Networking

DSL is a good option for businesses and consumers in search of internet service. It may not be as fast as fiber-optic internet, but it’s reliable, lower-priced, and readily available nationwide. We’ve reviewed DSL service providers by comparing the plans each company offers, internet speeds, and customer service ratings. The criteria were established so you can make an informed choice when choosing your company’s internet service.Reviews.com ScoreAvailabilityBandwidthJ.D. Power Customer Service RatingAT&T4/521 statesUp to 75Mbps  5/5 starsCenturyLink3/536 statesUp to 140Mbps3/5 starsFrontier2/529 statesUp to 115Mbps2/5 starsVerizon3/58 statesUp  to 15Mbps4/5 stars*Data as of March 30, 2020.How we found the best DSL internetWe reviewed customer service ratings from top surveyors, including J.D. Power and the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), compared bandwidth and speeds, examined plans and pricing, and considered contract commitment lengths to determine which DSL internet providers are the best for businesses.  

Best clearest pricing plan

AT&T

Provider score: 4/5✓ Best For: Businesses needing a standard plan Consumers needing custom features  ✗ Not For:Companies in search of high speeds Businesses not ready for a longer contractAT&T makes shopping and comparing DSL internet plans simple. The website features clearly listed plans, including all the information you need at a quick glance, including internet speeds, pricing, contract lengths, and equipment fees. AT&T’s Business DSL service can support an entire company’s internet needs with fast downloading speeds for sharing large files.  Availability: 3/5AT&T’s services are available in 21 states. Its coverage area is mainly focused on the Southeast and Midwest regions, although business coverage is also available in select areas of Nevada and California.Bandwidth: 4/5AT&T offers up to 75Mbps speeds for Business DSL customers, one of the fastest business DSL service speeds you’ll find in the market.Customer Service: 5/5AT&T earned second place in the 2019 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) with a 69 out of 100 and five out of five stars in the J.D. Power Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study.Further Reading:

Best downtime compensation

CenturyLink Internet

Provider score: 3/5✓ Best For:Businesses that can’t afford internet interruptionsPeople needing excellent customer support  ✗ Not For:Flexible contractual commitmentsBusinesses that would suffer from a 1TB monthly data capNo one wants to deal with constant Internet outages. As little as an hour of internet interruption could mean lost productivity and hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost credit card sales or missed customer orders. Most internet providers have very low downtimes, but CenturyLink provides another layer of reliability by crediting you one day of DSL service for every thirty minutes of downtime your business suffers.For smaller businesses, this added incentive can be critical when internet outages prevent revenue streams from increasing.Availability: 3/5CenturyLink is available in 36 states, providing a large national network. The internet service provider (ISP) isn’t found in some larger states, including California and New York.Bandwidth: 3/5As with most ISPs, speeds vary by area and depends on the infrastructure. CenturyLink’s DSL bandwidth runs up to 140Mbps, which allows employees to simultaneously conduct online tasks.Customer Service: 3/5CenturyLink’s customer service rating from the 2019 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) was below average at 59 out of 100. The ratings from J.D. Power were average at three out of five stars.Further Reading:

No contract required

Frontier Communications

Provider score: 2/5✓ Best For:Consumers wanting to avoid long contracts    Companies that need excellent customer support   ✗ Not For:Users needing unlimited dataNew businesses or consumers on a monthly budget may not be ready to commit to a long-term contract. Or you or your company may foresee moving within a year, which makes Frontier’s no-contract plans a nice incentive due to not having to pay cancellation fees if you need to change services.Availability: 3/5Frontier offers internet service in 29 states, and although the internet may be available in your state, it’s common for service to vary from city to city within a state. It’s always best to check for availability online by entering your zip code.Bandwidth: 3/5Customers will get speeds of up to 115Mbps, which should be enough for basic business tasks such as sending and receiving emails, creating cloud backups, running online accounting software, and participating in an occasional video conference.Customer Service: 1/5Frontier has a long way to go to improve its customer service rating. The DSL internet provider was near the bottom of the 2019 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) with a rating of 55 out of 100. Frontier came in last or next to last in all regions of the  J.D. Power Study with just two out of five stars for customer service.

Highest-rated customer service

Verizon

Provider score: 3/5✓ Best For:New businesses needing more technical support than averageUsers outside the Northeast  ✗ Not For:Consumers needing fast and reliable DSL connectivityA new customer or small business may not be able to afford its own IT department yet and may need to rely on customer service and tech support for help.  For customers with fewer resources to solve technical issues, Verizon ranks high in customer service, so there’s quality help available when your company needs it.Availability: 1/5Verizon internet is only available in eight U.S. states and the District of Columbia or now. Even in the few states covered, DSL service may not be as widespread.Bandwidth: 3/5Verizon offers high-speed internet for any size business and customer need. DSL business plans come with a bandwidth of up to 15Mbps.Customer Service: 5/5Verizon ranks No. 1 in customer service with a score of 70 out of 100 in the 2019 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). The ISP also wins J.D. Power’s Internet Service Satisfaction Study with four out of five stars.Further Reading:

How to choose your providerEvaluate speed optionsDSL speeds can vary from one internet service provider to the next. It’s best to compare more than one business DSL provider in your area (if there’s more than one) to determine the best bandwidth offer. Choose a higher speed tier than you think you’ll need — as your business grows, you may need more bandwidth.Prep your home for DSLIf your home or business is not wired for DSL service yet, your service provider will send a technician to install the product. Please make sure the area where the cables will be run is free and clear so the technician can access them quickly. Choose a central spot so that a connected router can transmit wifi throughout the property.Test your speedsOnce you know the speed your ISP claims you’ll receive, test your internet speed regularly to ensure your service isn’t declining in bandwidth. If you notice a decline in your company’s DSL speeds, contact your service provider right away so you can receive guided troubleshooting to pinpoint and fix the issue.Consider fiber or cableSome DSL internet providers offer more than one type of internet service. Fiber is the fastest form of internet service today. Cable is similar in speeds to DSL, but it can be affected if others in the area are online, with everyone in a neighborhood sharing the same bandwidth. 

If you have the option to subscribe to fiber, it will be well worth it. Fiber speeds are as high as 1,000 Mbps, compared to a mere 100Mbps for some of the faster DSL internet packages.

What type of internet is best?

Fiber optic internet service is currently the fastest internet to date, although availability is often limited to major cities. If fiber optic internet isn’t available, DSL is a good and reliable option.

How much bandwidth do I need?

Verizon lists the typical bandwidth according to internet use per device:Basic emails:  1Mbps eachCloud backups:  2MbpsWeb browsing:  0.33MbpsOnline bookkeeping:  2MbpsStreaming webinars: 5MbpsVideo conferencing:  4Mbps

Why is business internet more expensive than residential service?

ISPs charge businesses higher for services because companies typically use more bandwidth. A residential customer usually spends less time at home and online than a business connected online for most of the day.

ZDNet Recommends More

DSL is a good option for businesses and consumers in search of internet service. It may not be as fast as fiber-optic internet, but it’s reliable, lower-priced, and readily available nationwide. We’ve reviewed DSL service providers by comparing the plans each company offers, internet speeds, and customer service ratings. The criteria were established so you can make an informed choice when choosing your company’s internet service.

Best clearest pricing plan

AT&T

Provider score: 4/5✓ Best For: Businesses needing a standard plan Consumers needing custom features  ✗ Not For:Companies in search of high speeds Businesses not ready for a longer contractAT&T makes shopping and comparing DSL internet plans simple. The website features clearly listed plans, including all the information you need at a quick glance, including internet speeds, pricing, contract lengths, and equipment fees. AT&T’s Business DSL service can support an entire company’s internet needs with fast downloading speeds for sharing large files.  Availability: 3/5AT&T’s services are available in 21 states. Its coverage area is mainly focused on the Southeast and Midwest regions, although business coverage is also available in select areas of Nevada and California.Bandwidth: 4/5AT&T offers up to 75Mbps speeds for Business DSL customers, one of the fastest business DSL service speeds you’ll find in the market.Customer Service: 5/5AT&T earned second place in the 2019 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) with a 69 out of 100 and five out of five stars in the J.D. Power Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study.

Best downtime compensation

CenturyLink Internet

Provider score: 3/5✓ Best For:Businesses that can’t afford internet interruptionsPeople needing excellent customer support  ✗ Not For:Flexible contractual commitmentsBusinesses that would suffer from a 1TB monthly data capNo one wants to deal with constant Internet outages. As little as an hour of internet interruption could mean lost productivity and hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost credit card sales or missed customer orders. Most internet providers have very low downtimes, but CenturyLink provides another layer of reliability by crediting you one day of DSL service for every thirty minutes of downtime your business suffers.For smaller businesses, this added incentive can be critical when internet outages prevent revenue streams from increasing.Availability: 3/5CenturyLink is available in 36 states, providing a large national network. The internet service provider (ISP) isn’t found in some larger states, including California and New York.Bandwidth: 3/5As with most ISPs, speeds vary by area and depends on the infrastructure. CenturyLink’s DSL bandwidth runs up to 140Mbps, which allows employees to simultaneously conduct online tasks.Customer Service: 3/5CenturyLink’s customer service rating from the 2019 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) was below average at 59 out of 100. The ratings from J.D. Power were average at three out of five stars.

No contract required

Frontier Communications

Provider score: 2/5✓ Best For:Consumers wanting to avoid long contracts    Companies that need excellent customer support   ✗ Not For:Users needing unlimited dataNew businesses or consumers on a monthly budget may not be ready to commit to a long-term contract. Or you or your company may foresee moving within a year, which makes Frontier’s no-contract plans a nice incentive due to not having to pay cancellation fees if you need to change services.Availability: 3/5Frontier offers internet service in 29 states, and although the internet may be available in your state, it’s common for service to vary from city to city within a state. It’s always best to check for availability online by entering your zip code.Bandwidth: 3/5Customers will get speeds of up to 115Mbps, which should be enough for basic business tasks such as sending and receiving emails, creating cloud backups, running online accounting software, and participating in an occasional video conference.Customer Service: 1/5Frontier has a long way to go to improve its customer service rating. The DSL internet provider was near the bottom of the 2019 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) with a rating of 55 out of 100. Frontier came in last or next to last in all regions of the  J.D. Power Study with just two out of five stars for customer service.

Highest-rated customer service

Verizon

Provider score: 3/5✓ Best For:New businesses needing more technical support than averageUsers outside the Northeast  ✗ Not For:Consumers needing fast and reliable DSL connectivityA new customer or small business may not be able to afford its own IT department yet and may need to rely on customer service and tech support for help.  For customers with fewer resources to solve technical issues, Verizon ranks high in customer service, so there’s quality help available when your company needs it.Availability: 1/5Verizon internet is only available in eight U.S. states and the District of Columbia or now. Even in the few states covered, DSL service may not be as widespread.Bandwidth: 3/5Verizon offers high-speed internet for any size business and customer need. DSL business plans come with a bandwidth of up to 15Mbps.Customer Service: 5/5Verizon ranks No. 1 in customer service with a score of 70 out of 100 in the 2019 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). The ISP also wins J.D. Power’s Internet Service Satisfaction Study with four out of five stars.

How to choose your provider

Evaluate speed optionsDSL speeds can vary from one internet service provider to the next. It’s best to compare more than one business DSL provider in your area (if there’s more than one) to determine the best bandwidth offer. Choose a higher speed tier than you think you’ll need — as your business grows, you may need more bandwidth.Prep your home for DSLIf your home or business is not wired for DSL service yet, your service provider will send a technician to install the product. Please make sure the area where the cables will be run is free and clear so the technician can access them quickly. Choose a central spot so that a connected router can transmit wifi throughout the property.Test your speedsOnce you know the speed your ISP claims you’ll receive, test your internet speed regularly to ensure your service isn’t declining in bandwidth. If you notice a decline in your company’s DSL speeds, contact your service provider right away so you can receive guided troubleshooting to pinpoint and fix the issue.Consider fiber or cableSome DSL internet providers offer more than one type of internet service. Fiber is the fastest form of internet service today. Cable is similar in speeds to DSL, but it can be affected if others in the area are online, with everyone in a neighborhood sharing the same bandwidth. If you have the option to subscribe to fiber, it will be well worth it. Fiber speeds are as high as 1,000 Mbps, compared to a mere 100Mbps for some of the faster DSL internet packages.

How we found the best DSL internet

We reviewed customer service ratings from top surveyors, including J.D. Power and the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), compared bandwidth and speeds, examined plans and pricing, and considered contract commitment lengths to determine which DSL internet providers are the best for businesses.  

What type of internet is best?

Fiber optic internet service is currently the fastest internet to date, although availability is often limited to major cities. If fiber optic internet isn’t available, DSL is a good and reliable option.

How much bandwidth do I need?

Verizon lists the typical bandwidth according to internet use per device:Basic emails:  1Mbps eachCloud backups:  2MbpsWeb browsing:  0.33MbpsOnline bookkeeping:  2MbpsStreaming webinars: 5MbpsVideo conferencing:  4Mbps

Why is business internet more expensive than residential service?

ISPs charge businesses higher for services because companies typically use more bandwidth. A residential customer usually spends less time at home and online than a business connected online for most of the day.

ZDNet Recommends More

Columbus, Ohio is home to many internet providers, but not all of them serve the city equally. There are numerous rural areas that are prone to spotty service and lack of coverage, so it’s important to know your options when selecting a new internet service provider.In addition to national powerhouse companies like AT&T and Spectrum, Bresco Broadland is a local company that provides Ohio internet service. Because Bresco Broadland has a unique knowledge of the area and the cheapest rates, it could be a great option for you.Based on our research, these are our top three picks for the best internet providers in Columbus, Ohio.The best Columbus internet providers summed upSpectrumAT&TBresco BroadbandDefining traitNo data capsFantastic extrasRural coverageConnection typeCableDSLFiber-OpticFiber, Ethernet, Fixed wirelessDownload speeds (Mbps)100/ 400/ 940Mbps100/ 300/ 1000Mbps6/ 15/ 25/ 35/ 50MbpsPrices starting at$49.99/mo.$50/mo.$39/mo.Contract length12 months12 monthsN/AData capUnlimited1 TB/month; unlimited for 1000 Mbps plansUnlimitedAll information accurate as of 02/21/2020.

Best coverage area

Charter Spectrum

Spectrum is one of the country’s largest and most reliable internet companies, and it’s no different in Columbus, Ohio. Spectrum offers DSL internet service for all the city. As an additional perk, all plans include Time Warner WiFi hotspots.You can choose from three plans, including the Standard, Ultra, and Gig Internet Plans, with 10 free Security Suite licenses and 24/7 customer support. Plans also come with a free internet modem and no data caps. Spectrum also offers up to $500 in contract buyout support.Features:Price: $49.99 per monthSpeed and Data: 100Mbps, 400  or 940Mbps; unlimited dataPlans/Packages: Spectrum Standard, Ultra Internet, or Gig InternetContract Options: 12 months

Best network

AT&T is available throughout most of Columbus, Ohio, although fiber-optic may be limited in some areas. Because of the extent of coverage in Ohio, AT&T is a popular choice for internet service.AT&T does not require activation fees when you order service online, and you may even be able to take advantage of speed upgrades, with maximum download speeds reaching up to 1000Mbps. With AT&T’s national WiFi HotSpot Network, you also have internet wherever you go.For additional savings, you can bundle your internet service with DirecTV through AT&T. Home phone service is also offered in the bundling options.Features:Price: $50 to $70/mo., plus $10/mo. equipment fee and no activation fee when purchased onlineSpeed and data: 100, 300, or 1000Mbps; 1TB per month for Internet 100 and 300 plans with overage charges; unlimited data for Internet 1000Plans/ packages: Internet 100, 300, or 1000Contract options: 12 months

Best local provider

Bresco Broadband

Bresco Broadland is a local internet service provider exclusively servicing Ohio, covering 64 zip codes in total. It offers fixed wireless internet service, which unlike DSL or fiber-optic technology can perform up to 30 times faster, according to the company.Installation is free with a contract, but you will incur a regular $10 monthly fee for your managed wireless router service. Download speeds range from 6 to 50 Mbps, while upload speeds vary from 2 to 5 Mbps. Bresco Broadland also offers television services for extra savings, when you choose an internet and television bundle.·       Price: $39 to $89/mo.·       Speed and Data: 6, 15, 25, 35, and 50 Mbps with unlimited data·       Plans/Packages: Basic, Standard, Super, Extreme, or Ultra Speed·       Contract Options: N/A

How we found the best internet providers in ColumbusWith multiple providers to pick from, this is how we determined the best internet providers for residents in Columbus, Ohio.Coverage. Even larger, well-known companies don’t always service all parts of major cities so it was important that we pick providers with the greatest range of coverage for Columbus residents.Value. To find the best value internet service provider, we considered factors such as download speeds, data overages, sign-up bonuses or perks, and contract terms.

Customer Satisfaction. J.D. Power’s 2019 Internet Provider Satisfaction Study awarded AT&T second-place honors with perfect scores across the board except in performance and reliability. Spectrum received a three out of five rating, while Bresco Broadland was unranked, likely due to the fact that it is a small, local provider. AT&T also receives top marks from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), while Spectrum falls a few spots further down. Bresco Broadland is also unrated here.

What is the best internet provider for me?

Columbus, Ohio, the best internet provider depends on your location, internet usage needs, and budget considerations. These and other factors are what we considered when selecting our top three providers.

Should I choose DSL or fiber-optic internet?

DSL and fiber-optic are significantly different forms of internet service. DSL uses a phone wall jack to power internet service to your home. Fiber-optic internet uses light to transmit data through fibers, which typically translates into faster, more reliable speeds. However, not only is Fiber service somewhat limited in coverage, but it’s generally more expensive. If you are a casual or light internet user, the excessive performance speeds may not matter as much compared to the savings of a DSL plan.

How do I purchase internet service?

Once you have reviewed and selected an internet service provider that fits your needs and is offered in your area, most providers offer options to sign up for a plan on their websites.Alternatively, you can also call the service provider directly for a quote and to discuss setup and installation. More

Columbus, Ohio is home to many internet providers, but not all of them serve the city equally. There are numerous rural areas that are prone to spotty service and lack of coverage, so it’s important to know your options when selecting a new internet service provider.In addition to national powerhouse companies like AT&T and Spectrum, Bresco Broadland is a local company that provides Ohio internet service. Because Bresco Broadland has a unique knowledge of the area and the cheapest rates, it could be a great option for you.Based on our research, these are our top three picks for the best internet providers in Columbus, Ohio.The best Columbus internet providers summed upSpectrumAT&TBresco BroadbandDefining traitNo data capsFantastic extrasRural coverageConnection typeCableDSLFiber-OpticFiber, Ethernet, Fixed wirelessDownload speeds (Mbps)100/ 400/ 940Mbps100/ 300/ 1000Mbps6/ 15/ 25/ 35/ 50MbpsPrices starting at$49.99/mo.$50/mo.$39/mo.Contract length12 months12 monthsN/AData capUnlimited1 TB/month; unlimited for 1000 Mbps plansUnlimitedAll information accurate as of 02/21/2020.

Best coverage area

Charter Spectrum

Spectrum is one of the country’s largest and most reliable internet companies, and it’s no different in Columbus, Ohio. Spectrum offers DSL internet service for all the city. As an additional perk, all plans include Time Warner WiFi hotspots.You can choose from three plans, including the Standard, Ultra, and Gig Internet Plans, with 10 free Security Suite licenses and 24/7 customer support. Plans also come with a free internet modem and no data caps. Spectrum also offers up to $500 in contract buyout support.Features:Price: $49.99 per monthSpeed and Data: 100Mbps, 400  or 940Mbps; unlimited dataPlans/Packages: Spectrum Standard, Ultra Internet, or Gig InternetContract Options: 12 months

Best network

AT&T is available throughout most of Columbus, Ohio, although fiber-optic may be limited in some areas. Because of the extent of coverage in Ohio, AT&T is a popular choice for internet service.AT&T does not require activation fees when you order service online, and you may even be able to take advantage of speed upgrades, with maximum download speeds reaching up to 1000Mbps. With AT&T’s national WiFi HotSpot Network, you also have internet wherever you go.For additional savings, you can bundle your internet service with DirecTV through AT&T. Home phone service is also offered in the bundling options.Features:Price: $50 to $70/mo., plus $10/mo. equipment fee and no activation fee when purchased onlineSpeed and data: 100, 300, or 1000Mbps; 1TB per month for Internet 100 and 300 plans with overage charges; unlimited data for Internet 1000Plans/ packages: Internet 100, 300, or 1000Contract options: 12 months

Best local provider

Bresco Broadband

Bresco Broadland is a local internet service provider exclusively servicing Ohio, covering 64 zip codes in total. It offers fixed wireless internet service, which unlike DSL or fiber-optic technology can perform up to 30 times faster, according to the company.Installation is free with a contract, but you will incur a regular $10 monthly fee for your managed wireless router service. Download speeds range from 6 to 50 Mbps, while upload speeds vary from 2 to 5 Mbps. Bresco Broadland also offers television services for extra savings, when you choose an internet and television bundle.·       Price: $39 to $89/mo.·       Speed and Data: 6, 15, 25, 35, and 50 Mbps with unlimited data·       Plans/Packages: Basic, Standard, Super, Extreme, or Ultra Speed·       Contract Options: N/A

How we found the best internet providers in ColumbusWith multiple providers to pick from, this is how we determined the best internet providers for residents in Columbus, Ohio.Coverage. Even larger, well-known companies don’t always service all parts of major cities so it was important that we pick providers with the greatest range of coverage for Columbus residents.Value. To find the best value internet service provider, we considered factors such as download speeds, data overages, sign-up bonuses or perks, and contract terms.

Customer Satisfaction. J.D. Power’s 2019 Internet Provider Satisfaction Study awarded AT&T second-place honors with perfect scores across the board except in performance and reliability. Spectrum received a three out of five rating, while Bresco Broadland was unranked, likely due to the fact that it is a small, local provider. AT&T also receives top marks from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), while Spectrum falls a few spots further down. Bresco Broadland is also unrated here.

What is the best internet provider for me?

Columbus, Ohio, the best internet provider depends on your location, internet usage needs, and budget considerations. These and other factors are what we considered when selecting our top three providers.

Should I choose DSL or fiber-optic internet?

DSL and fiber-optic are significantly different forms of internet service. DSL uses a phone wall jack to power internet service to your home. Fiber-optic internet uses light to transmit data through fibers, which typically translates into faster, more reliable speeds. However, not only is Fiber service somewhat limited in coverage, but it’s generally more expensive. If you are a casual or light internet user, the excessive performance speeds may not matter as much compared to the savings of a DSL plan.

How do I purchase internet service?

Once you have reviewed and selected an internet service provider that fits your needs and is offered in your area, most providers offer options to sign up for a plan on their websites.Alternatively, you can also call the service provider directly for a quote and to discuss setup and installation. More

Everything is bigger in Texas, including your range of choices for an Internet service provider. For simplicity, we have listed four of the best internet service providers in the Dallas area, ranked by what we believed to be relevant information. We looked at several key characteristics, focusing more precisely on their overall connection and download speeds, contract length, and their starting prices, as well as other key features like customer satisfaction scores.Here’s a quick breakdown of the four providers we chose:Data as of 01/22/2020.

Best for bundled services

AT&T

Why stop at just internet? If you are looking for an additional cellphone, cable, or other bonuses when considering an internet service provider, AT&T Wireless offers a number of cable packages — including DIRECTV — which starts at $89.99 / mo. for 12 months (plus taxes). Whether you are looking to provide television and internet service for your home or a variety of cell phone options for a sprawling family, AT&T offers a number of different packages to suit your digital needs. AT&T’s got the firepower to back up their offers: Their 1TB data cap generates enough data to host all the appliances you want under your plan.

Best for the most affordable starting package

Frontier Communications

Scrimpers and savers, rejoice. Frontier’s offerings are some of the cheapest starting plans around, with $27.99 a month for up to 24 months with their starter services. You can download at up to 500Mbps for $39.99 with a simple upgrade, which made Frontier one of the cheapest rates for downloading quality upgrades.Frontier’s fiber network, FiberOptic, is a great fit for your home Wi-Fi hotspot delivering download speeds up to 940Mbps that can power up the wireless internet connections for your tablets, laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles and connected home gadgets.Frontier also features unlimited data caps, as well as technical support. You can also apply to receive a Visa Rewards Card through their online programs as well, depending on the promotions running when you sign up.

Best for bonus rewards

Mediacom

Mediacom boasts impressive high-speed internet ranging from 60 Mbps to a whopping 1,000 Mbps. It’s unlikely that you’ll need speeds that high; even 100 Mbps is plenty for a household of video streamers, although the extra speed is a nice buffer if you live with many online gamers. And if your home has previously had trouble maintaining those high speeds, Mediacom has you covered: Its Xtream WiFi mesh system helps eliminate dead zones.As a small redemption for its subpar customer service, Mediacom does offer a 90-day money-back guarantee. If you experience any grievances within the first 90 days of service, you may cancel your service without penalty.

Best for business internet

Charter Spectrum

Spectrum covers all of the Dallas and Fort Worth areas but with some limitations near the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. If you are a small business looking to power your company’s internet (and you’re not near the airport), then Spectrum uniquely offers Spectrum Business, with perks such as free business email accounts for all employees, as well as your own web hosting and domain services. With three plans, Spectrum Internet prices ranging from $50 to $105 and speeds ranging from 200Mbps to 940Mbps. Their plans come with no contracts, data caps, or extra fees. They include a free modem rental, free access to a nationwide network of WiFi hotspots, and security software. However, unless you request self-installation, there is an installation fee.

How we found the best internet providers in DallasWe looked at several key features when determining the best Dallas internet service providers:Coverage: What makes a good Internet service provider? More than anything, it is the range of coverage they provide, and as such, this was the number one characteristic we investigated.Value: Specific pricing, monthly contracts, speed ranges – all of these qualities add up to the overall value you search for in an Internet service provider. These concepts informed our research when looking to meet your customer needs, as the best providers will have combinations of any or all of these.Customer Satisfaction: We used customer satisfaction reports from J.D. Power to get an indication of each company’s reputation among their customer base. Typically, most internet companies do not score highly, but these votes correlate with metrics like billing, customer-to-provider communication, and service reliability.See also: Best internet provider 2021

What are the average starting prices of internet in Dallas?

Most low-end packages in the Dallas area range from $30 –  $45 a month for your first year or so, depending on the terms of the agreement. Be sure to read the fine print on the provider you choose, as several plans range from a year to two years. A number of additional characteristics often defines starting price, so make sure you meet your household’s internet needs before making a selection.

What are the internet service providers with the greatest range of service in Dallas?

AT&T, Frontier, and Spectrum currently provide the widest range of service in the Dallas area.

Looking for additional perks to your internet service provider?

Mediacom and Frontier offer Visa Rewards Cards with their online services. Feel free to follow their links for more information on these plans.

What should I look for when choosing an internet service provider?

Need help on specifics? Feel free to use our guide for all the information and guidance you need to help you choose the internet service provider best suited for your needs. More

Everything is bigger in Texas, including your range of choices for an Internet service provider. For simplicity, we have listed four of the best internet service providers in the Dallas area, ranked by what we believed to be relevant information. We looked at several key characteristics, focusing more precisely on their overall connection and download speeds, contract length, and their starting prices, as well as other key features like customer satisfaction scores.Here’s a quick breakdown of the four providers we chose:Data as of 01/22/2020.

Best for bundled services

AT&T

Why stop at just internet? If you are looking for an additional cellphone, cable, or other bonuses when considering an internet service provider, AT&T Wireless offers a number of cable packages — including DIRECTV — which starts at $89.99 / mo. for 12 months (plus taxes). Whether you are looking to provide television and internet service for your home or a variety of cell phone options for a sprawling family, AT&T offers a number of different packages to suit your digital needs. AT&T’s got the firepower to back up their offers: Their 1TB data cap generates enough data to host all the appliances you want under your plan.

Best for the most affordable starting package

Frontier Communications

Scrimpers and savers, rejoice. Frontier’s offerings are some of the cheapest starting plans around, with $27.99 a month for up to 24 months with their starter services. You can download at up to 500Mbps for $39.99 with a simple upgrade, which made Frontier one of the cheapest rates for downloading quality upgrades.Frontier’s fiber network, FiberOptic, is a great fit for your home Wi-Fi hotspot delivering download speeds up to 940Mbps that can power up the wireless internet connections for your tablets, laptops, smartphones, gaming consoles and connected home gadgets.Frontier also features unlimited data caps, as well as technical support. You can also apply to receive a Visa Rewards Card through their online programs as well, depending on the promotions running when you sign up.

Best for bonus rewards

Mediacom

Mediacom boasts impressive high-speed internet ranging from 60 Mbps to a whopping 1,000 Mbps. It’s unlikely that you’ll need speeds that high; even 100 Mbps is plenty for a household of video streamers, although the extra speed is a nice buffer if you live with many online gamers. And if your home has previously had trouble maintaining those high speeds, Mediacom has you covered: Its Xtream WiFi mesh system helps eliminate dead zones.As a small redemption for its subpar customer service, Mediacom does offer a 90-day money-back guarantee. If you experience any grievances within the first 90 days of service, you may cancel your service without penalty.

Best for business internet

Charter Spectrum

Spectrum covers all of the Dallas and Fort Worth areas but with some limitations near the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. If you are a small business looking to power your company’s internet (and you’re not near the airport), then Spectrum uniquely offers Spectrum Business, with perks such as free business email accounts for all employees, as well as your own web hosting and domain services. With three plans, Spectrum Internet prices ranging from $50 to $105 and speeds ranging from 200Mbps to 940Mbps. Their plans come with no contracts, data caps, or extra fees. They include a free modem rental, free access to a nationwide network of WiFi hotspots, and security software. However, unless you request self-installation, there is an installation fee.

How we found the best internet providers in DallasWe looked at several key features when determining the best Dallas internet service providers:Coverage: What makes a good Internet service provider? More than anything, it is the range of coverage they provide, and as such, this was the number one characteristic we investigated.Value: Specific pricing, monthly contracts, speed ranges – all of these qualities add up to the overall value you search for in an Internet service provider. These concepts informed our research when looking to meet your customer needs, as the best providers will have combinations of any or all of these.Customer Satisfaction: We used customer satisfaction reports from J.D. Power to get an indication of each company’s reputation among their customer base. Typically, most internet companies do not score highly, but these votes correlate with metrics like billing, customer-to-provider communication, and service reliability.See also: Best internet provider 2021

What are the average starting prices of internet in Dallas?

Most low-end packages in the Dallas area range from $30 –  $45 a month for your first year or so, depending on the terms of the agreement. Be sure to read the fine print on the provider you choose, as several plans range from a year to two years. A number of additional characteristics often defines starting price, so make sure you meet your household’s internet needs before making a selection.

What are the internet service providers with the greatest range of service in Dallas?

AT&T, Frontier, and Spectrum currently provide the widest range of service in the Dallas area.

Looking for additional perks to your internet service provider?

Mediacom and Frontier offer Visa Rewards Cards with their online services. Feel free to follow their links for more information on these plans.

What should I look for when choosing an internet service provider?

Need help on specifics? Feel free to use our guide for all the information and guidance you need to help you choose the internet service provider best suited for your needs. More

As America’s fastest-growing city, Austin is by no means short of internet providers. Depending on where you live in the city, more than a dozen providers may be competing for your business. We looked at all the options and found the best internet providers in Austin for their speed, reliability, price, and customer service.Here’s a breakdown of our top picks of the best internet service provider in Austin, TX:Google FiberAT&TSpectrumCenturyLinkDefining traitBest for Fiber InternetBest for BundlingMost AffordableMost FlexibilityConnection typeFiber OpticFiber OpticCableDSLDownload speeds (Mbps)1000Mbps100Mbps 300Mbps 1000Mbps100Mbps 400Mbps 940Mbps10Mbps 20Mbps 40Mbps 100Mbps 940MbpsPrices starting at$70/mo.$50/mo.$49.99/mo.$49/mo.Contract lengthNone12 months12 monthsNoneData capNoneUp to 1TB/mo.NoneUp to 1TB/mo.

Best for fiber internet

Shutterstock

Austin was one of the first cities to get Google Fiber, and the arrival was much anticipated. Google now offers the cheapest fiber optic internet plan in Austin, with a 1000Mbps plan costing just $70 per month. However, this is the only plan available, so you won’t be able to downgrade to anything cheaper through Google if you’re on a budget.Still, Google adds plenty of value to its internet plan. The service doesn’t have any data caps or throttling, and it even comes with 1TB of free cloud storage. There also aren’t any contracts required, so you won’t be locked in for 12 months (or longer) by signing up and can cancel at any time if you’re unhappy.Features:Price: $70/mo.Speed and data: 1000MbpsPlans/ packages: Internet onlyContract options: No contracts

Best for bundling

AT&T

If you plan to bundle your internet service with TV, a landline phone, or both, AT&T will give you the best value. Opt to add U-Verse TV with 180 channels to your plan for as little as $79.99 per month, or throw in a digital landline for a total of $99.98 per month. AT&T will waive its $99 installation fee if you sign up for one of these plans.AT&T is also celebrated for its dedication to customer service. The provider was awarded the top spot in the 2019 U.S. Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study from J.D. Power and received perfect five-star ratings in all areas of the study. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) also gives AT&T extremely positive ratings, ranking the provider 2nd in the United States.Features:Price: $35/mo all speeds up to 300MbpsSpeed and Data: 100Mbps, 300Mbps, or 1000MbpsPlans/Packages: Internet only, internet + TV, internet + TV + landlineContract Options: 12 months

Best for affordability

Shutterstock

Spectrum is the best option in Austin if you’re hoping to save money on your monthly internet bill. Its 200Mbps plan costs just $49.99 per month, which is double the speed that most competitors offer at the same price. However, if you’re hoping for something faster, Spectrum’s top-tier plan at 940Mbps is priced at $109.99 per month, a significantly higher pricier than the 1000Mbps fiber optic plans offered by Google and AT&T.In the J.D. Power U.S. Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study, Spectrum scored well, coming in third behind AT&T and Comcast in the Southern United States. Among the areas that Spectrum scored well in performance, reliability, and customer service.Features:Price: $49.99/mo., $69.99/mo., or $109.99/mo.Speed and data: 200Mbps, 400Mbps, or 940MbpsPlans/ packages: Internet only, internet + TV, internet + TV + landlineContract options: 12 months

Best for flexibility

Shutterstock

CenturyLink offers the most flexible internet plans in Austin in terms of speed, with five different options to choose from between 10Mbps and 940Mbps. However, all of its plans up to 100Mbps are priced the same at $49 per month, so choosing a slower speed isn’t necessarily an advantage. There are no contracts on CenturyLink plans, giving you the option to cancel anytime.One interesting feature of CenturyLink internet service is its Price for Life program. This offer protects your price as long as you retain service with the provider. Many competitors will increase prices after each 12-month contract, slowly increasing your monthly bill over time, which adds to your expenses.Features:Price: $49 mo. (all speeds up to 100Mbps) or $65/mo.Speed and data: 10Mbps, 20Mbps, 40Mbps, 100Mbps, or 940MbpsPlans/Packages: Internet onlyContract Options: No contracts

How we found the best internet provider in AustinEveryone rates internet providers differently, but we know from experience what customers look for in their service provider. Here are the key features we analyzed in our assessment:Coverage. Many internet providers in Austin only cover a small percentage of neighborhoods. Not only does this make it frustrating to find service, but it also causes problems if you move and want to transfer service. All the providers we chose offer service in most of the Austin metropolitan area.Value. When comparing providers, we looked at the overall speed and reliability of the service compared to price. We’re confident that these providers will give you the most for your money in the Austin area.Customer Satisfaction. It’s no secret that internet providers tend to score poorly in customer satisfaction ratings. We looked at ratings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power to find providers that scored better than industry averages.

Which Austin internet providers offer fiber optic internet?

Google Fiber and AT&T both offer fiber optic internet in the Austin area.

Can I bundle TV and phone service with my internet?

Yes, AT&T and Spectrum both offer packages that combine TV, landline, or both with your internet service.

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As America’s fastest-growing city, Austin is by no means short of internet providers. Depending on where you live in the city, more than a dozen providers may be competing for your business. We looked at all the options and found the best internet providers in Austin for their speed, reliability, price, and customer service.Here’s a breakdown of our top picks of the best internet service provider in Austin, TX:Google FiberAT&TSpectrumCenturyLinkDefining traitBest for Fiber InternetBest for BundlingMost AffordableMost FlexibilityConnection typeFiber OpticFiber OpticCableDSLDownload speeds (Mbps)1000Mbps300Mbps 500Mbps 1000Mbps100Mbps 400Mbps 940Mbps10Mbps 20Mbps 40Mbps 100Mbps 940MbpsPrices starting at$70/mo.$50/mo.$49.99/mo.$49/mo.Contract lengthNone12 months12 monthsNoneData capNoneUp to 1TB/mo.NoneUp to 1TB/mo.

Best for fiber internet

Shutterstock

Austin was one of the first cities to get Google Fiber, and the arrival was much anticipated. Google now offers the cheapest fiber optic internet plan in Austin, with a 1000Mbps plan costing just $70 per month. However, this is the only plan available, so you won’t be able to downgrade to anything cheaper through Google if you’re on a budget.Still, Google adds plenty of value to its internet plan. The service doesn’t have any data caps or throttling, and it even comes with 1TB of free cloud storage. There also aren’t any contracts required, so you won’t be locked in for 12 months (or longer) by signing up and can cancel at any time if you’re unhappy.Features:Price: $70/mo.Speed and data: 1000MbpsPlans/ packages: Internet onlyContract options: No contracts

Best for bundling

AT&T

If you plan to bundle your internet service with TV, a landline phone, or both, AT&T will give you the best value. Opt to add U-Verse TV with 180 channels to your plan for as little as $79.99 per month, or throw in a digital landline for a total of $99.98 per month. AT&T will waive its $99 installation fee if you sign up for one of these plans.AT&T is also celebrated for its dedication to customer service. The provider was awarded the top spot in the 2019 U.S. Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study from J.D. Power and received perfect five-star ratings in all areas of the study. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) also gives AT&T extremely positive ratings, ranking the provider 2nd in the United States.Features:Price: $35/mo all speeds up to 300MbpsSpeed and Data: 300Mbps, 500Mbps, or 1000MbpsPlans/Packages: Internet only, internet + TV, internet + TV + landlineContract Options: 12 months

Best for affordability

Shutterstock

Spectrum is the best option in Austin if you’re hoping to save money on your monthly internet bill. Its 200Mbps plan costs just $49.99 per month, which is double the speed that most competitors offer at the same price. However, if you’re hoping for something faster, Spectrum’s top-tier plan at 940Mbps is priced at $109.99 per month, a significantly higher pricier than the 1000Mbps fiber optic plans offered by Google and AT&T.In the J.D. Power U.S. Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study, Spectrum scored well, coming in third behind AT&T and Comcast in the Southern United States. Among the areas that Spectrum scored well in performance, reliability, and customer service.Features:Price: $49.99/mo., $69.99/mo., or $109.99/mo.Speed and data: 200Mbps, 400Mbps, or 940MbpsPlans/ packages: Internet only, internet + TV, internet + TV + landlineContract options: 12 months

Best for flexibility

Shutterstock

CenturyLink offers the most flexible internet plans in Austin in terms of speed, with five different options to choose from between 10Mbps and 940Mbps. However, all of its plans up to 100Mbps are priced the same at $49 per month, so choosing a slower speed isn’t necessarily an advantage. There are no contracts on CenturyLink plans, giving you the option to cancel anytime.One interesting feature of CenturyLink internet service is its Price for Life program. This offer protects your price as long as you retain service with the provider. Many competitors will increase prices after each 12-month contract, slowly increasing your monthly bill over time, which adds to your expenses.Features:Price: $49 mo. (all speeds up to 100Mbps) or $65/mo.Speed and data: 10Mbps, 20Mbps, 40Mbps, 100Mbps, or 940MbpsPlans/Packages: Internet onlyContract Options: No contracts

How we found the best internet provider in AustinEveryone rates internet providers differently, but we know from experience what customers look for in their service provider. Here are the key features we analyzed in our assessment:Coverage. Many internet providers in Austin only cover a small percentage of neighborhoods. Not only does this make it frustrating to find service, but it also causes problems if you move and want to transfer service. All the providers we chose offer service in most of the Austin metropolitan area.Value. When comparing providers, we looked at the overall speed and reliability of the service compared to price. We’re confident that these providers will give you the most for your money in the Austin area.Customer Satisfaction. It’s no secret that internet providers tend to score poorly in customer satisfaction ratings. We looked at ratings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power to find providers that scored better than industry averages.

Which Austin internet providers offer fiber optic internet?

Google Fiber and AT&T both offer fiber optic internet in the Austin area.

Can I bundle TV and phone service with my internet?

Yes, AT&T and Spectrum both offer packages that combine TV, landline, or both with your internet service.

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