Scranton has 9 internet providers for its 77,118 residents, including cable, fiber, 5G, and satellite options. Xfinity, Frontier Fiber, and AT&T lead the market.
Check availability or call: (Xfinity) | (Frontier)
Quick Answer: Best Internet in Scranton
Xfinity is the top overall choice in Scranton with 72.1% cable/fiber coverage and speeds up to 2 Gbps. AT&T Fiber covers 57.7% with symmetrical speeds. Frontier Fiber serves 33.4% with competitive fiber pricing and no data caps.
- Best overall: Xfinity -- 72.1% coverage, cable & fiber, up to 2 Gbps
- Best fiber: AT&T Fiber -- 57.7% coverage, symmetrical up to 5 Gbps
- Best fiber alternative: Frontier Fiber -- 33.4% coverage, symmetrical speeds
- Best no-contract: T-Mobile 5G -- 66.7% coverage, $50/month
- Most available: Viasat, HughesNet, Starlink -- 100% satellite coverage
Scranton Internet Providers Comparison
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | Cable, Fiber | 2,000 Mbps | $35/mo | 1.2 TB | None | |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber, DSL | 5,000 Mbps | $55/mo | None (Fiber) | None | |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 2,300 Mbps | $50/mo | None | None | |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $50/mo | None | None | |
| Frontier Fiber | Fiber, DSL | 2,000 Mbps | $50/mo | None | None | |
| Breezeline | Cable, Fiber | 1,000 Mbps | $50/mo | None | None | Online only |
| Starlink | Satellite | 220 Mbps | $120/mo | Soft cap | None | Online only |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | $70/mo | Varies | 2 years | |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | $50/mo | 100-200 GB | None |
Top Internet Providers in Scranton
Xfinity -- Best Overall in Scranton
Xfinity provides cable and fiber broadband to 72.1% of Scranton. Plans range from 75 Mbps for light users to 2 Gbps for power households. A 1.2 TB data cap applies with an unlimited upgrade available.
Plans: Connect (75 Mbps, $35/mo) | Connect More (200 Mbps, $55/mo) | Gigabit (1 Gbps, $80/mo)
Choose If: You want multiple speed tiers and wide availability. Avoid If: The 1.2 TB data cap is a concern.
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Sources & Methodology
Provider availability and coverage data for Scranton, PA is sourced from the FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC) as of December 2024. The FCC requires all internet service providers to report coverage at the location level twice per year. We cross-reference these filings with plan and pricing data collected directly from provider websites.
Our analysis methodology, data sources, and scoring criteria are documented on our methodology page. Coverage percentages represent the share of residential locations in the CBSA where each provider has reported service availability to the FCC. Actual availability may vary by specific address.
Pricing shown reflects publicly advertised rates as of 2026 and may not include taxes, equipment fees, or promotional expiration details. We recommend verifying current pricing directly with the provider. Data verified as of 2026.
AT&T Fiber -- Best Fiber in Scranton
AT&T Fiber covers 57.7% of Scranton with symmetrical speeds, no data caps, and no contracts. Ideal for households where multiple people work or stream simultaneously.
Plans: Fiber 300 ($55/mo) | Fiber 500 ($65/mo) | Fiber 1 GIG ($80/mo) | Fiber 5 GIG ($180/mo)
Choose If: You need symmetrical uploads and unlimited data. Avoid If: Only DSL is available at your address.
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Frontier Fiber -- Best Fiber Alternative
Frontier Fiber reaches 33.4% of Scranton with symmetrical fiber plans and no data caps. Frontier has invested heavily in fiber expansion across northeast Pennsylvania, offering competitive pricing against Xfinity and AT&T.
Plans: Fiber 500 ($50/mo) | Fiber 1 Gig ($75/mo) | Fiber 2 Gig ($100/mo)
Choose If: You want affordable fiber with no data caps. Avoid If: You are outside the 33.4% fiber footprint.
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Speed Tier Comparison in Scranton
| Speed Tier | Xfinity | AT&T | Frontier | Verizon Fios | T-Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (75-100 Mbps) | $35/mo | -- | -- | -- | $50/mo |
| Standard (200-500 Mbps) | $55/mo | $55/mo | $50/mo | $50/mo | -- |
| Gigabit (1 Gbps) | $80/mo | $80/mo | $75/mo | $90/mo | -- |
| Multi-Gig (2+ Gbps) | $120/mo | $180/mo | $100/mo | $120/mo | -- |
Speed guide: Single users need 75-100 Mbps. Families with 3-5 members should target 200-500 Mbps. Remote workers and gamers benefit from gigabit fiber service.
Internet Service in Scranton: Local Insights
Scranton -- known as "The Electric City" -- has a population of 77,118 and serves as the economic hub of northeast Pennsylvania's Lackawanna County. The city's healthcare, education, and logistics sectors drive strong demand for business and residential broadband. Nine providers give residents more options than many similarly sized cities.
The presence of four fiber providers (AT&T, Verizon Fios, Frontier. Breezeline) reflects growing infrastructure investment in the region. T-Mobile 5G fills gaps in the wired network, particularly useful in areas where only DSL or satellite were previously available.
Neighborhood Coverage Guide
- Downtown / Courthouse Square: Xfinity, AT&T, and Frontier all available
- Hill Section / Green Ridge: Strong Xfinity and AT&T coverage
- West Side / Minooka: Xfinity primary; Verizon Fios expanding
- South Scranton: Multiple providers including Breezeline in select areas
Nearby Cities
Internet Speed Requirements for Scranton Households
The speed you need in Scranton 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 Scranton residents who work remotely. Video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Teams require at least 5 Mbps upload for stable HD video. 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.
How to Choose an Internet Provider in Scranton
Start by checking which providers actually serve your specific address in Scranton, as coverage can vary significantly even within the same city. Enter your address on each provider's website or use our comparison tool to see all available options. Compare the actual speeds offered at your address, not just the provider's maximum advertised speed, since availability of faster tiers depends on local infrastructure.
Beyond speed, compare the total monthly cost including equipment rental fees, installation charges, and price increases after promotional periods end. Providers in Scranton, Pennsylvania may offer different promotions depending on the season and competition in your area. Ask about no-contract options to maintain flexibility, and check whether a provider requires a credit check, as some offer prepaid alternatives. Reading recent customer reviews specific to Scranton gives the most relevant picture of service quality and reliability in your neighborhood.
Local Internet Market Overview in Scranton, PA
The broadband landscape in Scranton, PA continues to evolve as providers invest in network infrastructure and expand coverage. Increased competition among internet service providers has driven improvements in both pricing and performance for Scranton residents. Fiber optic networks are steadily expanding into more neighborhoods, giving consumers faster and more reliable connectivity options. The FCC's ongoing broadband initiatives, including the Broadband Equity, Access. Deployment (BEAD) program, are channeling federal funding into Pennsylvania to close coverage gaps in underserved communities.
Scranton benefits from a competitive broadband market where multiple providers vie for customers, which helps keep monthly rates reasonable. Local infrastructure upgrades mean that residents now have access to gigabit-speed plans that were unavailable just a few years ago. As 5G fixed wireless technology matures, it provides an additional alternative for households seeking high-speed internet without traditional wired connections. Residents should regularly compare available plans, as providers frequently update their offerings and promotional pricing in response to competitive pressure in the Scranton, PA market.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scranton Internet
Who is the best internet provider in Scranton, PA?
Xfinity is best overall with 72.1% coverage. AT&T Fiber covers 57.7% with symmetrical speeds and no data caps.
What is the cheapest internet in Scranton?
Xfinity Connect starts at $35/month for 75 Mbps. Frontier Fiber begins at $50/month for 500 Mbps symmetrical speeds.
Is fiber available in Scranton, PA?
Yes. AT&T Fiber (57.7%), Verizon Fios (38.4%), Frontier Fiber (33.4%), and Breezeline (7.5%) all offer fiber in Scranton.
Does Scranton have 5G home internet?
T-Mobile 5G covers 66.7% of Scranton with typical speeds of 72-245 Mbps and no contracts required.
Is Frontier Fiber available in Scranton?
Yes. Frontier Fiber covers 33.4% of Scranton with plans from 500 Mbps ($50/mo) to 2 Gbps ($100/mo), no data caps.
What internet speed do I need in Scranton?
Most Scranton households need between 100 and 300 Mbps for reliable performance. A household with 2-3 people streaming, browsing, and video conferencing simultaneously should aim for at least 200 Mbps. Larger families or remote workers with heavy upload needs should consider 300-500 Mbps plans, especially fiber connections that provide symmetrical upload and download speeds.
Are there government internet assistance programs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania residents can access several federal and state broadband assistance programs. The FCC's Lifeline program offers discounted internet service to qualifying low-income households. Also, Pennsylvania's own broadband office administers state-level grants and subsidy programs aimed at reducing internet costs and expanding infrastructure in underserved areas of the state.
How can I improve my WiFi signal at home?
Place your router in a central, elevated location away from walls and electronic interference. For larger homes in Scranton, consider a mesh WiFi system that uses multiple nodes to blanket your entire house with consistent coverage. Upgrading to a WiFi 6 or WiFi 6E router can also improve performance, especially when many devices connect simultaneously. Regularly restarting your router and keeping firmware updated helps maintain optimal speeds.
Related Resources
Pennsylvania Internet
- Internet Providers in Pennsylvania
- Internet Providers in Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Internet Providers in Allentown, PA
Provider Pages
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Tips to Save on Internet in Scranton
Internet costs in Scranton, Pennsylvania can be managed with a few strategic approaches:
- Negotiate at renewal time — When your promotional rate expires, call your provider's retention department. Mentioning competitor offers from other Scranton providers often results in extended discounts or upgraded speeds at the same price.
- Use your own equipment — Renting a modem and router from your ISP costs $10-15/month ($120-180/year). Buying a compatible modem ($80-120) and a quality router ($100-200) saves money within the first year.
- Check for low-income programs — The FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program and provider-specific programs like Spectrum Internet Assist or AT&T Access offer reduced-rate plans for qualifying Scranton households.
- Right-size your plan — If speed tests show you consistently use less than half your plan's rated speed, downgrading can save $20-40/month without affecting your experience.
- Look for seasonal promotions — Internet providers in Scranton frequently offer improved deals during back-to-school season (August-September) and moving season (May-June).
Supporting Connected Devices in Your Scranton Home
Modern households in Scranton average 15-25 connected devices, from smartphones and laptops to smart TVs, security cameras, thermostats, and voice assistants. Your internet plan needs to support this growing ecosystem reliably.
Bandwidth allocation: Each connected device consumes bandwidth even when not actively in use. Smart home devices like cameras and doorbell systems stream continuously, using 2-5 Mbps each. A household with 4 security cameras, 3 smart TVs, and multiple phones and computers can easily consume 100+ Mbps during peak usage periods.
Router capacity: Consumer-grade routers support 20-50 simultaneous connections. If your household exceeds this, devices may experience dropouts or degraded performance. Upgrading to a modern Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E router improves handling of many simultaneous connections and provides better performance for each device.
Network segmentation: Consider setting up a separate network (guest network) for IoT devices like smart plugs, lights, and thermostats. This improves security by isolating these devices from your primary computers and phones, and can improve performance by reducing congestion on your main network.
Can I get gigabit internet in Scranton, PA?
Gigabit internet (1,000 Mbps) is available in many parts of Scranton through fiber and select cable plans. Availability depends on your exact address — fiber coverage continues to expand but doesn't yet reach all neighborhoods. Some providers also offer multi-gigabit plans up to 2-5 Gbps in areas with the newest infrastructure.
When is the best time to switch internet providers in Scranton?
The best time to switch is when your current promotional rate expires, typically after 12-24 months. Back-to-school season (August-September) and moving season (May-June) often bring the best promotional offers from Scranton providers. Also watch for holiday promotions around Black Friday and the new year.
Frontier Fiber Internet Available Here
Frontier Fiber offers 100% fiber-optic internet with speeds up to 5 Gbps, no contracts, and no data caps. Plans start at $49.99/mo.
Call to check availability: