Internet Providers in Austin, Texas

Looking for a new internet provider in Austin, Texas? You certainly have plenty of options as there are 65 providers to choose from, but how do you know which one is right for you? This detailed Internet Buyer’s Guide will educate you on various broadband aspects when shopping for the internet.

What type of internet is available in Austin?

Residents of Austin have access to several types of internet: DSL, Cable, Fiber-Optic, Satellite, and Fixed Wireless.

• DSL: DSL internet in Austin is the one of the available connection types offering speeds ideal for light internet users and small households.
• Cable: Cable is a form of broadband internet that uses coaxial cables to deliver internet access to your home or office.
• Fiber-Optic: Fiber-optic cables are made up of bundles of small strands of glass. These strands send and receive data in the form of light. Light can carry a signal extremely quickly and effectively over long distances making fiber internet the fastest internet type available.
• Satellite: This type of internet relies on satellites in space to send and receive data. Satellite internet tends to be slower than its counterparts, but it is the only internet type that offers 100 percent availability in Austin.
• Fixed Wireless: Similar to satellite, fixed wireless provides internet access through radio waves to a specific location. In Austin, fixed wireless offers similar speeds to satellite internet.

How do I find the cheapest internet option in Austin?

Austin is one of the most connected cities in the nation, especially when it comes to fiber-optic availability. Of the 29 residential providers, Grande Communications, Ranch Wireless and AT&T Fiber offer some of the lowest-priced internet plans in Austin.

How Much Internet Speed Do I Need In Austin?

Austin is home to one of the largest universities in the US, the University of Texas. Over 50,000 students attend this college, and all of them depend on the internet for homework, research, and study. These students, along with many families and small business owners, are often on a tight budget when it comes to their internet service. Everyone wants to find the fastest internet for the lowest price, but in order to do this, you need to know the appropriate speed for your daily needs.

If you live alone and only use the internet to check your emails and social media, you probably don’t need more than 25 Mbps. On the other hand, if you have a larger family with multiple devices, or rely on your internet connection for work, school, gaming or streaming high-resolution video, you are going to want at least 100 Mbps.

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

How do I find the fastest internet in Austin?

There are a handful of providers offering the fastest download speed in Austin of up to 2000 Mbps. The providers with the greatest coverage offering these speeds are Google Fiber, Spectrum, and AT&T Fiber.

Should I bundle TV or phone service in Austin?

If you are looking to purchase internet, TV, and/or phone service, a bundle plan is the best option for you. Bundling allows you to save money by receiving all of your telecommunications services from the same company. In Austin, multiple providers give you the option to do this, including Viasat Internet, HughesNet, and Spectrum.

Bundled Cable Plans and Pricing in Austin

How can I compare the major internet providers in Austin?

When shopping for the perfect internet in Austin, there are some crucial factors to keep in mind before making your final decision.

• Price: Ask yourself, “how much do I want to pay for my internet service?” It doesn’t matter if you’re a college student or a successful business owner, you want to make sure you are getting a good deal.
• Speed: A few things to think about when choosing your internet speed are what you will be using the internet for, and how many devices will be connected to your network. If you are a basic internet user who lives alone, your needs will differ significantly from a family of streamers and gamers.
• Data Caps: Data caps will vary by company and internet type. Many of the fiber-optic and cable companies on this list have a 1 TB data cap or don’t have one at all. However, fixed internet and satellite plans usually have very low data caps that are easily surpassed.
• Contracts: Most major internet providers will require you to commit to at least a 1-year service agreement. If you plan on moving away from Austin in the foreseeable future, it may be best to search out a contract-free internet plan.

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

If you are looking to start a small business, pursue a degree in art or music, or simply relocate to a quirky town, look no further than Austin. With the motto of “keep Austin weird,” free-spirited, creative individuals thrive in this unique city. However, before you switch over to a new internet provider, there are a few things to consider.

If you are happy with your current internet provider, check to see if they offer their services in Austin. If so, give them a call about transferring your service to your new address. If they don’t provide service in your new area, you may have to pay early termination fees when you cancel with them.

Before you terminate your internet service, review your contract, and do some research. Early termination fees in Austin cost anywhere between $0-400. There may be ways around paying these fees. Be sure to contact any potential providers you are interested in as well. Many providers will offer to pay your early termination fees, or the remainder of your contract, if you agree to sign up with them.

If you want to sign on with a company that doesn’t require a contract, Spectrum is a popular choice among Austin residents.

Installation Fees in Austin

In Austin, it’s hard to avoid installation fees. Most types of internet require special equipment to be installed in or on your home. Professional installation fees in Austin range between $19.99 + $5.00 (Account Setup) to $99. However, in some cases, you may be able to avoid these fees by opting for self-installation. It’s important to call the provider to gather the details about the installation process. Sometimes providers will offer you a promotion over the phone, which may include free installation.

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

If you frequently use the internet for work, streaming high-definition content, or playing online games, you’re going to need an internet provider that either has a high data cap or doesn’t have one at all. Depending on the plan, internet providers in Austin with no data caps include Viasat Internet and Spectrum. Those that impose a 1 TB data cap or higher include AT&T Internet and EarthLink.

What are the most-connected neighborhoods in Austin?

Areas near downtown like West End, East Austin, Central Austin, and Windsor Park have at least five wired internet providers available to them, making these neighborhoods the most internet-connected areas in Austin. Residents are most likely to choose between Spectrum and AT&T Internet, the two most available providers in Austin.

Internet Statistics for Austin, Texas

Known as one of the “weirdest places in America,” the artsy, music-filled capital city of Austin is the 34th most-connected city in Texas. Nearly 100 percent of the city is serviced by multiple internet providers. Approximately 8,000 Austin residents have access to one or fewer wired broadband providers. Austin is more connected than neighboring cities such as ahead of Buda, Manor, Del Valle, and Manchaca.