Frequently Asked Questions

Enter your ZIP code on our Compare page to see all available providers at your address. You can also browse by state on our Internet by State directory.

The main types are Fiber, Cable, DSL, Fixed Wireless, 5G Home Internet, and Satellite. Fiber offers the fastest speeds with lowest latency, while satellite is available almost everywhere but has higher latency.

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We use FCC broadband data and provider-reported coverage information to determine availability. However, actual availability can vary by address. We recommend verifying directly with the provider before signing up.

It depends on your usage. For basic browsing and email, 25 Mbps is sufficient. For streaming 4K video, 50-100 Mbps works well. For gaming or multiple users, consider 200-500 Mbps. Large households or content creators may want gigabit speeds. Try our Speed Quiz to get a personalized recommendation.

Download speed affects how fast you can receive data (streaming, browsing, downloading files). Upload speed affects how fast you can send data (video calls, uploading files, live streaming). Most activities rely more on download speed, but remote workers and content creators need good upload speeds too.

Several factors can affect speed: Wi-Fi interference, router placement, network congestion during peak hours, or older equipment. Run a Speed Test to check your actual speeds. If consistently slow, contact your provider or consider upgrading your router.

Latency (or ping) measures the delay in data transmission, measured in milliseconds (ms). Low latency is crucial for gaming, video calls, and real-time applications. Fiber typically has the lowest latency (5-15ms), while satellite can have latency of 500ms+.

For most households, no. Gigabit (1 Gbps) is overkill for typical usage. 200-500 Mbps handles most families comfortably. However, gigabit makes sense for 10+ simultaneous users, frequent large file transfers, or if you want to future-proof. See our Fastest Providers guide for more details.

It depends on your priorities and location. AT&T Fiber and Verizon Fios are excellent for fiber. Xfinity and Spectrum offer wide cable coverage. For budget options, see our Cheapest Providers list.

Many areas have limited competition due to infrastructure costs and local regulations. Rural areas typically have fewer options. If you only have one wired option, consider 5G Home Internet from T-Mobile or Verizon, or satellite services like Starlink as alternatives.

Yes, you can switch providers anytime. Check if you have an early termination fee with your current provider. Most new providers offer free installation and may waive activation fees. Schedule overlap between old and new service to avoid downtime.

Consider: speed offerings, pricing (including post-promotional rates), data caps, contract requirements, customer service reputation, and equipment fees. Our Internet Guides can help you make an informed decision.

Promotional prices are temporary discounted rates for new customers, typically lasting 12-24 months. After this period, the price increases to the regular rate, which can be $20-50/month higher. Always ask about the post-promotional price before signing up.

Data caps limit how much data you can use per month. Going over may result in overage fees or throttled speeds. Fiber providers like AT&T Fiber and Verizon Fios typically have no data caps. Cable providers like Xfinity often have 1.2TB caps (with options to remove for extra cost).

Buying your own equipment usually saves money long-term. Rental fees are typically $10-15/month, adding up to $120-180/year. A good router costs $100-200 and lasts several years. Check that your equipment is compatible with your provider before purchasing.

Common fees include: equipment rental ($10-15/mo), installation ($50-150), activation fees ($10-50), early termination fees ($100-200), and regional sports fees for bundles. Ask for a complete breakdown before signing up.

Tips: Negotiate with retention department, buy your own equipment, skip TV bundles, use autopay discounts. See our Cheapest Providers page for budget-friendly options.

A modem connects your home to your ISP's network and converts the signal. A router creates your home Wi-Fi network and connects multiple devices. Many providers offer combo units (gateway) that combine both functions.

Tips: Place router centrally and elevated, away from walls and interference. Use 5GHz band for speed (shorter range) and 2.4GHz for range. Consider a mesh Wi-Fi system for larger homes. Update router firmware regularly.

Fiber uses thin glass strands to transmit data as light pulses, allowing for much higher speeds than copper cables. Benefits include: symmetrical upload/download speeds, lower latency, and no signal degradation over distance. See Best Fiber Providers for options.

5G Home Internet uses cellular networks instead of cables to deliver internet to your home. Providers like T-Mobile and Verizon offer these services with speeds of 100-300+ Mbps, often with no data caps or contracts.

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address. Consider using one for: public Wi-Fi security, privacy from your ISP, or accessing geo-restricted content. Note that VPNs may slightly reduce speed and some streaming services block them.