Colorado is a state of stunning natural beauty and diversity, from the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the sweeping plains in the east. But with this varied landscape comes challenges for delivering reliable, high-speed internet access to residents across the state.
While over 90% of Colorado‘s population lives along the "Front Range" urban corridor, many rural and mountain communities struggle with limited provider options and slower speeds. However, the internet landscape is rapidly evolving, with new providers and technologies emerging to bring better connectivity to all corners of Colorado.
Whether you live in Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, or a remote mountain town, you have more choices than ever when it comes to internet service. But with all the options out there, it can be overwhelming to try to find the provider and plan that‘s right for you.
That‘s where this guide comes in. As a computer expert passionate about digital technology, I‘ve done the research to identify and profile the top 12 internet providers in Colorado. I‘ll give you the key information you need to compare your options, including pricing, speeds, availability, connection types, and more.
I‘ll also share some important factors to consider as you shop for internet service, and provide some context on how Colorado stacks up against other states. By the time you finish reading, you‘ll be equipped to make an informed decision and get the best internet experience in your home or business.
The Lay of the Land: Internet Access in Colorado
Before we dive into the top providers, it‘s helpful to understand the current state of internet access in Colorado. According to BroadbandNow, a website that tracks and compares internet providers across the U.S., Colorado ranks 9th out of 50 states in terms of internet coverage, speed, and availability.
Approximately 95% of Colorado‘s population has access to broadband internet, defined as download speeds of at least 25 Mbps. The state‘s average download speed is 168.5 Mbps, well above the national average of 99.3 Mbps.
However, these high-level statistics don‘t tell the full story. There is a significant urban-rural divide when it comes to internet access in Colorado. While the Denver metropolitan area boasts some of the fastest speeds and most provider options in the nation, many rural areas still lag behind.
According to a 2020 report from the Colorado Broadband Office, 87% of rural households in Colorado have access to broadband, compared to over 98% of urban households. The gaps are even more stark on Tribal lands, where only 68% of households have broadband access.
There are a few key reasons for this divide. First, the cost and logistics of building out broadband infrastructure to remote and sparsely populated areas is often prohibitive for providers. Laying fiber optic cable or installing wireless towers in the mountains is much more challenging and expensive than in a city.
Second, even where broadband infrastructure exists in rural areas, the speeds are often slower due to the distance the signals need to travel. DSL and fixed wireless connections, which are more common in rural areas, have lower bandwidth than cable or fiber.
Finally, there is a lack of competition in many rural markets, with only one or two providers available. This can lead to higher prices and lower quality service, as providers have less incentive to invest in upgrades.
Despite these challenges, there is reason for optimism. In 2021, the Colorado state legislature passed a bill that will provide $75 million in grants to expand broadband access in underserved areas. The federal government is also investing billions in rural broadband through the American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Several new providers have also entered the Colorado market in recent years, shaking up the status quo and offering innovative solutions like 5G home internet. Starlink, the satellite internet service from SpaceX, has also begun beta testing in Colorado, with the promise of high speeds even in the most remote areas.
With that context in mind, let‘s take a closer look at the top internet providers in Colorado and what they have to offer.
The Best of the Best: Top Internet Providers in Colorado
1. Xfinity
Xfinity, a subsidiary of Comcast, is the largest internet provider in Colorado, with availability to over 80% of the state‘s population. They offer cable internet with speeds up to 1200 Mbps, as well as fiber connections in select areas.
Pros:
- Fast download speeds
- Wide availability, especially in urban and suburban areas
- Reliable connection with low latency
- Bundle discounts available with TV and phone services
Cons:
- Higher prices than some competitors, especially after first-year promotions end
- Data caps on some plans
- Mixed customer service reviews
Plans and Pricing:
- Connect: $19.99/month for 12 months, up to 50 Mbps
- Connect More: $39.99/month for 12 months, up to 100 Mbps
- Fast: $49.99/month for 12 months, up to 300 Mbps
- Superfast: $59.99/month for 12 months, up to 600 Mbps
- Gigabit: $69.99/month for 12 months, up to 1200 Mbps
2. CenturyLink
CenturyLink is the second-largest provider in Colorado, with a mix of DSL and fiber connections across the state. They have a particularly strong presence in rural areas where other providers don‘t reach.
Pros:
- No data caps or contracts
- Affordable pricing, especially for lower speed tiers
- Consistent speeds that don‘t slow down during peak usage times
- Good option for rural areas
Cons:
- Speeds vary widely depending on location, with many areas limited to slower DSL
- Fiber availability is limited
- Installation and equipment fees can add up
Plans and Pricing:
- Simply Unlimited Internet: $50/month, up to 100 Mbps
- Quantum Fiber 200: $49/month, up to 200 Mbps
- Quantum Fiber Gigabit: $65/month, up to 940 Mbps
3. Viasat
Viasat is a satellite internet provider that offers service to virtually anywhere in Colorado, including the most remote mountain and plains areas. While satellite is typically slower than wired connections, Viasat‘s newest satellites can provide speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Pros:
- Available almost everywhere, even where other providers don‘t reach
- Faster speeds than previous satellite technology
- Unlimited data plans available
Cons:
- Higher latency than wired connections, which can impact video calls and gaming
- Speeds may slow down during peak usage times
- Two-year contracts required
- Expensive equipment and installation fees
Plans and Pricing:
- Unlimited Bronze 12: $49.99/month for first 3 months, then $69.99/month, up to 12 Mbps
- Unlimited Silver 25: $69.99/month for first 3 months, then $99.99/month, up to 25 Mbps
- Unlimited Gold 50: $89.99/month for first 3 months, then $149.99/month, up to 50 Mbps
- Unlimited Platinum 100: $169.99/month for first 3 months, then $199.99/month, up to 100 Mbps
4. T-Mobile Home Internet
T-Mobile has recently expanded into the home internet market, leveraging its nationwide 5G network to offer high-speed wireless connectivity. The service is currently available to over 90% of Colorado residents.
Pros:
- Fast speeds up to 182 Mbps in some areas
- No data caps, contracts, or equipment fees
- Simple pricing with one plan for all
- Easy self-installation
Cons:
- Speeds and connection quality may vary depending on location and network congestion
- Not yet available in many rural areas
- Maximum of 64 devices per connection
Plans and Pricing:
- T-Mobile Home Internet: $50/month, up to 182 Mbps
5. Rise Broadband
Rise Broadband is a fixed wireless provider that offers service across Colorado, including many mountain and rural areas. They use a network of towers to beam internet signals directly to a small dish at your home or business.
Pros:
- Available in many areas where wired providers don‘t reach
- No data caps or contracts
- Affordable pricing, especially for lower speed plans
- Fast installation, often within 48 hours of ordering
Cons:
- Speeds max out at 50 Mbps, which may not be enough for some households
- Connection can be affected by weather and line of sight obstructions
- Latency is higher than wired connections
Plans and Pricing:
- 25 Mbps: $29.95/month
- 50 Mbps: $44.95/month
