The rate of adoption of high-speed internet in the USA is increasing every year. Both Federal and State governments are making huge efforts to increase internet usage across the country as part of their effort for widespread tech use. In fact, according to a report by Statista, more than 91.8% of the entire population have access to some sort of internet. However, the rate of internet adoption is not the same for every state.
Texas is the second-largest State in the country in terms of both population and area. This poses a challenge for internet providers to offer their services. According to a report published by the Office of The Texas Governor in 2021, over 500,000 households in TX still lack access to the internet.
In 2024, internet connectivity remains a crucial aspect of daily life for residents of Texas, underpinning everything from remote work and education to entertainment and communication. The reliability and quality of internet services can significantly impact productivity and quality of life. The purpose of this blog is to provide an in-depth review of the internet providers in Texas and evaluate the best options for residents. So, let’s start.
- What Is The Best Internet Provider In Texas?
- What Are The Other Best Internet Provider Choices In Texas?
- What Internet Options Are Available For Rural Areas In Texas?
- Which Cities Have The Best Internet In Texas?
- What Is The Internet Coverage Status In Texas?
- What Is The Internet Customer Satisfaction Status of Texas In 2024?
- What is the fastest internet service in Texas?
- How much is the average internet bill in Texas?
- Is Starlink Internet available in Texas?
- who regulates internet service providers in Texas?
- Does Texas have the best WiFi?
- Some Quick Facts And Demographic Insights About Internet Service Providers In Texas
- Final Word
What Is The Best Internet Provider In Texas?
AT&T Is Our Top Choice For Texas Internet Providers Overall
After doing extensive research, our team at GetInteretDeal has selected AT&T as the best internet provider in Texas. The main reason behind this is that being the 3rd largest internet service provider (serving over 40.2% of the entire population) the service of AT&T is quite reliable. AT&T offers both fiber and DSL broadband services, catering to diverse customer needs. With internet speeds reaching up to 5 Gbps on its fiber network, AT&T ensures that even the most demanding users can enjoy seamless connectivity. Moreover, their customer satisfaction ratings remain high due to consistent service quality and comprehensive customer support.
In Texas, AT&T offers 3 IPBB (high-speed DSL) plans and 5 fiber-optic plans. There are also no data caps or contracts, which makes this ISP our top choice overall. Some might argue that the prices are a bit higher than the market, but the high reliability and customer ratings compensate for them. Here’s a breakdown of all AT&T internet plans in Texas:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber Internet 300 | $55.00/mo. | 300 Mbps | Fiber |
| AT&T Fiber Internet 500 | $65.00/mo. | 500 Mbps | Fiber |
| AT&T Fiber Internet 1000 | $80.00/mo. | 1000 Mbps | Fiber |
| AT&T Fiber Internet 2000 | $145.00/mo. | 2000 Mbps | Fiber |
| AT&T Fiber Internet 5000 | $245.00/mo. | 5000 Mbps | Fiber |
| Internet 25 | $60/mo. | 25 Mbps | IPBB |
| Internet 50 | $60/mo. | 50 Mbps | IPBB |
| Internet 100 | $60/mo. | 100 Mbps | IPBB |
Xfinity Is The Cheapest Internet Provider In Texas
Xfinity is the nation’s largest and probably the cheapest cable internet provider in the country. The company provides home internet services via a fiber-coaxial network. This enables Xfinity to provide faster and more reliable Internet than other cable competitors. The plans range from a basic 50 Mbps speed to as high as 1200 Mbps. In Texas, Xfinity offers 8 internet options.
| Xfinity Central Region | |||
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed | Type |
| Internet Essentials | $9.95/mo.* | 50 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
| Internet Essentials Plus | $29.95/mo.* | 100 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
| Connect | $20.00/mo. | 150 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
| Connect More | $35.00/mo. | 300 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
| Fast | $55.00/mo. | 500 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
| Superfast | $70.00/mo. | 800 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
| Gigabit | $80.00/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
| Gigabit Extra | $85.00/mo. | 1,200 Mbps | Coaxial-cable |
Although Xfinity is the cheapest ISP in Texas, it has its downsides. For almost all plans data caps and contracts apply, and despite being the the largest cable internet operator in the country, Xfinity has only 18% coverage in Texas.
What Are The Other Best Internet Provider Choices In Texas?
Aside from AT&T and Xfinity, around 150 other internet companies operate in Texas. But we can’t discuss all of them, so in our review, we will stick with the most prominent players in the market. Here’s a comparative analysis of some top contenders:
Which ISPs Provide The Best Fiber Internet In TX?
Frontier:
As per the data of 2021, Frontier is the 8th largest broadband internet provider in the country. In terms of fixed residential services, it serves over 10.6% of the entire US population. However, in Texas Frontier Fiber has a minimal availability of just 8.72%. This accounts for about 2,540,871 people. The major operating areas of Frontier in Texas are north, northeast, southeast, west, east, south, and central Texas area.
In 2024, Frontier offer 8 internet plans in Texas, 4 of them are fiber and the rest are DSL. The minimum speed of fiber internet is 500 Mbps, which costs $44.99 per month. The highest speed tier is 5 gig which has a price tag of $129.99. The average download speed of Frontier in Texas is 4,931 Mbps, which implies that their multigigabit plans are very popular among customers.
The following table gives a more structured breakdown of their plans:
| Frontier Fiber Plans | ||
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed |
| Fiber 500 | $44.99/mo. | 500 Mbps |
| Fiber 1 Gig | $64.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps |
| Fiber 2 Gig | $99.99/mo. | 2,000 Mbps |
| Fiber 5 Gig | $129.99/mo. | 5,000 Mbps |
To get more details on Frontier fiber plans check out our Frontier review blog.
Kinetic by Windstream:
Windstream provides its fiber-optics services under the name of Kinetic. It’s among the best fiber-optic telecom companies both in Texas and the entire country. In terms of availability and coverage, Kinetic is not a big ISP like Frontier. The availability of Windstream fiber in Texas is just 1.29% or just 376,142 people.
Although in other states, Kinetic offers speeds up to 8 Gig, in Texas the maximum residential speed provided by the company is 1 Gig, which has a price tag of $39.99 per month (for 3 months after this the price is $69.99). This makes Kinetic one of the cheapest fiber providers in the state. In total, 3 fiber plans are available in Texas. Here’s a breakdown of their speeds and pricing.
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed | Data Caps And Contracts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Mbps | $40/mo. | 100 Mbps | No |
| 300 Mbps | $39.99/mo. | 300 Mbps | No |
| 1 Gig | $39.99/mo. | 1000 Mbps | No |
The main cities in which Kinetic fiber internet is available in Texas are:
- Anahuac
- Andrews
- Clyde
- Dumas
- Fabens
- Glen Rose
- Texarkana
- Trinity
Take a look at our Kinetic Fiber review blog to get more in-depth insights.
Google Fiber:
Google Fiber is one of the most reliable telecom operators in Texas, having consistently high ratings in ACSI and J.D. Power. In Texas, it serves around 1,352,945 people and has an average availability of 4.64%. It is also the only provider that offers 8 Gig speeds in Texas. Like other ISPs on our fiber list, all the plans of Google Fiber are symmetric, meaning that you get equal download and upload speeds.
The company offers 4 plans, all of which are gigabit options. The basic plan starts with 1 gig with a price of $70 per month. The following table shows all the plan details:
| Google Fiber Internet Plans | |||
| Plans | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Starting Price |
| 1 Gig | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | $70/month |
| 2 Gig | 2000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | $100/month |
| 5 Gig | 5000 Mbps | 5000 Mbps | $125/month |
| 8 Gig | 8000 Mbps | 8000 Mbps | $150/month |
One of the downsides of Gfiber is that it only operates in 2 Texas cities i.e., Austin and San Antonio. You can expect to find their service in the following areas:
| Google Fiber Texas | |
| Austin | San Antonio |
| Central Austin | Leon Valley |
| East Austin | East Side |
| North Austin | Windcrest |
| Northeast Austin | |
| Northwest Austin | |
| South Austin | |
| Southeast Austin | |
| Southwest Austin | |
| Travis County | |
Vexus Fiber:
Unlike other ISPs on our fiber review, Vexus is a region provider and is available in only 3 states: Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico. Texas has the greatest share of their availability with an availability of around 2.73% or 795,077 people. All of the plans offered by the company are symmetric and with no data caps, however, there are contracts for some plans.
Here is a more clear breakdown of the plans and pricing:
| Vexus Internet Plans | Price Per Month |
|---|---|
| 150/150 Mbps Fiber Internet | $39.99-$49.99** |
| 500/500 Mbps Fiber Internet | $39.99-$49.99** |
| 1000/1000 Mbps Fiber Internet | $69.99-$79.99** |
| 75/37 Mbps Fiber Internet* | $54.99-$74.99** |
| 100/50 Mbps Fiber Internet* | $69.99-$89.99** |
| 150/75 Mbps Fiber Internet* | $49.99-$69.99** |
| 200/100 Mbps Fiber Internet* | $89.99-$124.99** |
| 250/125 Mbps Fiber Internet* | $64.99-$74.99** |
| 300/150 Mbps Fiber Internet* | $149.99 |
| 350/175 Mbps Fiber Internet* | $69.99-$79.99** |
| 400/200 Mbps Fiber Internet* | $69.99-$79.99** |
| 500/250 Mbps Fiber Internet* | $79.99 |
| 750/300 Mbps Fiber Internet* | $89.99 |
| 1000/300 (1Gig) Mbps Fiber Internet* | $99.99 |
| 1000/500 (1Gig) Mbps Fiber Internet* | $99.99-$109.99 |
What Are The Best Cable Internet Providers In Texas?
Optimum:
Optimum is a telecom giant in the USA and offers a lot of services like internet, TV, and streaming. The company offers both fiber and cable internet, however, there are a lot of bad reviews for their fiber plans so we won’t be discussing them. The reason behind their bad fiber service is that Optimum is originally a cable provider and most of its infrastructure is built for cable.
In Texas, Optimum serves more than 3.46 million people and has an average availability of 11.89%. Three cable internet plans are available to customers, starting from 300 Mbps for $40.00/mo. These plans are not symmetric since they are not based on fiber infrastructure. The average speed of Optimum Internet in Texas is 909 Mbps.
| Optimum Internet Plans | ||||
| Plan | Promo Price | Regular Price | Download Speed | Upload Speed |
| Optimum 300 | $40.00/mo. | – | 300 Mbps | 20 Mbps |
| Optimum 500 | $60.00/mo. | – | 500 Mbos | 20 Mbps |
| Optimum 1 Gig | $80.00/mo. | – | 940 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
For more information on Optimum plans visit our Optimum review page.
Spectrum:
Being a brand of Charter Communications Spectrum serves over 33% of the entire US population. That makes 32 million customers across the country. In Texas, Spectrum has an availability of 52.32%, or 15,247,588 people, which is the highest in our review. In terms of tech Spectrum is somewhere in between, as it provides internet via both cable and fiber-coaxial cables which is also a form of high-speed cable internet.
If we count the fiber-coaxial plans as well, then there are a total of 5 Spectrum plans in Texas. Here’s a structured breakdown of all Spectrum cable plans in Texas:
| Spectrum Internet Plans | ||||
| Plans | Starting Price (Promo Period) | Max Speed | Type | Standard Price |
| Spectrum Internet Assist | $24.99/mo | 50 Mbps | Cable | – |
| Spectrum Internet 100 | $29.99/mo. | 100 Mbps | Cable | – |
| Internet | $49.99/mo | 300 Mbps | Fiber | $84.99 |
| Internet Ultra | $69.99/mo | 500 Mbps | Fiber | $104.99 |
| Internet Gig | $79.99/mo | 1000 Mbps | Fiber | $114.99 |
What Are The Top Satellite Internet Service Providers in Texas?
Satellite internet is essential for areas where traditional cable or fiber services are unavailable. The top satellite providers ensure that even the most remote locations in Texas have access to the internet.
Viasat:
Viasat offers satellite internet services with various plans designed to meet different needs. Known for its wide coverage and reliable service, Viasat is a strong choice for rural residents. It has a 100% availability in Texas with an average speed of 150 Mbps. Viasat offers numerous satellite internet plans in Texas, ranging from 25 Mbps to 150 Mbps.
However, the downside of these plans is that they come with data caps that can vary from 60 GB to 500 GB depending on the plan. The price range for Viasat satellite plans in Texas is 49.99/mo. – $199.99/mo. (for 3 months).
HughesNet:
HughesNet is also a good option for people who don’t have any other ISP available to them. However, there are more downsides to it than benefits. The prices of HughesNet satellite internet plans in Texas are high and all plans come with contracts. If you cancel these plans before the contract you will have to pay a whopping $400 early termination fee.
Plus, their speeds are also low, with the maximum speed reaching only 50 Mbps for $149.99/mo. Yup, it’s that expensive. At this price, you can probably get two 1 Gig plans from any other ISP. Following are all the available plans in Texas:
| HughesNet Satellite Internet Plans | |||
| Plans | Price | Speed | Data Cap |
| HughesNet 15 | $49.99/mo. | 15 Mbps | 15 GB |
| HughesNet 50 | $49.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | 50 GB |
| Fusion 100 | $74.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | 100 GB |
| Fusion 200 | $149.99/mo. | 50 Mbps | 200 GB |
What Internet Options Are Available For Rural Areas In Texas?
Rural areas in Texas often face unique challenges in accessing reliable internet. However, several options ensure that even remote locations stay connected.
Satellite Internet By Viasat And HughesNet
Satellite internet from providers like Viasat and HughesNet is a crucial solution for rural Texas. These providers offer high-speed internet regardless of geographic location, making them ideal for areas lacking traditional infrastructure.
Fixed Wireless Internet By NextLink
NextLink offers fixed wireless internet services, providing high-speed connectivity to rural and underserved areas in Texas. Utilizing a network of towers, NextLink ensures reliable internet access where other options might not be available.
- Speeds: Up to 100 Mbps.
- Coverage: Extensive rural coverage.
- Advantages: High-speed and reliable service without the need for cables.
Which Cities Have The Best Internet In Texas?
Houston and Stephenville have the best internet in Texas.
As you can guess urban centers typically benefit from the best internet infrastructure. As per the report of Connected Nation Texas, in 2018 the state was at the 38th position in broadband adoption, but now with continuous improvement, it has jumped to the 16th position. Following is a graph from the Center For Public Finance report depicting the improvement in internet adoption and usage in Texas.
Following are the top 10 internet cities with the best internet coverage and the most number of internet providers in Texas:
| City | Internet Coverage | No. of ISPs Available |
| Houston | 98.90% | 47 providers |
| Dallas | 97.60% | 45 providers |
| Austin | 98.30% | 42 providers |
| San Antonio | 98.30% | 40 providers |
| Fort Worth | 97.90% | 38 providers |
| El Paso | 97.60% | 30 providers |
| Victoria | 88.60% | 28 providers |
| Irving | 98.30% | 28 providers |
| Plano | 99.10% | 28 providers |
| Spring | 99.60% | 28 providers |
As we all know, no other tech currently can beat fiber internet in terms of speed and reliability. So, in terms of fiber optics, the cities with the fastest internet in Texas are the following:
| City | Avg download speed | Fiber availability | Fastest ISP |
| Stephenville | 405.49 Mbps | 34% | Vyve Broadband |
| Haltom City | 306.7 Mbps | 71% | Spectrum |
| Plainview | 248.13 Mbps | 99% | AT&T |
| Coppell | 245.07 Mbps | 73% | Frontier |
| Fulshear | 241.49 Mbps | 57% | CenturyLink |
| Copperas Cove | 239.5 Mbps | 80% | Spectrum |
| Garland | 237.02 Mbps | 77% | Frontier |
| Sulphur Springs | 229.79 Mbps | 62% | Optimum |
Yup, I am also surprised! None of the large cities are on this list. That’s probably because of the high traffic and huge bandwidth dilution.
What Is The Internet Coverage Status In Texas?
As I mentioned above, in the past few years Texas government has significantly improved its internet coverage. As of 2024, there are over 30 million people living in Texas and 98.73% of the entire state population has access to the Internet. This is a great improvement when compared with 91.8% in 2019. Among the people who use the internet, 86% have access to broadband connectivity, while the rest use satellite and cellular data. The green areas highlighted in the below Texas map are the areas where all types of detailed internet speeds from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps and more are available.
According to the most recent data (2020) by ConnectedNationTexas, the following table gives an estimate of the number of households that have access to the internet at different speed tiers.
Let’s now take an in-depth look at the internet coverage map of the 100 Mbps speed tier and rural areas in Texas.
The green areas in the map below display all the areas where speeds of 100 Mbps or greater are available in Texas. As you can notice only large cities like Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Amarillo, and areas surrounding them have access to high-speed internet service. Small cities and rural areas do not have the privilege of fast connectivity.
Texas has one of the highest internet coverage in rural areas out of all the states in the country. Although the speed is not very fast, still these areas can access reliable internet quite easily. The following tables summarize the status of rural internet coverage in Texas:
What Is The Internet Customer Satisfaction Status of Texas In 2024?
Texas has one of the best internet customer satisfaction in the United States. According to the 2024 report by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), not just Texas, the customer satisfaction rating has increased by 4% for all service providers across the country, and fiber internet has grown in reputation by 1%.
One of the best aspects of the internet in Texas is that the residents have the ability to choose services from up to 17 different ISPs, which is one of the highest in America.
Here are the ratings from ACSI and J.D. Power for different internet providers:
| ISP | ACSI | J.D. Power |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 80/100 | 753/1000 |
| Google Fiber | 76/100 | 839/1000 |
| Spectrum | 68/100 | 728/1000 |
| Optimum | 66/100 | 676/1000 |
| Xfinity | 75/100 | 735/1000 |
| Kinetic | 72/100 | 684/1000 |
What is the fastest internet service in Texas?
The fastest internet service in Texas is offered by Google Fiber, with speeds reaching up to 8 Gbps. GFiber is the only 8 gig internet provider in Texas.
AT&T and Frontier also provide ultra-fast multigigabit internet services with speeds up to 5 Gbps. These high-speed options ensure that even the most demanding internet activities are seamlessly supported.
How much is the average internet bill in Texas?
The average internet bill in Texas varies depending on the provider and the plan chosen. As of 2024, the average monthly cost ranges from $36 for a basic plan of 25 Mbps to around $65 for a mid to high-speed plan.
Average Prices Based On Connection Type
- Broadband: $50 to $70 per month for high-speed internet.
- Fiber: $60 to $100 per month, depending on the speed.
- Cable: $40 to $80 per month, based on the plan and provider.
Compared with the national average of $75 per month, the price of internet in Texas is relatively low and more affordable.
Is Starlink Internet available in Texas?
Yes, Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, is available in Texas. Starlink offers high-speed internet with low latency, making it a viable option for residents in remote and rural areas. With speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to 220 Mbps, Starlink is particularly beneficial for areas with limited access to traditional broadband service
The price of Starlink Internet in Texas starts from $150 per month and can go as high as $2500 depending on the plan and type of equipment you use.
who regulates internet service providers in Texas?
Internet service providers in Texas are regulated by both federal and state entities. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees national regulations, ensuring compliance with federal standards. At the state level, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) plays a role in regulating and overseeing telecommunications services, including internet providers.
Does Texas have the best WiFi?
While Texas boasts excellent internet services, claiming it has the “best WiFi” is subjective and depends on various factors, including location and specific needs. Urban areas with advanced fiber infrastructure, like Austin and Dallas, offer some of the best WiFi experiences in the state. However, comparisons with other states show that Texas is on par with or slightly ahead of many regions.
Some Quick Facts And Demographic Insights About Internet Service Providers In Texas
- The ratio of advertised speed vs actual speeds provided by the best internet providers in Texas is 87%.
- The percentage of the population that has access to the internet in Texas is about 18% higher than the national average.
- More than 96% of the Texas residents have access to 3 or more internet providers. This is 11% higher than the national average.
- As per Ookla, the average download speed in Texas is 149.1 Mbps and the average upload speed is 79.4 Mbps.
Final Word
In 2024, Texas residents have access to some of the most reliable and diverse internet services in the country. Whether living in a bustling city or a remote rural area, Texans can choose from a range of providers and technologies to meet their connectivity needs.
While AT&T and Xfinity stand out for their reliability and affordability and are the best internet providers in Texas, other providers like Frontier, Spectrum, and Google Fiber also provide excellent services. Rural areas benefit from satellite and fixed wireless solutions, ensuring broad coverage across the state.
