Best Internet Providers in Birmingham, AL
Compare 9 internet providers serving Birmingham's 196,357 residents. AT&T Fiber and Spectrum lead Alabama's largest city with strong fiber and cable competition.
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AT&T Fiber 1-855-850-5977Quick Answer: Best Internet in Birmingham
AT&T Fiber is the best internet provider in Birmingham, covering 77% of the city with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps and no data caps. Spectrum serves 72% of Birmingham with cable plans starting at $30/month. T-Mobile 5G covers 73% as a no-contract wireless alternative at $40-50/month for renters and budget-minded households.
Key Takeaways
- Best overall: AT&T Fiber with symmetrical speeds and no data caps
- Best cable: Spectrum at 72% coverage with no contracts
- Best value: Spectrum at $30/mo intro or T-Mobile at $40-50/mo
- Best for renters: T-Mobile 5G with easy setup and no contract
- 9 providers: Solid competition for Alabama's Magic City
Birmingham Internet Providers Comparison
Verified as of February 2026. Coverage based on FCC data.
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Call Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber/DSL | 5 Gbps | $55/mo | None | No | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Spectrum | Cable | 2 Gbps | $30/mo* | None | No | 1-844-481-5997 |
| T-Mobile 5G | 5G Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $40/mo | None | No | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Verizon Fios/5G | Fiber/5G | 2 Gbps | $35/mo** | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Windstream | Fiber/DSL | 2 Gbps | $40/mo | None | No | 1-855-463-4357 |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | $39.99/mo | Limited | 2-year | 1-855-543-5405 |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | $39.99/mo | Unlimited*** | No | 1-855-463-9333 |
| Starlink | LEO Satellite | 250 Mbps | $120/mo | Soft cap | No | Online only |
*Spectrum first-year promotional pricing. **Verizon pricing with mobile bundle. ***Viasat Unleashed plan.
Top Birmingham Internet Providers: Detailed Reviews
AT&T Fiber Internet in Birmingham
77% CoverageAT&T Fiber is the top choice for Birmingham residents with 77% coverage and symmetrical speeds from 300 Mbps to 5 Gbps. No data caps or contracts are included. Birmingham is a priority AT&T market in the Southeast, with fiber reaching most neighborhoods from downtown to the suburbs. Plans start at $55/month.
Choose AT&T Fiber If:
- You need symmetrical upload and download speeds
- You work from home and rely on video conferencing
- You want no data caps at any plan level
Avoid AT&T If:
- Only DSL is available at your specific address
- You need the lowest possible starting price
Spectrum Internet in Birmingham
72.4% CoverageSpectrum covers 72% of Birmingham with cable plans from 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps. The $30/month introductory price, no data caps, and no contracts make Spectrum a reliable budget choice. A free modem is included with all plans. Spectrum is especially well-suited for households that prioritize value over maximum speed.
Choose Spectrum If:
- You want the lowest introductory price in Birmingham
- You prefer no data caps or contracts
- AT&T Fiber is not available at your address
Avoid Spectrum If:
- You need fast symmetrical upload speeds
- You are sensitive to price increases after year one
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet in Birmingham
73.3% CoverageT-Mobile 5G covers 73% of Birmingham at a flat $40-50/month with no contract and no data caps. The 5-Year Price Guarantee keeps your rate locked in. Speeds average 100-245 Mbps. T-Mobile is a practical wireless option for renters near UAB, downtown, or neighborhoods where wired providers have gaps.
Choose T-Mobile 5G If:
- You want predictable monthly pricing with no increases
- You are a renter who needs no-contract, plug-and-play internet
Avoid T-Mobile 5G If:
- You need consistent low latency for competitive gaming
- You require speeds above 300 Mbps regularly
Birmingham Internet Speeds and Prices
| Speed Tier | AT&T Fiber | Spectrum | Windstream | Verizon Fios | T-Mobile 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps | $55/mo | $30/mo* | $40/mo | $50/mo | $40-50/mo |
| 500 Mbps | $65/mo | $70/mo | $55/mo | $70/mo | - |
| 1 Gbps | $80/mo | $90/mo | $70/mo | $90/mo | - |
| 2 Gbps | $110/mo | - | $90/mo | $120/mo | - |
How Much Speed Do You Need?
- 1-2 people, light use: 100-300 Mbps
- 3-5 people, moderate use: 500 Mbps
- Work from home + gaming: 1 Gbps
- Content creators: 2-5 Gbps fiber
See our internet speed guide for details.
Internet in Birmingham: Local Market Overview
- Population: 196,357
- CBSA: 13820 (Birmingham-Hoover)
- Providers: 9 total with AT&T Fiber and Spectrum leading
Birmingham's broadband market has improved significantly with AT&T's fiber investment across Jefferson County. AT&T and Spectrum split the wired market nearly evenly, giving most residents at least one high-speed option. Windstream offers additional fiber service in select outer neighborhoods, and Verizon provides limited Fios and 5G Home coverage.
The UAB campus area and downtown corridor benefit from the densest provider coverage. T-Mobile 5G serves as a strong wireless backup across 73% of the city, particularly useful for students and renters who need flexibility.
Internet by Birmingham Neighborhood
- Downtown/Lakeview: AT&T Fiber and Spectrum widely available
- Southside/UAB: Strong fiber and 5G coverage from multiple providers
- Mountain Brook/Homewood: AT&T Fiber primary; Spectrum available
- West End/Ensley: Spectrum cable; AT&T expanding fiber
- Hoover/Vestavia Hills: AT&T Fiber and Spectrum compete
Frequently Asked Questions About Birmingham Internet
What is the best internet provider in Birmingham, AL?
AT&T Fiber is best for most residents with 77% coverage, symmetrical speeds, and no data caps. Spectrum is the top cable alternative at 72%.
Is fiber internet available in Birmingham?
Yes. AT&T Fiber (77%), Verizon Fios (25%), and Windstream (5%) offer fiber in different parts of the city.
How much does internet cost in Birmingham?
Plans start at $30/month with Spectrum. Most households pay $50-80/month for 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
What is the fastest internet in Birmingham?
AT&T Fiber offers up to 5 Gbps symmetrical. Spectrum and Verizon Fios reach 2 Gbps in select areas.
Is 5G home internet available in Birmingham?
Yes. T-Mobile covers 73% of the city at $40-50/month. Verizon 5G Home reaches about 25% of addresses.
About the Author
Last Updated: February 7, 2026
Our team regularly reviews and updates this guide to ensure accuracy. Provider availability and pricing are verified quarterly.
Editorial Disclosure
InternetProviders.ai is committed to providing accurate, unbiased information to help you choose the right internet service. Some providers listed on this page compensate us when you sign up through our links or phone numbers. This compensation may affect provider order but does not influence our ratings or recommendations. Our editorial team independently researches each provider. See our editorial guidelines and how we make money.
Internet Speed Requirements for Birmingham Households
The speed you need in Birmingham depends on how many people and devices use your connection simultaneously. A single person streaming video and browsing the web can get by with 50-100 Mbps. A household of 2-3 people with regular streaming and video calls should target 200-300 Mbps. Larger families with 4 or more heavy users benefit from 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps plans, especially when multiple people are streaming in 4K, gaming online, or working from home at the same time.
Upload speed matters just as much as download speed for Birmingham residents who work remotely. Video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Teams require at least 5 Mbps upload for stable HD video, and 10 Mbps or more for group calls with screen sharing. If multiple household members participate in video calls simultaneously, ensure your plan provides at least 20-25 Mbps upload speed. Fiber plans offer the best upload performance with symmetrical speeds.