Internet Service Providers in Texas

Looking for internet service providers in Texas?

Texas is the nation’s second-most populous state, boasting more than 29 million residents. If you’re one of those residents or are about to become one, you’ll probably need an internet connection. With that in mind, here’s an overview of the available internet service providers in Texas.

Internet Providers Near Me in Texas

As you’d expect in a state so massive, Texas boasts a considerable number of internet service providers (ISPs). Many ISPs aren’t available everywhere in the state, but the 15 biggest providers are:

• AT&T
• Spectrum
• Xfinity
• Frontier
• CenturyLink
• Windstream
• Rise Broadband
• Nextlink
• Suddenlink
• HughesNet
• Viasat
• EarthLink
• Google Fiber
• Easy Internet Now (EIN)
• Grande Communications

Depending on where you are, you may not be able to access all of these. You can double-check by inputting your address on an ISP’s website.

Cheapest Internet Providers in Texas

When comparing internet service providers in Texas, price is one of the most crucial factors. In fact, 33% of people without internet access say it’s too expensive for them. You’ll want to find the best deal you can, so here are the cheapest ISPs in Texas, from least to most expensive:

1. Windstream ($27/month)
2. SuddenLink ($30/month)
3. AT&T ($35/month)
4. Grande Communications ($35.99/month)
5. Xfinity ($39.99/month)
6. Viasat ($39.99)
7. CenturyLink ($49/month)
8. EarthLink ($49.95/month)
9. Nextlink ($49.95/month)
10. Frontier ($49.99/month)
11. Spectrum ($49.99/month)
12. HughesNet ($49.99/month)
13. Rise Broadband ($60/month)
14. EIN ($68/month)
15. Google Fiber ($70/month)

Remember that these prices reflect the lowest advertised price for users in Texas. Your monthly bill may rise after some time, and you’ll have to pay more for higher speeds.

High-Speed Internet Options in Texas

Another thing to consider when comparing ISPs is their speed. The FCC currently defines “high-speed” as a minimum of 25 Mbps (megabits per second) for download speeds. By that definition, all major internet service providers in Texas offer high-speed connections.

You should know, though, that many people think the FCC’s definition of high-speed internet is outdated. Some FCC members have suggested raising the definition to 100 Mbps, which not all ISPs offer. Some, like Google Fiber and AT&T, offer much more than that, with speeds reaching 1,000 Mbps or more.

What’s a Good Home Internet Speed?

What defines a good home internet speed depends on what you want from it. 25 Mbps is sufficient for most people, especially if you live alone. If you have a lot of connected devices or play a lot of online games, though, you’ll want at least 50 Mbps.

As of 2019, 50.2 Mbps is the national average for internet speed. That can serve as a helpful baseline for a “good home internet speed.” Most ISPs in Texas offer connections that fast, but with almost all of them, you’ll have to pay more for it.

Does Texas Have Good Internet?

Overall, Texas has impressive internet service. The state average download speed is 63.3 Mbps, which is well above the national average. Internet access is also spread fairly evenly across the state, although metropolitan areas have higher speeds and more options.

In Texas, Google Fiber, AT&T, Xfinity, Suddenlink, Earthlink, EIN, and Windstream all offer gigabit internet, or speeds of 1,000 Mbps or greater. These aren’t available everywhere in the state, but that’s a considerable number of ISPs providing these speeds.

Texas internet is reasonably affordable, too. A 2020 survey showed that Texans pay $2.29 per Mbps on average, compared to a national average of $3.91. That places Texas as the tenth cheapest state for internet connectivity.

What Is the Best Internet Provider in Texas?

Considering all of these factors, what’s the best internet service provider in Texas? That answer comes down to your specific situation. You’ll have to consider your budget, desired speed, and location.

For example, Google Fiber offers the fastest speeds in Texas, but it’s also the most expensive option and is only available in two cities. If you’re living in one and want the fastest connection regardless of cost, it’s the best choice. If not, you’ll want something else.

Windstream, AT&T, and Xfinity all offer relatively affordable plans and good speeds. They’re also widely available. As such, these might be some of the best ISPs for most people in Texas. Once again, though, it depends on your needs.

Find the Provider That’s Right for You

With this information as a guide, you can narrow down what internet service provider in Texas is the best for you. Remember to double-check speeds, prices, and availability with your specific address before deciding. No matter what your needs are, though, you can find a plan that works for you.

Internet Service Providers in Texas by City