As one of the fastest growing states in America, reliable high-speed internet is in high demand across North Carolina. With more people working remote and streaming the latest shows, having quality internet at home is no longer optional – it‘s essential.
Thankfully, increased competition between cable, DSL, fiber and fixed wireless providers has led to massive expansion of broadband access in the Tar Heel state. However, fast and affordable coverage remains concentrated around metropolitan hubs while many rural communities still lag behind.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the ever-changing internet landscape in NC. We‘ll cover the major providers, service types, speed requirements and key factors in choosing a provider tailored to your needs and budget.
Breakdown of Major Internet Providers in North Carolina
From national brands like Spectrum and AT&T to local city-run fiber networks, North Carolina residents have a number of options for residential internet service. Availability varies widely based on your address.
Here‘s an overview of the major wired and wireless internet providers in NC:
AT&T
The telecom giant offers internet over its aging DSL network, newer fiber optic lines and fixed wireless towers covering over 60% of North Carolina. AT&T Fiber, with speeds up to 1 Gbps, is currently concentrated in the metro regions.
Spectrum
The second largest cable company in America, Spectrum wires most of central and western North Carolina with cable internet through their hybrid fiber coaxial network. Broadband speeds reach 1 Gbps.
CenturyLink/Lumen
This national telco provides DSL and fiber internet to limited parts of central and western NC after years of declining landline subscriptions led them to scale back service.
Frontier
In a similar vein, Frontier Communications offers fiber and DSL internet to parts of rural NC. But rapid customer losses forced them to file bankruptcy and sell off many service areas.
Greenlight
This Raleigh-based fiber optic provider is rapidly expanding the Triangle region (Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill). Greenlight delivers symmetrical multi-gig speeds up to 2 Gbps.
RiverStreet Networks
One of the state‘s fastest growing providers, this North Carolina based company beams fixed wireless internet from towers in Wilkes County. They are currently expanding statewide.
Viasat/HughesNet
The two major satellite internet providers with the most rural availability. Signals are wirelessly transmitted from satellites in space to rooftop receiver dishes.
T-Mobile
A new disruptor in home internet, T-Mobile leverages its robust 5G network to provide cellular based access without laying cables.
In addition, numerous local governments have invested in municipal fiber networks tailored for their communities. Examples include MI-Connection in Mooresville, Open Broadband in Havelock and FTC Fiber in Forest City.
Internet Service Types Available in North Carolina
To make the most informed choice, it helps to have a baseline understanding of the common internet delivery technologies. Each comes with their own strengths and limitations regarding availability, affordability and speed.
DSL
Short for Digital Subscriber Line, this popular internet type transmits data over existing copper telephone lines that run to homes and businesses. While widely available, DSL speeds top out at around 100 Mbps.
Cable
Coaxial cables originally built to deliver cable TV can also transmit internet access. The large cable networks provide broadband to most urban and suburban regions with maximum speeds reaching 1 Gbps.
Fiber
The gold standard, fiber optic cables send data encoded onto pulses of light through flexible glass fiber strands. This allows for symmetrical multi-gigabit speeds up to 2 Gbps and virtually unlimited data usage.
Fixed Wireless
Leverages point-to-point radio tower signals sent over the electromagnetic spectrum to a receiver on your property. Rural-focused, weather impacts speeds but 25-100 Mbps is common.
Satellite
For properties beyond reach of wired networks, satellites orbiting the earth transmit data to small receiver dishes mounted outside homes. Speeds average 25 Mbps down/3 Mbps up with stringent data limits.
5G Home Internet
New cellular-based services bypass wires running to your house by using nearby 5G cell towers to receive signals. This makes it ideal for rural users with speeds ranging from 35 Mbps to over 180 Mbps.
Minimum Internet Speeds Required for Daily Use
When gauging what level plan to sign up for, start by auditing how your household uses the internet. Providers commonly market service tiers noting download speeds in Megabits per Second (Mbps):
- Basic web use & email: 25 – 75 Mbps
- Streaming HD video: 25+ Mbps (for each device)
- Video conferencing: 10 – 25 Mbps
- Online gaming: 25 – 50 Mbps (single user)
- Multi-user homes: 200+ Mbps
You‘ll also see speed capabilities showcased using Gigabit terminology where 1 Gig = 1,000 Mbps.
For reference, the Federal Communications Commission defines broadband as a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds. To comfortably stream HD video and operate multiple internet devices simultaneously, plan for 100-200 Mbps.
Comparing Internet Providers in North Carolina
Once you review available options for your address and desired speeds, apply this criteria when comparing providers:
Service Reliability
Check recent outage data and customer satisfaction ratings to gauge network reliability. Fiber optic networks score highest for consistent uptime.
Data Caps
Most providers implement monthly data limits. Usage over 1 TB is common with fiber yet satellite caps can be just 30 GB per month. Understand overage fees.
Price for Performance
Don‘t assume lower monthly costs equate savings. Slower DSL can‘t support heavy streaming despite cheaper plans. Balance speed and usage needs against your budget.
Customer Service Reputation
Inevitably you‘ll need support. Search ratings sites to see how responsive each provider is regarding new orders, installations, outages and billing issues.
Contract Commitment Terms
Many optics offer rate locks if you commit to 6-12 month contracts. Make sure early termination fees won‘t outweigh savings from the introductory rate.
Local vs National Provider
North Carolina is home to over 25 locally based fiber optics delivering fast, reliable internet on networks tailored to their communities. Support them over big chains when available.
Evaluating North Carolina‘s Rural vs Urban Internet Access
Geographic location within the Tar Heel state has a major influence on both the availability and quality of internet options. Urban residents typically have multiple providers to choose from while rural areas lag far behind.
According to 2021 data from BroadbandNow, roughly a third of North Carolinians in remote areas lack access to any wired internet providers with speeds exceeding 25 Mbps.
Compare rural and metropolitan regions:
- 33% of rural NC households have NO available internet providers meeting 25/3 Mbps broadband standards
- Average rural internet download speed is 35 Mbps
- Average urban internet download speed is 75 Mbps
- 53% of urban NC households have just one or zero internet provider option
Why the extreme disparity? Building infrastructure like underground fiber optics and cell towers in low density rural areas has far less profit potential than cities – leaving providers little incentive to make the investment.
State and federal programs aiming to close these persistent digital divides via grants and subsidies have seen limited success so far.
Examining Availability of Emerging Internet Technologies
While fiber optic networks only reach 33% of North Carolina households currently, positive momentum continues building thanks to both private and public broadband expansion initiatives.
Fiber allows future-proof internet speeds up to 10 Gbps through new trenching projects as well as "overbuilding" on existing infrastructure. Nearly a dozen rural electric co-ops now offer fiber services leveraging their utility poles.
On the wireless front, T-Mobile recently activated their 5G mid-band network spanning much of central and eastern NC. Their 5G Home Internet service delivers typical download speeds upwards of 165 Mbps based on consumer testing – on par with cable internet.
To incentives broader deployment across all underserved regions, new state laws allow larger broadband investments by municipalities in North Carolina. Public-private partnerships are also on the rise between third party vendors and local governments to light up fiber and wireless networks.
While lack of rural internet access remains problematic, expansion of fiber and 5G networks via both private ISPs and community broadband projects provide glimmers of hope for closing the digital divide in coming years.
Top Internet Providers Recommended for North Carolina Residents
Here are my top recommended residential internet providers based on service quality, availability, value and reputation:
AT&T Fiber
With the fastest and most reliable fiber optic network in NC as evidenced by minimal congestion and outage averages under 4 hours annually.
Greenlight
Local fiber leader Greenlight Networks offers multi-gigabit futureproof speeds with exceptional customer service ratings.
RiverStreet Networks
Fastest growing rural wireless ISP in NC providing 25 Mbps service on a reliable, locally based network.
T-Mobile
Early 5G home internet adopters can expect 100+ Mbps speeds over T-Mobile‘s rapidly emerging 5G footprint.
HughesNet
Leading satellite internet provider outperforming Viasat in rural speed tests and 24/7 technical support response times.
Key Takeaways on North Carolina Internet Providers
- Urban residents have far more internet options including high-speed cable and fiber
- Rural areas continue struggling from lack of reliable 25/3 Mbps broadband access
- Fiber and 5G network expansions bring hope for bridging North Carolina‘s digital divide
- Carefully balance speed, usage needs and budget when comparing provider plans
- Support locally based ISPs over large national chains for better customer service
I hope this comprehensive guide of available internet providers and technologies across North Carolina proves useful. With the right information, securing dependable home internet tailored to your household‘s need and budget is very attainable.
