Richmond, VA Internet
Internet Providers in Richmond, VA
Compare every internet provider in Richmond, VA: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedXfinity is the best overall, with cable speeds up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 34% of Richmond, while its overall footprint covers about 99% of the city. Where Xfinity’s best tier does not reach, Verizon is the broadest backup, mostly fiber with speeds up to 940/880 Mbps reaching about 90% of the city and an overall footprint of about 94%. The Fan strongly favors Xfinity at about 77%, while Verizon fiber reaches about 18% there, and Church Hill shows a closer split, with Xfinity at about 54% and Verizon fiber at about 39%.
Carytown is also Xfinity territory at about 65%, but Verizon fiber reaches about 33%, while ZIP 23222 flips the result, with Verizon at about 56% and Xfinity at about 42%. Scott’s Addition deserves an address-level check, since building wiring can change the answer quickly. Students at Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Union University, and the University of Richmond should verify apartment infrastructure, especially where older DSL or copper lines may mean trouble for Zoom, streaming, and gaming. T-Mobile and AT&T offer budget fixed wireless alternatives, but coverage changes street by street, so confirm the exact address before choosing.
Best Internet Providers in Richmond, VA
Best plan here: 2 Gig — faster than 92% of all internet options in Virginia
- 2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable2,000 MbpsDownload92Our score$100Per month
- 1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable1,200 MbpsDownload85Our score$100Per month
- 1 GigCable1,000 MbpsDownload78Our score$50Per month
- 500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)Cable500 MbpsDownload73Our score$45Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable300 MbpsDownload69Our score$40Per month
Source: Xfinity 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
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Richmond
Xfinity’s 1.2 Gig cable plan reaches nearly all of Richmond, giving most shoppers a strong chance of finding service at their address. With up to 1,200 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, plus a Speed Score of 85/100, it is a solid, reliable option, while the 2 Gig plan raises the headline score to 92/100 but is available to about 34% of the city. Xfinity’s headline Speed Score is above the city average of 42, though exact plan availability remains address-dependent.
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 Xfinity
Xfinity reaches 98.8% of Richmond, so most shoppers have a strong chance of getting service. Its cable plans offer excellent options for most needs, including up to 1,200 Mbps or, at select addresses, up to 2,000 Mbps, while the widely available 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1,000 Mbps plans are also solid choices; availability of the fastest plan is address-dependent, so check your exact address before deciding.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
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
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 Richmond
Fiber is Verizon’s strongest connection type in Richmond, offering low-latency service and up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload on the 1 Gig plan, with a 73/100 Speed Score above the city average of 42. The 500 Mbps plan offers symmetrical speeds of up to 500 Mbps both ways and the same 73/100 score, with each fiber plan available to about 90% of the city. Verizon also offers 5G Home at up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a 69/100 score, but it reaches only about 23% of Richmond, so your address will determine whether you can get the stronger fiber experience.
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 service offers excellent everyday performance, including up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload on its 1 Gig plan, while its 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps options are symmetrical for smooth streaming, video calls, and work from home. Fiber is available to about 90% of Richmond, but the 5G Home option reaches only about 23% of the city and is an adequate fallback with up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, so check your address for fiber before choosing Verizon.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
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
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 Richmond
Households seeking affordable internet for everyday streaming, browsing, and work may find T-Mobile’s fixed-wireless service a competitive choice, with the Rely plan offering up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload for $35/mo. Its 73/100 Speed Score is above Richmond’s 42 average, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired connections. The 500 Mbps plans offer up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload, but the listed plans are available to about 66% of the city, so confirm availability and bundle requirements 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 T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a reasonable fit for households that want affordable, moderate-speed internet for streaming, browsing, and everyday work, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload and a good 73/100 Speed Score. Availability is address-dependent, reaching about 66% of Richmond for these plans, and because fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber or cable, heavier-use households should check for faster wired options first; a qualifying postpaid voice line is also required.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
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
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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Richmond
At $40 per month for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 69/100 that is above Richmond’s city average of 42. Fixed wireless is an adequate option, though performance can vary more than with wired connections, so consider checking other providers first for your address if you need consistently low latency or heavy-use performance. This plan is available to about 45% of Richmond, so confirm availability 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 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 exceptional, with a 69/100 Speed Score, and availability reaches about 45% of Richmond, so check your address before choosing it and compare any faster local options first.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 73% of all internet options in Virginia
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload73Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload49Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload12Our 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 Richmond
Satellite internet offers wide availability and up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload on Starlink’s Residential Max plan, but its higher latency can affect gaming, video calls, and other real-time use. That plan has a Speed Score of 73/100, above Richmond’s city average of 42, making it a competitive satellite option for demanding everyday use. Residential Max is listed at 100.0% availability, though your address may offer other connection types with different real-world performance, so check what 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 Starlink
Starlink uses satellite internet, so its service offers up to 400 Mbps download and up to 40 Mbps upload for streaming, browsing, and everyday work, though satellite latency can make gaming and some video calls less responsive. It is available to 100.0% of Richmond, making it a useful option where wired service is unavailable, but check your address for fiber or cable first because those technologies are generally better for modern interactive use.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
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
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 Richmond
Viasat Inc is a limited-performance choice compared with alternatives, with its headline Speed Score of 11/100 below Richmond’s city average of 42. Its Viasat Essentials satellite 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, and both plans are available to 90.4% of Richmond. Because satellite service has higher latency and slower performance than fiber or cable, check what other technologies are available at your specific 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 Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mainly a fallback option, so check for faster internet first if you need reliable service for streaming, gaming, or multiple users. Its satellite plans reach about 90% of Richmond, but even the faster Viasat Essentials offers only up to 55 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up with a below-average Speed Score of 11/100, while Viasat Unleashed drops to up to 34 Mbps down, making these plans adequate for basic use but potentially limiting for modern household needs.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
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
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 Richmond
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 makes the value modest for the performance. As a satellite service, it offers limited performance compared with alternatives, and its score is below Richmond’s city average of 42. Fusion is available to 100.0% of Richmond, but check your address for other technology options before signing up, especially if low latency matters.
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
Starting at $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, HughesNet offers satellite service with up to 25 Mbps, while its $49.99/mo Select plan provides up to 50 Mbps and its $94.99/mo Fusion plan provides up to 100 Mbps, so the higher prices may not deliver the value many households expect. Satellite reaches 100% of Richmond, but these below average options can have high latency, so check whether faster fiber or cable service is available at your address before choosing HughesNet, especially for streaming, gaming, or several people online at once.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Internet Provider Reviews in Richmond, VA
We read 264 recent Google reviews of Richmond listings for Verizon and Xfinity and sorted each one by what it is about. Store visits and phone-plan reviews are set aside.
What Verizon customers report
Billing
Mixed
8% mention
Support
Mixed
28% mention
Equipment
Mixed
13% mention
“Robs customer service was the most professional service I’ve ever received from an internet carrier store. Thank you so much for making this experience so fun and enjoyable. I will come back here if I ever need a new wifi router.”
What Xfinity customers report
Outages
Very poor
9% mention
Billing
Very poor
9% mention
Support
Poor
45% mention
Installation
Mixed
4% mention
Equipment
Poor
26% mention
“Zoe was very helpful getting me a new internet router quickly after my old one broke! Thanks zoe!”
“no online cancellation of services. inconvenient.”
Reviews are shown exactly as posted on Google and link to the listing they came from. Star averages and counts are Google’s; the service rating and the subject grades are our reading of each review, refreshed monthly. How we do this.
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Richmond
All 21 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 21 plans
- Xfinity1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)1,200 MbpsDownload85Our score$100Per month~98.8%CoverageCable
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload78Our score$50Per month~98.8%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload73Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload73Our score$45$55Per month~98.8%CoverageCable
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload69Our score$40Per month~98.8%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~89.6%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~89.6%CoverageFiber
- Verizon300 Mbps$49.99/mo for 12 months (Auto Pay & paper-free billing required, new customers, Fios available in select areas) · $100 Amazon Gift Card300 MbpsDownload69Our score$49.99Per month~89.6%CoverageFiber
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload49Our 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 MbpsDownload73Our score$35$50Per month~65.8%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 Richmond
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose T-Mobile Rely Home Internet at $35/mo for 12 months with qualifying bundle requirements.
Its 400 Mbps plan reaches about 66% of Richmond and is the city's cheapest listed option.
Check first: Verify eligibility because coverage varies by address and the promotional rate later changes.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Verizon 1 Gig fiber where available for 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload.
Verizon's 940/880 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 90% of Richmond, including substantial local ZIP coverage.
Check first: Confirm fiber service at your address; Verizon's overall footprint is broader than its fiber tier.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Xfinity 2 Gig cable where available for the city's fastest commonly available tier.
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps tier reaches about 34% of Richmond, with strong presence in several central ZIPs.
Check first: The 2 Gig tier is address-limited, so check availability before relying on its advertised speed.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Consider Starlink Residential 100 Mbps at $55/mo, with service available everywhere.
Starlink's 100 Mbps plan reaches every address and avoids relying on limited wired footprints.
Check first: The $55/mo price is promotional; confirm current plan terms before ordering.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Richmond
Downtown Richmond 23219
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable availability.
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier covers about 58% of Downtown Richmond ZIP 23219.
The Fan 23220
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Fastest local wired option.
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 77% of The Fan in ZIP 23220.
Church Hill 23223
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable coverage.
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier covers about 54% of Church Hill ZIP 23223, versus Verizon's fiber at about 39%.
ZIP 23222
Verizon is currently the strongest option for Broad fiber availability.
Verizon's 940/880 Mbps fiber tier reaches about 56% of ZIP 23222, ahead of Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps tier.
Internet providers near Richmond
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Richmond, check the neighboring market directly.
Richmond Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Richmond, VA?
Xfinity is Richmond's best overall provider, offering cable up to 2,000 Mbps where that tier reaches about 34% of the city. Verizon is the broader backup, with mostly fiber reaching about 94% overall and 940/880 Mbps fiber reaching about 90%.
What is the fastest internet in Richmond, VA?
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable plan is Richmond's fastest qualifying option, reaching about 34% of the city. It is fastest where available, so verify the address because the 2 Gig tier is much less widespread than Xfinity's overall footprint.
Which internet provider covers the most of Richmond, VA?
Xfinity has the largest non-satellite overall footprint at about 99% of Richmond, while satellite service is available everywhere. Xfinity's broad footprint does not mean its 2,000 Mbps tier is everywhere; that speed reaches about 34%.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Richmond, VA?
T-Mobile Rely Home Internet is the cheapest listed plan at a promotional $35/mo for 400 Mbps, reaching about 66% of Richmond. The offer requires qualifying credit, a postpaid voice line, and a new Internet line in a bundle, with the rate applying for 12 months.
Can I get fiber internet in Richmond?
Verizon fiber reaches about 90% of Richmond, with a 940/880 Mbps tier available across that fiber footprint. Check the exact address because Verizon's roughly 94% overall footprint includes technology beyond the fastest common fiber tier.
What internet speed do I need in Richmond?
A 300 Mbps plan reaches about 99% through Xfinity, while Verizon's 300 Mbps fiber plan reaches about 90%. Choose higher tiers for heavy simultaneous streaming, remote work, or gaming, but confirm the specific technology and tier at your address.
Is Xfinity 2 Gig available in The Fan?
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 77% of The Fan in ZIP 23220. That makes it the leading high-speed local option there, but address-level verification remains necessary before ordering.
How We Analyze Internet in Richmond
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 Richmond report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Richmond
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.