Cox Internet in Texas: Availability and Alternatives
Cox Communications does not currently offer widespread residential internet service in Texas. As the third-largest cable provider in the United States, Cox primarily serves 17 states through its cable and fiber network, and Texas is not among its active service territories. Despite Texas being the second-largest state by population, Cox does not operate a residential cable network here. The provider does serve neighboring Oklahoma and Louisiana. Residents in Houston, San Antonio, and other Texas cities can explore the alternative providers listed below or call 1-855-342-0684 to verify if Cox has expanded service to your address.
Cox Internet Plans (Reference Pricing)
While Cox does not actively serve most of Texas, the following plans represent the provider's standard residential internet offerings available in its 17-state service territory. These plans may become available in Texas if Cox expands its network into the state in the future.
| Plan Name | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Monthly Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Essential 50 | 50 Mbps | 3 Mbps | $49.99/mo | Light browsing, email, 1-2 devices |
| Internet Preferred 150 | 250 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $69.99/mo | Streaming, moderate households |
| Internet Ultimate 500 | 500 Mbps | 10 Mbps | $89.99/mo | Gaming, remote work, 5+ devices |
| Gigablast | 1 Gbps | 35 Mbps | $109.99/mo | Power users, large households, 4K streaming |
Cox frequently runs promotional rates that can reduce these prices by $10 to $30 per month for the first 12 months of service. To check for current availability and promotions in Texas, contact Cox at 1-855-342-0684.
Cox Communications Provider Profile
- Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 Cable / Fiber (FTTH in select markets)
- Active Service States: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Virginia
- Texas Status: Not currently available in most areas
- Download Speeds: 50 Mbps to 1 Gbps (where available)
- Data Cap: 1.25 TB per month
- Equipment: Panoramic Wifi Gateway ($14/mo) or bring your own DOCSIS 3.1 modem
- Support: Cox Complete Care premium support available for $10/mo
- Hotspots: Access to millions of Cox WiFi hotspots nationwide
Internet Service Alternatives in Texas
Since Cox has limited availability in Texas, residents should explore the established providers that actively serve the state. The Texas broadband market offers several competitive options across Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and other communities.
AT&T Fiber
AT&T Fiber is one of the primary internet service providers in Texas, offering broadband coverage across major metropolitan areas including Houston and San Antonio. Depending on your address, you may have access to cable, fiber, or DSL technology. Plans typically range from basic tiers around $30-50 per month to gigabit speeds starting at $70-100 per month.
Spectrum
Spectrum also provides internet service throughout much of Texas. Coverage areas and available technologies vary by location, with some Texas neighborhoods having access to fiber optic service while others may be limited to cable or DSL connections. Contact Spectrum directly for address-specific availability.
Xfinity
Xfinity serves portions of Texas and may be available in select cities including Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth. Service options and pricing vary by market within the state.
Grande Communications
Grande Communications provides additional options for Texas residents, particularly in areas where traditional wired broadband options are limited. This can be especially relevant for rural Texas communities outside the Houston metropolitan area.
Understanding Cox Technology: DOCSIS 3.1 Cable
Even though Cox does not currently serve Texas, understanding the provider's technology helps Texas residents make informed comparisons. Cox's network is built on DOCSIS 3.1 cable technology, the latest generation of cable internet standards. This technology supports theoretical speeds up to 10 Gbps downstream and 1 Gbps upstream, far exceeding the speeds most providers actually offer to consumers.
The key advantage of DOCSIS 3.1 is efficiency. It uses OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) to pack more data into the same cable bandwidth, resulting in faster speeds without requiring new physical infrastructure. For comparison, many cable providers in Texas still use older DOCSIS 3.0 technology, which supports maximum speeds of approximately 1 Gbps downstream but with less efficient spectrum usage.
Cox also deploys fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) in select new developments within its service territory. This true fiber technology delivers symmetric upload and download speeds, eliminating the upload speed limitation inherent in cable connections. If Cox were to expand into Texas, residents could potentially benefit from either DOCSIS 3.1 cable or FTTH fiber, depending on their neighborhood.
Cox Pricing Structure Explained
For Texas residents considering future Cox availability or comparing the provider against current local options, here is a detailed look at Cox pricing components.
Base Plan Costs
- Internet Essential 50: $49.99/mo -- best for households with 1-2 connected devices
- Internet Preferred 150: $69.99/mo -- recommended for typical Texas households with streaming
- Internet Ultimate 500: $89.99/mo -- suited for gaming, remote work, and multiple simultaneous users
- Gigablast: $109.99/mo -- maximum performance for demanding users and large households
Additional Costs to Consider
- Panoramic Wifi Gateway: $14/mo rental (savings of $168/year by using your own modem)
- Data Overage: $10 per 50 GB above the 1.25 TB monthly cap
- Unlimited Data: $49.99/mo add-on to eliminate the data cap
- Cox Complete Care: $10/mo for enhanced technical support
- Installation: $100 professional install or free self-install kit
Texas Broadband Market Overview
While Cox Communications is not a current participant in the Texas broadband market, the state offers a competitive landscape with several established providers. Texas residents in Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas generally have access to multiple high-speed internet options from providers including AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Xfinity, Grande Communications.
The Texas internet market has evolved significantly over recent years, with fiber deployment expanding in major metropolitan areas and fixed wireless options emerging as viable alternatives in suburban and rural communities. Competition among providers has driven down prices and increased speeds across the state, creating favorable conditions for consumers even without Cox as an active competitor.
For Texas residents who specifically want Cox service, the provider's expansion plans should be monitored. Cox has historically grown through acquisitions and selective network builds. The company's commitment to DOCSIS 3.1 technology and fiber investment suggests potential for future growth, though no specific Texas expansion has been announced as of early 2026. Call 1-855-342-0684 for the most current information on Cox availability near your Texas address.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cox in Texas
Is Cox available in Houston, Texas?
Cox Communications does not currently provide widespread residential internet service in Houston or most of Texas. The provider's active service territory covers 17 states, and Texas is not among them. For the most current availability information, call 1-855-342-0684 to check your specific address.
What are the best Cox alternatives in Texas?
The primary internet providers serving Texas include AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Xfinity. Depending on your location within the state, you may have access to cable, fiber, DSL, or fixed wireless options. We recommend comparing plans from at least two providers available at your address to find the best value.
Will Cox expand to Texas in the future?
Cox has not announced any specific plans to expand into Texas as of early 2026. Cable providers typically grow through acquisitions of existing networks rather than building entirely new infrastructure. Monitor Cox press releases and contact 1-855-342-0684 periodically for updates on any expansion plans affecting Texas.
How fast is Cox internet compared to providers in Texas?
Cox's fastest plan (Gigablast) offers 1 Gbps download speeds, which is competitive with most major providers. Several Texas providers also offer gigabit-speed plans, including AT&T Fiber and Spectrum in select areas. The best speed available at your specific address will vary.
Does Cox offer business internet in Texas?
Cox Business operates in the same 17-state footprint as Cox residential services. Texas businesses should explore local business internet options from AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, or other providers with established commercial service in the state.
What is the Cox 1.25 TB data cap?
Cox applies a 1.25 TB (1,280 GB) monthly data cap to all residential plans. This is relevant for Texas residents who may consider Cox if it expands to the state. For context, 1.25 TB allows approximately 500 hours of HD streaming or 150 hours of 4K streaming per month. An unlimited data add-on is available for $49.99/mo.
Related Resources
- Cox Communications: Full Provider Review
- Cox vs. Xfinity: Side-by-Side Comparison
- Cox vs. Spectrum: Which Is Better?
- All Internet Providers in Texas
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