Sterling, VA Internet
Internet Providers in Sterling, VA
Compare every internet provider in Sterling, 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 30% of the city, while its overall footprint reaches about 90%. If Verizon reaches your address, it is the faster choice, with fiber speeds up to 2,048/2,048 Mbps reaching about 36% of the city.
Sterling Park leans strongly toward Verizon, reaching about 54% of the ZIP with fiber, while Countryside is similarly fiber-friendly, with Verizon reaching about 52%. Around Northern Virginia Community College Loudoun Campus in ZIP 20166, Verizon fiber reaches about 33% and Xfinity cable about 30%; ZIP 20167 also favors Verizon at about 42%, with Xfinity at about 35%. Sugarland Run and Cascades can vary street by street, and student apartments near campus may have different choices, including buildings still tied to older DSL or copper infrastructure. T-Mobile is the main budget fixed-wireless option, with speeds up to 100/20 Mbps reaching about 26% of the city, while AT&T reaches about 9% at the same speed. Coverage changes quickly from address to address, so confirm the exact serviceability and technology before signing up.
Best Internet Providers in Sterling, 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 Sterling
Xfinity reaches about 90% of Sterling with its up to 1.2 Gig cable plan, giving most shoppers a strong chance of service at their address. Cable is a reliable choice for most households, and Xfinity’s 2 Gig plan earns a 92/100 Speed Score, above Sterling’s city average of 51, with up to 2,000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload. Exact plan availability is address-dependent, however, and the 2 Gig option reaches only about 30% of the city.
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 89.8% of Sterling, so most residents have a strong chance of getting its cable service. It offers excellent options for most modern needs, including up to 1,200 Mbps for $100 per month across that coverage area and up to 2,000 Mbps for $100 per month where available to about 30% of the city, though the fastest tier is address-dependent. More affordable plans still provide up to 1,000 Mbps, 500 Mbps, or 300 Mbps, so check your address to confirm which speed and price you qualify for.
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 Sterling
Fiber provides low-latency performance for streaming, gaming, remote work, and multiple connected devices, with Verizon’s 1 Gig plan offering up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 73/100, above Sterling’s city average. It is a strong, competitive fiber option, and the 500 Mbps plan offers up to 500 Mbps both ways at a lower price. Fiber availability is address-dependent and reaches about 82% of Sterling, so confirm that Fios is 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 Verizon
Verizon’s fiber plans offer excellent everyday performance, with up to 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload on 1 Gig, or symmetrical speeds on the 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps options. Fiber availability is address-dependent, reaching about 82% of Sterling, while 5G Home reaches about 10% and offers up to 300 Mbps download, so check your address for fiber before relying on the more limited fixed-wireless option.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
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
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 Sterling
Cox Communications is a solid cable option in Sterling, with its Go Beyond Fast 2 Gig plan offering up to 2000 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload and a 92/100 Speed Score, well above the city average of 51. That top plan is available to 9% of the city, so check your address because Cox’s fastest service may not reach every home. Its 1 Gig and 500 Mbps plans are also reliable choices, with Speed Scores of 78/100 and 73/100 respectively.
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 demanding internet use where its cable service is available, with up to 2,000 Mbps and a Speed Score of 92/100 on the Go Beyond Fast 2 Gig plan. It reaches about 9% of Sterling, so check your address first, since the available cable options range from up to 300 Mbps to up to 2,000 Mbps and coverage is limited.
Available Plans
Cable
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 Sterling
Budget-conscious households needing internet for streaming, video calls, and everyday use may find T-Mobile Rely Home Internet a practical fit, with up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload for $35 per month and a 73/100 Speed Score that is above the city average. Because it is fixed wireless and available to about 40% of Sterling, performance and eligibility depend on the service address, and the offer requires qualifying credit, a postpaid voice line, and a new Internet line.
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, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and a Speed Score of 73/100. Its best-priced 500 Mbps options are available to about 40% of Sterling, so check your address first, since fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber or cable and the available alternative may not meet demanding modern needs.
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 Sterling
At $40 per month for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air buys you up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 69/100 that is above Sterling’s city average of 51. Fixed wireless is an adequate option for everyday use, though performance can vary more than with wired technologies, so check that this plan reaches your address. It is available to about 29% of Sterling, making address-level availability especially important.
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 the first 12 months, AT&T Internet Air provides up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, which is a reasonable value for everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, though its 69/100 Speed Score is below average. This fixed wireless plan is available to about 29% of Sterling, so availability is address-dependent, and you should check for faster fiber or cable options first if you need stronger performance for multiple users, gaming, or large uploads.
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 Sterling
Satellite internet can support everyday streaming, browsing, and remote work, but its higher latency may be noticeable for gaming and other real-time applications. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 73/100, above Sterling’s city average of 51, and is available to 100% of the city. For lower-latency performance, check which other connection technologies reach 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 Starlink
Satellite internet offers broad reach and up to 400 Mbps download speeds, but its higher latency can make video calls, gaming, and other real-time activities less consistent than cable or fiber. Starlink covers about 100% of Sterling with its Residential Max 400 Mbps plan at $130/mo, and it is a reasonable option where faster wired service is unavailable, though you should check your address for cable or fiber first because those technologies are generally better for modern heavy use.
Available Plans
Ngso 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 Sterling
At $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $119.99, HughesNet’s Fusion plan buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 12/100 Speed Score is below Sterling’s city average of 51. Satellite technology can bring higher latency and more limited real-world performance than wired alternatives, so consider checking what else is available at your address. Fusion is available to 100.0% of Sterling, while the lower-priced Select plan costs $49.99 for the first 12 months, then $74.99, and offers up to 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload with an 11/100 Speed Score.
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 has low Speed Scores and may not provide the responsiveness needed for modern streaming, gaming, or remote work. It reaches 100% of Sterling, yet you should check your address for faster fiber, cable, or other options first, since HughesNet is mainly a fallback when those services are unavailable.
Available Plans
Gso 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 Sterling
Viasat is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives in Sterling, with a headline Speed Score of 11/100 versus the city average of 51. 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, with both plans available to about 14% of the city. Because satellite service is address-dependent and can have higher latency, check what other technologies are available at your address first.
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 whether faster internet is available at your address first. Its satellite plans reach about 14% of Sterling and offer up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month with Viasat Essentials, or up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month with Viasat Unleashed. Those below-average speed scores and satellite technology may be limiting for modern households, especially for streaming, gaming, and multiple users.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Sterling
All 25 product lines from the 8 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 25 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~89.8%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload73Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload78Our score$50Per month~89.8%CoverageCable
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload73Our score$45$55Per month~89.8%CoverageCable
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload69Our score$40Per month~89.8%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~82.3%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~82.3%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~82.3%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~40%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 Sterling
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose T-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps for $35/mo for 12 months with a qualifying wireless line.
Its 400 Mbps plan reaches about 40% of Sterling, including potential shared-home coverage.
Check first: Confirm your address qualifies; the promotional rate becomes $50/mo after 12 months.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Verizon fiber 940 Mbps where available, reaching about 82% of Sterling.
Verizon fiber offers 940 Mbps download and 880 Mbps upload for demanding video calls and cloud work.
Check first: Fiber availability is address-specific, despite Verizon's broader overall footprint.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Verizon fiber up to 2,048/2,048 Mbps where available, reaching about 36% of Sterling.
Symmetrical fiber speeds suit simultaneous gaming, streaming, uploads, and multiple connected devices.
Check first: The 2,048 Mbps tier is limited to about 36% of Sterling addresses.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential 100 Mbps for $55/mo, available everywhere in Sterling.
Starlink provides a 100 Mbps entry plan where wired providers may not reach the address.
Check first: Verify satellite service performance needs before choosing it for latency-sensitive gaming.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Sterling
Sterling Park 20164
Verizon is currently the strongest option for Fast symmetrical fiber.
Verizon's 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber reaches about 54% of ZIP 20164, while Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable reaches about 18%.
Countryside 20165
Verizon is currently the strongest option for High-speed fiber households.
Verizon's 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber reaches about 52% of ZIP 20165, exceeding Xfinity's largest listed share.
Dulles Town Center 20166
Verizon is currently the strongest option for Fiber or fast cable.
Verizon's largest listed share is about 33% for 940/880 Mbps fiber, compared with Xfinity's about 30% for 2,000 Mbps cable.
ZIP 20167
Verizon is currently the strongest option for Fast fiber availability.
Verizon's 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber reaches about 42% of ZIP 20167, while Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps cable reaches about 35%.
Internet providers near Sterling
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Sterling, check the neighboring market directly.
Sterling Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Sterling, VA?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, with cable up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 30% of Sterling. Verizon is the faster choice if available, offering 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber to about 36% of the city.
What is the fastest internet in Sterling, VA?
Verizon is fastest where available, with 2,048/2,048 Mbps fiber reaching about 36% of Sterling. Xfinity is the best overall provider, with 2,000 Mbps cable reaching about 30% of the city.
Which internet provider covers the most of Sterling, VA?
Xfinity covers the largest non-satellite footprint at about 90% of Sterling, with its 300 Mbps plan reaching the same share. Satellite service from Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat is available everywhere.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Sterling, VA?
T-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps is cheapest at a promotional $35/mo for 12 months, reaching about 40% of Sterling. It requires qualifying credit, a postpaid T-Mobile wireless line, and a new Internet line.
Can I get fiber internet in Sterling?
Verizon fiber reaches about 36% of Sterling at up to 2,048/2,048 Mbps, while its 940/880 Mbps tier reaches about 82%. Check the exact address because fiber availability varies substantially across Sterling Park, Countryside, and other areas.
What internet speed do I need in Sterling?
A 300 Mbps plan covers common households, while 500 Mbps or more suits multiple streamers, gamers, and remote workers. Sterling options include Xfinity 300 Mbps reaching about 90%, Verizon 500 Mbps about 82%, and T-Mobile 400 Mbps about 40%.
Which internet providers serve Dulles Town Center?
ZIP 20166 has Verizon fiber reaching about 33% at 940/880 Mbps and Xfinity cable reaching about 30% at 2,000 Mbps. Compare the exact address because both providers have additional, smaller coverage tiers in Dulles Town Center.
How We Analyze Internet in Sterling
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 Sterling report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Sterling
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.