As technology has progressed and become an essential part of everyday life, so has the reliance on an internet connection to ensure the technology can perform to its highest capacity. If you’ve had to get in contact with an internet service provider (ISP) at all, then you know that not all ISPs are created equal, as they can differ by download speed, availability, connection type, and more.
Because the internet is, at this point, a necessity alongside food and shelter, it’s essential to get an internet service provider that meets your speed and value needs. Searching through lists of ISPs can prove exhausting and sometimes fruitless, unfortunately. Still, there are online lists that break ISPs down by their most relevant data, facilitating your search and ensuring you don’t have to waste your time finding what you’re looking for. One such tool allows you to search ISPs by address, making it easier to find the best providers available in your area.
Speedy ISPs
For those who work from home, play online video games, or frequently use an internet connection for another reason, you’ll want to consider an ISP with a higher download speed. While a more significant download speed, measured in Mbps, usually equates to a higher cost, there are benefits to having a higher Mbps.
The most straightforward reason for having an ISP with a higher Mbps is the reduction in download time. More Mbps means waiting less for applications or other online items to download to your devices. A faster ISP also helps reduce lag when video calling or talking through an internet-connected device.
The list of ISPs has a section dedicated to the fastest internet service providers, which service a million customers or more. These ISPs are ranked by max download speed, weighted max download speed, and customer-reported speed rating.
For example, in first place is Sonic, a California-based ISP that covers San Francisco and some of the surrounding area. Its max download speed is an impressive 10,000 Mbps and is 100% run through fiber optics. Its speed rating is 4.67.
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Availability and Internet Types
Where you live will determine the types of ISPs you have access to. Large cities, for example, are much more likely to have regular access to fiber internet than small towns or rural locations since cities often subsidize fiber internet and allow third parties to share infrastructure that smaller towns generally lack. Currently, 1503 ISPs offer fiber internet in the US, which is typically faster and more reliable than other forms of internet but at a more significant monetary cost.
Fixed Wireless and 4G/5G home internet, at 1,102 providers, is the second most significant provider option, next to fiber internet. Fixed wireless, alongside 4G/5G home internet, is generally cheaper to set up than fiber, making it popular with small local providers and major cell companies.
However, these ISPs do risk encountering interference and variable speeds. The largest fixed wireless ISP in the US is T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, with service available to over 294 million people and a maximum speed of 100 Mbps.
Among the most extensive cable providers in the internet types section, Comcast leads, especially in Chicago, which is the largest city that has predominantly Comcast, with coverage spanning 123 million people, followed closely by Spectrum at 110 million. These figures dwarf the third largest, Cox, which covers only 23 million.
In cities like Salt Lake City, which ranks as the fastest metropolitan area for internet speeds, according to a recent study of the US Cities with the Fastest Internet, having multiple provider options ensures better choices for consumers.
Although there are thousands of ISPs to choose from, remember each option essentially boils down to a compromise between download speed, availability, and price. Additionally, don’t feel you have to get a big-name ISP if you don’t live within one’s region, as most of the US is covered with smaller regional providers (only 36 ISPs service more than 1% of the population). As long as you keep in mind what you need your internet for and accommodate accordingly, you’ll be good to go.
Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.
