Internet Service Providers in Scranton
For many people, Scranton, Pennsylvania, is most famous for being the setting of The Office. For others, though, it’s the place they call home. Falling into that category means you’ll want to find the best internet connection for your budget, which means comparing internet service providers in Scranton.
Internet Providers Near Me in Scranton
Despite being a relatively small town, Scranton is home to several universities and a vibrant, diverse community. As such, you have quite a few internet service providers (ISPs) to choose from. These are:
- Xfinity
- Verizon
- Viasat
- EarthLink
- Hughesnet
- SkyPacket
- Starlink
Apartments and houses in some parts of town may not have access to all seven of these ISPs. Some may be able to use others not on this list. Go to an ISP’s website and enter your specific address to know for sure.
Cheapest Internet Providers in Scranton
Choosing the best internet service provider in Scranton is largely a matter of value for what you pay. With that in mind, here are the cheapest ISPs in Scranton, from least to most expensive:
- Xfinity ($25/month)
- SkyPacket ($37.95/month)
- Viasat ($49.99/month)
- Hughesnet ($49.99/month)
- Verizon ($50/month)
- EarthLink ($54.95/month)
- Starlink ($120/month)
These rates reflect the cheapest (read: slowest) plans from each provider. Many ISPs also raise their prices after a set period, so be prepared to pay more than what you see here.
High-Speed Internet Options in Scranton
You’ll also want a feel for available connection speeds to find the best internet service provider in Scranton. The government defines “high-speed” internet as 25 megabits per second (Mbps) for downloads and 3 Mbps for uploads. Using that definition, all Scranton ISPs have high-speed plans.
The fastest internet option in Scranton is Xfinity’s Gigabit X2 plan, which delivers speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. Verizon and EarthLink also offer reasonably fast connections. Both have plans in the 300 Mbps range.
What Is a Good Internet Speed?
Of course, most people don’t need a two-gig connection. At the same time, the official high-speed standard of 25 Mbps is a bit outdated. So how fast should your internet really be? It depends on your specific needs.
Netflix needs at least 30 Mbps to stream in 4K. Considering real-world speeds often fall below advertised rates, you should get at least 50 Mbps for high-quality streaming.
Keep in mind that more connected devices will make a larger speed feel slower as you use up your bandwidth. Consequently, you should look for a connection with at least 100 Mbps if you use multiple internet connections at once or live with others.
What Is the Average Internet Cost per Month in PA?
Now that you know what to expect in terms of speed, it helps to look at the cost side of things. While the cheapest internet plans in Scranton start at $25 a month, people’s actual costs tend to fall higher.
Some sources say the average internet bill in Pennsylvania is just $30 a month, but Xfinity is the only Scranton ISP that allows that. It’s important to remember, though, that government assistance programs or special deals may bring some customer’s real costs lower, affecting that average.
Other sources say the average internet and cable bill comes in around $108 monthly. Removing cable from the equation could place your internet bill around the $40 to $60 range.
Who Has the Best Home Wi-Fi Service?
Given all these factors, which internet service provider in Scranton is best? As you might’ve guessed, it depends on what you want and your budget.
Xfinity offers the fastest speeds and the lowest prices, which is a rare combination. However, the company caps internet usage in some areas, so check your available plans carefully before deciding.
Verizon is a good choice, too, and may have better customer service, but it costs more. Viasat could be another decent, affordable option if you live outside the city center, as it’s more reliable for rural areas.
Find the Best Internet Service Provider in Scranton for You
There’s no shortage of internet service providers in Scranton to choose from. Now that you know what they are and what they offer, you can find one that fits your needs. Use this list to kickstart your research and get the best internet deal for you.