Internet providers in North Carolina
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Last updated: March 3, 2026
Average North Carolina broadband speeds hover around 339 Mbps, but residents can access a wide range of plan options reaching 8,000 Mbps or higher in some areas. Compare the cheapest internet starting at $30.00/mo., as well as availability and speed from top providers.
View internet plans available near you
Best internet providers in North Carolina
SPECTRUM: Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET ADVANTAGE: Offer based on eligibility requirements. Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2026 Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Internet Performance: Spectrum Internet is powered by fiber and delivered to your home via HFC. Updated as of 03/03/26.
AT&T: Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. Single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. Plus taxes (w/ eligible Autopay & Paperless bill). Price after $10/mo AutoPay & Paperless bill discount. (Starts w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge applies in NV, OH, TX. One time install fee may apply.
Key takeaways
- North Carolina residents have access to satellite (100%), cable (80%), fiber (53%) and fixed wireless internet (40%) through eight top providers
- Spectrum is widely available to over 75% of the state
- Google Fiber offers some of the fastest internet in North Carolina, with speeds ranging from 1,000 – 8,000 Mbps
- Brightspeed offers the cheapest internet plan in North Carolina at just $29.99/mo.
Internet in North Carolina
- 53% fiber coverage statewide
- Average download speed: 339 Mbps
- Cheapest plans from $29.99/mo.
Fastest internet in North Carolina
When shopping for fast internet, keep in mind how much speed you need. Smaller households need 300 Mbps or less, while larger smart homes with multiple users will need to consider fast plans at 500 Mbps or above.
North Carolina boasts an average download speed of 339 Mbps, surpassing the U.S. average of 298 Mbps. North Carolina has an average latency of 15 ms, which is within the range of 10 – 20 ms that is considered low latency.
AT&T, Google Fiber, Brightspeed and TDS provide fast internet with speeds up to 8 Gbps in some areas, but are mainly focused on metro locations. Fast plans start at $49.99/mo. for 1,000 Mbps.
Click on the providers in the table to learn more about your options in North Carolina:
| Provider | Starting price* | Download speed | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber | $80.00/mo.** | 1,000 – 4,700 Mbps** | Fiber |
| Google Fiber | $70.00/mo. | 1,000 – 8,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Brightspeed | $49.99/mo. | 1,000 – 8,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| TDS | $89.95/mo. | 1,000 – 2,000 Mbps | Fiber |
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. Updated as of 03/03/26.
**Plus taxes (w/ eligible Autopay & Paperless bill). Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. Limited availability. May not be available in your area. Call or go to fiber.att.com to see if you qualify. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
Cheapest internet in North Carolina
Internet plans in North Carolina range from less than $30.00/mo. to over $150.00/mo. depending on your provider and plan. Luckily, there are a handful of cheap options below $40.00/mo. for those looking to save on internet.
Brightspeed has the cheapest internet plan in North Carolina, starting at $29.99/mo. for 200 Mbps. Verizon has a cheap option available as a cellphone and internet bundle, starting around $35.00/mo., while Spectrum has a $30.00/mo. plan available in select locations.
In more rural areas, satellite may be the only option so costs could be higher in those areas. Some bundling options can save you money depending on the provider. Keep in mind that prices may increase after the promotional period ends.
Some providers also have low-cost internet plans for qualifying households. Check out Access from AT&T or Spectrum Internet Assist.
To find out more about the providers in North Carolina, click on the ISPs below:
| Provider | Starting price* | Download speed | Connection type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brightspeed | $29.99/mo. | 200 Mbps | Fiber | Value |
| Spectrum | $30.00/mo.** | 100 Mbps | Cable | Cable availability |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | $35.00/mo.*** with mobile plan | 25 – 300 Mbps | 5G | Bundle savings |
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. Updated as of 03/03/26.
**Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET ADVANTAGE: Offer based on eligibility requirements. Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2026 Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Internet Performance: Spectrum Internet is powered by fiber and delivered to your home via HFC.
***Price guarantee for 3-5 years, depending on internet plan, for new and existing myHome customers. 5G Home plan at $35/mo., 5G Home Plus plan at $45/mo. Or 5G Home Ultimate plan at $60/mo. when combined with postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Mobile + Home Discount: $15/mo savings on Verizon Home Internet plans when combined with any Verizon postpaid mobile phone plan (excludes business and data-only plans). Availability varies. Subject to credit approval. © 2026 Verizon.
How much is internet per month in North Carolina?
Monthly internet prices in North Carolina vary, but the cheapest plans range from $29.00/mo. to $35.00/mo. which is well below the average cost of $76.00/mo. If you need a faster plan, prepare to pay more, but it could be worth it in the long run if you have a larger household or are a heavier internet user.
North Carolina internet provider comparison
We’ve ranked the top internet providers in North Carolina by coverage area, technology and starting price. We’ve done the research so you can easily find the providers in your area that are the best fit for you.
| Provider | Starting price* | Download speed range | Connection type | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Spectrum | $30.00/mo.** | 100 – 1,000 Mbps | Cable | 75% |
 T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | $30.00/mo.*** w/ Autopay and voice line. Plus taxes & fees | 87 – 498 Mbps | 5G | 65% |
 AT&T | $45.00/mo.† | 100 – 4,700 Mbps† | Fiber | 58% |
 TDS | $49.95/mo. | 300 – 2,000 Mbps | Fiber, cable | 25% |
 Brightspeed | $29.99/mo. | 200 – 8,000 Mbps | Fiber, DSL | 25% |
 Verizon 5G Home Internet | $35.00/mo.†† with mobile plan | 25 – 1,000 Mbps | 5G | 23% |
 Google Fiber | $70.00/mo. | 1,000 – 8,000 Mbps | Fiber | 8% |
 Hughesnet | $39.99/mo. | 25 – 100 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. Updated as of 03/03/26.
**Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET ADVANTAGE: Offer based on eligibility requirements. Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2026 Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Internet Performance: Spectrum Internet is powered by fiber and delivered to your home via HFC.
**Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Capable modem required for all Gig speeds. For a list of capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2026 Charter Communications, all rights reserved. Internet Performance: Spectrum Internet is powered by fiber and delivered to your home via HFC.
***Savings with $20 in monthly bill credits. Limited-time; subject to change. Qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, and new Internet line required. If you have cancelled Internet lines in past 90 days, you may need to reactivate them first. Credits may take up to 2 bill cycles; credits will stop if you cancel any lines or change plans. Limit 1/account. May not be combined with some offers or discounts.
†Plus taxes (w/ eligible Autopay & Paperless bill). Price after $10/mo AutoPay & Paperless bill discount. (Starts w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge applies in NV, OH, TX. One time install fee may apply. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
††Price guarantee for 3-5 years, depending on internet plan, for new and existing myHome customers. 5G Home plan at $35/mo., 5G Home Plus plan at $45/mo. Or 5G Home Ultimate plan at $60/mo. when combined with postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Mobile + Home Discount: $15/mo savings on Verizon Home Internet plans when combined with any Verizon postpaid mobile phone plan (excludes business and data-only plans). Availability varies. Subject to credit approval. © 2026 Verizon.
Call for details: (844) 451-2720 (844) 451-2720
What is the best North Carolina internet provider?
One of the best internet providers in North Carolina is AT&T Fiber. It provides symmetrical upload and download speeds, multi-gigabit speed options and more speed and reliability than non-fiber internet options. With speeds starting at 100 Mbps and reaching up to 4,700 Mbps, there’s an AT&T Fiber plan for every type of household and internet user.
How we review internet in North Carolina
We review top providers in North Carolina like Spectrum, T-Mobile and Hughesnet by plan speeds and costs to provide an easy-to-digest comparison for quick shopping. We evaluate broadband providers in four categories: affordability, performance, value and customer satisfaction. Each category contains multiple sub-factors, all of which are weighted differently to impact the provider’s overall score.
For each sub-factor, we score all providers on a continuous scale of one to five, relative to the industry as a whole. Because the average download speed in America is currently 290 Mbps, for example, we assigned all plans with download speeds between 100 and 299 Mbps a score between three and four. Xfinity’s 200 Mbps plan received a 3.50 score for download speed, while Spectrum’s 500 Mbps plan got a 3.71.
We only considered standardized data points in our scoring system. More abstract data like consistency of service and brand reputation is still part of our analysis, but we opted to let our writers address them in the context of each review.
North Carolina internet statistics
North Carolina vs. the U.S.
Compare North Carolina’s median download and upload speeds to the U.S. median upload and download speeds. North Carolina pulls ahead when it comes to download speed, but the U.S. has a faster median upload speed.
North Carolina
- Download speed: 339.45 Mbps
- Upload speed: 44.06 Mbps
U.S.
- Download speed: 298.38 Mbps
- Upload speed: 58.01 Mbps
Source: Ookla’s Speedtest.net
Most widely available providers in North Carolina
- 53% fiber coverage statewide
- Average download speed: 339 Mbps
- Cheapest plans from $29.99/mo.
Starlink and Hughesnet provide satellite internet to the entire state, providing rural residents with an internet option when they cannot access cable or fiber. Aside from satellite, Spectrum is the most widely available non-satellite provider with 75% coverage of North Carolina. T-Mobile’s 5G service also has widespread availability to 65% of North Carolina, but speeds will be more varied than cable or fiber. Check your ZIP code to find providers available where you live, but keep in mind that prices and speeds will depend on your location.
Quality of internet access in North Carolina
Most of North Carolina has access to the minimum recommended broadband speeds of 100/20 Mbps, but around half the state has access to gigabit speeds:
- Residents with broadband access (speeds at or over 100/20 Mbps): 93%
- Residents with broadband access (speeds at or over 250/25 Mbps): 91%
- Residents with access to gigabit speeds (at or over 1,000/100 Mbps): 51%
Source: FCC coverage maps
Internet availability in North Carolina
Most of North Carolina has access to download speeds of at least 100 Mbps, but around half (51%) can access gig speeds. Satellite is the most widely available connection type, with 100% coverage of the state, but it is considered a last resort for rural internet due to lower speeds. Cable is also widely available to 80% of North Carolina, but fiber is only available to 53% of the state. Fiber is the most reliable internet type, and Google Fiber and Kinetic are working to expand their fiber internet footprint to cities in Cabarrus, New Hanover and Stanly counties. 5G internet is available to 40% of North Carolina, and will be one of the cheapest options when bundled with a mobile plan. The fastest internet from cable and fiber providers is mainly focused in urban areas, so rural residents may only have satellite internet as an option. Top providers in North Carolina include Spectrum, T-Mobile and AT&T.
Source: FCC National Broadband Map
If you’re looking for North Carolina fiber internet, enter your ZIP code to find your best options.
Enter your ZIP code to view internet plans available near you
North Carolina internet provider breakdowns
Allconnect Rating
3.75 / 5
Spectrum: Best overall internet in North Carolina
In terms of availability, pricing and speeds, it’s hard to beat Spectrum, which is our choice for best internet in North Carolina There are three plans to choose from, depending on your home’s needs. No data caps or contracts and low equipment fees make Spectrum an appealing choice.
Why North Carolina loves Spectrum
- Low equipment fees
- No data caps and no contracts
Things to consider about Spectrum
- Slow upload speeds
- Slightly higher cost than other ISPs
Spectrum Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.35 / 5
T-Mobile: Best for availability
If you have a mobile plan, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offers three 5G plans starting at $30.00/mo. with Autopay and a voice line, with no monthly equipment fees, price hikes, contracts or data caps. Without the mobile bundle, your plan will be $50.00 – $70.00/mo. plus taxes & fees.
Why North Carolina loves T-Mobile
- Affordable pricing with mobile bundle
- Available in rural areas near a cell tower
Things to consider about T-Mobile
- Speeds may be throttled
- Data limits
T-Mobile Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.40 / 5
AT&T: Best fiber internet
AT&T offers the fastest internet service in North Carolina, with fiber speeds up to 4,700 Mbps.* Fiber is the fastest and most reliable internet service, and with AT&T’s symmetrical fiber speeds, North Carolina residents can enjoy a consistent high-speed connection ideal for even the most intense internet activities and many connected devices.
Why North Carolina loves AT&T
- Fiber internet speeds up to 4,700 Mbps*
- Low-income assistance program
Things to consider about AT&T
- Fiber isn’t available everywhere
- High starting prices
*Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. Single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. Updated as of 03/03/26.
AT&T Customer Reviews:
North Carolina internet customer reviews
Allconnect collects customer reviews to share real internet provider experiences so you can use the information to make a better choice for your internet service.
Reasonably fast, but expensive for standalone service.
3/5
Spectrum was only option in our new area, but I feel they are a great choice even if you have other options. Consistently strong signal for all devices – what more could we ask for?
4/5
We lose connection consistently every day. Our TV freezes and our cameras stop working due to no connectivity.
2/5
Find North Carolina internet providers by city
North Carolina offers residents and visitors a little bit of everything. Whether you live near the mountains in a city like Asheville, on the coast in Wilmington or in one of North Carolina’s largest cities like Charlotte or Raleigh, there are several top internet service providers (ISPs) available in the Tar Heel State. You can choose from fiber, cable, DSL and satellite internet options. Competitive prices are the standard in North Carolina, so checking out current internet plans in your area can save you money.
Explore internet availability and speed in various North Carolina cities. We’ve included each city’s median download speed from Ookla’s Speedtest.net, the percentage of households in each city with access to at least 100 Mbps, 250 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps and the number of providers available in each city.
Mecklenburg County
Residents in Mecklenburg County have 10 providers to pick from, but not all are available in all parts of the county. Spectrum, satellite ISPs like Hughesnet, AT&T and T-Mobile are the most available providers. 100% of the county addresses can access 100/20 Mbps, while 95% can get 250/25 Mbps. Only 61% can reach speeds of 1 gig.
Guilford County
Guilford County residents have nine providers available with satellite ISPs, Spectrum and T-Mobile home internet the most available. 100% of addresses can access speeds of 100/20 Mbps. 93% have speeds up to 250/25 Mbps and 57% can reach 1 gig.
| City | Download speed | Upload speed | % up to 100 Mbps | % up to 250 Mbps | % up to 1 Gbps | # of providers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington | 291.58 Mbps | 21.55 Mbps | 100% | 92% | 39% | 8 |
| Greensboro | 296.58 Mbps | 31.65 Mbps | 100% | 95% | 55% | 8 |
| High Point | 259.29 Mbps | 67.77 Mbps | 100% | 92% | 67% | 7 |
Wake County
Wake County is the largest in North Carolina, with over one million residents who have 10 providers to pick from, with Spectrum and satellite services being the most prevalent. All addresses can access speeds up to 100/20 Mbps, 95% can reach 250/25 Mbps and 67% can access 1 gig.
| City | Download speed | Upload speed | % up to 100 Mbps | % up to 250 Mbps | % up to 1 Gbps | # of providers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cary | 362.01 Mbps | 156.43 Mbps | 100% | 96% | 79% | 9 |
| Holly Springs | 383.12 Mbps | 186.90 Mbps | 100% | 96% | 87% | 10 |
| Raleigh | 347.46 Mbps | 114.10 Mbps | 100% | 95% | 64% | 8 |
Sources: FCC National Broadband Map and Ookla’s Speedtest.net
North Carolina internet provider store locations
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North Carolina internet FAQs
Which is the best internet provider in North Carolina?
One of the best internet providers in North Carolina is AT&T. It provides the fastest and most reliable fiber internet with speeds up to 4,700 Mbps* and is available in large North Carolina cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham and Greensboro.
Does North Carolina have fast internet?
Yes, North Carolina has fast internet options from AT&T and Brightspeed, with fast tiers ranging from 1,000 to 4,700 Mbps,* similar to neighboring states such as South Carolina and Tennessee.
What’s the fastest internet in North Carolina?
The fastest internet in North Carolina is AT&T’s 4,700 Mbps* plan. Google Fiber offers up to 8,000 Mbps, but availability is limited in North Carolina.
What’s the cheapest internet in North Carolina?
The cheapest internet in North Carolina is with Brightspeed, which offers 200 Mbps for $29.99/mo.
Is fiber internet available in North Carolina?
Yes, AT&T, Google Fiber, Brightspeed and TDS all offer fiber internet options in North Carolina.
*Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. Single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101. Updated as of 03/03/26.
Written by
Camryn Smith
Writer
As one of Allconnect’s writers, Camryn Smith helps consumers navigate complex home internet servic… View profile
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