One of the best ways to find a reliable internet service provider for your address is to search for internet providers by using your home or business information. While most people are searching for the best internet in their area by using their ZIP code or the general area in which they live, you may find more options by searching for an internet provider by using your actual address. This is in large part due to the rollout of fiber-optic internet cables, which is changing internet options in major metropolitan areas one street at a time. Enter your ZIP code to begin:
asharkyu / Shutterstock
Finding the fastest internet available for your address
Technology industries are rapidly evolving, and internet service providers are no strangers to these constant advancements. ISPs across the nation are in an unspoken race to expand their coverage areas, improve their connection speeds and roll out the newest internet service technology. One of the most significant recent advancements in internet service is the transition from cable internet to fiber. This shift in the industry is just the newest way ISPs are competing for your business — racing to provide the fastest internet connection for your address by using fiber-optic cables to deliver internet to your household or business.
Do I get cable TV and internet at my address?
Cable internet uses the same technology and wires as cable television — a coaxial cable containing a copper core surrounded by layers of insulation and additional copper. This cable can supply both internet and television at the same time, allowing ISPs to bundle the two commonly used services together. Fiber internet is transmitted using newer technology than cable internet — a fiber-optic cable. These fiber-optic internet cables contain plastic or glass that transmits modulated light, carrying digital information across expansive distances at very high speeds.
Because fiber technology is newer, fiber-optic cables are not accessible in as many places as existing coaxial cables. However, our nation’s largest ISPs are racing against the clock — and each other — to install fiber-optic cables as fast as they can. Major metropolitan areas are rapidly seeing the arrival of this new technology. Ultimately, though, it will take years of planning, infrastructure and installation to expand fiber internet across all of the United States.
Internet providers for my area
Here are some of the most widely available providers across the United States.
- HughesNet: HughesNet currently boasts the world’s largest satellite network and serves more than 1.2 million customers. Its internet services are available across the U.S, and the company offers speeds of up to 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload with its HughesNet Gen 5 service. As long as you have a view of the southern sky, you should be able to get satellite internet with HughesNet. The company’s service reviews with the Better Business Bureau and Consumer Affairs are mixed, and its fastest speeds are relatively slow.
- Viasat: Viasat is often neck-and-neck with HughesNet for satellite internet availability, and some cite it as the best option for rural internet access. The company offers extensive options for residential, business and military internet coverage, with speeds of up to 100 Mbps download/4 Mbps upload (though these are pricey). There are also more affordable “metered” plans that allow a set amount of data usage per month. Beware: Better Business Bureau customer reviews are generally low for the company, with many users citing problems with internet speed and consistency issues with the unlimited plans.
- EarthLink: EarthLink’s DSL internet network is the largest in the U.S., with coverage available to more than 50% of the U.S. population and growing. Now that it offers fiber services, plans range from 6 Mbps all the way to 1 Gbps, depending on availability at your address. Like the other providers on this list, the company has plenty of negative reviews, but it does offer live chat, a relatively uncommon option even today.
- Comcast/Xfinity: Comcast, with its subsidiary Xfinity, offers cable internet to 41 states across the U.S. Its fiber coverage is growing rapidly as well. Speeds available will depend on where you live, but Xfinity claims to have the largest Gig-speed network available. As far as reputation goes, Comcast’s is not great. With a C rating on the Better Business Bureau and nearly 25,000 complaints filed in the past three years, chances are you may encounter some customer service issues.
- AT&T Internet: AT&T’s internet service, most commonly known as “U-Verse,” is available in 22 states. It is among the largest DSL providers in the U.S., but now offers fiber internet and fixed internet options as well. Speeds range from 50 Mbps to 1 Gbps, depending on the coverage area. AT&T’s reputation among consumers is mixed, and many complain about its data caps on internet plans. However, more and more providers are using similar caps.
What about fiber internet at my address?
Despite the in-depth process required to roll out fiber internet services, many ISPs are already delivering this internet connection, with many other ISPs hot on their trail. Consumers who are looking for the fastest internet available are commonly looking for fiber since fiber-optic internet services are much faster than cable networks. With a connection speed of up to 10 Gbps in both directions, fiber internet is currently impossible to beat when it comes to download and upload speeds. If you are looking for the fastest internet available for your address, first check to see if any of the ISPs in your coverage area have rolled out fiber-optic internet service for your address.
ISPs use your address or “block” to determine coverage for your home
Most ISPs across the nation use the addresses of their consumers to determine important aspects of their internet plan. In many cases, your ISP may use your ZIP code to determine the taxes and fees for your account, but these rates are also commonly based upon your exact address. As discussed above, fiber internet is rapidly expanding across the nation. One of the best ways to find internet providers for your home or business is to find which ones service your exact address, and in this day and age, coverage options can vary literally from one house to the next.
The future should be internet for everyone's address
As of 2017, 88% of Americans had access to broadband internet. Now the number of households gaining access to fiber internet is rapidly growing, with cable internet still holding strong as the most common connection type. As ISPs are increasing their networks, fiber internet is becoming available in small sections of a city at a time. For example, an entire row of homes may be eligible for new fiber internet service, whereas the streets directly on either side of them do not yet have access. This is due to the infrastructure and construction required for fiber-optic internet cables. This is another reason why searching for the internet by address is a great way to find the newest and best internet technology for your household. If you live in a metropolitan area, chances are various internet options are available at your specific address.
The world of internet technology is constantly evolving and advancing. What was available to you six months ago might be vastly different today. When searching for a reliable, fast internet connection for your family, try finding what internet services are available by address. This is the surest way to find the newest technology on the market and accessible for your home or small business.
Internet at my address frequently asked questions
How do I find the best internet provider at my address?
First, you have to narrow down which internet providers service your specific address. A zip code checker is the simplest and fastest way to find this out. In a majority of area, you will find a major company that supplies cable or telephone service and one or two that supply internet service. The larger the city you live in, the more options for internet service providers you will have. To find the internet provider most suited to your needs, think about the price you are willing to pay, the internet speed that best matches your online activity, and any deals or discounts offers by the internet providers near you.
How much does internet at my address cost?
The average price of quality internet can range from $29.99 to $49.99, not including equipment, rental, or installation fees. Introductory prices are usually lower for the first 12 to 24 months with an increase following. Pricing will vary based on location, speed and bundles.
What internet speed do I need at my address?
In order to determine what internet speed you need, you must first think about your online activity as the speed required will vary based on each individual. For example, online gaming requires download speeds of 5 Mbps and upload speed of 1 Mbps. Video streaming on the other hand needs download speeds of 10 Mbps and upload speeds of 0.5 M