What is the best internet provider in Connecticut?
Frontier Fiber is CNET's top pick of the best internet provider in Connecticut. The ISP offers fast, symmetrical speeds, with solid availability across the state and clear pricing that doesn't come with extra fees to get equipment or unlimited data.
If you want the fastest internet in the state, there are a couple of solid options. Frontier Fiber offers speeds up to 7,000Mbps at a starting monthly price of $110. Optimum is also a solid option with plans reaching 8,000Mbps on its fiber network. If you want affordable internet, Frontier has a plan starting at $30 per month for up to 500Mbps speeds. Optimum also has a value-for-money offering with speeds of up to 300Mbps for $40 per month, which includes Wi-Fi equipment. Another great alternative is Cox with a $30 monthly plan for 100Mbps, depending on your location.
According to the latest Ookla data, the state has median download speeds of 337Mbps, which means whether you need budget plans or top speeds, Connecticut has solid choices for most households. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Top Connecticut internet provider honorable mentions
Cox : As the third-largest cable internet provider in Connecticut, Cox serves parts of Hartford and the surrounding suburbs to the north, south and east. Plans start at $30 to $150 per month (or lower in select areas) for speeds of 100Mbps to 2,000Mbps. However, some areas can expect speeds of up to 2,000Mbps. All plans come with a monthly data cap of 1.25TB and a two-year contract may be required to get the lowest pricing on select plans.
As the third-largest cable internet provider in Connecticut, Cox serves parts of Hartford and the surrounding suburbs to the north, south and east. Plans start at $30 to $150 per month (or lower in select areas) for speeds of 100Mbps to 2,000Mbps. However, some areas can expect speeds of up to 2,000Mbps. All plans come with a monthly data cap of 1.25TB and a two-year contract may be required to get the lowest pricing on select plans. Frontier : As mentioned above, Frontier covers much of Connecticut, but not all service areas are fiber-eligible. The remaining areas must rely on Frontier’s slower, less reliable DSL network. Speeds vary, but don’t expect anything close to what you would get with fiber service.
As mentioned above, Frontier covers much of Connecticut, but not all service areas are fiber-eligible. The remaining areas must rely on Frontier’s slower, less reliable DSL network. Speeds vary, but don’t expect anything close to what you would get with fiber service. GoNetspeed : Local fiber ISP GoNetspeed offers 500, 750, 1,000Mbps and 2,000Mbps plans starting at $45, $55, $50 and $65 per month, respectively. That’s a good deal regardless of the plan you choose, but service may be tough to come by. Only around 13% of Connecticut households are currently eligible for GoNetspeed, according to the FCC.
Local fiber ISP GoNetspeed offers 500, 750, 1,000Mbps and 2,000Mbps plans starting at $45, $55, $50 and $65 per month, respectively. That’s a good deal regardless of the plan you choose, but service may be tough to come by. Only around 13% of Connecticut households are currently eligible for GoNetspeed, according to the FCC. Optimum : Altice USA brand Optimum has a large presence in the greater NYC area, and that coverage extends into western Connecticut. Speeds and pricing are as good as any, especially in areas where fiber service and speeds up to 8Gbps are available. Service terms are also favorable -- no equipment fees, data caps or contracts -- but the low customer satisfaction scores may be cause for concern.
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