Colorado, the Centennial State, is not only known for its stunning natural beauty but also for its diverse internet service provider (ISP) options. Whether you're in the bustling city of Denver or nestled in a remote log cabin in the Rockies, Colorado offers a range of internet options to suit your needs. Here, we'll explore the best internet providers in Colorado Springs, discuss rural internet options, examine the state's broadband coverage, and look at future developments in the broadband landscape.
When it comes to choosing the right ISP in Colorado, several factors come into play, including customer service, speed, pricing, and overall value. Let's take a look at some of the top internet providers Colorado Springs.
CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber - Club HDTV picks the best overall ISP in Colorado, CenturyLink, offers both DSL and fiber services. While DSL is widely available, the fiber option is fast and reliable, making it an excellent choice if you can access it.
Xfinity - Known for its extensive cable offerings, Xfinity is a top choice for cable internet in Colorado. It's available in many metro areas across the state and is highly regarded for its internet Colorado Springs.
T-Mobile Home Internet - T-Mobile's 5G home internet is gaining ground in Colorado, offering wireless internet options. It's worth comparing this with other providers like Verizon, but T-Mobile's availability in many cities in the state gives it an edge.
Rise Broadband - As a rural specialist, Rise Broadband provides fixed wireless services, reaching remote areas with speeds up to 250 Mbps. It's recognized as the best rural ISP in Colorado and nationwide by Club HDTV.
HughesNet - For those in truly remote areas without access to other wired or wireless options, HughesNet offers satellite internet. While not the fastest, it's a reliable option for rural internet.
Rural areas in Colorado often face challenges when it comes to accessing high-speed internet. Here are some rural internet providers in Colorado.
CenturyLink Home Internet - Offers DSL services with varying speeds, ranging from 3Mbps to 100Mbps, depending on your location.
Eastern Slope Technologies - Combines DSL and fiber options with speeds ranging from 6Mbps to 1,000 Mbps, mainly serving eastern Colorado.
Edge Internet Service - Provides fixed wireless internet with speeds between 10Mbps and 200Mbps in select areas.
Elite Broadband - Offers fixed wireless services with a speed of 25 Mbps in the Plateau Valley region.
While Colorado boasts breathtaking landscapes, its broadband coverage can be a bit uneven. According to the FCC National Broadband Map, 100% of residences in Colorado have access to at least 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up. However, this coverage includes satellite internet, which may be considered slow by many users.
Fiber internet is available to less than 30% of residents, with a concentration in more populous areas like Denver and Colorado Springs. Cable and DSL connections are more widespread, offering options for many residents by internet providers Colorado.
Ookla's speed test data ranks Colorado 32nd among U.S. states, with a median download speed of approximately 176 Mbps. Xfinity is recognized as one of the fastest fixed broadband Colorado internet providers, offering a median download speed of nearly 250Mbps.
Internet pricing in Colorado typically starts at $40-$60, but there are various deals and options available. Xfinity offers a $20 per month plan for 75Mbps service, while CenturyLink provides a 200 Mbps plan for $30 per month. Promotional periods and equipment costs may impact the final price.
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps low-income households in Colorado access affordable broadband. Around 211,000 households in the state are enrolled in the ACP, receiving discounts on their monthly bills. Most Colorado Springs internet providers participate in this program, making it accessible to eligible households.
Colorado's Broadband Office has set ambitious goals, aiming to connect 99% of households to high-speed (100 Mbps) broadband by 2027. To achieve this, the state has invested nearly $100 million in broadband expansion programs, with an additional $826 million in federal funds.
Several exciting developments are on the horizon. Google Fiber is expanding its fiber-to-the-home services in Lakewood and Westminster. Ting Internet is also building fiber infrastructure in Aurora, Colorado Springs, and the Western Slope. These efforts signal progress and advancement in Colorado's broadband landscape, promising improved connectivity for both urban and rural residents.
WiFi Colorado Springs landscape offers a diverse range of options, from urban gigabit fiber to reliable rural fixed wireless services. With ambitious goals and significant investments in expanding broadband access, the state is on its way to providing high-speed internet to even the most remote areas. Whether you're a city dweller or a mountain hermit, Colorado's ISPs have something to offer, making it easier than ever to stay connected in this beautiful state.