Best Internet Providers in North Carolina

North Carolina is a technology-forward state. It comes naturally as well as by design. Legend says the Tar Heel state was the first of the original 13 colonies to declare its independence from Great Britain in 1775. It is also where the Wright Brothers made their groundbreaking flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903, famously captured on breathtaking new technology at the time: film. North Carolina also proudly hosts the headquarters of Epic Games in Cary, the innovative company behind the globally-renowned game, Fortnite.

The state boasts some of the nation's most impressive internet speeds, ranking 10th out of all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as per Ookla's data. The median download speed in North Carolina is approximately 211Mbps, meaning half of assessed speeds are higher and half are lower. Notably, Raleigh is distinguished for its exceptional internet speed, recording median download rates of about 255Mbps.

While fiber options from giants like AT&T and Google are predominantly available in Charlotte and The Triangle, residents throughout the state have a plethora of internet service choices, including satellite offerings from HughesNet, Viasat, and the anticipated Starlink.

When considering customer service, speed, pricing, and overall value, Spectrum leads the list of premier internet providers in North Carolina due to its extensive reach and consistent performance. However, the optimal choice remains contingent on individual location and requirements.

Prominent Internet Providers in North Carolina: An Overview

Spectrum: Serving over 73% of North Carolina households, Spectrum is a predominant choice for residents in cities like Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, and their respective suburbs. The company offers three primary service tiers: 300Mbps at $50/month, 500Mbps at $70/month, and 940Mbps at $90/month. Spectrum's offerings are straightforward, with no data caps, contracts, and a complimentary modem.

AT&T Fiber: AT&T's fiber internet is lauded for its reliability and value. However, its reach in North Carolina is limited, accessible to only 10% of households. The service is available in select cities, with various plans ranging from 300Mbps at $55/month to 5,000Mbps at $180/month. All plans include unlimited data, no contractual obligations, and Wi-Fi equipment.

T-Mobile Home Internet: T-Mobile's home internet, leveraging its 5G network, covers approximately 75% of North Carolina households. Pricing starts at $50/month, with discounts available for existing T-Mobile phone plan subscribers. The service promises no hidden fees, data caps, or contracts.

BrightSpeed:: Bridging the connectivity gap in areas between Raleigh and Kitty Hawk, BrightSpeed offers internet and voice services in regions previously catered to by CenturyLink. Their services span various regions, with plans starting at $50/month.

Google Fiber: For those residing in select areas of Charlotte or The Triangle, Google Fiber offers high-speed internet at competitive prices. Two primary plans are available: 1,000Mbps at $70/month and 2,000Mbps at $100/month. The service ensures no data caps, contracts, and provides complimentary internet equipment.

Statewide Broadband Insights

Approximately 95% of North Carolinians can access download speeds of 100Mbps and upload speeds of 20Mbps. The state's impressive rank in national internet speeds is attributed to the prevalent fiber internet access, especially in Charlotte and The Triangle.

North Carolina's commitment to digital excellence is further highlighted by its representation in Ookla's rankings, with five cities listed among the top 26 for fastest internet speeds.

The average starting price for internet service in North Carolina hovers around $50, with variations based on location and provider.

The Road Ahead for Broadband in North Carolina

The federal government has allocated $1.5 billion to North Carolina to enhance high-speed internet accessibility. The state's Department of Information Technology Division of Broadband and Digital Equity has outlined a five-year plan to expand connectivity, promote digital literacy, and ensure affordability.

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