Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
What is the Best Internet Service Provider in Traverse City?
Spectrum emerges as FASTNET’s premier selection for the top internet service provider (ISP) in Traverse City. It secures our highest recommendation for the majority of residences, attributed to its extensive availability and options for gigabit-speed downloads. For those situated outside Spectrum’s service area, TCLPfiber and T-Mobile Home Internet are viable alternatives worth exploring for reliable internet access.
Seeking the most rapid or most economical internet service within the region? Spectrum’s 500Mbps plan stands out as the most budget-friendly and widely accessible choice in Traverse City, with monthly rates commencing at $50. If speed is your primary concern, three robust providers deliver 1,000Mbps download speeds: Spectrum, TCLPfiber, and Point Broadband. All advertise download speeds of 1,000Mbps. Spectrum boasts the broadest coverage footprint in Traverse City among these three providers.
Traverse City Internet Providers: A Comparison
| Provider | Internet Technology | Monthly Price Range | Speed Range | Monthly Equipment Costs | Data Cap | Contract | FASTNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Point Broadband | Fiber | $59-$79 | 300-1,000Mbps | None | None | None | 6.5 |
| Spectrum Read full review |
Cable | $50-$70 | 500-1,000Mbps | Free modem; $10 router (optional) | None | None | 7.2 |
| TCLPfiber | Fiber | $60-$90 | 200-1,000Mbps | None | None | Varies | N/A |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review |
Fixed Wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans) | 87-415Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review |
Fixed Wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$45 for eligible Verizon Wireless customers) | 50-300Mbps | None | None | None | 7.2 |
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Source: FASTNET analysis of provider data.
Other Internet Providers Serving Traverse City
- AT&T Internet: AT&T’s DSL service is accessible in select areas; however, speeds might prove inadequate for numerous locations. The plan is priced at $60 per month, without contracts or equipment charges. While AT&T Internet can attain speeds up to 100Mbps, certain addresses within Traverse City may only receive download speeds as low as 1Mbps. Consider alternative options like Spectrum or fixed wireless ISPs.
- 186networks Slashband Wireless: Formerly known as Chain O’ Lakes Internet, 186networks delivers fiber and fixed wireless connections across Northern Michigan. In Traverse City, you will find 186networks’ fixed wireless service. The plan, costing $65 monthly, provides speeds reaching 75Mbps with no data restrictions. Contract conditions differ, with a month-to-month option available.
- Michigan Broadband Services: Primarily catering to businesses, Michigan Broadband Services also offers residential fiber plans in parts of Traverse City. Pricing and plan specifics are not publicly available; therefore, direct contact is necessary to explore options if you reside within their service territory.
- Point Broadband: This provider’s fiber infrastructure serves a limited number of residences on Traverse City’s west side. Plans commence at $60 per month for 300Mbps and extend to $80 per month for 1,000Mbps, featuring symmetrical speeds. A three-year price guarantee is included, and Point imposes no contracts or data caps.
- Satellite Internet: Providers such as Starlink, Viasat, and Hughesnet compete to offer internet connectivity to homes in rural and remote areas. Satellite internet should be considered if dependable wired or fixed wireless options are unavailable at your location. While potentially costly with variable speeds, it might represent the sole solution for certain locations.
- Verizon 5G Home Internet: Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network encompasses a significant portion of Traverse City, although some areas near the bay and the west side still rely on 4G LTE. The 5G Home Plus plan offers speeds up to 300Mbps for $70 per month, while the 5G Home plan reaches 100Mbps for $50 monthly. Bundling with a mobile phone plan can yield discounts on home internet. No equipment fees, contracts, or data caps apply.
Affordable Internet Options in Traverse City
Expect limited ISP price competition within Traverse City. Most residents are likely to utilize Spectrum, with plans commencing at $50 monthly for the 500Mbps service. Note that prices are subject to increase after the initial year. Consider honing negotiation strategies or exploring 5G home internet from T-Mobile or Verizon. To reduce your monthly internet expenditure below $50, consider bundling an eligible phone plan with a Verizon or T-Mobile home broadband service. Households meeting low-income criteria should investigate the federal Lifeline program and Spectrum’s Internet Assist initiatives for potential cost savings.
What is the Most Economical Internet Plan in Traverse City?
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download Speed | Monthly Equipment Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Read full review |
$50 | 500Mbps | Free modem; $10 router (optional) |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review |
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 100Mbps | None |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review |
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 318Mbps | None |
| Point Broadband | $59 | 300Mbps | None |
| TCLPfiber | $60 | 200Mbps | None |
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Source: FASTNET analysis of provider data.
Finding Internet Deals and Promotions in Traverse City
Optimal internet deals and promotions in Traverse City fluctuate based on current discount availability. While most deals are temporary, we consistently monitor for the latest offers.
Traverse City internet providers, such as Spectrum, may present reduced introductory pricing or bundled streaming services for specified durations. Conversely, providers like TCLP Fiber typically maintain consistent standard pricing throughout the year.
For a comprehensive listing of promotions, refer to our internet deals guide.
Traverse City Broadband Speeds
The majority of Traverse City residents have access to gigabit-level download speeds, largely due to Spectrum’s services. Certain neighborhoods can achieve gigabit speeds via fiber options from Point, TCLPfiber, or Michigan Broadband Service. Recent findings from an Ookla speed test indicate a median download speed of 228Mbps for fixed internet in Traverse City. (Disclosure: Ookla shares a parent company, Ziff Davis, with FASTNET.) This figure is below the Michigan state average of approximately 293Mbps yet remains respectable. The availability of Spectrum’s entry-level 500Mbps plan contributes to these Traverse City speeds. Internet speeds can vary contingent upon factors including geographical location, equipment, and network traffic.
Fastest Internet Plans Available in Traverse City
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed | Data Cap | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Point Broadband Extreme Internet | $79 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| TCLPfiber Gig Connect | $90 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review |
$70 | 1,000Mbps | 35Mbps | None | Cable |
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Source: FASTNET analysis of provider data.
Defining a Good Internet Speed
Presently, most internet plans can support fundamental productivity and communication activities. For users requiring internet for video conferencing, streaming content, or online gaming, a more robust connection is advisable for optimal performance. The FCC provides guidelines for recommended minimum download speeds for various applications. It is important to remember these are estimates, as internet speed, service, and overall performance can fluctuate based on connection type, provider, and geographical address.
Consult our guide on determining your necessary internet speed for further details.
- 0 to 5Mbps: Suitable for basic browsing, email communication, and low-resolution video streaming.
- 5 to 40Mbps: Enables higher-quality video streaming and video conferencing.
- 40 to 100Mbps: Should provide sufficient bandwidth for a single user engaged in modern remote work, video streaming, and online gaming.
- 100 to 500Mbps: Accommodates one to two users simultaneously participating in high-bandwidth activities like video conferencing, streaming, and online gaming.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps: Supports three or more users concurrently engaging in high-bandwidth activities.
FASTNET’s Methodology for Identifying Top Internet Providers in Traverse City
Internet service providers are numerous and often regionally specific. Unlike evaluating consumer electronics, direct testing of every ISP in a given city is not practical. Our methodology involves leveraging a proprietary database encompassing pricing, availability, and speed metrics, compiled from our historical ISP data, partner information, and FCC mapping data available at FCC.gov.
Our process extends to verifying data on the FCC’s website to ensure comprehensive consideration of all ISPs in a service area. We also use provider websites to check service options at specific local addresses. Customer satisfaction is gauged through sources like the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. Given the dynamic nature of ISP plans and pricing, all information is current as of the publication date.
With this localized data compiled, we address three core questions:
- Does the provider offer access to adequately fast internet speeds?
- Do customers receive fair value relative to cost?
- Are customers satisfied with the service quality?
Responses to these questions are nuanced; however, providers demonstrating strong performance across all three criteria are those we endorse. For identifying the most affordable internet, we prioritize plans featuring the lowest monthly rates, while also considering potential price increases, equipment costs, and contract stipulations. Determining the fastest internet service is more direct, based on advertised upload and download speeds and validated by real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
For a more detailed exploration of our process, visit our page outlining how we evaluate ISPs.
Concluding Remarks on Traverse City Internet Providers
Internet service options for most Traverse City residents are somewhat limited. Spectrum provides coverage to a majority of residences, offering speeds up to 1 gigabit. Fiber optic service from Point, TCLPfiber, or Michigan Broadband Services is available in select, scattered neighborhoods. While starting prices might be slightly elevated, fiber connections provide symmetrical upload and download speeds. T-Mobile and Verizon 5G home internet plans serve as the primary alternatives to wired internet within Traverse City. Explore these options if dissatisfaction with Spectrum exists or to potentially reduce your internet bill through mobile plan bundling for substantial savings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Internet Providers in Traverse City
What is the Cheapest Internet Provider in Traverse City?
Spectrum’s 500Mbps cable plan, priced at $50 per month, represents the most affordable widely available home internet option in Traverse City. Be aware that this price is introductory and will increase after the first year.
Which Internet Provider in Traverse City Offers the Fastest Plan?
Multiple ISPs in Traverse City offer top-tier download speeds. Spectrum’s 1,000Mbps cable plan is the most broadly accessible gigabit-speed option, but its upload speed is limited to 35Mbps. Fiber providers TCLPfiber, Michigan Broadband Services, and Point Broadband all feature symmetrical gigabit plans, providing equally fast uploads and downloads.
Is Fiber Internet Available in Traverse City?
Fiber internet options exist in Traverse City, particularly from TCLPfiber and Michigan Broadband Services, but the availability is inconsistent. Point Broadband’s fiber network extends to certain neighborhoods on the west side of the city.
Which Internet Provider Has the Best Coverage in Traverse City?
Spectrum provides the most extensive coverage among wired ISPs in Traverse City. The cable provider’s services are available to nearly 83% of residences.