These are some of the main decisions someone intending to search the internet in Raleigh NC needs to make on internet providers. Leading local firms include Spectrum, CenturyLink, EarthLink, Frontier, AT&T, HughesNet, Brightspeed, and T-Mobile.
Spectrum is a cable internet service provider that deals with internet speeds going up to 1000 Mbps for download. They offer it with no restrictions on the usage of data and free modem. Spectrum also has a contract buyout promotion for newcomers from competing services. CenturyLink offers DSL and fiber broadband with speeds of 20-940 Mbps down; the provision depends on clients’ location and the plan available. They also organize cheap offers with finer printing that bundle a monthly rate with a price-for-life guarantee. At present, EarthLink does not own a network but offers internet service through the use of DSL infrastructure from other sources. These speeds are offered in the range of 1.5Mbps-15Mbps.
Frontier Communications offers both DSL and fiber internet, with download speeds of 50 Mbps – 500 Mbps in sections of Raleigh. Some Raleigh households can access fiber-optic internet connection from AT&T with data transfer rates of up to 1Gbps down. For locations where the fiber option is unavailable, they offer internet over phone lines with bandwidth 6-100Mbps down. HughesNet is a satellite provider service in Raleigh, the carrier offers 25 Mbps download speed on their plans.
Shortly, it is expected that Brightspeed serve Raleigh with fiber internet service. The targets represent the fiber speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second down but with low latency. Currently, T-Mobile offers 5G home Internet in some locations with average download speeds of 5G on the map ranging from 33 Mbps to 182 Mbps. This wireless home internet does not restrict data limits. There are several types of infrastructure across the Raleigh region, which enables those in the area to select their best ISP and subscription that will meet their connectivity requirements. He said that the comparison of all the available options is the best way to choose the service.
Outranking areas like Irvine, California, San Antonio, and Raleigh often rank at the top of Ookla's Speedtest.net list (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as, Ziff Davis) for internet speeds among the 100 most populous cities in the US. Although Ookla notes Google Fiber as the fastest choice available in the city, based on sources AT&T Fiber is the best overall internet provider in Raleigh because of its broad coverage.
That said, people have options besides fiber. While Spectrum's cable internet spans the area, covering locations where fiber may not reach, both AT&T Fiber and Google Fiber provide extensive coverage in Raleigh and surrounding cities. This is our reference to the top Raleigh internet providers to assist you in selecting the correct one for your requirements. Fiber is the route to go if you're looking for Raleigh's top internet. Covering a robust 69.3 percent of the region, AT&T Fiber provides speeds up to a shockingly 5 Gbps. Plans start at $55 a month, hence they are a perfect option for those seeking speed without going broke. Google Fiber, covering 43.5 percent of Raleigh, is another choice. Should you fall within its coverage range, rates begin at $70 a month and speeds reach 8 Gbps. If you want lightning-fast internet, it is well worth thinking about.
For those who would rather have cable, Spectrum is a close rival. Covering 93.3 percent of the city, it provides pricing as low as $49.99 per month and speeds up to 1 Gbps. For most homes, that is good coverage and speed.
Should you be inclined to physically cut the cord, 5G home internet is another choice. Starting at $50 per month, Verizon 5G Home Internet boasts 46.6 percent coverage in Raleigh. Another decent choice is EarthLink, which provides 5G home internet with 64 percent coverage and monthly subscriptions beginning at $39.95.
If DSL is your speed, AT&T Internet has plans beginning at $60 per month and covers 86.6 percent of Raleigh with speeds up to 100 Mbps. In places without fiber or cable, this is a dependable substitute.
Fastest Internet Providers in Raleigh, NC
- Google Fiber is the fastest option available in Raleigh, offering symmetrical speeds up to 8 Gbps. It is well-reviewed for its performance and pricing structure, starting at $70 per month with no contracts or hidden fees.
- AT&T Fiber provides impressive speeds up to 5 Gbps, with plans starting at $145 per month. It covers a significant portion of the city and is highly rated for customer satisfaction.
- EarthLink also offers fiber internet with speeds up to 5 Gbps, making it a competitive choice for residents looking for high-speed options.
- Spectrum, a widely available cable provider, offers speeds up to 1 Gbps, making it a reliable choice for many households.
- For those interested in wireless options, T-Mobile Home Internet provides speeds up to 245 Mbps, appealing to users who prefer a non-cable solution.
- Satellite internet options include Starlink, which offers speeds up to 220 Mbps, and both Viasat and HughesNet, providing maximum speeds of up to 150 Mbps and 100 Mbps, respectively.
Home Internet Providers in Raleigh, NC
- Google Fiber is the fastest option available in Raleigh, offering speeds up to 8 Gbps. It provides symmetrical speeds and competitive pricing starting at $70 per month, with no contracts or hidden fees.
- AT&T Fiber offers impressive speeds up to 5 Gbps, with plans starting as low as $55 per month. It has extensive coverage throughout the city, making it a reliable choice for many residents.
- EarthLink also provides high-speed fiber internet with maximum speeds of up to 5 Gbps, starting at $39.95 per month, appealing to those looking for affordable yet fast options.
- Spectrum, a major cable provider, delivers speeds up to 1 Gbps, covering approximately 93% of Raleigh, making it widely accessible.
- For those interested in wireless options, T-Mobile Home Internet offers speeds up to 245 Mbps, suitable for users who prefer a non-cable solution.
- Satellite internet options include Starlink, which provides speeds up to 220 Mbps, and both Viasat and HughesNet, offering maximum speeds of up to 150 Mbps and 100 Mbps, respectively.
- Verizon's 5G home internet service offers speeds up to 1 Gbps, providing another option for residents seeking high-speed connectivity.
Internet Providers in Raleigh, NC: A Comprehensive Guide
In the bustling capital of North Carolina, Raleigh, the need for reliable and fast internet service is paramount for both residents and businesses alike. Known for its tech-savvy population and as part of the Research Triangle, Raleigh has several internet service providers (ISPs) vying to offer the best services. Here's a detailed look at the key players in the Raleigh internet market.
1. Spectrum (Charter Communications)
Spectrum is one of the largest providers in Raleigh, offering cable internet with speeds that can reach up to 940 Mbps in some areas.
Pros:
• Wide availability across Raleigh.
• No data caps, which are ideal for streaming and gaming.
• Bundle options for TV, internet, and phone services.
Cons:
• Customer service experiences can be mixed.
• Price increases after promotional periods.
Spectrum's plans are particularly appealing to those who consume a lot of online content or work from home due to the lack of data caps.
2. AT&T
AT&T provides both DSL and fiber-optic internet services in Raleigh, with the latter offering speeds up to 1 Gbps.
Pros:
• Fiber option provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, great for telecommuting and content creators.
• Reliable service with various bundling options.
Cons:
• Fiber availability is limited compared to DSL.
• DSL speeds can be significantly slower and might not suffice for heavy internet users.
AT&T's fiber service is a top choice for those who can get it, offering one of the fastest residential internet speeds available.
3. Google Fiber
Google Fiber has made its mark in Raleigh with its ultra-fast internet service.
Pros:
• Extremely fast speeds with 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps options.
• No data caps or contracts.
• Includes a robust Wi-Fi system.
Cons:
• Limited availability; not all areas in Raleigh are covered yet.
• Installation can be a lengthy process due to infrastructure needs.
Google Fiber is ideal for tech enthusiasts and households with multiple devices requiring high-speed internet.
4. Frontier Communications
Frontier offers both DSL and fiber in Raleigh, though its fiber service, known as FiOS, is less widespread than its DSL.
Pros:
• Competitive pricing for fiber where available.
• No data caps on their fiber service.
Cons:
• DSL service can be slow and less reliable than cable or fiber.
• Mixed reviews on customer service.
Frontier can be a good choice for budget-conscious consumers where fiber is available.
5. Windstream (Kinetic by Windstream)
Windstream provides DSL and is expanding its fiber network in Raleigh.
Pros:
• Expanding fiber coverage with competitive speeds.
• Good for rural or less urban areas where other high-speed options might not reach.
Cons:
• DSL speeds vary greatly by location.
• Customer service reputation varies.
Windstream is often considered by those in areas where other providers have less coverage or for those looking for an alternative to the major players.
Choosing the Right Provider:
When selecting an internet provider in Raleigh, consider the following:
1. Speed Requirements: Determine what you need based on your online activities. Streaming in 4K, gaming, or running a home business might require higher speeds.
2. Availability: Not all services are available everywhere. Check which providers service your specific address.
3. Bundling: If you need more than just internet, consider providers that offer bundles with TV or phone services for potential savings.
4. Contract and Pricing: Look out for introductory rates that spike after a year or two. Also, understand the contract terms.
5. Customer Service: Given that you might need technical support or have billing questions, the provider's customer service reputation can be crucial.
6. Data Caps: If you consume a lot of data, opt for services without data caps to avoid overage charges.
Conclusion
Raleigh's internet landscape is competitive, offering residents various options from traditional cable and DSL to cutting-edge fiber optics. Each provider has its strengths, and the best choice depends on individual needs like speed, budget, and specific location within the city. Always remember to read the fine print, understand promotional versus regular rates, and check for the latest reviews on customer service. With this guide, residents of Raleigh can make an informed decision to stay connected in this digital age.