Networking

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

ZDNet Recommends More

There are few places in the country changing at the speed of Seattle. According to The Seattle Times, its population grew 18.7% from 2010 – 2018, making it the fastest-growing city in the U.S. over that time. Along with the growth, the city wants to ensure that technology and infrastructure can keep up.Several internet providers serve the Seattle area to provide connectivity to everyone. The city of Seattle wants to make technology accessible to all as well, offering programs that provide discounted smartphones and free computer access. And residents who cannot afford home broadband service may qualify for low-cost internet access for as little as $10 per month through a city program. Take a closer look at the best Seattle internet providers.Let’s see how the top contenders in Seattle compare:CenturyLinkFrontier FiberWave BroadbandXfinityDefining traitBest Long-Term DealBest Speed OptionsBest Local ProviderBest BundlesConnection typeFiber and DSLFiberFiberBroadband CableDownload speeds (Mbps)100Mbps940Mbps50Mbps500Mbps940Mbps100Mbps1000Mbps (1GB)25Mbps300Mbps600Mbps1000Mbps (1GB)Prices starting at$49 per month for life$29.99 per month$69.95 per month*$29.99 per monthContract lengthNone24 monthsNone12 monthsData capNoneNone100Mbps plan, limited to 400GB data cap1000Mbps plan, unlimited data, although speed is throttled after 2TB1TB per month to unlimited, depending on the internet service plan

Best long-term deal

CenturyLink Internet

CenturyLink offers unique internet services to Seattle customers. When you sign up for a plan, they’ll guarantee the same price “for life.” The Price For Life plan locks in your monthly price as long as you keep your plan current. Here’s more of what CenturyLink has to offer in Seattle.Features:Price: Two high-speed internet plans of $49 and $65 per month are available. Either are guaranteed for as long as you keep the plan through the Price For Life offer.Speed and data: CenturyLink’s $49 internet service plan provides speeds of up to 100Mbps. Or you can opt for 940Mbps download and upload speeds in the higher-priced plan.Plans/ packages: Add unlimited local and nationwide calling to the 100Mbps internet plan for $85 per month.Contract options: CenturyLink won’t require you to sign a long-term contract, but they do guarantee the price of your service plan as long as you keep it.

Best speed options

Frontier Communications

Frontier Fiber is available in downtown Seattle and Bellevue, Edmonds, Kirkland, Bothell, Lynnwood, Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, and Redmond.Features:Price: Frontier has three pricing tiers of $29.99, $39.99 and $74.99 per month.Speed and data: Frontier doesn’t cap data in any of its three internet plans, which come with 50Mbps for the $29.99 per month plan, followed by 500Mbps and 1000Mbps (1GB) speeds.Plans/ packages: The Double Plan includes 500/500Mbps Internet and FiOS TV (Basic) for $64.98 per month and the Triple Plan with Voice, Gig Connection internet and FiOS TV (Basic) for $109.98 per month.Contract options: To lock in the best price, Frontier FiOS requires a 24-month contract.

Best local provider

Wave Broadband

For an internet provider that knows all about the Seattle neighborhood you live in, Wave Broadband is a great choice. Wave offers local customer support 24/7 to provide help anytime you need. Wave also has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy, you can cancel the service and receive a refund within the 30-day limit with no obligations.Features:Price: Wave offers two service plans — High Speed 100 Internet is regularly $69.95 per month, and GigaBit Internet is $99.95 per month. The internet provider has specials as low as $19.95 per month for the first six months for new subscribers.Speed and data: Expect speeds of 100 Mbps when you sign up for the High Speed 100 Internet plan and 1000Mbps with the GigaBit Internet plan.Plans/ packages: You can create a TV bundle starting at $19.95/mo for six months besides the two internet plans. Add equipment, such as TiVo Streaming DVR to personalize your TV bundle.Contract options: Wave doesn’t lock customers into contracts. You can cancel at any time.

Best options

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Xfinity Comcast delivers cable internet to much of the Greater Seattle area, including downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Renton, Vashon and Kent.Features:Price: Internet prices start at $29.99 per month for the Performance Starter Plus plan. You’ll get 25Mbps download speeds and can add a Flex 4K streaming device for free.Speed and data: Xfinity claims the Performance Starter Plus plan’s 25Mbps is enough for one to two individuals online at once. Data is capped to 1TB per month.Plans/ packages: Xfinity bundles high-speed Internet at various speeds from 25Mbps to 1000Mbps with phone service and cable TV for $34.99 to $159.99 per month, depending on the cable channels.Contract options: Internet service comes with a 12-month contract, while cable TV requires a 24-month commitment.

How we found the best internet provider in SeattleWe analyzed several companies to find the best internet companies in Seattle. Some of the key features we examined are:Coverage: Seattle and its suburbs are growing every day. We focused on internet providers with a wide coverage area to ensure that the plans and offers reviewed are available to most Seattle residents.Value: We weighed features such as speeds, data caps, bundles available and contract lengths to determine which internet providers in Seattle provide customers with the most value for the monthly price.Customer Satisfaction. Consumer satisfaction ratings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power are an important part of the decision-making process on which services and products are the best. While internet service provider ratings are mediocre across the board, we analyzed each internet provider individually by comparing the company to industry averages.Seattle Internet FAQ

How much download speed do I need to stream music and movies?

The speed you need for streaming depends on how many people will be streaming at once in your household. A service plan of 1000Mbps would be ideal to avoid lag times, although 100Mbps could work if more than one device isn’t streaming high-definition movies.

How fast is internet service in Seattle?

Seattle residents are in luck — fiber is available in most neighborhoods. Many in the area are likely to have access to high-speed internet service as fast as 1000 Mbps (1Gbps).

Is fiber internet faster than broadband cable?

Yes, fiber is faster than broadband cable. Fiber-optic cable can carry more data faster and straight to your home. Broadband cable is shared with your neighbors — the more neighbors online, the slower your speed is likely to be. More

DISH Network Internet offers consumers the ability to bundle their TV package with high-speed internet plans from one of their partners. As a satellite company, it made sure to include a satellite internet option, which caters to those who live in more remote areas that do not have access to DSL, cable or fiber. Not sure what to expect? Let us break it down for you with our DISH internet review. The ClaimDISH promises the best satellite TV and internet package in the industry, saying, “Not only do we have great internet available where you live, but we also have the best TV in the industry — all at a price the competition can’t touch.” On its internet performance specifically, DISH claims, “Connections are reliable, installation is professional, and customer support is available 24/7.”Is it true?Sort of.DISH’s internet performance is tough to gauge because your location will determine whether you’re connected with Frontier or Viasat. DISH claims that up to 100+ Mbps is available with these options, but again, that is entirely dependent on location. While Frontier offers DSL and fiber-optic service and claims to offer high speeds, reliable network, and the capability to support multiple devices, it is less available and less reliable depending on where you are located. For those in the right spot, it’s a great option. For more remote areas, Viasat’s satellite internet may be the best option. It may be slower than DSL or fiber, but Viasat’s unlimited rural internet data plans are a good deal.DISH’s internet partners scored high in our lists of the best high-speed internet providers and the best cheap internet service.DISH does have a reputable installation service. Customers are given a 75-minute window for when your technician will arrive, and you can track the exact time on DISH’s website. The provider’s customer support is indeed some of the best in the business, as well: Support is available 24/7, and DISH was the only internet provider to receive a five-star rating from J.D. Power in customer service.Product OverviewBest for

People who require higher speeds (DISH via HughesNet) or higher data limits (DISH via Viasat)Not forHigh volume data users as well as users who prefer multiple HD or 4K streamsDISH via HughesNetDISH via ViasatPrice per monthStarts at $27.99Starts at $50Standout featuresHigh speedsHigh data limitsStates served29 states50 statesData plansUnlimitedUnlimitedAverage download speedsUp to 940 MbpsUp to 100 MbpsContract length2 years2 yearsCustomer ServiceInternet service providers are some of the least-liked companies globally, and their customer satisfaction is notoriously low. Surprisingly, DISH bucks this trend. In 2019, J.D. Power awarded DISH Network the highest in overall customer satisfaction. And DISH Network reviews tend to be positive. But your experience with the internet customer service may be different since Frontier has some of the lowest scores in J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction study, and Viasat’s users are not particularly happy with their service either.No overage feesBoth Frontier and Viasat offer unlimited data in their DISH Network plans. This is good news for those not wanting to get caught with an unexpected overage fee at the end of the month.Possible DrawbacksSlowing satellite speedsIn general, satellite speeds are slowing down significantly. In a 2016 study (the most recent available), the FCC collected nationwide information on internet service provider speeds. It found that satellite speeds over the past years took a huge hit, while almost all other internet service options remained flat. The report states that Viasat’s went down from 107% to 71%.” The FCC concluded that this was the result of more homes using satellite internet, thus slowing down speeds nationwide.The Competition   The Competition:DISH via HughesNetDISH via ViasatVerizon 4G LTEFixed wirelessPrice per monthStarts at $27.99Starts at $50Starts at $60Starts at $60Data plansUnlimited10 GB20 GB30 GB50 GBUnlimited500 MB2 GB4 GB5 GB8 GBGo UnlimitedBeyond UnlimitedAbove UnlimitedUnlimitedMaximum speeds940 Mbps100 Mbps12 Mbps1-1,000 MbpsStates served29505050DISH vs Verizon 4G LTEA cell carrier is an unlikely challenger to satellite or fixed internet. For those willing to get creative and opt for a hotspot, this is undoubtedly an option. Verizon leads the pack of 4G LTE providers, and, like satellite internet, its coverage can reach almost every corner of the country. Verizon offers two ways to use its 4G LTE service on non-mobile devices: You can designate your cell phone as a hotspot and tether your other devices to it (like gaming systems, tablets, and laptops), or you can buy a mobile hotspot from Verizon, which costs anywhere between $20 and $100. The benefit of this is that you won’t have to pay for the additional TV service that you would with DISH.Unfortunately, speeds and data limits for 4G Mobile Broadband providers are generally on the lower end. Verizon offers anywhere between 5 and 12 Mbps on its 4G LTE plan, slower than Frontier and roughly on par with Viasat. Users will find themselves feeling less frustrated opting for a more traditional internet option.DISH vs Fixed wirelessAnother popular option for homes in rural areas is fixed wireless internet, which beams data from an access point, like a mounted tower, to a reception device. These are usually small dishes or antennas installed on the outside of your home. The primary benefit to fixed wireless internet is that data caps tend to be much higher than with satellite internet, with many plans offering truly unlimited service. Activities like streaming HD video and online gaming tend to eat up the most data, so fixed wireless may be the best option for you if these are some of your primary activities.Speed is dependent on which internet partner you choose and where you are located. The speeds will vary, but overall, if Frontier is in a viable area for you, that seems to be the option with the fastest response and download speed. If you want to learn more about service options available, check out our article about the different types of internet connections. DISH Network Satellite Internet FAQ

Should I go with DISH for satellite TV?

Whether you get service from HughesNet or Viasat ultimately depends on where you live, but either one means bundling with a DISH TV plan. If you’re more interested in satellite TV than the internet, it’s worth noting that there are better options out there. While DIRECTV — the other major satellite TV company — has better packages and channel offerings, DISH stands out with unique features. DISH offers users access to over 80 000 on-demand titles at no extra charge, and its DVR capabilities are premium by being able to hold 2000 hours of content at a time.

What should I know about the two-year contract?

It is essential to understand what you are signing up for when you opt for a contract. Users who sign the contract ensure that they have a lower promotional price in exchange for agreeing to be with that package for two years — similar to a contracted phone plan.  Once the contract ends, the price will go up, and should you want to end your contract early; there are charges involved with doing so. While not ideal, this is on par with other internet providers: Both Viasat and Frontier require two-year minimum contracts.

Should I choose Frontier or Viasat?

Which provider DISH partners with depends on your location, so you won’t have a choice which provider you get if you opt to bundle with DISH’s satellite TV. But if you’re only after internet service and either of these providers is sold independently in your area, it’s worth checking out. If Frontier is available in your area, we recommend it because of the significantly higher average download speeds they have over Viasat. Otherwise, their packages offer similar perks. 

The Bottom LineWith its slower speeds and data limits, satellite internet should really only be considered if you live in a rural area without broadband access. DISH is best for customers looking for a complete internet and TV package (since you can only access DISH’s satellite internet by bundling it with a TV package). Suppose you’re only after basic web browsing and occasional video streaming. In that case, you’re unlikely to be disappointed with DISH’s top-notch customer service ratings, fairly reliable speeds, and unique TV bundling options. More

(Image: Shutterstock)We rarely think about keeping time. As Chicago sang in the 60s, “Does anyone really know what time it is? Does anyone really care?” But, technically, we care a lot. 

Open Source

Our technology can’t work worth a darn if the Network Time Protocol (NTP) isn’t keeping our servers and PCs coordinated with one another. Without it, backups would fail, financial transactions would go awry, and many fundamental network services wouldn’t work. To help with these issues, Facebook started making its internet clocks more accurate in 2020. Now, the social media giant is open-sourcing its technology, Time Appliances Project (TAP), and enabling anyone to turn a commodity server into a reliable NTP time appliance.Today, Facebook uses a multi-layered time server architecture to keep time. It’s made up of satellites with precise atomic clocks at the top. Facebook’s own atomic clocks sync with one of these, forming the second layer. These atomic clocks and their brethren make up the internet’s primary time-keepers: Stratum-0 devices. Below those are the stratum-1 timekeepers, which bridge the gap between atomic clocks and networked computer clocks. These then connect with everything else needing accurate timekeeping using NTP.Facebook — instead of relying on ntpd, NTP’s widely used reference implementation — to synchronize clocks, it uses chrony another NTP implementation of the NTP, and Extended NTP. To be exact, Facebook is using the IEEE 1588 Precision Timing Protocol (PTP) to create a PTP profile for data center applications and network infrastructure. The bottom line is that Facebook times are in the more accurate microseconds instead of the more commonly used milliseconds. Now, you may think: “Who cares?” Cue that song again. But, actually, you should care. As Oleg Obleukhov, Facebook’s TAP overseer, pointed out: “For your microwave, really, it doesn’t matter that much. But time precision, on a day-to-day basis, is extremely important for other services. A one-second difference doesn’t make much of a difference for a human, but imagine all the transactions that can happen in a data center in the same amount of time.”

Today, most companies rely on public NTP pools such as time.facebook.com to act as their stratum clocks. But, when your internet connection goes down, so does your ability to keep time with all your other remote servers and services. To remove these dependencies, Facebook is releasing a new dedicated piece of Open Compute Project hardware: The Time Appliance. This consists of a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver and a miniaturized atomic clock. With this, even without the internet or a reliable GNSS connection, your machines will keep accurate time. Now, there’s nothing new about this idea. There have been many proprietary time appliances. But they are “proprietary.” They have tended to be expensive, hard to maintain, and even harder to keep secure. By open-sourcing TAP, the new Facebook board avoids these problems.With the Time Appliance card, Facebook has found it can, even without a GNSS connection, keep accurate time within 1 microsecond per 24 hours. So, all you need do is install its time card on any ordinary x86 computer with a free PCIe slot running Linux kernel 5.15 or newer since it includes a time card driver. You can also build it from code with the Linux kernel 5.12 or newer.The Time Appliance Project GitHub repository includes the specs, schematics, mechanics, bill of materials (BoM), and the source code. In short, if you can deal with printing the printed circuit board (PCB) and soldering teeny-tiny components, you can build your own time card for a fraction of the cost of a regular-time appliance. Or, if you’re a bit of a klutz — guilty — Facebook has worked with Orolia to offer pre-made time cards, as well as NVIDIA, which is selling the precision timing-capable ConnectX-6 Dx and the precision timing-capable BlueField-2 DPU.The Open Time Server specification gives you all the information you need on how to combine the hardware and software into your own Time Appliance. Enjoy!Related Stories: More