Per month

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

SPEED SCORE

11

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.

Download 55 Mbps
Upload 4 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) High

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

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Hampton

Viasat is a limited-performance option in Hampton, so consider checking other providers first. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo, with a Speed Score of 11/100, below Hampton’s city average of 42. Viasat Unleashed is also satellite, offering up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99/mo with a Speed Score of 10/100, and both plans are listed as available to 100.0% of Hampton.

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 a basic fallback option in Hampton, so check for faster internet before choosing it. Its Viasat Essentials plan offers 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 satellite plans available to 100% of Hampton, with below-average Speed Scores of 11/100 and 10/100 respectively, and satellite latency may make video calls, gaming, and other modern uses frustrating.

Available Plans

37
Gso Satellite
150 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 100.0% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $39.99–$94.99 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 3 plans →


Coverage ~100% of city
Connection type Satellite
12

Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 88% of all internet options in Virginia

  • Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload12Our score$94.99Per month
  • Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload11Our score$49.99Per month
  • Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload2Our score$39.99Per month

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

SPEED SCORE

12

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.

Download 100 Mbps
Upload 5 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) High

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

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Hampton

At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet’s Fusion plan buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 12/100 Speed Score is below Hampton’s 42 average. Satellite service has higher latency and more limited real-world performance for gaming, video calls, and demanding streaming, so check what other technologies reach your address before committing. Fusion is shown as available to 100% of Hampton, though address-level confirmation is still worthwhile.

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

HughesNet costs $39.99 to $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $49.99 to $119.99, buying speeds of up to 25/3 Mbps, 50/5 Mbps, or 100/5 Mbps, but these satellite plans are below average for modern internet needs, with the fastest scoring 12/100. Since all three plans are available to 100.0% of Hampton, HughesNet can be a practical fallback, but check your address for faster fiber, cable, or other options first, especially for streaming, gaming, or multiple users.

Available Plans

12
Gso Satellite
100 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 100.0% of city

Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Hampton

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

  • Cox CommunicationsGo Beyond Fast 2 Gig$90/mo for 12 months2,000 MbpsDownload92Our score$90Per month~89.7%CoverageCable
  • StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload73Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • Cox CommunicationsGo Super Fast 1 Gig$70/mo for 12 months1,000 MbpsDownload78Our score$70Per month~89.7%CoverageCable
  • Cox CommunicationsGo Even Faster 500 Mbps$50/mo for 12 months500 MbpsDownload73Our score$50Per month~89.7%CoverageCable
  • Cox CommunicationsFast 300 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months300 MbpsDownload69Our score$55Per month~89.7%CoverageCable
  • Verizon500 Mbps$74.99/mo for 12 months, then $84.99/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, in select areas) · $100 Amazon Gift Card500 MbpsDownload73Our score$74.99$84.99Per month~74.8%CoverageFiber
  • Verizon1 Gig$89.99/mo for 12 months, then $99.99/mo (w/ AutoPay & paper-free billing, new customers, credit approval required) · $200 Amazon Gift Card940 MbpsDownload73Our score$89.99$99.99Per month~74.8%CoverageFiber
  • 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 MbpsDownload73Our score$35$50Per month~72.7%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 MbpsDownload73Our score$45$60Per month~72.7%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 MbpsDownload73Our score$55$70Per month~72.7%CoverageFixed Wireless

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 Hampton

Best Fit

Students & Roommates

Choose Cox Go Even Faster 500 Mbps for $50 promotional pricing, reaching about 90% of Hampton.

Its cable tier supports multiple devices and reaches most addresses around Hampton University and Virginia Peninsula Community College.

Check first: Confirm Cox availability and installation details at the exact address before ordering.

Best Fit

Remote Workers

Choose Verizon 1 Gig fiber where available, reaching about 75% of Hampton.

Verizon's 940 Mbps fiber tier offers strong upload performance for video calls and large work files.

Check first: Verizon fiber availability varies by address, despite its broader overall footprint.

Best Fit

Gamers & Streamers

Choose Cox Go Beyond Fast 2 Gig, reaching about 90% of Hampton on cable.

Cox's 2,000 Mbps cable tier is the fastest broadly available option in the city.

Check first: Verify the 2 Gig tier at your address before relying on its advertised speed.

Best Fit

Rural & Edge-of-City Homes

Choose Starlink Residential 100 Mbps at $55 promotional pricing, available everywhere in Hampton.

Satellite service provides an option when wired providers do not reach the property.

Check first: Satellite speeds and performance can differ from wired service at your address.

Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Hampton

Coliseum Central 23666

Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable households.

Cox reaches about 42% of listed coverage with cable service offering up to 2,000/35 Mbps.

Wythe 23661

Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.

Cox reaches about 54% of listed coverage with cable service offering up to 2,000/500 Mbps.

Buckroe 23664

Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for Fast cable internet.

Cox reaches about 71% of listed coverage with cable service offering up to 2,000/100 Mbps.

Phoebus 23663

Cox Communications is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable plans.

Cox reaches about 49% of listed coverage with cable service offering up to 2,000/100 Mbps.

Internet providers near Hampton

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

Hampton Internet FAQs

Who is the best internet provider in Hampton, VA?

Cox Communications is the best overall provider, offering cable up to 2,000 Mbps and reaching about 90% of Hampton. Verizon is the broadest backup, with about 85% overall coverage and 940/880 Mbps fiber reaching about 75%, where available.

What is the fastest internet in Hampton, VA?

Cox Communications offers the fastest broadly available tier: 2,000 Mbps cable reaching about 90% of Hampton. Cox's 1,000 Mbps fiber and Verizon's 1,000 Mbps fiber have much smaller footprints, so they do not qualify as faster citywide options.

Which internet provider covers the most of Hampton, VA?

Cox Communications covers the most of Hampton, reaching about 90% of the city, the widest footprint of any wired or fixed-wireless provider. Satellite from Starlink and Viasat Inc reaches every address but with higher latency.

What is the cheapest internet plan in Hampton, VA?

T-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps is the cheapest plan at $35 per month for 12 months, reaching about 73% of Hampton; qualifying credit, a postpaid voice line, and a new Internet line are required. Afterward, the listed price is $50 per month.

Can I get fiber internet in Hampton?

Verizon's 940/880 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 75% of Hampton, while Cox's 1,000 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 1%. Check the exact address because fiber coverage is technology-specific and smaller than a provider's overall footprint.

What internet speed do I need in Hampton?

A 500 Mbps plan is a practical starting point for many Hampton households with streaming, gaming, and remote work. Cox offers 500 Mbps cable reaching about 90%, while T-Mobile offers 500 Mbps fixed wireless reaching about 73%, subject to address-level availability.

What internet is available in Coliseum Central?

Cox Communications reaches about 42% of listed coverage in ZIP 23666, with cable service up to 2,000/35 Mbps. Verizon fiber appears in about 10% of listed coverage there, so compare the exact address before choosing between cable and fiber.

How We Analyze Internet in Hampton

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 Hampton report service availability from each provider.

Data Coverage for Hampton

ZIP Codes Analyzed:
2363023661236632366423665236662366723668236692367023681
Census Tracts: 39 tracts
Census Blocks: 1,724 blocks analyzed

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.