I know picking an internet service provider can be complicated and confusing. As a technology analyst and long-time resident of the Lone Star state, allow me to be your guide to the top 10 ISPs in Texas.
Whether this is your first time getting connected or you‘re just fed up with your current provider‘s spotty service, I‘ve assembled plenty of insider knowledge to help you discover the perfect match!
The Texas Internet Landscape
First, a quick lay of the land…
Our massive state has over 500 internet providers in operation, using four main types of infrastructure:
- DSL – Utilizes copper telephone lines; speed limited by distance
- Cable – Leverages coaxial cable TV networks; vulnerable to congestion
- Fiber – Direct glass fiber connection; extremely high speeds
- Fixed Wireless – Towers beam signals to home receivers; great for rural areas
Coverage and speeds vary tremendously based on whether you live out on a ranch or in a downtown high-rise.
Fortunately, recent investments aim to bridge this gap! Texas earmarked $500 million in 2021 to expand high-speed internet access. And federal programs have dedicated nearly $1 billion more to improve connectivity, especially in rural counties.
Next, let‘s spotlight the 10 largest and most trusted internet providers in TX leveraging these various technologies.
The Big 10 ISPs in Texas
Based on coverage area, download speeds, service quality, and other key factors, these providers represent your best options.
1. AT&T
The telecom giant AT&T offers widespread internet service using both high-speed fiber connections and older DSL networks transmitted over phone lines.
- Coverage – 20% of households
- Speeds – Max 1000 Mbps (fiber), max 100 Mbps (DSL)
- Areas – Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio
I recommend AT&T Fiber 100% if available in your area. It‘s blazing fast and reliable!
2. Xfinity
Comcast‘s Xfinity brand leverages cable and fiber internet infrastructure to deliver speedy service.
- Coverage – 22% of households
- Speeds – Max 1000 Mbps
- Areas – Houston, Dallas, Austin, El Paso
Bundling TV, phone, home security is Xfinity‘s specialty. Rates can be high standalone.
Top Texas Internet Providers
| Provider | Connection | Availability | Max Download Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Fiber/DSL | 20% coverage | 1000 Mbps (fiber) |
| Xfinity | Cable/Fiber | 22% coverage | 1000 Mbps |
| Spectrum | Cable | 54% coverage | 1000 Mbps |
| EarthLink | DSL/Fiber | 38% coverage | 1000 Mbps (fiber) |
| Rise Broadband | Fixed Wireless | 47% coverage | 100 Mbps |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 5G | 86% coverage | 182 Mbps |
Broadband availability varies greatly depending on location. Recent laws aim to address this.
3. Spectrum
Owned by Charter Communications and available in over 50% of the state, Spectrum provides cable internet plans up to 1000 Mbps without data caps.
It‘s easy to setup service online and Spectrum often offers 1 free month for new customers. Existing plans can also be upgraded to faster speed tiers at no extra ongoing cost which is fantastic.
4. EarthLink
EarthLink may not be a brand name you recognize, but they have an extensive network in Texas utilizing both DSL and fiber connections.
With fiber, they can match the fastest download speeds on the market. And EarthLink‘s DSL service offers a viable option for rural households too often ignored.
No contracts and flexible allowances make them worth considering if you value simplicity.
5. Rise Broadband
Headquartered right here in Texas, Rise Broadband specializes in bringing fixed wireless internet access to rural areas overlooked by traditional providers.
Their radio transmitters and receivers allow homes many miles from the nearest telephone pole or underground line to get online, albeit at slower speeds than urban connections.
For country living, Rise Broadband is your best bet for service!
Which Option Is Right For You?
Now for the moment of truth – translating all that data into an personalized recommendation!
Ask yourself these key questions:
- What‘s available at my address?
- What download & upload speeds do I realistically need?
- How much can I afford per month?
- Do I value extra perks like cable TV or home phone service?
If you‘re unsure how to compare provider offers and specifics, tell me in the comments and I‘m happy to lend my insight!
For most though, I would target cable or fiber-based plans if accessible since they deliver way faster speeds. DSL is OK as a budget backup option if you live far from an equipment source.
And be sure to examine any upfront fees for equipment rentals or installations that can quickly negate tempting rate offers from providers.
I suggest keeping some flexibility unless you discover an option you‘re convinced you‘ll love long-term. Many providers dangle promotional pricing for the first 12 months only to jack up bills later on.
The Bright Broadband Future in Texas
While Texas still has millions lacking top-tier internet access, recent events convince me much progress lies ahead, especially benefiting rural users.
Utilizing new technologies like 5G networking and low earth orbit satellites for transmission, companies are poised to deliver fast, reliable broadband to every last household in Texas in coming years.
Exciting innovations like T-Mobile‘s 5G Home Internet and SpaceX‘s Starlink leverage their vast infrastructure to provide connections sans cables running to your home.
As these expand in reach, even the most remote country dwellers will gain options for staying speedily connected. And increased competition should continually improve pricing and service quality for all Texans in metropolitan and suburban areas too.
So fear not – whether you‘re moving to a new neighborhood across town or a cattle ranch hours from civilization, more choice and value is on the horizon!
Let me know if you still have any other questions about picking the ideal internet provider for your needs. I‘m always happy to offer my Texan tech insights to help you stay connected!
