Internet Service Providers in Worcester

Looking for internet service providers in Worcester?

It’s often difficult to find fast, reliable internet at a great price. Even in major cities like Worcester, Massachusetts, some households may struggle to choose a good provider. Luckily, residents still have quite a few options to choose from. And with infrastructure again a major priority in the U.S., there may be even better selections in the near future.

Does Massachusetts Have Good Internet?

Massachusetts is one of the most connected states in the country. Ranked 9th in the U.S. for broadband access, this densely populated area has a variety of internet service providers to choose from. However, a digital divide still exists in Massachusetts.

In about half the state’s counties, no more than 63% of households have high-speed access. Additionally, nearly half of the state’s residents live in areas that only have one internet provider, which can make the internet completely unaffordable and inaccessible to low-income families and minority populations.

Internet providers Near Me in Worcester

Some 99% of households in Worcester County have access to broadband, and those within the city of Worcester have even more options to choose from. Here, you can compare the six providers that service the area:

• EarthLink: Prices start at $50 with speeds up to 15 Mbps.
• Xfinity: Prices start at $50 with speeds up to 987 Mbps.
• HughesNet: Prices start at $60 with speeds up to 25 Mbps.
• Viasat: Prices start at $60 with speeds up to 100 Mbps.
• Spectrum: Prices start at $50 with speeds up to 940 Mbps.
• Verizon: Prices start at $69 with speeds up to 15 Mbps.

Cheapest Internet Providers in Worcester

The three cheapest internet providers in Worcester are Spectrum, Xfinity, and EarthLink. Spectrum is available to nearly 100% of residents and offers better speeds than EarthLink and marginally slower speeds than Xfinity. Thus, if you want a better deal on cable internet, Xfinity is the clear choice. While faster, Xfinity only offers coverage to 27.5% of the city’s residents, so you’ll have to narrow your search by ZIP code.

High-Speed Internet Options in Worcester

Once again, Xfinity offers the fastest speeds in Worcester. However, if this option isn’t available in your area, Spectrum is your next best choice. If you want a connection you can count on, Viasat offers satellite internet to roughly 70% of residents. However, the company only provides speeds up to 100 Mbps for $10 more than Spectrum or Xfinity’s most basic plans.

What’s the Difference Between Fiber and Cable?

Most of the providers in Worcester provide cable internet, fiber internet, or both. What’s the difference between the two? Generally, fiber provides a faster, clearer connection, with speeds ranging from 250 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps. It also tends to offer symmetrical upload and download speeds to reduce lag, a perk that appeals to heavy internet users.

On the other hand, cable is often slower and of poorer quality because data is transmitted electrically. The wires carry less data and are more susceptible to weather events that can cause interference. Thus, cable internet networks typically offer download speeds of 10-200 Mbps.

How Do I Choose an Internet Provider?

The best way to choose an internet provider is to search for companies that offer services to your particular ZIP code. Their availability depends on your exact location, even within the same city, so use your address to narrow your search. Then, compare speed and pricing to determine which provider and plan best suit your needs. Look for promotions, discounts, and bundle deals to make your internet more affordable. Remember to read customer reviews to find out what past and current clients have to say, too.