Best Internet Providers in Georgia

What is the Best Internet Overall in Georgia?

For residents seeking optimal internet service in Georgia, AT&T Fiber stands out as a leading provider due to its impressive speed, dependable connections, and competitive pricing. However, it’s important to note that availability is geographically dependent. While AT&T Fiber’s reach within the state is somewhat restricted, even within Georgia’s urban centers, the selection of internet service providers is not extensive, primarily featuring Xfinity, Spectrum, and Google Fiber. AT&T also offers copper-based internet options in Georgia, but these are not recommended due to performance limitations.

In less populated areas of Georgia, internet options become even more constrained, generally limited to Kinetic by Windstream, Mediacom, and Sparklight, contingent on the specific location. Across the state, 5G home internet services from T-Mobile and Verizon are accessible based on address verification, alongside satellite internet from providers like Hughesnet, Viasat, and SpaceX, with Starlink satellite internet showing availability in certain regions of Georgia.

Best Internet Options in Georgia

Accessing internet in rural Georgia is generally achievable. A variety of ISPs, including Hargray (now Sparklight), Kinetic by Windstream, and Mediacom, deliver wired connections across different regions of the state. Nevertheless, it is advisable to evaluate these providers alongside 5G home internet solutions offered by T-Mobile and Verizon, which boast widespread availability in Georgia. For areas with particularly limited options, satellite internet presents three alternatives, although Viasat and Starlink exhibit some service limitations within the state.

Internet Breakdown by City in Georgia

Providing a comprehensive overview of broadband options for the entire state while giving individual cities the detailed attention they merit is challenging. As such, we also compile listings of top internet providers in cities throughout the U.S., Georgia included. These resources delve into specifics such as internet connection types, maximum available speeds, and the most affordable providers. If your city is not currently listed, please check back, as we are continually expanding our city coverage each week.

Georgia Internet Details at a Glance

Unsurprisingly, urban areas in Georgia typically enjoy a greater number of ISP choices compared to more rural parts of the state. Despite this, only approximately 36% of Georgia residents have access to fiber-optic internet. However, most residents throughout the Peach State can secure internet access at acceptable speeds, even if reliant on a rural or satellite provider.

Likely influenced by the presence of fiber internet from AT&T, Google, and Kinetic by Windstream, median download speeds in Georgia average around 187Mbps, positioning the state at 29th among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., in terms of download speeds, according to Ookla. Interestingly, Ookla identifies Spectrum, rather than a fiber provider, as the fastest ISP in Georgia, noting median download speeds of approximately 243Mbps. In terms of city rankings from Ookla encompassing the 100 most populous U.S. cities, Atlanta ranked at the lower end, in 100th place, with median download speeds around 94Mbps. Google Fiber is reported as the fastest carrier within Atlanta, with median speeds of approximately 300Mbps.

Internet Pricing in Georgia

The cost of internet service in Georgia will vary based on your location and the providers serving your specific area. However, a reasonable average monthly expense for internet connectivity in Georgia is roughly $40. The most budget-friendly plans currently available include Xfinity’s 150Mbps plan at $35 per month, their 300Mbps plan for $45 monthly, and Mediacom’s 100Mbps plan with a starting price of $20 per month.

How FASTNET Chose the Best Internet Providers in Georgia

The landscape of internet service providers is broad and regionally focused. In contrast to readily testable consumer electronics like smartphones, laptops, routers, or kitchen appliances, directly evaluating every ISP within a given city is impractical. So, what methodology do we employ? Initially, we leverage a proprietary database encompassing pricing, availability, and speed metrics. This database aggregates historical ISP data, partner information, and mapping data sourced from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.

Our analysis extends beyond this initial data pool. We routinely consult the FCC website to cross-reference our information and ensure we are considering all ISPs operating in a specific area. We also utilize provider websites to input local addresses and identify precise service options for residents. To gauge customer satisfaction with various ISPs, we consider data from sources 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 frequent changes. All information presented is accurate as of the time of publication.

Once we have gathered this localized data, our evaluation centers around three key questions:

• Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
• Do customers receive good value relative to the price they are paying?
• Are customers generally satisfied with the service they receive?

The answers to these inquiries are often nuanced and multifaceted. Ultimately, the providers that most closely align with affirmative responses to all three questions are those we recommend. In identifying the most affordable internet services, we prioritize plans with the lowest monthly charges, while also considering factors like potential price increases, equipment fees, and contract requirements. Assessing the fastest internet services is more direct. We examine advertised download and upload speeds, and we factor in real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Disclosure: Ookla is under the same parent company as FASTNET, Ziff Davis.)

For a more detailed exploration of our evaluation process, please visit our dedicated page on how we test ISPs.

The Future of Broadband in Georgia

Georgia is anticipated to receive $1.3 billion in federal funding from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, as reported by the Georgia Recorder. BEAD’s objective is to “construct thousands of miles of fiber-optic cables and offer a $30 monthly discount on internet bills for households facing economic hardship.” This represents the latest allocation of funds to the state intended to expand internet access. Earlier in the year, Governor Brian Kemp announced $234 million in funding dedicated to enhancing connectivity across 28 Georgia counties. Smaller-scale projects are already underway. Conexon Connect, an ISP formed by a rural fiber-optic network design and construction management firm, has announced intentions to expand fiber access in Grady County utilizing federal funds. Windstream has also disclosed plans to broaden access in both southern and northern regions of Georgia.

Internet Providers in Georgia FAQs