Cheap Internet in Columbus, Ohio - Most Affordable Plans (February 2026)
Cheapest internet in Columbus: Spectrum Internet at $30/mo for 300 Mbps (Cable). Call 1-844-481-5997 to sign up today. Columbus is a major Ohio city in the Midwest known for close to the national average overall costs, and the average internet bill here is approximately $78/mo. Read on for a detailed breakdown of pricing, speeds, and money-saving tips.
Keeping internet costs low is a priority for many households, and providers in the area are competing for your business. Columbus residents have access to 8 providers, with the cheapest promotional rate currently at $30/mo from Spectrum. In a metro area serving 913,175 people, there is no shortage of budget-friendly connectivity options.
Affordable Internet Plans in Columbus (8 Providers)
Here is a side-by-side comparison of the most affordable plan from each local provider, ranked by introductory price.
| Provider | Plan | Speed | Promo Price | Regular Price | Type | Contract | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Internet | 300 Mbps | $30/mo* | $55/mo | Cable | No | View Plans | 1-844-481-5997 |
| AT&T Internet | Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | $35/mo* | $55/mo | Fiber/DSL | No | View Plans | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Verizon Fios | Fios 300 | 300 Mbps | $40/mo* | $50/mo | Fiber | No | View Plans | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G Home | 85-300 Mbps | $45/mo* | $60/mo | 5G | No | View Plans |
| T-Mobile | 5G Home Internet | 72-245 Mbps | $50/mo* | $50/mo | 5G | No | View Plans | 1-844-275-9311 |
| HughesNet | Select | 50 Mbps | $50/mo* | $65/mo | Satellite | No | View Plans | 1-855-543-5405 |
| Viasat | Unleashed 100 | 100 Mbps | $70/mo* | $100/mo | Satellite | 24 mo | View Plans | 1-855-463-9333 |
| Starlink | Residential | 50-200 Mbps | $120/mo* | $120/mo | Satellite | No | View Plans |
*Promotional prices for new customers. Taxes and fees may apply. Prices as of February 2026.
Budget-Friendly Spectrum Plans in Columbus
Spectrum provides cable-based internet across 88% of Columbus with plans that balance value, speed, and availability.
- Internet: 300 Mbps for $30/mo (regular $55/mo) -- Cable, No contract
- Internet Ultra: 500 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $75/mo) -- Cable, No contract
Contact Spectrum at 1-844-481-5997 to see which plans are available at your Columbus address.
Check Spectrum availability in Columbus →
AT&T Internet Internet Deals in Columbus
With 78% coverage in Columbus, AT&T Internet's fixed wireless service fills an important gap for households that cannot access cable or fiber connections.
- Internet 100: 100 Mbps for $35/mo (regular $55/mo) -- Fiber/DSL, No contract
- Internet 300: 300 Mbps for $45/mo (regular $65/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Reach AT&T Internet at 1-855-850-5977 to learn about promotions and availability in Columbus.
View all AT&T Internet deals for Columbus →
Save with Verizon Fios in Columbus
About 33% of Columbus falls within Verizon Fios's fiber service area, where customers enjoy upload speeds that match their downloads -- a major advantage for video calls and cloud backups.
- Fios 300: 300 Mbps for $40/mo (regular $50/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
- Fios 500: 500 Mbps for $60/mo (regular $70/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Call 1-855-387-1456 to check Verizon Fios availability and current promotions in Columbus.
Compare all Verizon Fios plans in Columbus →
Verizon 5G Home - Low-Price Plans for Columbus
Roughly 33% of Columbus residents can sign up for Verizon 5G Home's 5G home internet, which features flat-rate pricing and no hidden fees.
- 5G Home: 85-300 Mbps for $45/mo (regular $60/mo) -- 5G, No contract
- 5G Home Plus: 300-1000 Mbps for $65/mo (regular $80/mo) -- 5G, No contract
See full Verizon 5G Home plan details and pricing →
T-Mobile Plans Under $50/mo in Columbus
T-Mobile provides 5G fixed wireless coverage to roughly 82% of Columbus, with no data caps and no annual contracts required.
- 5G Home Internet: 72-245 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $50/mo) -- 5G, No contract
Contact T-Mobile at 1-844-275-9311 to see which plans are available at your Columbus address.
Check T-Mobile availability in Columbus →
HughesNet Budget Tiers in Columbus, OH
HughesNet delivers satellite broadband to 100% of Columbus, providing a last-resort option for areas where no wired provider has infrastructure.
- Select: 50 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $65/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
- Elite: 100 Mbps for $65/mo (regular $85/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Reach HughesNet at 1-855-543-5405 to learn about promotions and availability in Columbus.
Viasat - Budget Plans in Columbus
Viasat's satellite coverage spans 100% of Columbus, providing broadband as a fallback for addresses beyond the reach of local cable and fiber networks.
- Unleashed 100: 100 Mbps for $70/mo (regular $100/mo) -- Satellite, 24 mo contract
- Unleashed 150: 150 Mbps for $100/mo (regular $130/mo) -- Satellite, 24 mo contract
Call 1-855-463-9333 to check Viasat availability and current promotions in Columbus.
Starlink Cheap Internet Plans in Columbus
Starlink provides satellite internet with 100% coverage across Columbus, serving as a backup option for households outside the reach of wired or wireless networks.
- Residential: 50-200 Mbps for $120/mo (regular $120/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Internet Costs in Columbus: Local Market Overview
As fiber and 5G networks expand across Ohio, residents of Columbus are seeing more affordable options.
At a cost of living index of 104, Columbus sits above the national average for overall expenses. With a median household income of $49,400 and average internet bills of $78/mo, residents benefit from a competitive broadband market that keeps pricing in check.
Having 9 providers compete for customers in Columbus translates to better deals and more options. For the lowest bills, look at fiber and cable providers first -- Spectrum and AT&T Internet both offer introductory rates that can keep your bill under $40/mo.
Low-Income Internet Programs in Columbus
Don't overlook these income-based discount programs available in Columbus. They can reduce your internet bill to a fraction of standard rates.
- FCC Lifeline Program: Provides up to $9.25/mo discount on internet or phone service for households at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Ohio residents can apply through the National Verifier.
- Spectrum Internet Assist: 30 Mbps for $17.99/mo for eligible households, including seniors on SSI. Call 1-844-481-5997 to apply.
- AT&T Access: Plans starting at $30/mo for households participating in SNAP or with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Call 1-855-850-5977 for eligibility info.
- State and Local Assistance: Check with Ohio state agencies and Columbus community organizations for additional digital inclusion programs and subsidized internet access initiatives.
Cut Your Internet Bill in Columbus: Proven Strategies
Whether you are already on a budget plan or paying full price, these strategies can help you save in Columbus. Here are five proven ways to save.
Audit your actual speed needs
Run a speed test during peak hours. If you are consistently using less than half your plan speed, you could downgrade to a cheaper tier without any noticeable performance difference.
Negotiate with your current provider
Call your provider's retention department when your promotional rate expires. Mention competitor offers and ask for a loyalty discount -- many providers will match or beat rival pricing to keep you as a customer.
Downgrade your speed tier
If you live alone or have a small household, you may not need the fastest plan available. A 100-200 Mbps connection handles streaming, video calls, and gaming for most users.
Ask about autopay and paperless billing discounts
Many ISPs offer $5-$10 off your monthly bill when you enroll in autopay with a bank account or credit card and opt for paperless statements.
Set a calendar reminder before promos expire
Most promotional rates last 12-24 months. Set a reminder 30 days before your promo expires so you have time to negotiate or switch to a cheaper plan.
Budget Internet FAQ for Columbus Residents
Which provider has the most affordable plan in Columbus, OH?
Spectrum offers the cheapest plan in Columbus -- Internet at $30/mo (300 Mbps). For a second option, AT&T Internet starts at $35/mo with their Internet 100 plan.
Are there any internet plans under $30 per month in Columbus, OH?
While standard promotional rates in Columbus start around $30/mo, you can find sub-$30 pricing through low-income programs. Low-income programs like Xfinity Internet Essentials ($9.95/mo) and Spectrum Internet Assist ($17.99/mo) are also available to qualifying households.
Which provider offers the most speed per dollar in Columbus?
For the best speed-per-dollar value in Columbus, look at providers offering fiber or cable service. Spectrum offers 300 Mbps for $30/mo, while AT&T Internet provides 100 Mbps for $35/mo. Cable and fiber plans generally provide the best speed per dollar compared to wireless and satellite alternatives.
Do any Columbus providers offer no-contract internet?
Most internet providers in Columbus have moved away from requiring contracts. Spectrum, AT&T Internet, and several other providers offer no-commitment plans that let you cancel anytime without penalty.
How much do Columbus residents typically spend on internet?
The typical internet bill in Columbus runs about $78/mo, near the national average. New-customer promotions and income-based programs offer ways to bring your bill well below this figure.
What is the fastest internet plan under $50/mo in Columbus, OH?
Among budget-friendly plans under $50/mo in Columbus, fiber providers typically offer the fastest speeds. Plans like Spectrum Internet (300 Mbps) and AT&T Internet Internet 100 (100 Mbps) deliver strong performance at introductory prices.
Related Resources
Find more details on local providers, state-level coverage, and plan comparisons below.
- Internet Providers in Columbus, OH
- Spectrum Plans and Pricing
- AT&T Internet Plans and Pricing
- Verizon Fios Plans and Pricing
- Verizon 5G Home Plans and Pricing
- Internet Providers in Ohio
Disclosure: Some links on this page are sponsored affiliate links. InternetProviders.ai may be compensated if you purchase through these links. Our content and provider evaluations remain independent. Pricing is accurate as of February 2026 and varies by address within Columbus.