Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
The average starting monthly price in Providence is around $47 per month. Cox has a $30-per-month plan for 100Mbps, which is the cheapest internet plan in the area. That's not all. Verizon Fios offers a $50-per-month plan for 300Mbps. Eligible mobile customers can knock $15 to $25 off their monthly bill with fixed wireless providers Verizon and T-Mobile.
Provider | Starting monthly price | Max download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
---|---|---|---|
Cox 100 Read full review | $30 | 100Mbps | $15 (optional) |
Verizon Fios 300 Read full review | $50 ($25 with select 5G mobile plans) | 300Mbps | None |
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review | $50 ($35 with eligible mobile plan) | 100Mbps | None |
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | $50 ($40 with eligible mobile plan) | 245Mbps | None |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How many members of your household use the internet?
The best internet deals and the top promotions in Providence depend on the discounts available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Providence internet providers, such as Cox, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, including Verizon and T-Mobile, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
In the latest Ookla (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis) speed test data, Providence came in with a fixed median download speed of285Mbps. That’s not bad, but nearby Hartford performed much better at 292Mbps. Whereas, Boston was below the fold, coming in at just 247Mbps. Still, Providence didn’t do too well in comparison with its state, Rhode Island, at 289Mbps.
Provider | Starting price | Max download speed | Max upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cox 1 Gig Read full review | $80 | 1,000Mbps | 35Mbps | 1.25TB | Cable |
Verizon Fios 1 Gig Read full review | $90 ($65 with select 5G mobile plans) | 940Mbps | 880Mbps | None | Fiber |
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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. 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.
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 the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
The answers to those questions are often layered and complex, but the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to 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.
Depending on your specific address, you may not have many broadband options. If Verizon Fios is available, put it at the top of your list. Verizon Fios offers gigabit speeds and features unlimited data, no contracts and no monthly equipment fees. If you want to avoid the price increase with Cox Communications, Verizon 5G Home Internet is also a solid alternative.
What is the best internet service provider in Providence?
Verizon Fios is the best internet service provider in Providence. According to the latest data from the FCC, Verizon Fios provides coverage to 86% of Providence households. Verizon and Cox offer coverage to most addresses in the area, Verizon Fios takes the No. 1 spot by offering symmetrical speeds and unlimited data.
Is fiber internet available in Providence?
Yes. Approximately 86% of residents in Providence have access to fiber-optic connections, according to the latest data from the FCC. Verizon Fios is the largest fiber provider in Providence, but select households in the city might be serviceable for Cox’s small fiber network.
Who is the cheapest internet provider in Providence?
Cox offers the cheapest internet plan in Providence: $30 per month for 100Mbps of speed. The next best thing is a $50-per-month plan for 300Mbps in download speeds from Verizon Fios.
Which internet provider in Providence offers the fastest plan?
The fastest speed you’ll find in Providence belongs to Cox, offering 1,000Mbps in download and 35Mbps in upload. Verizon Fios also offers a gigabit plan but download speeds are slower, coming in at just 940Mbps.
Source: cnet.com