MADISON, WI
Find internet providers in Madison, WI
Find internet offered in Madison, WI – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
FindBetterInternet was created by two guys with years of first-hand industry experience selling internet services online. Frankly, what we found left a lot to be desired. Internet providers can pay for their listings to be placed higher up the page, cookies can be captured, and your data can be shared for banner ads that stalk your online profile for the next week. We built FindBetterInternet to be different.
Our methodology translates the complex treasure trove of 115m locations on the FCC Broadband Map into one simple resource. We layer on pricing to help you sift through what’s good value.
We hope this is helpful for you and appreciate all the community’s support with this project. If you find it helpful, we do make a commission if you buy internet from a link on our address-check page. We pour that back into maintaining the site.
Every price and coverage figure on this site traces back to FCC Broadband Data Collection filings (the National Broadband Map); here’s exactly how we do it.
Shop and compare 11 internet providers for Madison, WI
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Madison, WI, your best bet is AT&T, covering ~76% of the city; its fastest FCC-filed speed is up to 5,000 Mbps. That 5,000 Mbps fiber tier reaches ~32% of the city, so confirm it at your address rather than assuming AT&T’s full footprint supports it. Spectrum is the strong city-wide runner-up, covering 90.0% overall, with cable reaching 86% at speeds up to 1000/35 Mbps. In Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahar (53704), AT&T leads with 55.3% on fiber up to 5000/5000 Mbps, while Spectrum reaches 29.6% on cable up to 1000/35 Mbps. University Heights (53705) is even more AT&T-heavy at 63.4% for that fiber tier, while Tenney-Lapham (53703) is closer, AT&T at 30.3% and Spectrum at 26.2%. The University of Wisconsin-Madison area (53706) is mixed, AT&T and Spectrum each at 25.0%, with ResTech Services at 16.7%, so student apartments can differ sharply from nearby homes. Students at Madison College and Edgewood University, plus households near Truax Field, should check for older DSL or copper lines before relying on service for Zoom, streaming, or gaming. Fixed wireless is another address-specific option, T-Mobile reaches 46% at up to 100/20 Mbps and Verizon 47% at up to 300/20 Mbps, so verify the exact address.
Best plan here: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG — faster than 99% of all internet options in Wisconsin
- AT&T Fiber 5 GIG$95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/moFiber5,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$95Per month
- AT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/moFiber1,000 MbpsDownload97Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/moFiber500 MbpsDownload83Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber300 MbpsDownload83Our score$35Per month
- AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload82Our score$55Per month
Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Madison
At $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo, AT&T Fiber 5 GIG buys up to 5000 Mbps both ways with a 99/100 Speed Score, making it a top-tier option whose score is above the city average of 74. Lower-priced Fiber 300 costs $35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo, for up to 300 Mbps both ways and an 83/100 score, while Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps both ways with an 82/100 score but may be less consistent as fixed wireless. Fiber 5 GIG is available to 32.5% of Madison, so check your address to confirm whether AT&T’s best fiber performance reaches you.
About AT&T
At $35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo, AT&T Fiber 300 offers excellent value with up to 300 Mbps both ways and is available to 36.4% of Madison, while Fiber 1 GIG costs $50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo, for up to 1000 Mbps both ways. These excellent fiber options are address-dependent, and AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps for $55/mo, then $60/mo, as a more variable fallback, so check your address for fiber first.
Available Plans
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Best plan here: Internet Gig — faster than 92% of all internet options in Wisconsin
- Internet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload92Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/moCable500 MbpsDownload83Our score$40Per month
- Internet AdvantageCable100 MbpsDownload78Our score$30Per month
Source: Spectrum official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Madison
Spectrum’s headline Speed Score of 92/100 and Internet Gig’s speeds of up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload can handle 4K streaming, gaming, video calls, and many connected devices at once. That score is above the city average of 74, and cable at this level is a reliable choice for most households. Internet Gig is available to 86.0% of Madison, so confirm your address qualifies before counting on the plan’s advertised speeds.
About Spectrum
Up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload is excellent for streaming, gaming, video calls, and several connected devices at once. Spectrum’s cable service is a strong option for most households, with the Gig plan available to 86.0% of Madison, but availability is address-dependent, so check your address before counting on the faster tier. At $60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/mo, it offers a solid balance of speed and price.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: 1Gig Fiber Internet — faster than 97% of all internet options in Wisconsin
- 1Gig Fiber InternetFiber1,000 MbpsDownload97Our score$49.99Per month
Source: TDS Telecom official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Madison
$49.99/mo gets you up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload on a fiber connection, making this an excellent choice and strong value with a Speed Score of 97/100. That score is above Madison’s city average of 74, but fiber availability is address-specific and this plan reaches 26.8% of the city, so confirm your address before counting on its top-tier performance.
About TDS Telecom
At $49.99/mo, TDS Telecom’s 1Gig Fiber Internet is a strong value, offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload with a 97/100 Speed Score. Fiber is an excellent choice for streaming, gaming, remote work, and busy households, but this option is available to 26.8% of Madison, so check your address to confirm you can get it.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 82% of all internet options in Wisconsin
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload82Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload82Our score$50Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Madison
Households that need fast service for streaming, work, and multiple devices should consider T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless plans, which score 82/100, above Madison’s 74 average, with up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload on All-In or up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload on Rely. Fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber or cable, but this is a competitive option where available, and each plan reaches 73.8% of Madison, so check your address before choosing.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile suits households seeking a reasonably fast fixed-wireless connection for streaming, work, and everyday use, with All-In Home Internet offering up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo, and Rely offering up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo. Both have a Speed Score of 82/100, but fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber or cable, and these plans are available to 73.8% of Madison, so check your address and compare faster wired options first if your household has demanding upload, gaming, or large-file needs.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 91% of all internet options in Wisconsin
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload82Our score$35Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Madison
5G fixed wireless can support everyday streaming, browsing, and video calls, with Verizon’s 5G Home Plus offering speeds up to 1000 Mbps down and 75 Mbps up and a Speed Score of 91/100. That score is above Madison’s city average of 74, making Verizon a competitive option, although fixed wireless performance can vary with signal and network conditions. Availability is address-specific, with both plans listed across 52.9% of Madison, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps down and 75 Mbps up with a Speed Score of 82/100.
About Verizon
5G fixed wireless is an adequate choice for everyday streaming, video calls, and work, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps down and 75 Mbps up for $45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps down and 75 Mbps up for $35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo. Service depends on your address and is available to 52.9% of Madison, so check availability and compare fiber or cable options first if they are offered at your home.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 78% of all internet options in Wisconsin
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload78Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload78Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload78Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Madison
Satellite internet can provide broad availability, but its higher latency may be more noticeable for video calls, gaming, and other real-time activities than wired connections. Starlink is a competitive option in Madison, with a Speed Score of 78/100, above the city average of 74, and the Residential – Max plan offering up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload with availability to 100.0% of the city. Checking other technologies at your address is worthwhile if low latency is important.
About Starlink
Satellite internet reaches homes without a wired line, making it broadly available, but its higher latency can be noticeable during gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities. Starlink offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, with plans available to 100.0% of Madison, so it can support streaming, work, and everyday browsing. It is a practical fallback where fiber or cable are unavailable, but check your address for those lower-latency options first if gaming or frequent video calls matter.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
ResTech Services
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 96% of all internet options in Wisconsin
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Madison
Fiber is an excellent choice for demanding day-to-day use, offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 96/100, above Madison’s average top speed score of 74. This top-tier plan covers 1.2% of the city, so confirm its availability at your address before choosing it for streaming, gaming, video calls, and large uploads.
About ResTech Services
Fiber is ResTech Services’ strength, offering up to 1000↓/1000↑ Mbps for demanding work, streaming, gaming, and many connected devices, with a Speed Score of 96/100. That top tier reaches 1.2% of census blocks, while the more limited up to 100↓/100↑ Mbps fiber plan, with a Speed Score of 78/100, reaches 0.2%, so availability is highly address-dependent, but either option is a solid choice where offered.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
UpNetWI
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 91% of all internet options in Wisconsin
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Madison
Fiber is an excellent choice for low-latency streaming, gaming, remote work, and multiple connected devices, with UpNetWI offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 400 Mbps upload at a 91/100 speed score. That top-tier performance is above Madison’s average top speed score of 74, but availability is address-dependent, with this plan covering 1.2% of the city, so confirm your address before signing up.
About UpNetWI
Fiber is excellent for streaming, video calls, gaming, and households with several connected devices, and UpNetWI offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 400 Mbps upload on its fastest plan. A second fiber option offers up to 600 Mbps download and 200 Mbps upload, but availability is highly address-dependent, with these plans reaching 1.2% and 0.1% of census blocks respectively, so check your address before counting on service.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Speed Score: Faster than 62% of all internet options in Wisconsin
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Madison
Up to 115 Mbps download and 7 Mbps upload can handle everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, but Frontier’s fastest copper plan has a Speed Score of 62/100, indicating limited performance compared with alternatives for heavier households and frequent uploads. It covers just 0.3% of Madison, so verify your address and consider checking other providers first if faster service is available.
About Frontier
Frontier’s fastest local plan is up to 115 Mbps download and 7 Mbps upload, which can handle basic browsing, video calls, and streaming for a small household, but it is not ideal for heavy uploads or lots of simultaneous use. Since this is copper with a below-average Speed Score of 62 and reaches only 0.3% of census blocks, availability is highly address-dependent, and some addresses may instead see up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload, so check for a faster provider before relying on Frontier for modern home internet.
Available Plans
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 65% of all internet options in Wisconsin
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload35Our 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 MbpsDownload1Our score$39.99Per month
Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Madison
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 Speed Score is only 35/100, below Madison’s city average of 74. Fusion is available to 100.0% of Madison, yet satellite’s high latency and limited performance make it a weaker choice for demanding online activities. Select costs $49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/mo, for up to 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 11, while Lite costs $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/mo, for up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload with a score of 1, so check what else is available at your address before choosing HughesNet.
About HughesNet
At $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/mo, HughesNet Lite buys up to 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up, while Select costs $49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/mo, for up to 50 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up; Fusion costs $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, for up to 100 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. All three are satellite plans, so their below-average speed scores and higher latency make HughesNet a fallback rather than a first choice for modern streaming, gaming, or work, so check your address for faster fiber or cable service before choosing, even though each plan shows 100.0% availability in Madison.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 89% of all internet options in Wisconsin
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload11Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload1Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Madison
Viasat is a limited-performance option in Madison, especially for demanding internet use. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan costs $69.99/mo and offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 11/100, below the city average of 74, and availability listed at 100.5% of the city. Because satellite service can have higher latency, check what else is available at your specific address before choosing it.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat is mainly a fallback option in Madison, so check whether fiber or cable is available at your address before choosing it for modern online needs. Its fastest satellite plan, Viasat Essentials, offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo with a Speed Score of 11/100, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99/mo with a score of 1/100.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Gso Satellite
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Madison
All 21 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 21 plans
- SpectrumInternet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload92Our score$60$70Per month~86%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload78Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload78Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload78Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- SpectrumInternet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/mo500 MbpsDownload83Our score$40$50Per month~86%CoverageCable
- SpectrumInternet Advantage100 MbpsDownload78Our score$30Per month~86%CoverageCable
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload82Our score$50$60Per month~73.8%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload82Our score$70$80Per month~73.8%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$45$70Per month~52.9%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload82Our score$35$60Per month~52.9%Coverage5G Fixed 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 Madison
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Spectrum Internet Advantage at the promotional $30/mo starting rate for 100 Mbps; it reaches 86% of Madison.
Its 86% city reach is broader than AT&T Fiber 300's 36.4%.
Check first: Confirm cable service and upload needs at your exact Madison address.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T Fiber 1 GIG for 1,000 Mbps where its 36.4% plan reach includes your address.
AT&T's listed top fiber technology is symmetric, with its 5 GIG tier reaching 32.5%.
Check first: Verify AT&T Fiber at the address; its 1 GIG plan reaches 36.4% of Madison.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose AT&T Fiber 5 GIG for 5,000 Mbps at the promotional $95/mo starting rate; it reaches 32.5% of Madison.
Its fiber tier is AT&T's fastest listed plan, with a 32.5% Madison reach.
Check first: Verify fiber availability, since that plan reaches only 32.5% of Madison.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Use Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps at the promotional $55/mo starting rate; its plan reaches 100% of Madison.
Starlink's 100 Mbps plan reaches 100%, versus HughesNet Lite's 25 Mbps plan, which also reaches 100%.
Check first: Confirm the exact address despite the 100% listed plan reach.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Madison
Tenney-Lapham
AT&T is currently the strongest option for High-speed fiber choices.
AT&T's 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaches 30.3%, while ResTech Services fiber reaches 12.3% in ZIP 53703.
Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahar
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Comparing fiber and cable coverage.
AT&T's 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber leads ZIP 53704 at 55.3%, ahead of Spectrum cable at 29.6%.
University Heights
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Multiple fiber choices.
AT&T's 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber covers 63.4% of ZIP 53705, while TDS Telecom fiber covers 10.3%.
University of Wisconsin–Madison
AT&T and Spectrum (tie) is currently the strongest option for Balanced provider comparison.
AT&T and Spectrum each cover 25.0% of ZIP 53706, while Starlink and ResTech Services each cover 16.7%.
Internet providers near Madison
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Madison, check the neighboring market directly.
Madison Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Madison, WI?
TDS Telecom has Madison's fastest listed fiber technology, 8,000 Mbps, reaching about 4% of the city. AT&T Fiber 5 GIG reaches 5,000 Mbps across 32.5% of Madison, making it a more broadly listed ultra-fast alternative.
Can I get fiber internet in Madison, WI?
Yes—AT&T, TDS Telecom, ResTech Services, and UpNetWI list fiber service in Madison, with AT&T Fiber 300 reaching 36.4% of the city. Address availability varies: fiber appears in Tenney-Lapham, Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahar, University Heights, and ZIP 53706, while TDS reaches 10.3% in ZIP 53705.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Madison, WI?
Spectrum Internet Advantage is Madison's cheapest listed plan at a promotional starting rate of $30/mo for 100 Mbps, reaching 86.0% of the city. It is the price leader, but check your address because Starlink and HughesNet list 100% city reach for their cheapest plans.
What internet speed should I choose for streaming and gaming in Madison, WI?
For streaming and gaming, choose a listed 500 Mbps tier when available; Spectrum Internet Premier reaches 86.0% of Madison. AT&T Fiber 1 GIG reaches 1,000 Mbps across 36.4%, giving address-qualified households a faster listed alternative.
What internet is available in Tenney-Lapham, Madison?
In Tenney-Lapham's ZIP 53703, AT&T leads with 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaching 30.3%. Spectrum follows with 1,000/35 Mbps cable at 26.2%, while ResTech Services offers 1,000/1,000 Mbps fiber at 12.3%.
How We Analyze Internet in Madison
FCC Broadband Data
We use the FCC National Broadband Map, updated twice a year with provider-reported coverage at the census block level.
Speed Score
Our proprietary score weights technology type (fiber=100%, cable=85%, etc.) with download (70%) and upload (30%) speeds, ranked as a state percentile.
Coverage Calculation
Provider coverage shows what percentage of census blocks in Madison report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Madison
How We Calculate Speed Score
Our Speed Score is a state-level percentile ranking (0-100) that shows how a provider’s service compares to all other internet options available in your state.
The Formula:
We calculate a raw performance score using:
Technology Factor × (Download Speed × 70% + Upload Speed × 30%)
Technology Factors:
Not all connections are equal. We weight each technology based on real-world reliability and performance:
- Fiber: 100% – Fastest, most reliable technology
- Cable: 85% – High speeds, shared neighborhood bandwidth
- Fixed Wireless (Licensed): 70% – Dedicated spectrum, weather-dependent
- Copper/DSL: 65% – Distance-limited, aging infrastructure
- Fixed Wireless (Unlicensed): 60% – Shared spectrum, variable performance
- Satellite (LEO): 40% – Low-earth orbit (e.g., Starlink), higher latency
- Satellite (GEO): 15% – Geostationary orbit, significant latency
Percentile Ranking:
After calculating raw scores, we rank every service option in your state by geographic coverage (census blocks served). A score of 85 means this service performs better than 85% of all internet options available in your state.
Data Source: FCC National Broadband Map data, updated twice a year.
How We Calculate Capabilities
Estimated Capabilities predict how well each internet plan supports common household activities based on speed requirements and connection type.
Rating Scale:
- Excellent – Optimal performance, handles peak usage easily
- Good – Reliable performance with minimal issues
- Fair – Functional but may experience slowdowns during heavy use
- Poor – Not recommended; expect frequent buffering or lag
How We Rate Each Category:
Streaming
Based on download speed. 4K streaming requires 25+ Mbps per stream; HD requires 5+ Mbps. We account for multiple simultaneous streams.
Multi-device
Evaluates total bandwidth capacity divided by typical household device count (phones, tablets, smart TVs, computers). Fiber and cable handle many devices better than DSL or satellite.
Gaming
Considers both upload speed (for sending game data) and latency (ping time). Fiber and cable excel here; satellite connections struggle due to inherent signal delay.
Whole Home
Assesses whether the connection can reliably serve an entire household during peak evening hours. Factors in technology type (shared vs. dedicated bandwidth) and total speed capacity.
Note: Actual performance depends on your specific location, network congestion, and equipment quality.