What is the best internet provider in Charleston?
CNET's top choice for internet providers in Charleston is AT&T Fiber. With plans starting at $55 a month and fast speeds, reliable service, it's a no brainer. But even if AT&T Fiber isn’t in your neighborhood, you’ve still got great alternatives. This includes Home Telecom and options from Xfinity and Spectrum. Prefer wireless? T-Mobile and Verizon both offer dependable 5G home internet across the city.
Charleston stands out for its broadband access. The FCC reports that every household in the city has access to speeds of at least 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload, with 98% able to get up to 250Mbps which is more than enough for streaming, remote work and gaming. That’s better than Columbia, where only 91% of households can access similar speeds. You won't be left scampering for quality internet in Charleston.
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Other available Charleston residential internet providers
Charleston has more ISPs than many other cities in the US, providing a rather extraordinary range of options. Here are some other providers worth considering.
Home Telecom : This company covers about 9% of Charleston, with availability mostly in the Daniel Island area. Its fiber-optic plans offer 300Mbps, 500Mbps, 1 gig or 2 gig for $70, $80, $100 or $130 monthly -- which is a bit more expensive than AT&T's Fiber plans. But it's a local outfit, equipment is included and there are no data caps or contracts.
: This company covers about 9% of Charleston, with availability mostly in the Daniel Island area. Its fiber-optic plans offer 300Mbps, 500Mbps, 1 gig or 2 gig for $70, $80, $100 or $130 monthly -- which is a bit more expensive than AT&T's Fiber plans. But it's a local outfit, equipment is included and there are no data caps or contracts. Satellite internet : We recommend avoiding satellite internet in Charleston, given that cheaper and faster options are widely available. Satellite internet is best for rural areas that cable and fiber don't reach. If that's where you live, Hughesnet and Viasat are the most prominent providers, although each requires a two-year contract. Elon Musk's Starlink offers higher download speeds and lower latency, although it requires $499 for a standard installation, down to $349 right now, not including the monthly rate of $120 per month.
: We recommend avoiding satellite internet in Charleston, given that cheaper and faster options are widely available. Satellite internet is best for rural areas that cable and fiber don't reach. If that's where you live, Hughesnet and Viasat are the most prominent providers, although each requires a two-year contract. Elon Musk's Starlink offers higher download speeds and lower latency, although it requires $499 for a standard installation, down to $349 right now, not including the monthly rate of $120 per month. Spectrum Internet : Charter Communications' home internet service is available to about 5% of the area, mostly north of the city in Ladson and Summerville. There are three cable internet plans: 100Mbps for $30, 500Mbps for $50 per month and a gigabit offering for $70 per month. There are no data caps or contracts. Prices increase by $20-$30 monthly after the first year.
: Charter Communications' home internet service is available to about 5% of the area, mostly north of the city in Ladson and Summerville. There are three cable internet plans: 100Mbps for $30, 500Mbps for $50 per month and a gigabit offering for $70 per month. There are no data caps or contracts. Prices increase by $20-$30 monthly after the first year. Verizon 5G Home Internet: Like T-Mobile, Verizon uses its cellular network to wirelessly provide home broadband connections. But it's only available to about 26% of Charleston households.
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