Source: CNET analysis of provider data
It’s hard to cover the broadband options of an entire state and give its cities the attention they deserve. That’s why we also compile lists of the best internet providers in cities across the US, including those in Mississippi. We tackle details such as internet connection types, maximum speeds and cheapest providers. Check back if you don’t find the location you’re looking for below. We’re working to add more cities every week.
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Mediacom has the cheapest plan of any major provider in Mississippi, starting at $25 a month for speeds up to 100Mbps. Other providers, including Xfinity, MaxxSouth, Sparklight and Kinetic, also offer plans under $50 a month and come with faster speeds than you’ll get with Mediacom's cheapest plan.
T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet may be options for cheap internet as well for those who qualify for a mobile discount.
Plan | Starting price | Max download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
---|---|---|---|
Xfinity Connect Read full review | $20 | 150Mbps | $15 (optional) |
Mediacom Xtream 100 Read full review | $25 | 100Mbps | $13 (optional) |
MaxxSouth Starter Internet | $30 | 150Mbps | None |
Sparklight Connect 300 Read full review | $40 | 300Mbps | $13 (optional) |
Kinetic 200 | $40 | 200Mbps | $10 (optional) |
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review | $50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 300Mbps | None |
AT&T Fiber 300 Read full review | $55 | 300Mbps | None |
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | $60 ($40 with eligible mobile plans) | 245Mbps | None |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data
The best internet deals and top promotions in Mississippi depend on what discounts are available during a given time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Mississippi internet providers, such as Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing or special offers for a limited time. Many, however, including AT&T, Kinetic and Sparklight, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promotions, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
Ookla speed test data from the fourth quarter of 2023 shows Mississippi had a median download speed of 177Mbps, ranking 42nd among US states and Washington, DC. Arkansas is the only neighboring state with a lower median speed (159Mbps).
While speed tests indicate actual speeds people across Mississippi are getting, they aren’t necessarily representative of the speeds you could get. Many factors affect speed test results, including using Wi-Fi and the internet plan’s max speeds. If you want faster speeds, they are available from a variety of providers in Mississippi.
Plan | Starting price | Max download speed | Max upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MaxxSouth Fiber 10000 | $999 | 10,000 | 10,000 | None | Fiber |
AT&T Fiber 5000 Read full review | $250 | 5,000Mbps | 5,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
Xfinity Gigabit x2 Read full review | $100 | 2,000Mbps | 200Mbps | 1.25TB or unlimited | Cable |
Xfinity Gigabit Extra Read full review | $85 | 1,200Mbps | 35Mbps | 1.25TB or unlimited | Cable |
Kinetic 1 Gig | $70 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
Mediacom 1 Gig Read full review | $60 | 1,000 | 50 | 3,000GB | Cable |
Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read full review | $70 ($45 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans) | 1,000Mbps | 75Mbps | None | Fixed wireless |
Sparklight Freedom Connect 1 Gig Read full review | $70 | 940 | 50 | No hard cap | 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 FCC. 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 ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But 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:
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, 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, though 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.
While not the outright cheapest or fastest provider in the state, AT&T Fiber is our top recommendation for internet in Mississippi. All things considered -- speeds, pricing, free equipment, unlimited data -- the value of AT&T Fiber is tough to beat.
Xfinity and Mediacom are your best bets for cheap internet in Mississippi, with plans starting below $30 a month. However, all have price increases at some point, and renting a Wi-Fi router will add $13 or more to your bill -- something to keep in mind when shopping for cheap internet.
Other providers, such as Kinetic and MaxxSouth Broadband, are worth checking out if available. Depending on the speeds you can get, T-Mobile Home Internet is ideal for broadband in rural areas or as an alternative to other providers in your area.
What is the best internet service provider in Mississippi?
AT&T Fiber is the best internet provider in Mississippi, not just because of its broad fiber coverage across the state but also for its plan variety, simple service terms and record of high customer satisfaction.
Is fiber internet available in Mississippi?
Fiber internet is available to nearly 40% of Mississippi households, according to the FCC. AT&T Fiber is by far the largest fiber internet provider in the state, with coverage in many major metro areas, including Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, Hattiesburg and Tupelo.
Kinetic and MaxxSouth Broadband are also leading fiber internet providers in Mississippi.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Mississippi?
Mediacom has the cheapest internet plan in Mississippi. Mediacom starts at $25 a month for download speeds up to 100Mbps. Xfinity offers a $30-a-month plan for speeds up to 150Mbps.
Which internet provider in Mississippi offers the fastest plan?
MaxxSouth Broadband offers the fastest internet plan in Mississippi. Its fastest fiber internet plan offers symmetrical upload and download speeds of 10,000Mbps starting at $999 a month. AT&T Fiber has the next fastest plan, offering symmetrical speeds up to 5,000Mbps starting at $250 a month.
Source: cnet.com