Internet Providers in Columbus, Ohio

If you’re moving to the city of Columbus, Ohio or you’re in the market for a new internet provider, this Internet Buyer’s Guide will lead you to the right plan for your needs. Our guide features internet providers that offer service to both residents and businesses with a variety of plans, speeds, and pricing options available.

What type of internet is available in Columbus?

Internet users in Columbus have several options for internet service, including DSL, cable, fiber-optic, fixed wireless, and satellite:

• DSL: DSL internet is one of the most affordable types in Columbus, offering moderate to high-speed internet with up to 100 Mbps download speeds and 20 Mbps upload speeds using the phone lines near your house.
• Cable: Cable internet connects to the same coaxial cables that power cable TV, which makes it an excellent option for those who want to bundle internet, TV, and/or phone services.
• Fiber-Optic: Among the fastest internet plans you’ll see in Columbus is fiber-optic internet, which provides speeds up to 1000 Mbps through glass fiber cables.
• Fixed Wireless: Fixed wireless internet comes through radio waves signals using an antenna. This is a good option for residents who don’t have phone or cable lines, but it has limited coverage in Columbus.
• Satellite: Similar to fixed wireless, satellite internet gets its signals from a dish on the exterior of your home. Satellite tends to have slower speeds than fixed wireless, but has 100 percent coverage area in the city. It’s best for rural users without many options for high-speed internet.

Not all areas in Columbus have access to each type of internet service listed above.

How do I find the cheapest internet option in Columbus?

There are currently 38 internet providers in Columbus, with 14 offering service to residents and 24 with internet plans for businesses. You’ll find some of the lowest-priced internet plans with speeds ranging from 3-1000 Mbps from WOW!, EarthLink Fiber and Spectrum.

How Much Internet Speed Do I Need In Columbus?

As the home of many business owners, blue and white collar workers, college students, and families, Columbus residents and businesses require fast internet speeds. The internet speed you need varies with your typical daily tasks, but Columbus internet providers offer a range of internet speeds at affordable prices.
Several companies, including EarthLink Internet and Bresco Broadband, offer low-speed plans of 25 Mbps or more for light web browsing and one-device streaming. However, if you own and use multiple devices, stream high-quality videos, or work from a home office, you’ll likely need to take advantage of a 1000 Mbps plan, which companies like WOW! and AT&T Fiber provide to Columbus residents and businesses.

Below are the recommended download speeds based on frequent internet activities and the residential providers in Columbus that offer these speeds.

How do I find the fastest internet in Columbus?

Some of the fastest speeds in Columbus come from Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, and WOW!, all of which have 1000 Mbps internet plans. Check with each provider to see if fiber-optic internet services are available in your area.

Should I bundle TV or phone service in Columbus?

Several internet providers in Columbus include bundled plans in their offerings for customers who want more affordable prices for internet, TV, and phone service, including Spectrum, Viasat Internet, and HughesNet. Check with each provider to learn about the benefits they include with their bundled plans. These and other internet providers also have internet-only plans if you don’t need the extra services.

Bundled Cable Plans and Pricing in Columbus

How can I compare the major internet providers in Columbus?

When shopping for a new internet provider in Columbus, there are a few important factors to consider in your search:

• Price: The price you pay for your monthly internet service should fit comfortably within your budget, whether you need to supply your business office with internet or find an affordable high-speed plan for your family.
• Speed: If you’re a student at Ohio State University who needs the internet for frequent research or a business owner in the central business district of Downtown Columbus, you’ll need to consider plans with reliable and fast internet speeds.
• Data Caps: Find the average amount of data you, your family, or your business use each month from your current provider to help you determine how much data you need to avoid data caps that will restrict your usage.
• Contracts: Many internet providers in Columbus require a minimum 1-year contract when you commit to a plan. Spectrum, however, has no-contract options that can save you from early cancellation fees should you need to move or switch providers.

What do I need to keep in mind when moving to Columbus?

Whether you’re moving to Columbus for a job transfer in the automobile industry or you’re planning to pursue a degree at Franklin University, you’ll benefit from understanding a few key factors that may influence your switch to a new internet provider.
If you find that your current internet provider is meeting your needs in terms of speed, reliability, and pricing, then you should consider checking to see if the provider covers your new area in Columbus. Transferring to a new provider may be necessary, but you’ll likely face early termination fees.
Early termination fees are common with internet providers that require contracts. In Columbus, you can expect early termination fees to range from $0-400. Take time to read through your current contract to determine what you might be responsible for if you need to cancel your plan. Some providers offer incentives to pay off your fees when you switch to one of their plans.
Consider how long you plan to stay in Columbus and your provider’s required contract length. Most internet providers in the city have contracts extending 1-2 years, which may not be ideal if you’ll be a short-term resident. Spectrum and AT&T Internet offer contract-free plans. Read your contract for information that can help you make a smooth switch between your old and new internet service.

Installation Fees in Columbus

Installation fees are often a cost you’ll need to consider when switching to a new internet provider. Self-installation is typically cheaper, or even free, than professional installation, but it won’t be an option with every provider. In Columbus, professional installation fees range between $0 to $99, but some providers waive these fees during promotions or when you bundle your internet with TV and/or phone services.

How much data do you need for your home or business internet in Columbus?

Considering your regular internet usage is necessary to determine how much data you’ll need with your new plan. Family households with multiple devices, students who use the internet for research and schoolwork, and businesses that rely on heavy internet usage likely need internet with high or no data caps. Spectrum and Viasat Internet, among others, offers plans with no data caps, while AT&T Internet has plans with data caps of at least 1 TB.

What are the most-connected neighborhoods in Columbus?

Columbus areas that have at least 4-5 internet providers to choose from mostly surround Downtown Columbus, including Bexley, German Village, and Grandview Heights. Most other areas of Columbus have coverage from at least 2-3 internet providers, with cable and DSL being the most available internet types. Spectrum and AT&T Internet are the leaders of the pack, with most Columbus residents and businesses choosing them for their internet needs.

Internet Statistics for Columbus, Ohio

As the home of Ohio State University’s main campus and a leader in massive industries like auto and healthcare, the tech-forward city of Columbus is the 36th most-connected city in Ohio with an average download speed of 148.8 Mbps. As a result, Columbus edges out neighboring cities like ahead of Hilliard, Reynoldsburg, Groveport, Blacklick, and Grove City in terms of internet connectivity. Because Columbus has several internet providers with widespread coverage and broad price ranges to choose from for residents, students, and business owners, there are only about 2,000 people in the city who only have access to one or fewer wired providers.