Searching for the right internet provider in Pittsburgh means finding the best price, speed, internet type, and coverage for your needs. Our Internet Buyer’s Guide details the most available internet providers for both residents and businesses in the city to help you compare your options.
Residential Internet Providers in Pittsburgh, PA
| Provider | Starting Price | Speed Range | Type Of Internet | Coverage Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XFINITY from Comcast | $29.99/mo. | 25-1000 Mbps | Cable | 100% Cable |
| Consolidated Communications (Formerly Fairpoint Communications) | $24.95/mo. | 6-100 Mbps | DSL, Cable | 13% DSL, 2% Cable |
| Salsgiver | $55/mo. | 25-1000 Mbps | Fiber | 5% Fiber |
| Viasat Internet (formerly Exede) | $49.99/mo. | 12-100 Mbps | Satellite | 100% Satellite |
| HughesNet | $39.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | Satellite | 100% Satellite |
The table above summarizes Pittsburgh internet providers with the greatest coverage locally.
Fastest Internet Providers in Pittsburgh, PA
| Provider | Maximum Speed | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| XFINITY from Comcast | 1000 Mbps | $29.99-79.99/mo. |
| Viasat Internet (formerly Exede) | 100 Mbps | $49.99-99.99/mo. |
| Consolidated Communications (Formerly Fairpoint Communications) | 100 Mbps | $24.95-35.95/mo. |
| HughesNet | 25 Mbps | $39.99-129.99/mo. |
The providers above offer the fastest download speeds currently available to Pittsburgh residents.
What type of internet is available in Pittsburgh?
Internet users in Pittsburgh benefit from having a wide range of internet types, including DSL, cable, fiber-optic, and satellite available to them.
- DSL: Short for Direct Subscriber Line, DSL uses the phone lines in your home to deliver low-priced internet with moderate speeds.
- Cable: Cable internet is one of the most popular types of internet, with reliable high speeds delivered through your cable TV wires.
- Fiber-Optic: Fiber-optic internet is one of the newest types of internet, reaching gigabit speeds as it travels through hair strand size fibers of glass or plastic.
- Satellite: Satellite internet is an option for Pittsburgh residents without access to wired internet. Speeds can reach 100 Mbps but still may have a slow connection due to how long it takes data to travel to and from space.
Keep in mind that not all locations in Pittsburgh will have access to each type of internet listed above.
How do I find the cheapest internet option in Pittsburgh?
There are 9 residential and 25 business internet providers in Pittsburgh. Currently, XFINITY from Comcast, Consolidated Communications (Formerly Fairpoint Communications) and Consolidated Communications offer some of the lowest-priced internet plans in Pittsburgh, with speeds that range from 15-1000 Mbps.
Cheapest internet in Pittsburgh
- Consolidated Communications (Formerly Fairpoint Communications)—$24.95/mo. for up to 20 Mbps *
- XFINITY from Comcast—$29.99/mo. for up to 25 Mbps *
- HughesNet—$39.99/mo. for up to 25 Mbps *
- Viasat Internet (formerly Exede)—$49.99/mo. for up to 12 Mbps *
How Much Internet Speed Do I Need In Pittsburgh?
As a hub of sports, industry, and technology, Pittsburgh requires fast internet speeds at affordable prices for its residents and businesses. Your internet needs may differ from other households and businesses, however, depending on how often you use the internet and what activities you use it for, so it’s necessary to understand your average internet usage to find the right plan for you.
If you have a small household and participate in light internet usage, like checking email or basic web browsing, a 25 Mbps plan is right for you. Higher speeds of 100 Mbps or more are what average households and businesses need if they have four or more people who use smart devices, participate in gaming or video streaming, or video chat frequently. The highest internet speeds of 1000 Mbps are best for households with four or more people and several devices or businesses in which internet usage is a central activity.
Below are the recommended download speeds based on frequent internet activities and the residential providers in Pittsburgh that offer these speeds.
| Recommended Speeds | Type of Internet Activities | Internet Providers in Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| 25+ Mbps |
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| 100+ Mbps |
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| 1000+ Mbps |
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How do I find the fastest internet in Pittsburgh?
Multiple internet providers in Pittsburgh have plans with speeds of 940 Mbps or faster. XFINITY from Comcast and Salsgiver have the fastest high-speed internet plans in Pittsburgh reaching 1000 Mbps. While fiber internet has faster upload speeds, cable internet from Xfinity is more available in Pittsburgh.
Should I bundle TV or phone service in Pittsburgh?
Several top internet providers in Pittsburgh offer bundles that include internet, TV, and/or phone service with special pricing, including . Depending on your household’s or business’ needs for service, you may want to contact a few internet providers to learn more about their bundling options and pricing. All Pittsburgh internet providers also have internet-only plans if you decide that internet is what you need most.
How can I compare the major internet providers in Pittsburgh?
Before your move, you’ll want to do some research on Pittsburgh internet providers to learn more about their offerings and how they can benefit you. A few important factors to consider include:
- Price: Consider a monthly amount you’re comfortable paying for internet service, and find a plan that meets your budget needs while offering speeds that fit your internet usage requirements.
- Speed: Whether you’re a decision maker in the steel industry or a family of six in the Squirrel Hill North neighborhood, you’ll need to consider what speeds make sense for your household or business.
- Data Caps: Look at your most recent internet bill to determine how much internet you typically use in a month to help you find a new plan with data caps that won’t restrict your usage.
- Contracts: Most Pittsburgh internet providers have contracts, but there are some with no-contract options if you only plan to move to Pittsburgh short-term.
What do I need to keep in mind when moving to Pittsburgh?
If you’re planning a move to Pittsburgh for its vast opportunities in steel and technology, pursuing a degree at the University of Pittsburgh, or making a home with your family in Highland Park, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind when choosing your new internet provider.
Switching internet providers isn’t always an easy task. As long as your current provider meets your needs for reliability, speed, and pricing, it’s best to check the listings above to see if they’re available in your area. If not, you may face early termination fees when you cancel your plan.
Early termination fees are imposed in most contract plans. In Pittsburgh, these fees can cost $0-400. Check with your current provider to learn the terms of your contract and what early termination fees you might face before canceling. As you shop for new service in Pittsburgh, keep in mind that some providers will pay for your fees as a thank you for switching to one of their plans.
Finally, consider contract terms. Most providers in Pittsburgh require contracts of 0-2 years, which isn’t ideal for a short-term move. You may be able to avoid signing a contract with , which offer no-contract plans.
Installation Fees in Pittsburgh
Most providers charge installation fees for setting up your new service. In Pittsburgh, installation fees range from $0 to for professional installation, while providers like EarthLink offer a self-installation kit for $19.95. When contacting internet providers, be sure to ask about these fees. Some providers waive their installation fees when you bundle services or choose a select plan.
How much data do you need for your home or business internet in Pittsburgh?
If you own a business that frequently works with large files or multiple internet-connected devices, have a tech-forward family, or are a student seeking reliable and fast internet, you’ll want to look for an internet plan with high or no data caps. XFINITY from Comcast and Viasat Internet (formerly Exede) have plans with no data cap, while Consolidated Communications (Formerly Fairpoint Communications) has plans with a 1 TB data cap.
What are the most-connected neighborhoods in Pittsburgh?
The Pittsburgh neighborhoods that have access to at least four internet providers outline the areas of Homestead, Strip District, Shadyside, and Mt .Oliver. Most areas of Pittsburgh can choose between 3-4 internet providers, and have widespread access to DSL and cable internet. Still, most of the city’s residents choose plans from either of two most available companies: XFINITY from Comcast and Consolidated Communications (Formerly Fairpoint Communications).
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
Internet Statistics for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Despite being the industrial-centered hub of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh is the 207th most-connected city in Pennsylvania, ahead of ahead of Glenshaw, Carnegie, Homestead, and Braddock.. Fiber internet is available to 95 percent of Pittsburgh and offers up to 1000 Mbps. Overall, Pittsburgh residents and businesses see an average download speed of 125.4 Mbps. Although there are 34 providers available, approximately 5,000 people in Pittsburgh do not have wired internet access.
