Best Internet Providers in Providence, RI
Compare 9 internet providers serving 190,934 Providence residents. Verizon Fios, Cox, AT&T, and Xfinity all compete in Rhode Island's capital city.
Call to check availability:
Verizon Fios 1-855-387-1456Quick Answer: Best Internet in Providence
Verizon Fios is the best internet provider in Providence, RI, delivering symmetrical fiber speeds up to 1 Gbps with no data caps at about 70% coverage. Cox Internet offers the widest cable coverage with speeds up to 2 Gbps. AT&T Fiber covers about 56% of the city. T-Mobile 5G provides a solid wireless alternative at $40-50/month for renters and students in this college-rich metro.
Key Takeaways
- Best fiber: Verizon Fios at ~70% with symmetrical speeds
- Best cable: Cox Internet with wide coverage to 2 Gbps
- Best for students/renters: T-Mobile 5G at $40-50/mo, no contract
- Strong competition: 9 providers including 4 wired options
- College city advantage: Dense coverage from multiple providers
Providence Internet Providers Comparison
Verified February 2026. Coverage percentages based on FCC broadband data.
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Call Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 1 Gbps | $35/mo** | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Cox Internet | Cable / Fiber | 2 Gbps | $50/mo | 1.25 TB | No | 1-855-342-0684 |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber / DSL | 5 Gbps | $55/mo | None (Fiber) | No | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Xfinity | Cable / Fiber | 2 Gbps | $35/mo | 1.2 TB | No | 1-844-963-0138 |
| T-Mobile 5G | 5G Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $40-50/mo | None | No | 1-844-275-9311 |
| 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 |
**Verizon pricing with mobile bundle. ***Viasat Unleashed plan.
Providence Internet Providers: Detailed Reviews
Verizon Fios in Providence
~70% CoverageVerizon Fios is the leading fiber provider in Providence, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 1 Gbps. No data caps, no annual contracts, and competitive pricing (starting at $35/month with a mobile plan) make Fios the top choice where available.
Choose Verizon Fios If:
- You want symmetrical fiber speeds with no data caps
- You already have a Verizon mobile plan for bundle savings
Avoid If:
- Fios is not available at your address (check coverage first)
Cox Internet in Providence
~59% CoverageCox provides cable and fiber service across much of Providence with speeds reaching 2 Gbps. Plans start at $50/month for 100 Mbps. A 1.25 TB data cap applies to most plans, though unlimited data is available as an add-on.
Choose Cox If:
- You need the fastest max speeds (2 Gbps) in Providence
- Verizon Fios is not available at your address
Avoid If:
- Data caps are a concern for your household
AT&T Internet in Providence
~56% CoverageAT&T offers fiber and DSL service covering about 56% of Providence. Fiber plans deliver symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps with no data caps. AT&T Fiber is the fastest residential option in Providence where available.
Choose AT&T If:
- You need multi-gig symmetrical speeds for content creation
Avoid If:
- Only DSL is available at your address
Providence Internet Speeds and Prices
| Speed Tier | Verizon Fios | Cox | AT&T | Xfinity | T-Mobile 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps | $35/mo** | $70/mo | $55/mo | $55/mo | $40-50/mo |
| 500 Mbps | $50/mo | $100/mo | $65/mo | $70/mo | - |
| 1 Gbps | $75/mo | $120/mo | $80/mo | $80/mo | - |
| 2 Gbps | - | $150/mo | $110/mo | $120/mo | - |
How Much Speed Do You Need?
- 1-2 people: 100-300 Mbps for streaming and browsing
- 3-5 people: 500 Mbps for multiple streams and video calls
- Work from home + gaming: 1 Gbps for demanding applications
Learn more: How much speed do I need?
Internet Service in Providence: Local Overview
- Population: 190,934
- CBSA: 39300 (Providence-Warwick)
- Fiber providers: Verizon Fios, AT&T, Cox, Xfinity
- Cable providers: Cox, Xfinity
- 5G providers: T-Mobile, Verizon
Providence has an unusually competitive broadband market for a city its size. Verizon Fios fiber covers the majority of the city, while Cox cable and AT&T fiber provide strong alternatives. Xfinity adds a fourth wired option in select neighborhoods. This level of provider competition drives better pricing and service quality.
The city's large student population (Brown, RISD, Providence College, Johnson & Wales) creates strong demand for fast, affordable internet. T-Mobile 5G is particularly popular with renters and students who move frequently and want no-contract flexibility.
Internet by Providence Neighborhood
- College Hill/East Side: Excellent Verizon Fios and Cox coverage
- Federal Hill/Downtown: Multiple wired providers compete
- South Providence: Cox cable strong; Fios expanding
- Cranston (nearby): Similar provider mix with good coverage
Frequently Asked Questions About Providence Internet
What is the best internet provider in Providence?
Verizon Fios is the best for fiber at 70% coverage. Cox offers the fastest max speeds at 2 Gbps. AT&T Fiber goes up to 5 Gbps at 56% coverage.
Is fiber internet available in Providence?
Yes. Verizon Fios covers about 70%, AT&T about 56%, Cox offers fiber-backed plans at 59%, and Xfinity about 33%.
How much does internet cost in Providence?
Verizon Fios starts at $35/month with mobile bundle. Cox starts at $50/month. Most households pay $50-80/month.
Is Verizon Fios or Cox better in Providence?
Fios is better for no data caps and symmetrical speeds. Cox has faster max speeds (2 Gbps) but applies a 1.25 TB data cap.
Is 5G home internet available in Providence?
Yes. T-Mobile covers about 76% and Verizon about 70% of Providence with 5G home internet service.
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. Some providers listed are partners who 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 Providence Households
The speed you need in Providence 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 Providence 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.