Importance Score: 12 / 100 🟠
Best Internet Providers in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
For residents seeking the best internet provider in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Xfinity consistently ranks as a top choice. Praised for its extensive coverage, rapid download speeds, and attractive introductory pricing, Xfinity offers plans ranging from 400Mbps to 2,100Mbps. Starting at a competitive $35 monthly, Xfinity presents itself as a dependable and budget-friendly internet solution for the majority of households in Wilkes-Barre.
While Xfinity boasts a national presence in cable internet service, Service Electric Cable Television (SECTV) delivers superior local coverage within Wilkes-Barre. However, Xfinity generally provides greater value in areas where both providers are available due to more competitive pricing structures.
For those prioritizing affordability, Astound Broadband is a noteworthy option. Offering plans beginning at just $20 per month for speeds up to 300Mbps, Astound represents the most economical choice in the region. Availability, however, is somewhat limited. Select locations may also have access to a 2-gigabit plan for $80 monthly.
Wireless internet alternatives are available through Verizon 5G Home Internet and T-Mobile Home Internet. T-Mobile subscribers may be eligible for bundled discounts. Nevertheless, Verizon is typically favored for its broader coverage footprint, faster speeds and overall superior value proposition. Both Verizon and T-Mobile offer plans commencing at $50 and extending up to $70 per month.
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Internet Provider Comparison
| Provider | Internet Technology | Monthly Price Range | Speed Range | Monthly Equipment Costs | Data Cap | Contract | FASTNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astound Broadband | Cable | $20-$80 | 300-2,000Mbps | None | None | None | 7 |
| SECTV | Cable | $48-$168 | 200-2000Mbps | $9.5 (optional) | None | None | N/A |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | Fixed Wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans) | 87-415Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | Fixed Wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$45 with eligible mobile plans) | 50-250Mbps | None | None | None | 7.2 |
| Xfinity | Cable | $35-$95 | 400-2,100Mbps | $15 (optional) | None | 1 year with select plans (optional) | 7 |
Cheapest Internet Plans in Wilkes-Barre
| Plan | Starting Price | Max Download Speed | Monthly Equipment Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astound 300 | $20 | 300Mbps | None |
| Xfinity Connect | $35 | 400Mbps | $15 (optional) |
| Astound 600 | $30 | 600Mbps | None |
| Xfinity Connect More | $50 | 600Mbps | $15 (optional) |
| SECTV 200 | $48 | 200Mbps | $9.5 (optional) |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | $50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 85Mbps | None |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 318Mbps | None |
Finding Internet Deals and Promotions in Wilkes-Barre
Discovering the most advantageous internet deals and promotions in Wilkes-Barre hinges on current discount availability. While most offers are temporary, we diligently monitor for the newest opportunities.
Internet providers serving Wilkes-Barre, including Xfinity, frequently present reduced introductory rates or bundled streaming services for specified periods. Conversely, many providers like Service Electric Cable Television and Verizon 5G Home Internet typically maintain consistent year-round pricing.
For a comprehensive listing of current promotions, consult our guide dedicated to the best internet deals.
Fastest Internet Plans Available in Wilkes-Barre
| Plan | Starting Price | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed | Data Cap | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity Gigabit x2 | $95 | 2,100Mbps | 200Mbps | None | Cable |
| Astound 2000 | $80 | 2,000Mbps | 50Mbps | None | Cable |
| Astound 1500 | $55 | 1,500Mbps | 50Mbps | None | Cable |
| SECTV 1.5 Gig | $147 | 1,500Mbps | 40Mbps | None | Cable |
| Astound 1000 | $40 | 1,000Mbps | 20Mbps | None | Cable |
| SECTV 1 Gig | $132 | 1,000Mbps | 40Mbps | None | Cable |
| Xfinity Gigabit | $60 | 1,100Mbps | 20Mbps | None | Cable |
Understanding Good Internet Speeds
Present-day internet plans are generally sufficient for everyday online tasks such as communication and basic productivity. However, for activities like video conferencing, high-definition streaming, or online gaming, a more robust internet connection is recommended to ensure optimal performance. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has outlined recommended minimum download speeds for various online applications. It’s important to remember that these are simply guidelines and actual internet speed, service quality, and performance can fluctuate based on connection type, provider, and location.
Further details can be found in our guide on determining your ideal internet speed needs.
- 0 to 5Mbps: Suitable for basic internet usage, including web browsing, email, and standard definition video streaming.
- 5 to 40Mbps: Supports higher quality video streaming and video conferencing.
- 40 to 100Mbps: Provides adequate bandwidth for individual users engaging in telecommuting, video streaming, and online gaming.
- 100 to 500Mbps: Enables one to two users to simultaneously participate in bandwidth-intensive activities like video conferencing, streaming media, and online gaming.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps: Accommodates three or more users concurrently engaging in high-bandwidth online activities.
Methodology for Selecting Top Wilkes-Barre Internet Providers
Given the vast number of internet service providers, often operating regionally, and unlike readily testable consumer electronics, directly assessing every ISP in a specific city is not feasible. Our methodology commences with thorough research into pricing, availability, and speed metrics, drawing upon our historical ISP data, provider websites, and the FCC’s resources at FCC.gov.
Our analysis extends to verifying data accuracy via the FCC website, ensuring comprehensive consideration of all ISPs in a given service area. We also utilize provider websites to input local addresses and pinpoint specific options for residents. Customer satisfaction evaluations are derived from sources such as the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. Keep in mind that ISP plans and pricing are dynamic and subject to change; all information presented is current as of the time of publication.
Our evaluation process centers on three core inquiries:
- Does the provider furnish access to sufficiently fast internet speeds?
- Do customers receive satisfactory value relative to cost?
- Are customers generally content with the provided service?
While responses to these questions can be nuanced, providers aligning most closely with positive answers across all three criteria are those we endorse. When identifying the most economical internet service, we prioritize plans with the lowest monthly expense, while also accounting for potential price increases, equipment charges, and contract stipulations. Identifying the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We examine advertised download and upload speeds in conjunction with real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Note: Ookla is under the same parent company as FASTNET, Ziff Davis.)
For a more detailed exploration of our methodology, please visit our “how we test ISPs” page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wilkes-Barre Internet Providers
What is the best internet service provider in Wilkes-Barre?
Xfinity is identified as the best internet service provider in Wilkes-Barre. While not possessing the most extensive cable ISP availability (Service Electric) nor the absolute lowest prices (Astound), it achieves the optimal equilibrium of coverage, speed, and overall value relative to other internet options in the region.
Is fiber internet available in Wilkes-Barre?
Fiber internet accessibility in Wilkes-Barre is limited, servicing under 32% of residential addresses according to recent FCC data. Frontier is a fiber-optic internet provider in the area, however, Wilkes-Barre residents are considerably more likely to have access to their slower and less dependable DSL service.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Wilkes-Barre?
Astound technically presents the most affordable internet plan in Wilkes-Barre, priced at $20 per month for download speeds reaching 300Mbps. However, its availability is restricted. Xfinity has wider availability in Wilkes-Barre and offers aggressively priced plans across all speed tiers, including their entry-level plan starting at $35 monthly for speeds up to 400Mbps.
Which internet provider in Wilkes-Barre offers the fastest plan?
Xfinity’s Gigabit x2 plan and Astound’s 2-gig plan represent the most rapid internet options in Wilkes-Barre, priced at $95 and $80 per month, respectively. Service Electric, a local cable ISP, features a gigabit plan delivering speeds of 1,000Mbps download and 40Mbps upload, but at a higher cost compared to Xfinity’s 2-gigabit or Astound’s 1.5-gigabit plans.