Best Internet Providers in Columbia, SC
Compare 9 internet providers serving 142,416 Columbia residents. South Carolina's capital and home to the University of South Carolina offers strong broadband competition between Spectrum cable, AT&T Fiber, and 5G wireless options.
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Spectrum 1-844-481-5997Quick Answer: Best Internet in Columbia
Spectrum is the best overall provider in Columbia with 77% cable coverage, no data caps, and plans starting at $30/month. AT&T Fiber delivers the fastest speeds at up to 5 Gbps covering 68% of the city. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet provides a popular wireless alternative at $40-50/month with no contracts, especially among University of South Carolina students.
Key Takeaways
- Best cable: Spectrum with 77% coverage and no data caps
- Best fiber: AT&T Fiber with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps
- Best for students: T-Mobile 5G at $40-50/mo, no contract
- Additional options: Verizon Fios at 37% and Windstream at 10%
- 9 providers: Good competition for a mid-size Southern city
Columbia Internet Providers Comparison
Verified providers serving Columbia as of February 2026. Coverage based on FCC data.
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Call Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Cable | 1 Gbps | $30/mo* | None | No | 1-844-481-5997 |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber / DSL | 5 Gbps | $55/mo | None (fiber) | No | 1-855-850-5977 |
| T-Mobile 5G | 5G Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $40/mo | None | No | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Verizon 5G / Fios | 5G / Fiber | 1 Gbps | $35/mo** | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Windstream | Fiber / DSL | 1 Gbps | $40/mo | None (fiber) | No | 1-855-463-4357 |
| Starlink | LEO Satellite | 250 Mbps | $120/mo | Soft cap | No | Online only |
| 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 |
*Spectrum first-year promo. **Verizon with mobile bundle. ***Viasat Unleashed.
Columbia Internet Providers: Detailed Reviews
Spectrum Internet in Columbia
~77% CoverageSpectrum is the dominant cable provider in Columbia with 77% coverage. Plans start at $30/month for 300 Mbps with no data caps, no contracts, and a free modem. Spectrum is widely available near USC campus and throughout central Columbia.
Choose Spectrum If:
- You want wide cable coverage with no data caps or contracts
- You prefer the lowest introductory price at $30/month
Avoid Spectrum If:
- You need fast upload speeds for remote work
- You are sensitive to post-promotional price increases
AT&T Fiber Internet in Columbia
~68% CoverageAT&T Fiber covers about 68% of Columbia with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps and no data caps. Plans start at $55/month for 300 Mbps. AT&T has been expanding fiber across the Midlands, especially in growing suburban areas.
Choose AT&T Fiber If:
- You need symmetrical upload and download speeds
- You want the fastest internet available in Columbia
Avoid AT&T If:
- Only DSL is available at your address
- You want the cheapest starting price
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet in Columbia
~74% CoverageT-Mobile 5G covers about 74% of Columbia at $40-50/month with no contracts and no data caps. Popular with USC students and renters who need instant setup. Speeds typically reach 100-245 Mbps.
Choose T-Mobile 5G If:
- You are a student or renter wanting contract-free internet
- You want setup in minutes with no technician needed
Avoid T-Mobile 5G If:
- You need speeds above 300 Mbps consistently
- Low latency is critical for competitive gaming
Columbia Internet Speeds and Prices
| Speed Tier | Spectrum | AT&T Fiber | T-Mobile 5G | Windstream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200-300 Mbps | $30/mo* | $55/mo | $40-50/mo | $40/mo |
| 500 Mbps | $70/mo | $65/mo | - | $60/mo |
| 1 Gbps | $90/mo | $80/mo | - | $70/mo |
| 2 Gbps | - | $110/mo | - | - |
| 5 Gbps | - | $180/mo | - | - |
How Much Speed Do You Need?
- 1-2 people: 100-300 Mbps for streaming and coursework
- 3-5 people: 500 Mbps for multiple devices and video calls
- Power users: 1 Gbps+ for heavy uploads and gaming
Learn more: How much internet speed do I need?
Internet Service in Columbia: Local Overview
- Population: 142,416
- CBSA: 17900 (Columbia Metro)
- Fiber providers: AT&T, Verizon Fios, Windstream
- Cable providers: Spectrum
- 5G providers: T-Mobile, Verizon
Columbia's broadband market is led by Spectrum cable, which covers most of the city proper. AT&T Fiber has expanded significantly across the Midlands region, reaching about 68% of Columbia addresses. The University of South Carolina campus area has particularly strong provider options, making it easy for students to find affordable internet.
T-Mobile 5G covers about 74% of the city and is growing in popularity among renters and students. Windstream serves outer areas with DSL and fiber. Satellite options from Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat cover rural portions of the Columbia metro.
Internet by Columbia Neighborhood
- Five Points/USC Campus: Spectrum and AT&T available; T-Mobile 5G strong
- The Vista/Downtown: Spectrum cable and AT&T Fiber coverage
- Forest Acres/Shandon: AT&T Fiber and Spectrum both available
- Northeast Columbia/Spring Valley: Spectrum dominant; Windstream DSL in parts
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbia Internet
What is the best internet in Columbia, SC?
Spectrum has the widest coverage at 77%. AT&T Fiber is the fastest with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps at 68% coverage.
Is fiber available in Columbia?
Yes. AT&T Fiber covers 68%. Verizon Fios serves 37%. Windstream has fiber in about 10% of the city.
How much does internet cost in Columbia?
Prices range from $30/month for Spectrum to $180/month for AT&T 5 Gbps fiber. Most pay $50-80/month.
Is 5G available in Columbia?
Yes. T-Mobile covers about 74% at $40-50/month. Verizon 5G Home covers about 37% of the city.
What internet is best for USC students?
T-Mobile 5G at $40-50/month is ideal with no contract and instant setup. Spectrum cable near campus starts at $30/month.
About the Author
Last Updated: February 7, 2026
Our team regularly reviews this guide. Provider availability and pricing verified quarterly using FCC data.
Editorial Disclosure
InternetProviders.ai provides accurate, unbiased information to help you choose the right internet service. Some providers listed are partners who compensate us when you sign up through our links or phone numbers. This may affect provider ordering 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 Columbia Households
The speed you need in Columbia 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 Columbia 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.