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Finding the Top Internet Service Provider in Florida
Seeking the best internet provider in Florida? Our team of broadband specialists has assessed the leading broadband providers in Florida to assist you in selecting the ideal service for your requirements. From DSL to fixed wireless and fiber optic connections, the array of internet options in Florida offers a wide spectrum of both affordability and speed. AT&T Fiber stands out as the premier overall internet service provider in Florida, recognized for its budget-friendly plans and rapid speeds. Plans begin at $55 and can reach $245 per month. However, availability may vary depending on your specific location within the state.
Optimal Internet Choices in Florida
Rural Internet Options in Florida
| Provider | Connection Type | Price Range | Speed Range | Data Cap | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CenturyLink | DSL | $55 | 15-140Mbps | None | Select metro areas in the panhandle and peninsula |
| Kinetic by Windstream | DSL | $25-$100 | 50-2,000Mbps | None | Northern peninsula |
| Mediacom | Cable | $20-$60 | 250-1,000Mbps | None | Panhandle |
| Open Broadband | Fiber/Fixed Wireless | $80 | 50-100Mbps | None | Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties |
| Rapid Systems | Fixed Wireless | $39-$160 | 10-250Mbps | None | Extensive area around Tampa |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | Fixed Wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$55 for eligible mobile customers) | 87-415Mbps | None | 5G coverage across large areas of Florida |
Source: FASTNET analysis of provider data.
Satellite internet offers near-universal availability, even in remote regions, but you might discover other options for your rural residence. Fiber connections might be limited, and cable can also be scarce. For wired internet in rural areas, DSL from providers such as AT&T Internet or CenturyLink—our top pick for rural internet nationwide—may be your most viable choice. While DSL speeds might not be the fastest, they are generally quicker and more economical than other alternatives.
Fixed wireless serves as an option for households lacking wired internet access. Explore if T-Mobile Home Internet, which has been expanding its rural presence, or Verizon 5G Home Internet serves your address. Additionally, consider smaller, local providers. For instance, Rapid Systems delivers fixed wireless to 11 Florida counties, including parts of Valrico and Bradenton, with plans commencing at $49 monthly. Open Broadband, concentrating on underserved regions in the southeastern US, provides service to several Florida counties with plans beginning at $50 for 25Mbps.
Florida is anticipated to gain more rural internet choices due to government funding and grants. In June 2023, Comcast unveiled strategies to broaden its Xfinity 10G network to 25 rural locations within the state.
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Consult the Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Map and input your address to determine which ISPs offer service in your area. You might discover a local provider previously unknown to you. If all else fails, satellite internet options from Starlink, Viasat, or Hughesnet remain available, with Hughesnet being our recommendation based on cost-effectiveness. Here’s a comparison of the top satellite internet providers.
Internet Service Breakdown by Florida City
Analyzing broadband options for an entire state while dedicating sufficient attention to individual cities can be challenging. Therefore, we also assemble listings of leading internet providers in cities across the US, including those in Florida. We delve into specifics such as internet connection types, maximum speeds, most affordable providers, and more. Revisit this section to check for your town if it’s not currently listed. We are continually expanding city coverage each week.
Florida Broadband Availability Overview
According to FCC guidelines, a broadband connection must deliver download speeds of at least 100Mbps and upload speeds of at least 20Mbps. Florida’s data from 2022 indicates that 88.8% of households statewide have access to broadband internet, although some counties exhibit better connectivity than others. Clay County, part of the Jacksonville metropolitan area, reached approximately 94% access, while Hamilton County, in the northernmost part of the state, only attained 73.9%. Examining Florida’s data trends since 2017, there’s been a consistent upward trend in broadband availability throughout the state.
Fiber internet, celebrated for its dependability, upload performance, and rapid downloads, has yet to reach 100% coverage across Florida. FCC records reveal that roughly 92.8% of residences can access fiber speeds up to 250Mbps, and only 47% can attain gigabit speeds or faster. The areas with the most extensive fiber coverage are concentrated around major metropolitan centers like Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami. This is a crucial factor if you are considering relocating to Florida and require fiber connectivity for professional tasks or gaming. AT&T Fiber is a significant ISP in Florida, but Frontier Fiber is also present in the Tampa region.
Florida Broadband Speed Analysis
FCC figures indicate that over 93% of Florida residences can access fixed broadband speeds of at least 250Mbps, but this percentage decreases to 52% for speeds of 1,000Mbps or higher. Expectedly, the largest metropolitan centers boast the highest speed options; therefore, if you require a very fast connection for work or entertainment, focus on major cities such as Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami.
Comparing Florida to the national landscape, Ookla’s Speedtest data positions Florida favorably in fixed broadband, ranking third nationally, closely following Rhode Island and Connecticut. Ookla also evaluates internet speeds for the 100 most populous US cities. Hialeah secures 25th place, and Jacksonville ranks 27th. Other Florida metro areas, including Tampa (50th), Miami (87th), and Orlando (59th), rank lower, indicating potential for improvement in Florida’s overall broadband performance. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as FASTNET, Ziff Davis.)
For rapid internet in Florida, fiber optic technology leads the way. AT&T Fiber provides substantial availability across the state, although coverage can be inconsistent on a statewide map. AT&T offers speeds up to 5,000Mbps in select areas. Other fiber competitors include CenturyLink’s Quantum Fiber and Frontier Fiber. Recent federal and state investments in broadband infrastructure are designed to expand fiber’s reach throughout the state.
Florida Internet Pricing
Standard starting prices for home internet often hover around $50 per month, but some providers offer lower introductory rates, often as promotional offers or contractual agreements for new subscribers. Xfinity notably presents a $35-per-month Connect plan for 150Mbps service, albeit as a one-year promotional price. Existing T-Mobile or Verizon mobile customers, or those planning to become customers, may qualify for significantly discounted home internet, potentially as low as $35 monthly.
Additional strategies exist to reduce your internet expenses. Begin by realistically assessing your speed requirements. If your primary activities involve streaming and online shopping, a premium $245 per month, 5,000Mbps AT&T Fiber plan is likely unnecessary. A slower, more economical plan will suffice. While switching ISPs might be inconvenient, the cost savings can be substantial. Compare pricing among providers, especially when your current promotional period ends and prices escalate. Explore various methods to economize on your internet bill.
FASTNET’s Methodology for Selecting Top Florida Internet Providers
The internet service provider market is extensive and geographically diverse. Unlike consumer electronics, assessing every ISP in a given city is not feasible through direct testing. Our approach begins with leveraging a proprietary database encompassing pricing, availability, and speed metrics, compiled from historical ISP datasets, partner information, and FCC.gov mapping data.
Furthermore, we utilize the FCC’s website to validate our data and ensure comprehensive consideration of every ISP in a service area. We also utilize address inputs on provider websites to determine specific options for residents. We consult sources such as the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power to gauge customer satisfaction with ISP services. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information presented is accurate as of the publication date.
With localized data compiled, we address three fundamental questions:
- Does the provider offer access to adequately fast internet speeds?
- Do customers receive reasonable value for their expenditure?
- Are customers satisfied with the service provided?
The answers to these inquiries are often multifaceted. Providers demonstrating strong performance across all three criteria are those we endorse. When identifying the most affordable internet service, we prioritize plans with the lowest monthly charges, while also accounting for factors such as price increases, equipment fees, and contract terms. Selecting the fastest internet service is relatively direct; we evaluate advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed measurements from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
For a detailed examination of our methodology, please visit our how we test ISPs page.
Broadband Future in Florida
The outlook for Florida broadband is promising. Significant federal funding is allocated to enhance internet infrastructure. In December 2022, Florida secured $248 million to connect approximately 48,400 households and businesses currently lacking high-speed internet access. This amount is significantly bolstered by an upcoming $1.7 billion investment via the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program, part of the federal Infrastructure Act.
Florida’s Broadband Opportunity Program actively promotes broadband expansion. A notable announcement in May 2023 detailed $60 million in awards for 22 projects statewide. These funds support diverse initiatives, including fiber-optic cable installation in counties such as Bradford, Marion, Highlands, and Santa Rosa, and fixed wireless coverage expansion in rural areas. As these projects progress, increased access to fast, reliable, and affordable internet will become available in more rural and underserved communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Internet Providers
Does Florida have good internet?
According to Ookla’s Speedtest data, Florida ranks 3rd among states in internet speed, but this is only part of the picture. If “good internet” equates to high speeds, then the answer is conditionally yes. FCC data shows that over 52% of Florida households can achieve speeds of at least 1,000Mbps, while over 93% can access speeds of at least 250Mbps.
Does Florida have fiber internet?
For optimal fiber internet access, living in a major metropolitan area is advisable. AT&T Fiber offers significant coverage along the eastern coastline, but they are not the sole fiber ISP within the state. Explore Hotwire, Quantum Fiber from CenturyLink, or Frontier Fiber as alternative possibilities, depending on your location.
What’s the best internet in Florida?
If you reside in an area serviced by AT&T Fiber or another fiber provider, it should be your primary consideration when assessing speeds and pricing. AT&T Fiber’s straightforward pricing and affordable entry-level 300Mbps plan at $55 per month position it as our top-recommended ISP. If fiber is not accessible, explore cable options such as Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cox for speeds exceeding DSL alternatives.