Winston-Salem Internet Providers - Compare 6 Options
Find the best internet service for your address in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
In Winston-Salem, NC, residents can choose from 6 internet providers offering speeds up to 398 Mbps. AT&T Fiber provides fiber internet to 64% of the area, while Charter Spectrum offers widespread cable coverage. Compare plans to find the best option for your address.
Based on FCC broadband data as of February 02, 2026.
Compare Internet Providers in Winston-Salem
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charter Spectrum | Cable | 1,200 Mbps | $49.99/mo | Call to Order |
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber | 5,000 Mbps | $55/mo | Call to Order |
| T-Mobile | 5G Home | 245 Mbps | $50/mo | Call to Order |
| Starlink | Satellite | 150 Mbps | $120/mo | Call to Order |
| Frontier Fiber | Fiber | 5,000 Mbps | $55/mo | Call to Order |
Internet Providers Serving Winston-Salem, NC
Charter Spectrum in Winston-Salem
Technology: Cable
Speed Range: 300 - 1,200 Mbps
Price Range: $49.99 - $120/mo
Charter Spectrum offers reliable cable internet with widespread availability throughout Winston-Salem.
AT&T Fiber in Winston-Salem
Technology: Fiber-optic
Speed Range: 300 - 5,000 Mbps
Price Range: $55 - $180/mo
AT&T Fiber delivers lightning-fast fiber internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds, perfect for streaming, gaming, and remote work.
T-Mobile in Winston-Salem
Technology: 5G Home Internet
Speed Range: 72 - 245 Mbps
Price Range: $50 - $70/mo
T-Mobile offers wireless home internet with no data caps, equipment fees, or annual contracts.
Starlink in Winston-Salem
Technology: Satellite
Speed Range: 25 - 150 Mbps
Price Range: $120 - $200/mo
Starlink provides satellite internet coverage to all of Winston-Salem, including rural and underserved areas.
Frontier Fiber in Winston-Salem
Technology: Fiber-optic
Speed Range: 300 - 5,000 Mbps
Price Range: $55 - $180/mo
Frontier Fiber delivers lightning-fast fiber internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds, perfect for streaming, gaming, and remote work.
Internet Speeds and Prices in Winston-Salem
Internet speeds in Winston-Salem range from basic 25 Mbps DSL connections to ultra-fast 5,000 Mbps fiber service. Most households find 300-500 Mbps sufficient for streaming, gaming, and remote work. Prices typically start at $50/month for entry-level plans and range up to $180/month for gigabit+ speeds.
| Speed Tier | Best For | Technology | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-100 Mbps | Light browsing, email, SD streaming | DSL, Fixed Wireless | $40-60/mo |
| 100-300 Mbps | HD streaming, video calls, light gaming | Cable, 5G Home | $50-80/mo |
| 300-1,000 Mbps | Multiple users, 4K streaming, gaming | Cable, Fiber | $70-100/mo |
| 1,000+ Mbps | Power users, large households, 8K streaming | Fiber | $100-180/mo |
Internet Service in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem is a vibrant community of 248,019 residents in North Carolina with excellent internet infrastructure. The city benefits from competitive broadband options, with 6 providers delivering service throughout the region. Fiber internet coverage has reached 64% of Winston-Salem, providing residents with access to gigabit speeds for bandwidth-intensive activities.
The telecommunications landscape in Winston-Salem includes established cable providers, growing fiber networks, 5G home internet alternatives, and satellite options for rural areas. Average internet speeds in Winston-Salem are 398 Mbps, exceeding the national average and supporting modern connected households.
- Population: 248,019 residents
- Providers Available: 6 internet service providers
- Fiber Coverage: 64% of addresses
- Average Speeds: 398 Mbps download
- Cable Coverage: 88% of addresses
Internet by Neighborhood
Internet availability in Winston-Salem varies by neighborhood. Downtown Winston-Salem, North Winston-Salem, South Winston-Salem generally have excellent fiber and cable coverage. Enter your specific address above to see all available providers and plans at your location.
Comparing Internet Technologies in Winston-Salem
Understanding the different types of internet technology available in Winston-Salem, NC helps you make an informed decision about which service best fits your needs. Each technology type offers distinct advantages and limitations in terms of speed, reliability, and availability.
Fiber Optic Internet
Fiber optic internet represents the gold standard for internet connectivity in Winston-Salem. Using pulses of light transmitted through glass or plastic cables, fiber delivers symmetrical upload and download speeds, meaning you get the same fast speeds in both directions. This makes fiber ideal for video conferencing, cloud backups, content creation, and households with multiple simultaneous users. Fiber connections are less susceptible to weather interference and typically offer more consistent speeds during peak usage times compared to other technologies.
Cable Internet
Cable internet in Winston-Salem uses the same coaxial cable infrastructure that delivers cable television. Modern cable internet via DOCSIS 3.1 technology can deliver gigabit speeds to most households. While cable internet typically offers faster download speeds than upload speeds (asymmetrical), it provides reliable performance for streaming, gaming, and general internet use. Cable networks are widely available throughout Winston-Salem, making them an accessible option for most residents.
5G Home Internet
5G home internet has emerged as a competitive alternative in Winston-Salem, especially for households that want to avoid installation appointments and long-term contracts. Using cellular tower signals, 5G home internet offers plug-and-play simplicity with no data caps. Performance depends on tower proximity and signal strength, but many Winston-Salem residents achieve speeds between 100-300 Mbps. The technology works particularly well in areas with strong 5G coverage and fewer network congestion issues.
DSL and Satellite
While older technologies like DSL and satellite internet still serve some Winston-Salem areas, particularly rural locations, they generally offer lower speeds and higher latency compared to fiber, cable, and 5G options. However, they remain important for ensuring connectivity in areas where newer infrastructure hasn't yet reached. Satellite internet has improved significantly with low-earth orbit services, though it typically comes at premium pricing.
How to Choose the Right Internet Speed in Winston-Salem
Selecting the appropriate internet speed for your Winston-Salem household depends on several factors: the number of connected devices, typical online activities, number of simultaneous users, and whether anyone works from home or attends online classes.
Speed Requirements by Activity
Different online activities require different bandwidth levels. Email and web browsing need minimal speeds (5-10 Mbps), while HD video streaming typically requires 5-8 Mbps per stream. If multiple family members stream simultaneously in Winston-Salem, those requirements multiply quickly. 4K streaming demands 25 Mbps per stream, and cloud gaming or video conferencing for work needs 15-25 Mbps for optimal performance.
Household Size Considerations
A single person or couple in Winston-Salem can typically manage well with 100-200 Mbps, while families with 3-4 people should consider 300-500 Mbps plans. Large households with 5+ people, especially with teenagers or remote workers, benefit from 500-1000 Mbps speeds. These recommendations assume multiple simultaneous users streaming, gaming, and video conferencing at the same time.
Future-Proofing Your Connection
When selecting internet service in Winston-Salem, consider your future needs alongside current usage. Smart home devices, security cameras, and new bandwidth-intensive applications continue to increase household internet demands. Choosing a plan with some headroom above your current needs ensures your connection remains responsive as your usage grows over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internet in Winston-Salem
What internet providers are available in Winston-Salem, NC?
Internet providers in Winston-Salem include Charter Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, T-Mobile, and 3 additional providers. Approximately 64% of Winston-Salem residents have access to fiber internet, while cable internet is available to 88% of the population.
What is the fastest internet speed available in Winston-Salem?
The fastest internet technology in Winston-Salem is Fiber, with speeds reaching up to 5,000 Mbps (5 Gbps) from providers like AT&T Fiber. The average download speed in Winston-Salem is 398 Mbps, significantly faster than the national average.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Winston-Salem?
The most affordable internet options in Winston-Salem start around $50/month for basic plans. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet and certain cable internet promotions often provide the lowest entry prices. However, pricing varies by address, promotional availability, and contract terms.
Is fiber internet available in Winston-Salem?
Yes, fiber internet is available to approximately 64% of Winston-Salem residents. AT&T Fiber offers the most extensive fiber network in the area. Fiber availability varies by neighborhood, so enter your address to check specific availability at your location.
Do I need a contract for internet service in Winston-Salem?
Contract requirements vary by provider in Winston-Salem. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet and some fiber providers offer no-contract options. Traditional cable providers like Charter Spectrum may offer both contract and month-to-month plans, with contract plans typically offering lower promotional pricing.
How do I choose the best internet provider in Winston-Salem?
Choose based on your specific needs: For maximum speed, select fiber from AT&T Fiber. For value and reliability, consider Charter Spectrum. For flexibility without contracts, explore T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. Always check availability at your specific address before deciding.
Last updated: February 02, 2026
Reviewed by: Michael Torres, Lead Technology Editor
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