Best Internet Providers in Columbia, SC
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Internet Providers Overview for Columbia, SC
| Total Internet Providers | 11 |
|---|---|
| Download Speeds Up To | 5 Gbps |
| Cheapest Monthly Plan | $39.95 |
| Fiber Coverage | 40% |
| Fastest Provider | AT&T |
Top 9 Internet Service Providers in Columbia, SC
1. AT&T
91.2% Available
AT&T Internet Availability By Type
AT&T Deals for April 2024
| Deal | Includes | Download speeds up to | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet 300 | Internet | 300 Mbps | $55.00 |
| Internet 100 | Internet | 100 Mbps | $55.00 |
| Internet 500 | Internet | 500 Mbps | $65.00 |
| Internet 1000 | Internet | 1000 Mbps | $80.00 |
| Internet 2000 | Internet | 2000 Mbps | $125.00 |
| Internet 5000 | Internet | 5000 Mbps | $225.00 |
2. Spectrum
94.2% Available
Spectrum Internet Availability By Type
Spectrum Deals for April 2024
| Deal | Includes | Download speeds up to | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet® | Internet | 300 Mbps | $49.99 |
| Spectrum Internet® Ultra | Internet | 500 Mbps | $69.99 |
| Spectrum Internet® Gig | Internet | 1000 Mbps | $79.99 |
| Spectrum Internet® + TV Select Signature | Internet | 300 Mbps | $114.98 |
| Spectrum Internet® + TV Select Signature + Voice | Internet | 300 Mbps | $129.97 |
3. Verizon
40.4% Available
Verizon Internet Availability By Type
Verizon Deals for April 2024
| Deal | Includes | Download speeds up to | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5G Home | Internet | 300 Mbps | $60.00 |
| 5G Home Plus | Internet | 1000 Mbps | $80.00 |
4. Viasat
100% Available
Viasat Internet Availability By Type
Viasat Deals for April 2024
| Deal | Includes | Download speeds up to | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viasat Unleashed | Internet | 150 Mbps | $99.99 |
| Viasat Unleashed | Internet | 150 Mbps | $119.99 |
5. EarthLink
72% Available
EarthLink Internet Availability By Type
EarthLink Deals for April 2024
| Deal | Includes | Download speeds up to | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | $39.95 | ||
6. HughesNet
100% Available
HughesNet Internet Availability By Type
HughesNet Deals for April 2024
| Deal | Includes | Download speeds up to | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Select | Internet | 50 Mbps | $49.99 |
| Elite | Internet | 100 Mbps | $64.99 |
| Fusion | Internet | 100 Mbps | $94.99 |
7. Always ON
72% Available
Always ON Internet Availability By Type
8. Starlink
100% Available
Starlink Internet Availability By Type
Starlink Deals for April 2024
| Deal | Includes | Download speeds up to | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| STANDARD | Internet | 150 Mbps | $120.00 * |
| *Best for households | |||
| MOBILE - REGIONAL | Internet | 50 Mbps | $150.00 * |
| *Unlimited Mobile Data Inland | Best for RVs, nomads, and campers. | |||
| MOBILE - GLOBAL | Internet | 50 Mbps | $200.00 * |
| *Unlimited Mobile Data Inland | Best for RVs, nomads, and campers | |||
| MOBILE PRIORITY - 50GB | Internet | 220 Mbps | $250.00 * |
| *Unlimited Mobile Global Data Inland | Best for maritime, emergency response, and mobile businesses | |||
| MOBILE PRIORITY - 5TB | Internet | 220 Mbps | $5,000.00 * |
| *Unlimited Mobile Global Data Inland | Best for maritime, emergency response, and mobile businesses | |||
9. T-Mobile Home Internet
72% Available
T-Mobile Home Internet Availability By Type
T-Mobile Home Internet Deals for April 2024
| Deal | Includes | Download speeds up to | Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Internet w/ Autopay | Internet | 245 Mbps | $60.00 * |
| *With AutoPay. Customers see typical download speeds between 72 – 245 Mbps and upload speeds between 15 – 31 Mbps. | |||
Columbia Internet Resources for Low-Income Families
When it comes to internet services, low-income families in the Columbia area are at a disadvantage. Brand-new internet devices and service plans are expensive, and programs designed to help those in need don’t always reach them. Thankfully, we did some research and found the following programs in Columbia offering affordable devices, convenient child assistance and free Wi-Fi internet:
Discounted Distance Learning Devices in Columbia
- The Salvation Army of Columbia: The Salvation Army of Columbia offers low-income families back-to-school supplies for free, including tablets and laptops.
- PCs for the People: PCs for the People is a non-profit organization delivering refurbished desktop and laptop computers to low-income recipients. You can shop their devices online, starting at just $45 for a recycled desktop, and enjoy free standard shipping.
Sometimes organizations may require a waitlist, or they may have a limited selection of devices. However, Columbia is home to several small businesses offering refurbished laptops and desktops for very affordable rates, including the following:
Remote Learning Programs and Virtual Child Care Centers in Columbia
- Richland Library: Richland Library has an ever-growing collection of e-books and downloadable audiobooks available for free. Homebound patrons can also enjoy physical books delivered to their homes by dedicated volunteers and staff.
- South Carolina State Museum: In addition to virtual exhibits and at-home experiments, the South Carolina State Museum hosts weekly educational events for free, though registration is required ahead of time. Examples include Trivia Night on Thursdays and a Telescope Livestream on Saturday nights.
- Office of the Mayor: Columbia Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin holds virtual events promoting literacy among Columbia’s youth. Make sure to check out his storytime videos on his YouTube page.
- Columbia Fireflies: Kids between 3 and 14 years old can participate in a free, four-week reading program organized by the Columbia Fireflies. You can even win a free ticket to a Fireflies game.
- Historic Columbia: Historic Columbia is a non-profit organization committed to preserving Columbia’s history and cultural heritage. You can go online and tour Civil War sites, Main Street and other popular attractions for free.
Free Wireless Internet Access in Columbia
Public libraries all across Columbia and Richland County are staying open to provide much-needed services to residents, including free Wi-Fi. Patrons can connect to these services without a password and from the comfort of their car in the parking lot, just make sure to check for updated hours and services. Below are some of the available locations:
- Richland Library Main
- Richland Library Operations Center
- Richland Library Southeast
- Richland Library St. Andrews
- Richland Library Southeast
The South Carolina Department of Education previously rolled out an initiative distributing internet hotspots so that students can complete their assignments and continue learning at home across the state, including in Columbia. Make sure to contact your child’s school and ask for more information. In the meantime, feel free to browse our site for more resources, including this map with additional free Wi-Fi locations:
Free Wireless Internet Access in Columbia, SC
Internet Provider Store Locations in Columbia
Fastest Columbia Internet Providers
Connection Type |
Internet Providers |
Download Speeds Up To |
Upload Speeds Up To |
Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fiber |
AT&T Fiber |
5 Gbps |
5 Gbps |
35.8% |
TruVista |
1 Gbps |
100 Mbps |
0.7% |
|
|
Cable |
Spectrum |
1 Gbps |
35 Mbps |
94.2% |
|
DSL |
AT&T Internet |
100 Mbps |
20 Mbps |
91.2% |
|
Fixed Wireless |
Verizon 5G Home Internet |
1 Gbps |
50 Mbps |
40.4% |
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet |
100 Mbps |
20 Mbps |
72% |
|
|
Satellite |
Viasat Internet |
100 Mbps |
3 Mbps |
100% |
Hughesnet |
25 Mbps |
3 Mbps |
100% |
Compare Internet Providers in Nearby Cities:
Blythewood, Cayce, Elgin, Gaston, Hopkins, Irmo, Lexington, Swansea, West Columbia, White Rock
Average download speed in Columbia:
146 Mbps
Based on 42,953 speed tests
Internet Values of Columbia Providers
| Providers | Connection Type | Plan Price | Download Speeds Up To | Internet Value | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber | $225 per month | 5 Gbps | $0.05 per Mbps | 855-957-4313 |
| Spectrum | Cable | $79.99 per month | 1 Gbps | $0.08 per Mbps | 855-959-3083 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | Fixed | $80 per month | 1 Gbps | $0.08 per Mbps | |
| CarolinaConnect | Fiber | $89.95 per month | 1 Gbps | $0.09 per Mbps | 803-785-3455 |
| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | Fixed | $60 per month | 245 Mbps | $0.24 per Mbps | |
| AT&T Internet | DSL | $55 per month | 100 Mbps | $0.55 per Mbps | 855-957-4313 |
| Hughesnet | Satellite | $64.99 per month | 100 Mbps | $0.65 per Mbps | 855-958-4319 |
| Viasat Internet | Satellite | $99.99 per month | 150 Mbps | $0.67 per Mbps | 844-983-3105 |
Best Internet Provider in Columbia
- AT&T - Fast download speeds in Columbia, most Fiber availability and most DSL availability
- Spectrum - No data caps and most Cable availability
- Verizon - 5g internet up to 1000 Mbps
- Viasat - Most internet coverage in Columbia
- EarthLink - 5g internet up to 100 Mbps
- HughesNet - Another great satellite internet alternative for those who can't get Cable, Fiber, or DSL
- Always ON - Fixed wireless up to 150 Mbps
- Starlink - Widely available
- T-Mobile Home Internet - 5g internet up to 245 Mbps
Fastest Internet Providers in Columbia
- AT&T - Fast up to 5 Gbps (5000 Mbps)
- Spectrum - Fast up to 1000 Mbps
- Verizon - Fast up to 1000 Mbps
- T-Mobile Home Internet - Fast up to 245 Mbps
- Starlink - Fast up to 220 Mbps
- Always ON - Fast up to 150 Mbps
Internet Fees in Columbia
| Common Providers in Columbia | Early Termination Fees | Setup and Installation Fees | Late Payment Fees | Equipment Replacement Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber | N/A | $99 | Up to $9.25 | $10 per month |
| AT&T Internet | N/A | $149 | Up to $6.50 | N/A |
How Much Speed Do I Need?
25+ Mbps
- Web Surfing & Email
- HD Streaming
- Supports 1-2 Devices
- Ideal for 1-2 people
100+ Mbps
- Ultra HD (4K) Streaming
- Low Lag Online Gaming
- Supports 3-5 Devices
- Ideal for 2-6 people
1 Gig
- Multi 4K HD Streaming
- No Lag Online Gaming
- Supports more than 5 Devices
- Ideal for 6+ people
An Overview of Internet Providers in Columbia By Connection
| Provider | Connection | Download speeds up to | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Fiber | 5 Gbps | 36% |
| AT&T | IPBB | 100 Mbps | 91% |
| Spectrum | Cable | 1 Gbps | 94% |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | 100% |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | 100% |
| CarolinaConnect | Fiber | 1 Gbps | 1% |
| Starlink | Satellite | 220 Mbps | 100% |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 5G Internet | 245 Mbps | 72% |
| Verizon | 5G Internet | 1 Gbps | 40% |
| EarthLink | 5G Internet | 100 Mbps | 72% |
| Always ON | Fixed Wireless | 25 Mbps | 72% |
| Provider | Connection | Download speeds up to | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| HughesNet | Satellite | 25 Mbps | 100% |
| Viasat | Satellite | 100 Mbps | 100% |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 5G Internet | 100 Mbps | 72% |
| EarthLink | 5G Internet | 100 Mbps | 72% |
| AT&T | IPBB | 100 Mbps | 91% |
| AT&T | Fiber | 5 Gbps | 36% |
| Spectrum | Cable | 1 Gbps | 94% |
| Verizon | 5G Internet | 1 Gbps | 40% |
| CarolinaConnect | Fiber | 1 Gbps | 1% |
| TruVista | Fiber | 1 Gbps | 1% |
Popular Zip Codes in Columbia, SC:
Internet Availability by Connection Type in Columbia
Internet service providers in Columbia use different methods for connecting their customers to the web. Connection types matter, so choose wisely. Fiber is generally the fastest and most reliable option, followed by cable, DSL and 5G home internet.
Fiber - 95%
What is Mbps?
Mbps is the abbreviation for megabits per second, and it also appears written as Mbits/sec. Internet providers use megabits per second to measure speeds. Broadband speeds are 25 Mbps or faster. Learn more about Mbps.
Who is InMyArea.com?
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