In today‘s digital age, having reliable and fast internet access is more important than ever. We rely on the internet for everything from streaming movies and gaming to remote work, online learning, telemedicine, smart home devices, and much more. As such, choosing the right internet provider is a crucial decision, especially in a growing city like Amarillo, Texas.
Amarillo residents are fortunate to have a variety of internet providers and plans to choose from, including fiber, cable, DSL, satellite, and wireless options. However, with so many choices, it can be overwhelming to determine which provider and plan is the best fit for your household‘s needs and budget.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down all the top internet providers in Amarillo, discussing the pros and cons of each option. We‘ll look at factors like coverage areas, speeds, pricing, contract terms, equipment fees, and customer satisfaction to help you make an informed decision. By the end, you‘ll have a clear idea of which internet provider is right for you.
Fiber Optic Providers
Fiber optic internet is the gold standard when it comes to speed, reliability, and performance. Fiber uses light to transmit data through thin glass strands, enabling much faster speeds and lower latency than other technologies like cable or DSL. While fiber availability is still limited compared to other connection types, Amarillo is ahead of the curve with three major fiber providers.
AT&T Fiber
AT&T offers fiber internet to many Amarillo neighborhoods with speeds up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps). Their fiber plans come with symmetrical upload and download speeds, unlimited data, and no annual contract.
AT&T Fiber plans and pricing:
- Internet 300: $55/mo., 300 Mbps
- Internet 500: $65/mo., 500 Mbps
- Internet 1000: $80/mo., 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps)
One advantage of AT&T Fiber is the provided Wi-Fi gateway router, which includes smart home management features to optimize your network. AT&T also gets strong marks for customer satisfaction. In the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report, AT&T Fiber ranked first among internet providers with a score of 73/100.
The main drawback of AT&T Fiber is the limited availability compared to their DSL service. Coverage is expanding, but you‘ll need to check if fiber is available at your address.
Suddenlink
Suddenlink, recently acquired by Optimum, is another top choice for fiber internet in Amarillo. Plans go up to 1 Gig and include unlimited data, a $200 Visa prepaid card, and no annual contract.
Suddenlink fiber plans and pricing:
- Internet 300: $40/mo., 300 Mbps
- Internet 600: $50/mo., 600 Mbps
- Internet 1 Gig: $80/mo., 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps)
Suddenlink is known for affordable pricing and fast speeds that consistently match or exceed the advertised rates. Their modems also double as Wi-Fi 6 routers to deliver better speed and range.
On the downside, the $200 Visa prepaid card requires signing up for autopay and paperless billing. Suddenlink also charges an additional $10/mo. fee if you opt for a month-to-month plan instead of a longer agreement.
Windstream
Rounding out the fiber options, Windstream‘s Kinetic service offers gig speeds at very competitive pricing. All plans come with unlimited data, no contract, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Windstream fiber plans and pricing:
- Kinetic Gig: $67/mo., 1000 Mbps
- Kinetic 500: $57/mo., 500 Mbps
- Kinetic 200: $37/mo., 200 Mbps
Windstream stands out for lower pricing while still delivering fast fiber speeds. Their equipment fees are also reasonable at $12/mo. to lease a modem/router or $10/mo. for just a modem.
One thing to keep in mind is that Windstream‘s fiber coverage in Amarillo is the most limited of the three. Many areas are only eligible for their slower DSL service.
Cable Providers
If fiber isn‘t available at your address, cable internet is likely the next best option. Cable uses coaxial cables, the same kind that delivers cable TV, to transmit data. While not as fast as fiber, cable still provides broadband speeds more than sufficient for streaming, gaming, and home office needs.
Xfinity
Comcast Xfinity is one of the largest cable providers in the US and a top choice for many in Amarillo. With speeds up to 1200 Mbps, no data caps in the Central division that includes Amarillo, and wide availability, Xfinity is a strong contender.
Xfinity cable plans and pricing:
- Connect: $20/mo., 50 Mbps
- Connect More: $40/mo., 100 Mbps
- Fast: $50/mo., 300 Mbps
- Superfast: $60/mo., 600 Mbps
- Ultrafast: $70/mo., 900 Mbps
- Gigabit: $80/mo., 1200 Mbps
Xfinity offers a wide range of plans for different speed needs and budgets. Their equipment is also top-notch, with the latest xFi Gateway including Wi-Fi 6E for the fastest wireless speeds.
On the downside, Xfinity plans and promotions can be confusing with lots of fine print. Most advertised prices require a 1-2 year contract, and the price goes up by $30 or more after 12 months.
Spectrum
Charter Spectrum is another widespread cable provider available to most of Amarillo. Spectrum keeps things simple with just three plan options, all with no data caps or contracts.
Spectrum cable plans and pricing:
- Internet: $50/mo., 300 Mbps
- Internet Ultra: $70/mo., 500 Mbps
- Internet Gig: $90/mo., 1000 Mbps
The value of Spectrum‘s base 300 Mbps plan is tough to beat if you don‘t need the absolute fastest speeds. Their modem is included for free, though Wi-Fi is an extra $5/mo.
While Spectrum scores well for value and reliability, their customer service record is more mixed. They ended up below the industry average in the latest ACSI report, though still above some other large cable companies.
Satellite Providers
For those outside the reach of fiber, cable, or DSL, satellite internet may be the only option for getting online. Satellite is widely available but has trade-offs in speeds, latency, and data allowances.
Viasat
Viasat (formerly Exede) is the faster of the two main satellite providers, with speeds up to 150 Mbps in select areas. All plans come with a two-year price lock guarantee.
Viasat satellite plans and pricing:
- Unlimited Bronze 12: $70/mo., 12 Mbps
- Unlimited Silver 25: $100/mo., 25 Mbps
- Unlimited Gold 50: $150/mo., 50 Mbps
- Unlimited Platinum 100: $200/mo., 100 Mbps
Viasat‘s speeds are respectable for satellite, but plans are pricey with low data caps. Once you exceed your monthly priority data, speeds can slow to 1-5 Mbps. Latency is also high, making gaming or video calls challenging.
Installation is free but requires a clear view of the southern sky. Viasat leases its equipment for $13/mo.
HughesNet
HughesNet is the other main nationwide satellite provider. Its four plans are more affordable than Viasat but max out at 25 Mbps.
HughesNet satellite plans and pricing:
- 15 GB: $65/mo., 25 Mbps
- 30 GB: $75/mo., 25 Mbps
- 45 GB: $110/mo., 25 Mbps
- 75 GB: $160/mo., 25 Mbps
HughesNet plans all come with the same 25 Mbps speed, differing only in data allowances. As with Viasat, exceeding your data limit means drastically reduced speeds for the rest of the month.
HughesNet does offer a 50 GB bonus data zone from 2 AM to 8 AM for downloading games and large files. But for streaming, gaming, and general use, we‘d recommend Viasat for higher speeds, if available.
DSL Providers
DSL, or digital subscriber line, is another internet option in Amarillo. It uses existing phone lines to provide a dedicated always-on internet connection. Speeds are slower than cable or fiber but faster than dial-up.
CenturyLink
CenturyLink‘s Simply Unlimited plan is a basic DSL connection, suitable for checking email, browsing social media, and standard-definition streaming.
CenturyLink DSL plan and pricing:
- Simply Unlimited: $50/mo., up to 140 Mbps
The Simply Unlimited plan comes with unlimited data, no annual contract, and a price for life guarantee, meaning your rate won‘t increase as long as you keep the same service.
While budget-friendly, speeds can be inconsistent and vary by neighborhood. Some areas may top out at only 15 or 40 Mbps.
EarthLink
EarthLink is another DSL provider available in most of Amarillo. Their speeds and pricing are similar to CenturyLink.
EarthLink DSL plans and pricing:
- 15 Mbps Internet: $50/mo.
- 30 Mbps Internet: $60/mo.
- 45 Mbps Internet: $70/mo.
EarthLink offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, a lifetime price guarantee, and whole-home Wi-Fi coverage with the TotalHome Wi-Fi device. However, data usage is capped at around 100 GB per month before speeds are reduced.
DSL is best for lighter internet needs in areas not served by fiber or cable options. Both CenturyLink and EarthLink use an older connection standard called DSL IP, which peaks at around 140 Mbps. If available, we‘d recommend their newer and faster fiber plans instead.
Wireless Home Internet
Fixed wireless internet is a newer option becoming available in select areas. It delivers internet over radio waves or cellular networks from a stationary antenna on or near your home. Speeds and data allowances vary widely.
T-Mobile Home Internet
T-Mobile‘s 5G Home Internet uses excess capacity on their cellular network to provide fast home broadband. It‘s only available at select addresses, so you‘ll need to check eligibility.
T-Mobile wireless plan and pricing:
- T-Mobile Home Internet: $50/mo., 35-115 Mbps
T-Mobile‘s plan is appealingly straightforward, with a single $50/mo. price including all fees, equipment, and unlimited data. Set-up is also simple with just a gateway device that acts as a modem and router.
The biggest variable is T-Mobile coverage in your area, which affects speeds and reliability. They estimate most customers will see download speeds of 35-115 Mbps, but a small number may dip below 25 Mbps.
Verizon LTE
Verizon‘s LTE Home Internet uses their 4G LTE network for home broadband. Like T-Mobile, it‘s only available at select locations.
Verizon wireless plans and pricing:
- LTE Home Internet: $60/mo. with auto pay, 25-50 Mbps
- LTE Home Internet Enhanced: $90/mo. with auto pay, 50-100 Mbps
Both plans include the router/modem device and unlimited data. The regular plan comes with a data cap of 50 GB/mo. and the enhanced plan 100 GB/mo. before slower speeds kick in.
Verizon claims only 25-50 Mbps speeds for the regular plan and 50-100 Mbps for enhanced. So while a good option if no others exist, fixed wireless is more of a last resort compared to fiber or cable.
Recommendations
With all the options laid out, which Amarillo internet provider should you choose? Here are our picks for common situations:
Best for speed – AT&T Fiber 1000 gets you a blazing fast gig connection with excellent reliability and service.
Best for streaming – The Suddenlink Internet 1 Gig plan offers plenty of speed for 4K streaming, large households, and lots of devices. It ties AT&T‘s great pricing with a more compelling $200 signup bonus.
Best on a budget – Xfinity Performance Starter provides a very affordable 50 Mbps, enough for HD streaming and Zoom. The $20/mo. price is unbeatable.
Best for rural areas – If you‘re limited to satellite, Viasat offers the most speed, up to 100 Mbps. But watch out for data caps.
Tips for Choosing an Internet Provider
Before committing to an internet plan, keep these factors in mind:
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Check availability – Plans and prices vary by address. Use provider websites to see what options are open to you.
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Consider your needs – How many devices do you have? What activities matter most – streaming, gaming, video calls, downloading? Pick a speed that fits your usage.
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Read the fine print – Watch out for price hikes after intro periods, data caps, early termination fees, and equipment costs. Know what you‘re getting into.
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Test in-home – Most providers offer a money-back guarantee period. Use this time to ensure you‘re getting the speeds and reliability promised. Run tests at peak times like evenings.
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Negotiate – Providers often have wiggle room to lower prices or throw in incentives, especially if you‘re willing to sign a contract. It never hurts to ask.
The Future of Internet in Amarillo
As the importance of internet access continues to grow, providers are investing heavily in expanding their networks. We expect to see fiber and 5G options become available to more of Amarillo in the coming years.
Amarillo was actually one of the first cities chosen for AT&T‘s fiber expansion back in 2014. Since then, they‘ve made fiber available to tens of thousands more households. Suddenlink and Windstream are also actively extending their fiber networks. So if you don‘t have fiber now, stay tuned.
Fixed wireless is another technology to watch as carriers build out their 5G infrastructure. T-Mobile and Verizon are already offering it, with expansion to additional addresses likely.
Competition among these providers is a boon for Amarillo residents, leading to better technology, faster speeds, and more affordable pricing. While broadband gaps persist, the future of internet access in Amarillo looks bright.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has clarified the best internet providers and plans for Amarillo, Texas. While there‘s no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the pros and cons of each provider and technology can help you find the optimal fit for your household.
Don‘t hesitate to take advantage of promotions, shop around, and negotiate for the best deal. And before signing up, always check what plans are available at your specific address.
Amarillo residents benefit from a vibrant, competitive market with fiber, cable, satellite, DSL, and wireless options. By doing your homework and choosing wisely, you can enjoy fast, reliable internet to power all your streaming, gaming, working and learning from home, and more.
