Internet Service Providers in South Bend
Have you just moved and need to set up your internet? Are you thinking of switching providers to lower your monthly bill? Either way, you’ll need to know what you’re getting into to get the best deals. Here’s an in-depth look at the internet service providers in South Bend, Indiana.
Internet Providers Near Me in South Bend
While there are many internet service providers in South Bend, only some are worth mentioning. Here are the ones with the greatest coverage and most reasonable prices:
- Verizon
- AT&T
- CenturyLink
- Frontier
- Mercury Broadband
- Xfinity
- T-Mobile
- HughesNet
- EarthLink
Remember to check for service availability in your neighborhood before settling on internet service providers. While telecommunication giants like AT&T and Xfinity cover most of South Bend, smaller companies like Mercury Broadband are only present in some areas.
Cheapest Internet Providers in South Bend
Indiana has many different service providers, so competition keeps prices down — the lowest you’ll find is a mere $10 a month. Here are the least expensive internet plans in South Bend:
- Xfinity: $9.95 monthly
- HughesNet: $49.99 monthly
- Verizon: $50 monthly
- Mercury Broadband: $50 monthly
- T-Mobile: $50 monthly
- AT&T: $55 monthly
- CenturyLink: $55 monthly
- Frontier: $64.99 monthly
- EarthLink: $70 monthly
Most internet service providers in South Bend offer deals to make things more affordable. For instance, Verizon offers $10 off your monthly bill when you enroll in autopay and another $25 off when you bundle with a mobile plan. On the other hand, some hide installation and equipment fees in their contracts’ fine print — ensure you know what you’re paying for before committing.
High-Speed Internet Options in South Bend
Over half of the internet service providers in South Bend offer high-speed options. EarthLink, Frontier, Mercury Broadband, Xfinity, AT&T and CenturyLink provide at least 500 Mbps. Considering 33 Mbps is the state average, you’re in luck. Still, there are even 1 Gbps plans for $65-$100 monthly if you want something faster.
Which Company Provides the Best Internet Service?
Out of all the internet service providers in South Bend, AT&T Fiber is arguably the best. It offers equal upload and download speeds roughly 25 times faster than cable. AT&T was even rated No. 1 in satisfaction, according to a 2021 survey. Plus, you don’t have to worry about getting stuck in a contract since it has no annual renewal periods.
If high-speed fiber hasn’t reached your neighborhood yet, Xfinity is a high-quality alternative. It has 99.9% network reliability, meaning you won’t have to worry about unplanned outages. Additionally, its 1.2 Gbps plan offers unmatched high speeds.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get Home Internet?
The cheapest way to get home internet in South Bend is to take advantage of every deal and discount possible. Service providers like Verizon, Xfinity and HughesNet will lower your monthly bill by $5-$35 if you enroll in autopay, opt into paperless billing or bundle with a mobile plan.
If you don’t want to sign up for a new phone line, there are still ways to lower your monthly bill. Most internet service providers in South Bend participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program — a government program for people in need — meaning you spend $30 less monthly. If you’re eligible, you automatically save.
What Is a Good Home Internet Speed?
The minimum speed for general online browning and file downloading is roughly 1-10 Mbps, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Telecommuting, video calling and watching high-quality movies online require 5-25 Mbps. Multiplayer gaming and uploading large files are even more resource-intensive.
While 1-25 Mbps sounds low, you have to multiply those numbers by every device connected to the internet in your home. If multiple people in a household watch Netflix and scroll through social media while others are on Facetime or gaming online, they’d easily need 100 Mbps.
Choose the Right Internet Service Provider for You
While the internet service providers in South Bend have great plans, only some will align with what you need. Consider comparing contract lengths, pricing terms, speeds and available discounts before you commit to getting the one that’s right for you.