So you're looking for local broadband providers who offer service in your area. You may be wondering what kind of Internet connections are available, and the connection speeds you can expect, which by the way average over 7 Mbps in the U.S. according to Akamai. If living in a rural area you might just be checking to see if you can get high speed Internet in the first place, or if a provider has finally expanded their services to your area.
First, let's take a look at broadband availability in the United States. The FCC published a map that was last updated in 2010, so it may be slightly dated, but does show wireline broadband availability based on download speeds of 3 Mbps, and upload speeds of 768 kbps and greater being defined as broadband. The FCC's map shows available, under available (less than speeds specified formerly), and unpopulated areas meaning no wired broadband access.
If you live in an area where broadband is under available there may still be hope with help from your state, or local government who might be eligible for the Broadband Initiatives Program. RUS (Rural Utilities Service) has setup an online tool for you to check eligibility of the BIP program based on property or income eligibility, plus information on income limits, and loan program basics. For more on why the government wants to expand broadband access and the effects it can have on our communities take a look at this article from PBS on broadband access by community type.
The National Broadband Map which was created by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration with help from the FCC allows you to enter your address, zip code, or both to view availability of broadband in every U.S. neighborhood based on a U.S. census. If a provider is missing there's a form for users to submit that information. You won't be able to buy service using this map, but you can view maximum advertised available upload and download speeds per provider.
Connection types can vary depending on service location. Well populated areas may have access to up to five different kinds of internet connection including:
- DSL - Wired Internet connection using a phone line and DSL modem
- Cable / Fiber - Wired Internet using a cable line and cable modem
- 3G / 4G - Wireless Internet connection using a mobile device
- WiMax - Expanded Local regional WiFi connection using a mobile device
- Satellite - Wireless connection to the home or business via satellite
If you feel any information has been left out, or know of other resources which may be valuable for users reading this topic, please use the contact us form to submit your ideas and suggestions.
- Connection type: fiber / ground
- Other services: TV / Voice
U-verse High Speed Internet offers features like Internet security, a choice of connection speeds, and access to AT&T's wifi hotspot network, plus wireless home networking.
starting at $24.95 /mo for the 1st 12 months
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- Connection type: fiber / ground
- Other services: TV / Voice
FiOS offers some of the fastests Internet connections available with a 100% fiber optic network.
starting at $59.99 /mo for 24 months - 2 yr. agreement
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- Connection type: cable / ground
- Other services: TV / Voice
Get the speed you need to surf the web, check email, for online gaming, or stream High-def video and music with a burst of power just when you need it via PowerBoost®
starting at $19.99 /mo
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- Connection type: cable / ground
- Other services: TV / Voice
Charter Internet® offers enough bandwidth to support more devices than any other provider with 30 Mbps download speeds being up to 10 times faster than standard DSL.
starting at $29.99 /mo for 12 months
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- Connection type: cable / ground
- Other services: TV / Voice
Mediacom Prime internet is available to new customers, or current customers as an upgrade. Download speeds up to 15 Mbps, plus security tools & 24/7 tech support.
starting at $29.95 /mo for 12 months
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- Connection type: cable / ground
- Other services: TV / Voice
Insight Internet includes download speeds up to 10 Mbps, plus award winning security software with parental controls, anti-spam, anti-virus, and firewall protection.
starting at $45.00 /mo
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- Connection type: cable / ground
- Other services: TV / Voice
Buckeye Express High Speed Internet includes Free in-home WiFi with 6.0 and higher, and offers max download speeds up to 110 Mbps.
starting at $19.99 /mo the first year
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- Connection type: cable / ground
- Other services: TV / Voice
Suddenlink Internet offers download speeds up to 1 Mbps which is just right for surfing the web, and checking email.
starting at $34.95 /mo for 12 months
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- Connection type: DSL / ground
- Other services: Voice
With TDS internet you can get max download speeds up to 25 Mbps, 24/7 tech support, plus filtering for spam and email viruses. Available with or without phone service.
starting at $29.95 /mo for 12 months
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- Connection type: DSL / ground
- Other services: Voice
Cincinnati Bell Internet provides access to over 350 WiFi Hotspots, up to 10 GB of backup storage, and maximum download speeds up to 100 Mbps.
starting at $30.95 /mo for 12 months
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- Connection type: DSL / ground
- Other services: Voice
Windstream Internet is available with, or without phone service and is upgradeable to downloads speeds of up to 12 Mbps in some areas.
starting at $49.99 /mo
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- Connection type: DSL / ground
- Other services: Voice
Frontier offers high-speed Internet with download speeds up to 6 Mbps with a 3-year price guarantee with no contract.
starting at $29.99 /mo for 36 months
learn moreThis page was last modified on 20 May 2013 at 5:31pm