Cheap Internet in Richardson, Texas - Most Affordable Plans (February 2026)
Cheapest internet in Richardson: Spectrum Internet at $30/mo for 300 Mbps (Cable). Call 1-844-481-5997 to sign up today. Richardson is one of Texas's notable cities with a cost of living about 8% below the national average, and the average internet bill here is approximately $74/mo. See the complete plan lineup and money-saving strategies below.
Finding budget internet that actually delivers reliable performance takes a bit of research -- here is what you need to know. In Richardson, Texas, 11 providers offer budget-friendly internet plans with promotional rates starting as low as $30/mo. With a population of 119,469, the local market is competitive enough that most households can find reliable service under $50 per month.
Richardson, TX - Internet Plans by Price
Below you will find the budget plan from each provider, sorted by monthly promotional price. Regular rates are shown for comparison.
| 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 |
| Optimum | Optimum 300 | 300 Mbps | $30/mo* | $50/mo | Fiber/Cable | No | View Plans | 1-866-200-7273 |
| Rise Broadband | 25 Mbps | 25 Mbps | $30/mo* | $45/mo | Fixed Wireless | No | View Plans | 1-877-910-6207 |
| AT&T Internet | Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | $35/mo* | $55/mo | Fiber/DSL | No | View Plans | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Frontier Fiber | Fiber 500 | 500 Mbps | $40/mo* | $50/mo | Fiber | No | View Plans | 1-855-981-6281 |
| 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.
Save with Spectrum in Richardson
About 76% of Richardson residents can subscribe to Spectrum cable, which offers download speeds well suited for multi-device households.
- 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
Call 1-844-481-5997 to check Spectrum availability and current promotions in Richardson.
Compare all Spectrum plans in Richardson →
Optimum - Low-Price Plans for Richardson
For the roughly 6% of Richardson in Optimum's cable footprint, introductory rates start low and include no annual contract requirements.
- Optimum 300: 300 Mbps for $30/mo (regular $50/mo) -- Fiber/Cable, No contract
- Optimum 500: 500 Mbps for $45/mo (regular $65/mo) -- Fiber/Cable, No contract
Ready to sign up? Call Optimum at 1-866-200-7273 for the latest deals in Richardson.
See full Optimum plan details and pricing →
Rise Broadband Plans Under $45/mo in Richardson
About 19% of Richardson falls within Rise Broadband's fiber service area, where customers enjoy upload speeds that match their downloads -- a major advantage for video calls and cloud backups.
- 25 Mbps: 25 Mbps for $30/mo (regular $45/mo) -- Fixed Wireless, No contract
- 50 Mbps: 50 Mbps for $40/mo (regular $55/mo) -- Fixed Wireless, No contract
Contact Rise Broadband at 1-877-910-6207 to see which plans are available at your Richardson address.
Check Rise Broadband availability in Richardson →
AT&T Internet Budget Tiers in Richardson, TX
With 74% coverage in Richardson, 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 Richardson.
View all AT&T Internet deals for Richardson →
Frontier Fiber - Budget Plans in Richardson
Frontier Fiber provides DSL broadband to approximately 15% of Richardson, with plans that appeal to budget-conscious users who prioritize low monthly costs over maximum speed.
- Fiber 500: 500 Mbps for $40/mo (regular $50/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
- Fiber 1 Gig: 1 Gbps for $60/mo (regular $70/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Call 1-855-981-6281 to check Frontier Fiber availability and current promotions in Richardson.
Compare all Frontier Fiber plans in Richardson →
Verizon Fios Cheap Internet Plans in Richardson
Verizon Fios serves roughly 36% of Richardson through its fiber network, making it one of the top choices for residents who want fast, low-latency internet.
- 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
Ready to sign up? Call Verizon Fios at 1-855-387-1456 for the latest deals in Richardson.
See full Verizon Fios plan details and pricing →
Affordable Verizon 5G Home Plans for Richardson Residents
Verizon 5G Home provides 5G fixed wireless coverage to roughly 36% of Richardson, with no data caps and no annual contracts required.
- 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
T-Mobile in Richardson: Low-Cost Plan Options
5G coverage from T-Mobile spans 66% of Richardson, providing an increasingly popular wireless broadband option for households seeking simple, affordable connectivity.
- 5G Home Internet: 72-245 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $50/mo) -- 5G, No contract
Reach T-Mobile at 1-844-275-9311 to learn about promotions and availability in Richardson.
Richardson HughesNet Plans Starting at $50/mo
HughesNet satellite covers 100% of Richardson, though its higher pricing and latency make it most practical for households with no other broadband alternative.
- Select: 50 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $65/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
- Elite: 100 Mbps for $65/mo (regular $85/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Call 1-855-543-5405 to check HughesNet availability and current promotions in Richardson.
Viasat - Affordable Options in Richardson, TX
With 100% coverage in Richardson, Viasat satellite is universally available but best suited for households that cannot access cable, fiber, or fixed wireless service.
- 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
Ready to sign up? Call Viasat at 1-855-463-9333 for the latest deals in Richardson.
Budget-Friendly Starlink Plans in Richardson
Starlink delivers satellite broadband to 100% of Richardson, providing a last-resort option for areas where no wired provider has infrastructure.
- Residential: 50-200 Mbps for $120/mo (regular $120/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Internet Costs in Richardson: Local Market Overview
Local internet pricing in Richardson is shaped by the number of available providers and the types of technology they deploy.
The cost of living in Richardson sits at 92 on the national index (100 = average). Local households earn a median income of approximately $40,400 and spend around $74/mo on internet. Budget-friendly broadband options are particularly valuable here.
With 11 internet providers serving the Richardson metro area, competition helps keep prices in check. Households looking for the most affordable option should prioritize wired connections (fiber or cable) over satellite, which tends to carry higher monthly costs and data restrictions. Residents in Richardson can often find plans under $40/mo during promotional periods from providers like Spectrum and Optimum.
Discount Internet Programs for Richardson Residents
If you are on a limited income, these assistance programs can dramatically lower your monthly internet bill in Richardson. Qualifying households may pay as little as $9.95 per month.
- 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. Texas 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 Texas state agencies and Richardson community organizations for additional digital inclusion programs and subsidized internet access initiatives.
Internet Savings Tips for Richardson Residents
Saving $10-$20 per month on internet adds up to $120-$240 per year -- here is how Richardson residents can do it. Here are five proven ways to save.
Check if you qualify for low-income programs
Government programs like the Lifeline Program and provider-specific options such as Spectrum Internet Assist or Xfinity Internet Essentials offer discounted service to qualifying households.
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.
Use your own modem and router
Renting equipment from your ISP typically costs $10-$15 per month. Purchasing a compatible modem and router can pay for itself within 6-8 months and save you over $100 annually.
Bundle services strategically
Some providers offer discounts when you add mobile service to your internet plan. T-Mobile gives $5-$15 off home internet for existing wireless customers, and Xfinity offers similar bundle savings.
FAQ: Cheap Internet Service in Richardson, TX
What is the least expensive internet plan in Richardson, TX?
The cheapest internet plan in Richardson is Spectrum Internet at $30/mo for 300 Mbps. This promotional rate is available to new customers. The next most affordable option is Optimum at $30/mo.
Is sub-$30 internet available in Richardson?
While standard promotional rates in Richardson 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.
Who has the best price-to-speed ratio for internet in Richardson, TX?
For the best speed-per-dollar value in Richardson, look at providers offering fiber or cable service. Spectrum offers 300 Mbps for $30/mo, while Optimum provides 300 Mbps for $30/mo. Fiber plans typically deliver the best long-term value with symmetrical speeds and no data caps.
Is contract-free internet available in Richardson, TX?
Yes, most providers in Richardson now offer no-contract plans. Spectrum, Optimum, and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet all provide service without requiring a long-term commitment, giving you the flexibility to switch providers if a better deal becomes available.
What is the typical internet bill in Richardson, TX?
The average monthly internet bill in Richardson, TX is approximately $74, which is below the national average of about $75/mo. By choosing a promotional rate or low-income program, you could pay significantly less than this average.
Which affordable plan delivers the best speeds in Richardson?
Among budget-friendly plans under $50/mo in Richardson, fiber providers typically offer the fastest speeds. Plans like Spectrum Internet (300 Mbps) and Optimum Optimum 300 (300 Mbps) deliver strong performance at introductory prices.
Related Resources
Need more options? These pages offer deeper dives into internet service in and around Richardson.
- Internet Providers in Richardson, TX
- Spectrum Plans and Pricing
- Optimum Plans and Pricing
- Rise Broadband Plans and Pricing
- AT&T Internet Plans and Pricing
- Internet Providers in Texas
Disclosure: InternetProviders.ai is an independent resource. We may receive commissions from providers featured on this page through affiliate links. Pricing is based on publicly available data as of February 2026 and may vary. Check directly with providers for current offers specific to your Richardson address.