Our Top Picks for the Best Internet Providers in Charlotte, NC
Spectrum
Spectrum is considered another of the topmost internet service providers (ISP) in Charlotte and offers a much wider coverage than AT&T via cable or wireless network. The company offers speeds of up to 1000 Mbps which is fast and reliable, along with the option of getting TV service. Subscribers can also take advantage of the Wi-Fi hotspots set up across the city. Packages are available at prices of $44.99 per month for a year. And bundled plans with TV and a phone connection are available for a price of $64.98 per month for 12 months. Spectrum Home Wi-Fi is wireless internet service that can be connected to a router to set up a Wi-Fi network and connect all your family devices.
Low-income groups can get the Spectrum Internet Assist program which costs $14.99 per month. This program features 30 Mbps internet, no caps on data usage, and the provision to add Wi-Fi for an extra charge of $5 per month. If a family member qualifies for benefits from the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or Supplemental Security Income, they can avail of this Spectrum program.
Spectrum is owned and operated by the company, Charter Communications. After integrating with Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks a few years ago, the provider now offers services under a single brand – Spectrum.
AT&T
AT&T is one of the top players in Charlotte offering you 1-gigabit speeds covering most of the areas in the city. AT&T has fiber and DSL internet and provides some of the fastest and most reliable services in areas from Highland Creek to Ballantyne and Provincetowne. As for the pricing structure, you can get packages starting at $40 per month for 12 months to a maximum of $90 per month. AT&T is ideal for uninterrupted gaming and streaming HD movies, which are some of the basic functions a normal household would need. This service is popular among customers for its efficient installation services.
Other Providers
Charlotte has several other smaller providers that offer you different features and pricing structures. You can check for their offerings and availability in your zip code before making a choice.
- Windstream is another DSL internet provider offering coverage in eastern Charlotte locations like Providence Crossing, Villa Heights, Piper Glen Estates, Idlewild, and East Forest. Not only does this company offer speeds of up to 1000 Mbps, but customers have also appreciated its high service standards.
- RST Fiber is more commonly available in southern nreighborhoods of Charlotte such as Olde Whitehall and Eagle Lake.
- Comporium Communications is suitable for areas like Yorkshire and Harbor House.
- Google Fiber is a Google internet service providing 1-gigabit speeds along with bundled internet and TV services broadcasting more than 150 HD channels. Charlotte is one of the few cities that can get access to this network with packages starting at $50 per month for internet speeds of 100 Mbps to 1000 Mbps.
- Viasat offers internet services over satellite connections and is available across the country. You can go for this service if the other ISPs are not offering connectivity in your area. However, you’ll pay somewhat higher prices and speeds may not be comparatively fast.
- EarthLink internet also offers speeds of up to 1000 Mbps and is popular for its excellent customer service.
Internet Service Providers in Charlotte, NC
Boasting of attractions like the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Billy Graham Library, NASCAR Hall of Fame, and Discovery Place, Charlotte is a fantastic city to live and work. Residents can access high-speed internet services offered by some of the best service providers in the US. You can check out the different network options, such as dial-up, fiber, cable, and digital subscriber line or DSL, as it is more commonly known. Fiber internet networks relay signals over glass cables in the form of tiny light pulses, which is why you can expect superfast speeds of up to 1000 Mbps.
DSL Connections Offer Speeds of Up to 100 Mbps
DSL connections can get you speeds of up to 100 Mbps, and are typically more economical than cable and fiber internet. These speeds are sufficient for a family of five to seven members using the internet for gaming, streaming HD movies and videos, surfing the internet, or checking their emails. Business organizations with staff members working on multiple devices simultaneously can also get by at these speeds without any bandwidth issues. If you’ve been looking for a robust internet service in Charlotte, scout around your area for the availability of top-ranking ISPs. Here are a few options to get you started.
Frequently asked questions
Spectrum offers low-income families more affordable internet plans with their program called Internet Assist. The plans start at $14.99 a month with speeds up to 30 Mbps. That’s not much, though enough for casual browsing. Wireless internet, however, comes at an additional $5 monthly. The only requirement to sign up for the program is receiving a Supplemental Security Income or National School Lunch Program.
Fiber-optic internet connection is transferred through a new type of cable made from fiberglass. DSL, on the other hand, refers to a direct subscriber line and is provided via phone cables. Fiber internet offers the highest speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second, ideal for pro-gaming, downloading large files, and connecting multiple devices. DSL is great for casual browsing and is generally cheaper. Furthermore, fiber internet is not yet available in all areas, while DSL can be connected to nearly any household.
Yes, AT&T offers an upgrade or change of plan if you move, no questions asked. However, you can’t opt out of the contract completely if their service is available in your area. The company provides help with the installation of new equipment. If you’re a DIRECTV customer moving to a condo or rented apartment, you’ll need to fill in a Landlord Approval Form to install the service.