Internet Providers in North Carolina
North Carolinians have access to a variety of internet service providers, each with its unique offerings.
Let's delve into some of the top options.
Top Internet Plans in North Carolina
| Internet Provider |
Starting Cost |
Download Speed |
Technology |
Availability |
| Spectrum |
$49.99/month |
300 to 1000 Mbps |
Cable |
83 |
| Cox |
$49.99/month |
100 to 2000 Mbps |
Cable, Fiber |
83 |
| CenturyLink |
$49.99/month |
12 to 940 Mbps |
DSL, Fiber |
81 |
| Mediacom |
$19.99/month |
100 to 1000 Mbps |
Cable |
81 |
| Xfinity |
$39.99/month |
50 to 2000 Mbps |
Cable |
58 |
| AT&T |
$55/month |
10 to 1000 Mbps |
DSL, Fiber |
58 |
| Windstream |
$25/month |
15 to 1000 Mbps |
DSL, Fiber |
13 |
| Frontier |
$39.99/month |
500 to 5000 Mbps |
Fiber |
7 |
| King Street Wireless |
$50/month |
Up to 12 Mbps |
Fixed Wireless |
7 |
| HughesNet |
$49.99/month |
Up to 25 Mbps |
Satellite |
96 |
Spectrum
Spectrum stands out as one of the most widely available in North Carolina internet providers.
Covering more than 73% of households in the state, Spectrum is a popular choice in cities like
Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, and their suburbs. Their plans include a 300Mbps plan for $50 a
month, a 500Mbps plan for $70, and a blazing-fast 940Mbps plan for $90. What sets Spectrum apart
is its unlimited data, simple pricing, no contracts, and a free modem. While it may not offer the
fastest speeds, Spectrum provides a reliable, no-nonsense way to connect to the internet.
AT&T Fiber
AT&T Fiber offers remarkable reliability, speed, and value. The only drawback is its limited availability,
reaching just 10% of North Carolina households. However, if you live in areas like Asheville, Charlotte,
Greensboro, or The Triangle, you're in luck. Their plans range from 300Mbps for $55 a month to an impressive
5,000Mbps for $180. AT&T Fiber plans include unlimited data, and you won't be tied down by contracts. All
plans come with Wi-Fi equipment.
T-Mobile Home Internet
T-Mobile's Home Internet option is available to three-quarters of households in North Carolina.
The pricing starts at $50 per month, with speeds ranging from 72 to 245Mbps. If you're already a
T-Mobile customer with
certain phone plans, you can enjoy even more compelling pricing. T-Mobile Home Internet doesn't
have equipment fees, data caps, or contracts. This option is great for those seeking reliable 5G
home internet.
Brightspeed
Brightspeed is the go-to choice for rural areas in eastern North Carolina. Covering locations from
Johnson and Tusculum in the West to Henderson and Kitty Hawk in the North, it fills a significant
coverage gap. While North Carolina internet doesn't offer the fastest speeds, its plans range from
$50 per month, with speeds from 19 to 100Mbps. Brightspeed includes unlimited data and doesn't require
a contract, but there's a $15 monthly modem lease and a one-time $99 installation fee.
Google Fiber
For residents of Charlotte and The Triangle in North Carolina,
Google Fiber
is the ticket to high-speed internet. With two tiers available - 1,000Mbps for $70 a month and 2,000Mbps for $100,
it's a top choice for those craving speed. Google Fiber doesn't impose data caps or contracts and provides free
internet equipment.
Rural Internet Options
For those in more remote areas of North Carolina, several satellite internet providers like HughesNet and
Viasat offer connectivity.
These options come with various price ranges, speed options, and data caps. T-Mobile Home Internet is also
available throughout the entire state, making it a viable choice for rural areas.
The Broadband Landscape in North Carolina
North Carolina ranks 10th among all states and the District of Columbia in terms of internet speed.
The state's median download speed is approximately 209Mbps, thanks in part to the wide availability
of fiber internet North Carolina,
especially in Charlotte and The Triangle.
Broadband pricing in North Carolina
varies depending on your location. However, with the most widely available ISPs, expect to pay around $50 per month
to get online. Existing customers of certain T-Mobile plans can enjoy a reduced rate of $30 per month. Additionally,
those eligible for the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program may receive a $30 monthly discount on their internet
bills.
Future of Broadband in North Carolina
North Carolina has received a substantial grant of $1.5 billion from the federal government to expand
high-speed internet
access across the state. This funding will be used to connect high-cost areas, unserved and underserved
locations, and community anchor institutions without fiber access. The state also plans to enhance digital
literacy and make internet access more affordable, promising a brighter and more connected future for all
North Carolinians.
Conclusion
North Carolina offers a diverse internet landscape with options to cater to various needs and preferences.
Whether you're in a major city or a rural area, there's likely the best internet provider in North Carolina
to keep you connected. The state's commitment to expanding broadband access further solidifies its position
as a tech-savvy hub. As North Carolina continues to embrace the digital age, its residents can look forward
to a future with faster, more accessible, and more affordable internet.
