Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Expect to pay at least $50 per month for home internet in Alpena. Spectrum’s widespread 500Mbps cable plan runs $50 per month, but the price will bump up after the first year. The exception to the $50 rule is if you bundle. Verizon and T-Mobile offer internet and mobile bundle discounts, and Spectrum offers a $20 discount for bundling with TV service or two mobile lines.
Provider | Starting price | Max download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
---|---|---|---|
Spectrum Internet Premier Read full review | $50 | 500Mbps | Free modem; $10 router (optional) |
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review | $50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 100Mbps | None |
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | $60 ($40 with eligible mobile plans) | 245Mbps | None |
Frontier Read full review | $65 | 115Mbps (varies with location) | None |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
The best internet deals and top promotions in Alpena depend on what discounts are available during a given time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
How many members of your household use the internet?
Alpena internet providers, such as Spectrum, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, including Frontier and Verizon 5G Home internet, tend to run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Ookla doesn’t have data available for Alpena’s broadband speeds but don’t expect to get more than a gig download speed, which is the fastest available plan from Spectrum’s widespread cable network. Other residential ISPs in Alpena top out at much slower speeds. If you sign up for Spectrum’s entry-level 500Mbps plan, then you can expect your internet speed potential to be in faster than overall speeds for the state. A recent Ookla speed test report found Michigan has a 229Mbps median download speed for fixed internet like cable and fiber.
Provider | Starting price | Max download speed | Max upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review | $70 | 1,000Mbps | 35Mbps | None | Cable |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. What's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary pricing, availability and speed database that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there: We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
The answer to those questions is often layered and complex, but the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Alpena residents don’t have a lot of options when it comes to home internet. Spectrum covers most of town and offers speeds up to a gig, making it the runaway favorite among ISPs in a town with very little competition. If you can’t get Spectrum or aren’t happy with the company, check into Verizon or T-Mobile for 5G home internet. Rural residents with few options can see if Ridge Tower Network or Bug Tussel offer a fixed wireless connection or check in with satellite providers like Hughesnet and Starlink.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Alpena?
The cheapest widely available wired internet plan in Alpena is Spectrum’s 500Mbps plan, which costs $50 per month and is good for the first year. For extra home internet savings, consider bundling a phone plan with a 5G home internet plan from T-Mobile or Verizon.
Which internet provider in Alpena offers the fastest plan?
Spectrum’s 1,000Mbps plan for $70 per month is the fastest residential offering in Alpena.
Is fiber internet available in Alpena?
Residential fiber is not available in Alpena. Your best bet for gig download speeds is with Spectrum’s cable network.
What internet provider has the best coverage in Alpena?
Spectrum’s cable network has the widest reach of any wired ISP in Alpena. Nearly 85% of Alpena homes can get the service. Ridge Tower Network and T-Mobile Home Internet have the widest coverage among fixed wireless providers.
Source: cnet.com