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Top Internet Providers in North Carolina: FASTNET’s Expert Recommendations
For residents of North Carolina seeking reliable and high-speed internet service, FASTNET’s broadband specialists recommend Spectrum as the premier internet service provider. Spectrum stands out due to its fast download speeds, extensive coverage area across North Carolina, and competitive pricing plans. While Spectrum delivers service to numerous locations throughout the state, it’s important to note that alternative providers are available, especially for those residing outside of Spectrum’s service footprint.
Google Fiber leads the way in delivering the fastest internet speeds in North Carolina. Ideal for users demanding unparalleled performance, Google Fiber offers speeds reaching up to 8,000Mbps. This premium speed tier comes at a higher price point compared to typical internet services, but it caters to users with significant bandwidth needs. However, Google Fiber’s availability is currently limited to select urban centers such as Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham. For residents in more rural regions, options such as local fiber optic providers and fixed wireless internet, like T-Mobile Home Internet, present viable alternatives. Furthermore, AT&T Fiber provides access to exceptionally fast connections, offering speeds up to 5,000 Mbps in certain areas of North Carolina.
Navigating North Carolina’s Best Internet Service Providers
North Carolina boasts some of the fastest internet speeds in the nation, accommodating activities from online gaming to streaming movies and remote work. While fiber internet from AT&T and Google is primarily concentrated in Charlotte and the Research Triangle region, North Carolinians have access to a diverse range of internet connection types. Due to its widespread availability across the state, coupled with fast speeds and straightforward pricing structures, Spectrum is recognized as the best overall internet provider in North Carolina. Internet options can vary based on specific locations within the state, but universal access to online connectivity is assured, even if it necessitates utilizing satellite internet services in some areas.
Rural Internet Options in North Carolina
| Provider | Connection Type | Price Range | Speed Range | Data Cap | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brightspeed | DSL | $50 | Up to 100Mbps | None | Eastern part of the state |
| Brightspeed Fiber | Fiber | $49-$89 | 200-2,000Mbps | None | Eastern part of the state |
| Hughesnet | Satellite | $75-$90 ($25 discount for first 12 months) | 50-100Mbps | 100-200GB | Entire state |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible phone plans) | 87-415Mbps | None | Entire state |
| Viasat | Satellite | $100 | 25-150Mbps | 850GB | Entire state |
Broadband Landscape in North Carolina: An Overview
State data indicates that approximately 96% of North Carolinians have access to internet download speeds of 100Mbps and upload speeds of 20Mbps. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) data suggests this figure may be as high as 100%. Furthermore, North Carolina holds a strong position nationally, ranking seventh for median download speeds among all 50 states and Rhode Island, according to Ookla, a speed-testing company. (Note: FASTNET and Ookla share the same parent company, Ziff Davis.) The median download speed across North Carolina is around 231Mbps, bolstered by the consistently high speeds offered by Google Fiber. In fact, Raleigh is recognized as the city with the fastest internet speeds according to Ookla, featuring median download speeds of approximately 289Mbps.
North Carolina is home to multiple cities within the top rankings for internet speed across 100 major cities measured by Ookla. These include: Raleigh at number one, Durham at seventh, Charlotte at 21st, Winston-Salem at 22nd, and Greensboro at 45th. This strong performance is largely driven by the availability of fiber internet from providers including AT&T and Google. Just over 48% of locations in North Carolina can access a fiber internet connection, primarily within Charlotte and The Triangle region.
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City-Specific Internet Provider Information for North Carolina
Providing comprehensive broadband details for an entire state while giving individual cities adequate attention is challenging. Therefore, we also compile dedicated lists of the best internet providers for cities throughout the US, including various locations within North Carolina. These resources delve into specifics such as available internet connection types, maximum speeds, and the most affordable provider options. If your city is not currently listed below, please check back soon as we are continuously expanding our coverage to include more locations each week.
Understanding Internet Pricing in North Carolina
The initial monthly cost for internet service in North Carolina is contingent on your specific location. However, based on the pricing of the most prevalent ISPs across the state, you can anticipate starting prices around $50 per month for internet access. Existing T-Mobile customers who subscribe to eligible mobile plans and have access to T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet service may qualify for a reduced rate of $40 per month.
FASTNET’s Methodology for Selecting Top Internet Providers in North Carolina
The market for internet service providers is characterized by numerous companies, many of which operate regionally. Unlike consumer electronics such as smartphones or laptops, directly testing every ISP within a specific city is impractical. FASTNET’s approach to identifying the best internet providers relies on thorough research and data analysis.
Our process begins by examining pricing, service availability, and speed information, utilizing our historical ISP data, information from provider websites, and coverage maps from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at FCC.gov.
Our analysis extends beyond initial data collection. We cross-reference our gathered information with the FCC’s website to ensure comprehensive consideration of all ISPs operating in a given area. We also utilize address-specific searches on provider websites to identify precise internet options for residents at different locations. To gauge customer satisfaction, we consult resources such as the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. It is important to note that ISP plans and pricing are dynamic and subject to change; therefore, all information is considered accurate as of the time of publication.
Key Evaluation Criteria:
When evaluating internet providers, FASTNET focuses on three key questions:
- Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
- Do the service plans represent good value for the price?
- Are customers generally satisfied with the provider’s service?
Responses to these questions are often multifaceted. Providers that consistently score positively across these criteria are those that FASTNET recommends. When identifying the most affordable internet service, we prioritize plans with the lowest monthly fees, while also considering factors such as potential price increases, equipment charges, and contract requirements. Determining the fastest internet service is typically more straightforward, focusing on advertised download and upload speeds, supplemented by real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
For a more in-depth understanding of our evaluation process, please visit our dedicated page detailing how we test ISPs.
The Future of Broadband Expansion in North Carolina
In late June 2023, the federal government allocated $1.5 billion to North Carolina to facilitate the expansion of high-speed internet access throughout the state. According to the state’s five-year plan draft, the Department of Information Technology Division of Broadband and Digital Equity will utilize Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding to connect high-cost areas, currently unserved and underserved locations, and community anchor institutions lacking fiber access. Furthermore, government initiatives are planned to enhance digital literacy and improve internet affordability for residents across North Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions about Internet Service in North Carolina
Is North Carolina a good place for internet service?
Indeed. North Carolina ranks among the top states for internet speed, securing 7th place nationally based on median download speeds according to Ookla. Moreover, several North Carolinian cities, including Charlotte, Durham, Greensboro, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem, are recognized for their exceptional city-wide download speeds.
Is fiber internet available in North Carolina?
Yes. AT&T and Google are the primary fiber internet providers in North Carolina. Currently, fiber service is mainly concentrated in Charlotte and The Triangle, but state initiatives are underway to expand fiber access throughout North Carolina over the next five years.
Spectrum or AT&T: Which is the better internet option in North Carolina?
When both Spectrum and AT&T are available, the optimal choice depends on the specific services offered at your location. If AT&T provides fiber internet, it is generally the superior option. However, when comparing AT&T’s DSL service against Spectrum’s cable internet, Spectrum is typically the recommended choice. For a more detailed comparison, consult FASTNET’s comprehensive analysis of AT&T versus Spectrum.