Austin, the capital of Texas and one of the most populous cities in the U.S., is always bustling with life. The city has seen remarkable growth over the decades, emerging as a center for technology and business. According to Forbes Austin offers one of the best job markets in the U.S., making it one of the top choices for movers - quite remarkably in the aftermath of the pandemic too.
But, Austin is not only home to Fortune 500 companies and tech giants such as Tesla, Google, Dell, IBM, Intel, and Apple, rather offers you every opportunity to live a quality life. You won’t find yourself searching for outdoor or indoor activities with the famous lakes and waterways in the Austin area, miles-long hiking and biking trails, great museums, tranquil parks, and more. Plus, Austin is also not a city to disappoint movers in terms of internet access. After all, a tech and business hub cannot thrive if it lacks ready access to broadband internet.
In this article, we discuss the top-most residential options for the internet in Austin. If you’ve just moved to Austin, read on so you can assess and compare better when it's time to buy.
Residents are fortunate to have access to a wide variety of internet services in Austin with over 25 ISPs in the local market. Wired internet choices are readily accessible to 99% of the population, and 66% can also access Fiber at their address. Plus service types are varied too - high-speed DSL, Cable, Fiber, Fixed Wireless, and Satellite - all are available. Wireless forms of the internet however do not really factor in, unless you are part of a community situated outside the confines of wireline services.
As for internet service providers in Austin, you’ll see a mix of industry giants alongside a number of regional and local players. Spectrum’s network covers nearly the entirety of the city. AT&T competes closely with over 96% population in its network fold. And, EarthLink delivers services to about 90% of the population. Windstream is also a nationwide ISP, but in Austin, its footprint is limited to about 4%. Among regional ISPs, Astound Broadband powered by Grande, has a significant presence, with 27% population able to access its cable broadband, and a little over 13% able to enjoy Fiber.
As for wireless internet, Rise Broadband serves around 10% of the city’s populace. While the #1 ranking satellite internet provider HughesNet covers 100%. When you’re outside the reach of wired infrastructures, both Fixed Wireless and Satellite can become a viable high-speed internet option.
AT&T provides one of the most encompassing internet services in Austin - service types include Fiber and high-speed Internet delivered over AT&T’s IPBB network. Access to AT&T high-speed Internet is however far more widespread relative to Fiber. More recently Austin has also become one of the cities where AT&T is now delivering its multi-gig service.
The AT&T internet service comes with a whole bunch of features that make it a highly desirable option amongst users. Besides fast speeds, there is a lot in store to ensure you enjoy the flexibility and the most value for your money.
Based on network capacity, AT&T pledges to deliver the fastest possible speed at any given location. AT&T high-speed Internet maxes out at 100 Mbps, while AT&T Fiber speeds go up to 5 Gbps.
For small to mid-sized households, where internet usage is standard, AT&T high-speed Internet plans ranging from 25 to 100 Mbps deliver a reliable connection. These plans offer speeds that may not be as alluring as that of AT&T Fiber but are certainly reliable and fast enough to support standard household usage. Fiber plans start at 300 Mbps symmetrical speeds and give you a no-brainer choice really were available.
Keep in mind that with AT&T's high-speed Internet plans, there is a price hike after the 12 months promo term ends. But with Fiber, there is no price hike, and you pay on a month-to-month basis from the get-go.
Here is a quick look at the most popular AT&T Internet plans in Austin. But with speed offerings varying across the city, you’ll have to check as to which ones are available in your neighborhood. Just place a quick call at 1-855-925-2541, and an AT&T representative will be able to provide you with the info.
Internet Plan | Max. Download Speed | Data allowance | Price |
---|---|---|---|
AT&T Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | Unlimited | $55/mo. for 12 months plus taxes w/autopay & paperless bill After 12 months |
AT&T Fiber 300 | 300 Mbps | Unlimited | $55/mo. plus taxes w/autopay & paperless bill |
AT&T Fiber 500 | 500 Mbps | Unlimited | $65/mo. plus taxes w/autopay & paperless bill |
AT&T Fiber 1000 | 940 Mbps | Unlimited | $80/mo. plus taxes w/autopay & paperless bill |
Spectrum is the most readily accessible internet service provider in Austin and a top choice for users. Cable broadband from Spectrum is delivered over an advanced network powered by Fiber, so you get download speeds up to 1 Gbps. One big factor which adds to Spectrum’s popularity in Austin is the option to bundle with cable TV. With Spectrum TV you can enjoy a fully-customizable purchase experience, that is also downright affordable.
The Spectrum Internet service is designed around : 2 simple tiers the range of consumer needs. But other than fast and reliable speeds, Spectrum Internet plans include quite a few perks that sweeten the deal all the more.
Spectrum Internet plans are priced in quite a straightforward manner in line with the 2 standardized speed-based service tiers Spectrum’s promo offers are available across its service locations in over 40 states, and the 200 Mbps starter plan is one of the most popular in the market.
And, not without reason. It gives just the right speed for small to mid-sized households where online activities follow the standard home usage pattern. Multiple devices can connect seamlessly for a variety of tasks - work from home, online school, shopping, banking, as well as fun activities such as video streaming and gaming are well supported. Plus it is affordable and gives you great value when you look at the cost per Mbps.
The one thing you must keep in mind is while the wireless modem you get from Spectrum is at no added cost, for in-home WiFi you do have to pay $5/mo. fee. Also, after the promotional term of one year comes to an end, the rate will hike up to the prevailing standard rate.
With that said, the service quality and perks you get with a Spectrum Internet plan do make it more than a worthwhile option. Take a look at plans and prices in Austin, Texas. For information on plan availability at your address, you can speak to a representative at 1-855-423-0918.
Spectrum Internet Plan | Max. Download Speed | Promo Price | Pricing |
---|---|---|---|
Internet Premier | 500 Mbps | $50/mo. for 12 mos | Call to Order |
Spectrum Internet Ultra | 400 Mbps | Unlimited | $69.99/month for 12 months |
Internet Gig | 1 Gbps* | $70/mo. for 12 mos (WiFi included) | Call to Order |
*Price for Gig speed additional. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit spectrum.net/modem. ©2024 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.
The EarthLink Internet service in Austin is accessible in a number of neighborhoods. One of the oldest ISPs in the U.S., EarthLink operates in a manner different from other nationwide ISPs. Essentially you’ll find EarthLink piggy-backs on some major service providers’ network infrastructure in different parts of the U.S. However the offers from EarthLink are unique.
In Austin, EarthLink makes use of the AT&T network and delivers DSL and Fiber. This means you’re likely to find the 2 pitched against each other and a comparison will eventually boil down to the overall value for money and a preference of the terms and conditions.
EarthLink Internet plans are pretty simple and to the point. While you will not see a lot of glamourous perks, there is good value to be had in how an internet subscription works with EarthLink.
EarthLink does not tease you with a promo price. Rather you start off at the standard rate which is locked in for 12 months. Following that, you can lock in the price for another 12 months or pay on a month-to-month basis.
As we said, EarthLink primarily uses AT&T’s network in Austin, so while Fiber is on offer, its availability is limited. DSL Internet speeds are likely to max out at around 24 Mbps, but you’ll also see high-speed internet plans up to 75 Mbps. The pricing may be on the higher end as far as the lower speed tiers, but the cost per Mbps ratio does get better with higher plans.
As for EarthLink Fiber, it is a good bargain. Speeds range from 50/50 Mbps to 1/1 Gbps, and the price is pretty competitive.
Here is a look at EarthLink Internet plans and prices. Speed varies with your location, so we recommend you speak to an EarthLink Customer Service representative at 1-844-343-1171.
EarthLink Internet Plan | Max. Download Speed | Data allowance | Pricing |
---|---|---|---|
EarthLink Internet 50 | 50 Mbps | Unlimited | $49.95/month for 12 months |
EarthLink Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | Unlimited | $79.95/month for 12 months |
EarthLink Internet 200 | 200 Mbps | Unlimited | $89.95/month for 12 months |
EarthLink Internet 1000 | 1000 Mbps | Unlimited | $99.95/month for 12 months |
Astound Broadband powered by Grande is a solid option for users in Austin. Albeit available to only a portion of the population, Grande Internet is a popular choice - one reason being Grande has long had its roots in the state, and its services are exclusive to Texas. And this advantage continues to factor in even after Grande Communications became a sub-brand of Astound Broadband earlier this year.
Grande Internet speeds range from 50 Mbps to 940 Mbps, and promotional prices are attractive. The widely available Power 300 plan is priced at $35.99 and is great for small to mid-sized households. Also, there is no data cap, and you are not required to sign an annual contract. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee too, which allows you to make a risk-free investment.
Another good option for Austin is Windstream Kinetic Internet. While only a small cross-section of the city’s population is able to access the high-speed DSL service, nonetheless it's worth consideration if available.
Speeds are likely to max out at 100 Mbps and you get unlimited data. The best part is the enticing promotional offers - you can get quite a bargain deal with perks such as the first 1 or 3 months free Internet, and/or a free modem. The promotional price tags are attractive, especially if the 100 Mbps offer is available where you live. And with the 30-day money-back guarantee you can invest without anxiety.
As we said earlier, Rise Broadband and HughesNet services become a viable option only if you happen to be located in an area where you do not have access to wired high-speed internet. In neighborhoods that are well equipped with high-speed wired internet services, going for the less reliable wireless forms does not really make sense.
And, if you are indeed unable to access high-speed internet via a wireline service, Fixed Wireless from Rise Broadband, and satellite internet from HughesNet would be certainly options that you must consider.
Finding good internet in Austin can be made easier if you do your homework right. We hope our talk of the top internet service providers in Austin, helps you do that well.
Start off with a fair estimate of your needs, short-list available options, run a comparison, and take your pick. You can always speak to experts at 1-855-349-9328 if you need pro advice.
There are over 25 residential internet service providers in Austin, TX. AT&T, Spectrum, and EarthLink depict wide network coverage across the city. To determine which service is available at your address call 1-855-349-9328.
A WiFi Gateway is a device that functions both as a modem and a router, so not only it connect you with the provider’s network, but delivers WiFi around the house.
Spectrum Internet plans in Austin get you good value in terms of per Mbps cost. AT&T Fiber plans are value-packed and its starter plan is one of the best in the market. To determine which service is available at your address call 1-855-349-9328.