Best Internet Providers in Merkel, TX
Compare 10 internet providers serving Merkel. Rise Broadband and Optimum lead with fixed wireless and cable/fiber, plus 5G and satellite alternatives.
Call to check availability:
Optimum 1-866-200-7273Quick Answer: Best Internet in Merkel
Rise Broadband is the most available provider in Merkel, covering 73% of addresses with fixed wireless up to 100 Mbps at $25/month. Optimum offers cable and fiber service to 66% of the area with speeds up to 8 Gbps. Metronet provides all-fiber to 56% of homes. T-Mobile and Verizon 5G add wireless alternatives, while satellite providers ensure 100% coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Widest coverage: Rise Broadband fixed wireless at 73%
- Best wired: Optimum cable/fiber up to 8 Gbps
- Best fiber: Metronet all-fiber at 56% coverage
- Best wireless: T-Mobile 5G at $40-50/mo, no contract
- 10 providers: Strong variety for a West Texas community
Merkel Internet Providers Comparison
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Call Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rise Broadband | Fixed Wireless/Fiber | 100 Mbps | $25/mo | 250 GB | No | 1-877-910-6207 |
| Optimum | Fiber/Cable | 8 Gbps | $40/mo | None | No | 1-866-200-7273 |
| T-Mobile 5G | 5G/Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $40/mo | None | No | 1-844-275-9311 |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber/DSL | 5 Gbps | $55/mo | None (Fiber) | No | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Metronet | Fiber | 2 Gbps | $50/mo | None | No | Online only |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 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 |
**Verizon pricing with mobile bundle. ***Viasat Unleashed plan with priority data.
Merkel Internet Providers: Detailed Reviews
Optimum Internet in Merkel
~66% CoverageOptimum provides cable and fiber service to 66% of Merkel with speeds up to 8 Gbps. Plans start at $40/month with no data caps and no contracts. Optimum's fiber network delivers the fastest wired speeds available in the Merkel area.
Choose Optimum If:
- You want the fastest available speeds in Merkel
- You prefer no data caps and no contracts
Avoid Optimum If:
- Your address falls outside Optimum's coverage area
Rise Broadband in Merkel
~73% CoverageRise Broadband is the most widely available provider in Merkel at 73% coverage through fixed wireless towers. Plans start at just $25/month, making it the most budget-friendly option. Speeds reach up to 100 Mbps, suitable for moderate household use.
Choose Rise Broadband If:
- You need the most affordable internet option in Merkel
- Other wired providers are unavailable at your address
Avoid Rise Broadband If:
- You regularly exceed 250 GB/month in data usage
- You need speeds above 100 Mbps
AT&T Internet in Merkel
~50% CoverageAT&T serves about 50% of Merkel with fiber and DSL. Where fiber is available, it offers symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps with no data caps starting at $55/month. DSL service fills gaps with slower speeds but ensures wired connectivity.
Choose AT&T If:
- Fiber is available at your address for symmetrical speeds
- You need reliable upload performance for remote work
Avoid AT&T If:
- Only DSL is available (consider Optimum cable/fiber instead)
Merkel Internet Speeds and Prices
| Speed Tier | Optimum | AT&T Fiber | Metronet | T-Mobile 5G | Rise Broadband |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Mbps | - | - | - | $40-50/mo | $25/mo |
| 300 Mbps | $40/mo | $55/mo | $50/mo | - | - |
| 500 Mbps | $60/mo | $65/mo | $60/mo | - | - |
| 1 Gbps | $80/mo | $80/mo | $80/mo | - | - |
| 2 Gbps | $120/mo | $110/mo | $100/mo | - | - |
How Much Speed Do You Need?
- 1-2 people, light use: 50-100 Mbps
- 3-5 people, moderate use: 300-500 Mbps
- Work from home + gaming: 1 Gbps
- Content creators: 2+ Gbps fiber
Learn more: How much internet speed do I need?
Internet Service in Merkel: What to Know
- Population: 113,397 (metro area)
- CBSA: 10180 (Abilene)
- Wireless providers: Rise Broadband, T-Mobile, Verizon
- Fiber providers: Optimum, Metronet, AT&T, Windstream
Merkel is a small West Texas community along I-20, west of Abilene. The area has benefited from multiple provider investments in recent years. Rise Broadband's fixed wireless towers cover most addresses, while Optimum has expanded cable and fiber through the Abilene metro region.
Metronet brings all-fiber competition to over half the area, and AT&T's fiber and DSL networks cover about 50% of addresses. For homes outside wired reach, T-Mobile 5G, Verizon 5G, and three satellite providers ensure universal coverage options.
Internet by Merkel Area
- Downtown Merkel: Optimum, AT&T, and Rise Broadband all available
- I-20 Corridor: Best multi-provider coverage
- South Merkel: Rise Broadband wireless primary
- Rural Properties: Satellite with Starlink best performance
Frequently Asked Questions About Merkel Internet
What is the best internet provider in Merkel, TX?
Rise Broadband has the widest coverage at 73%. Optimum offers the fastest wired speeds up to 8 Gbps across 66% of the area.
Is fiber internet available in Merkel?
Yes. Optimum (66%), Metronet (56%), AT&T (50%), and Windstream (7%) all offer fiber or fiber-backed service in parts of Merkel.
How much does internet cost in Merkel?
Prices range from $25/month for Rise Broadband to $180/month for AT&T 5 Gbps fiber. Most pay $40-80/month.
Is 5G home internet available in Merkel?
Yes. T-Mobile covers about 65% at $40-50/month. Verizon 5G Home reaches about 36% of addresses.
What is the fastest internet in Merkel?
Optimum offers up to 8 Gbps on fiber. AT&T Fiber delivers 5 Gbps symmetrical. Metronet provides up to 2 Gbps.
About the Author
Last Updated: February 7, 2026
Our team regularly reviews and updates this guide to ensure accuracy. Provider availability and pricing are verified quarterly using FCC data.
Editorial Disclosure
InternetProviders.ai is committed to providing accurate, unbiased information. Some providers listed on this page compensate us when you sign up through our links or phone numbers. This may affect provider order but does not influence our ratings or recommendations. See our editorial guidelines and how we make money.
Internet Speed Requirements for Merkel Households
The speed you need in Merkel 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 Merkel 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.
How to Choose an Internet Provider in Merkel
Start by checking which providers actually serve your specific address in Merkel, 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 Merkel, Texas 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 Merkel gives the most relevant picture of service quality and reliability in your neighborhood.