If you’re looking for the best internet provider in Dallas, Texas, it’s best to compare all of your available options. This Internet Buyer’s Guide provides Dallas residents and business owners with up-to-date information on the internet plans available to them. We will break it down by speed, availability, pricing options, and other necessary information so you can find the plan that best meets your needs.
Residential Internet Providers in Dallas, TX
| Provider | Starting Price | Speed Range | Type Of Internet | Coverage Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | $49.99/mo. | 200-1000 Mbps | Cable | 100% Cable |
| EarthLink | $49.95/mo. | 7-1000 Mbps | DSL and Fiber | 95% DSL and Fiber |
| AT&T Internet | $35/mo. | 100-940 Mbps | IPBB and Fiber | 93% IPBB and Fiber |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $50/mo. | 100 Mbps | Fixed Wireless | 3% Fixed Wireless |
The table above summarizes Dallas internet providers with the greatest coverage locally.
Fastest Internet Providers in Dallas, TX
| Provider | Maximum Speed | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | 1000 Mbps | $49.99-109.99/mo. |
| EarthLink | 1000 Mbps | $49.95-99.95/mo. |
| AT&T Internet | 940 Mbps | $35-60/mo. |
| Viasat Internet | 100 Mbps | $49.99-149.99/mo. |
The providers above offer the fastest download speeds currently available to Dallas residents.
What type of internet is available in Dallas?
Dallas has a variety of internet types available for residents: DSL, cable, fiber-optic, fixed wireless, and satellite.
- DSL: DSL is an inexpensive internet option for Dallas. It supplies internet service through existing telephone lines, and it’s ideal for light internet users.
- Cable: A cable connection is able to provide faster speeds than DSL because it uses the same lines as cable TV. It is the most popular option for Dallas residents.
- Fiber-Optic: Fiber is significantly faster than cable and DSL because it transmits data as light through strands of glass or plastic. Fiber internet is the fastest internet option in Dallas.
- Satellite: Satellite internet can be as fast as some cable plans, but can also be affected by weather. It’s best for those without access to wired internet options.
- Fixed Wireless: Fixed wireless uses radio waves sent from a tall building or cell tower to an antenna then to your router/modem.
When shopping for internet service, keep in mind that not all Dallas areas have access to the options listed above.
How do I find the cheapest internet option in Dallas?
There are many internet providers in Dallas, 9 residential providers and 16 business providers, with a wide selection of price ranges and speeds. Rise Broadband, AT&T Fiber and AT&T Internet offer some of the lowest-priced internet plans for residential customers.
Cheapest internet in Dallas
- Rise Broadband—$34.95/mo. for up to 25 Mbps *
- AT&T Internet—$35/mo. for up to 300 Mbps *
- EarthLink—$49.95/mo. for up to 50 Mbps *
- Spectrum—$49.99/mo. for up to 200 Mbps *
- Viasat Internet—$49.99/mo. for up to 12 Mbps *
How Much Internet Speed Do I Need In Dallas?
As the leading metropolitan area housing the most colleges in the state, it’s no wonder Dallas residents seek fast internet speeds at an affordable price. Outside of the collegiate population, families and businesses are also in search of reliable internet. However, each may require different internet speeds to meet their needs.
If you are a basic internet user—web browsing and checking email—you may only require download speeds of 25 Mbps. If you are a more advanced user—gaming or streaming movies—you will want at least a 100 Mbps connection. Speed is not the only consideration; there is also the number of users connected. If you have many power internet users in the home, or are a business, you may require a connection with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps.
Below are the recommended download speeds based on frequent internet activities and the residential providers in Dallas that offer these speeds.
| Recommended Speeds | Type of Internet Activities | Internet Providers in Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Dallas?
Currently, some of the fastest internet in Dallas is supplied by Spectrum and EarthLink Fiber. Both providers offer fiber internet which is available to more than half of Dallas. Check to see if their fiber-optic plans are available in your area.
Should I bundle TV or phone service in Dallas?
Internet providers such as Spectrum, AT&T Internet, and AT&T Fiber offer bundle packages in Dallas. Consider your residential or business needs and speak to the different providers to understand what is available with each option. If you only use the internet, then a standalone plan should be sufficient. However, a bundled package could help you save money on your bills if you want multiple services.
Bundled Cable Plans and Pricing in Dallas
| Internet Providers in Dallas | Services | Price Range of Bundles |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Internet + Phone + TV | $89.98-152.97/mo. |
| AT&T Internet | Internet + TV | $109.99-129.99/mo. |
How can I compare the major internet providers in Dallas?
When shopping for an internet provider in Dallas, always consider these four factors before committing.
- Price: Consider how much you want to pay per month for service. Look beyond the introductory price; are you able to make payments when that discounted price ends?
- Speed: Dallas college students will need different speeds than a gamer. Just as a business would need higher speeds than a retiree. Consider the size of your family as well as how you are using the connection to determine the speed you will require.
- Data Caps: Some companies have limits on the amount of data they allow before charging additional usage fees. Select based upon what you plan to use. This will help with data usage fees later.
- Contracts: Internet companies like Spectrum and AT&T Internet have contract-free plans. Read the fine print before you sign up.
What do I need to keep in mind when moving to Dallas?
If you are looking to move to Dallas as a student at one of the 41 colleges, as a professional in one of the 43 large corporations based here, or just moving because it’s one of the most diverse cities in America, you’ll need internet service when you get to Dallas.
The first thing to check on when moving to a new town is whether your current internet provider services the area. If they do, you may be able to simply transfer service. However, sometimes the plan you have may not be available in your new area, and you’ll need to switch plans. If they do not service the area, you may face an early termination fee for cancelling before the contract has ended.
Early termination fees can be steep. However, companies like Spectrum and Suddenlink have contract buyout programs where they will pay your early termination fee (some up to $500) if you sign up for their service. In Dallas, these fees range in price from $0-400.
Always check the fine print before committing to a plan, especially with promotional deals and bundles. Promotional deals may lock you into a long-term contract that requires you to pay a higher rate after the promotion ends. Bundles are more apt to have contracts, so be wary before signing up. Contracts for internet in Dallas last 1-2 years.
Installation Fees in Dallas
Depending on where you live in Dallas and the type of internet you are receiving, professional installation may be unavoidable. In some situations, customers may be able to self-install for a smaller fee or even for free. Professional installation fees can vary between $0 to $99 in Dallas. Check with each company as some will waive these fees with select plans.
How much data do you need for your home or business internet in Dallas?
Cutting the cord is a big thing today. With streaming TV and movies becoming popular, data usage is soaring higher for some. If this describes your family, you’ll want an internet provider that has a high data cap or no data cap at all. Dallas has several internet companies like Spectrum and Viasat Internet that have no data caps. EarthLink offers a cap of 1 TB.
What are the most-connected neighborhoods in Dallas?
Most of Dallas’ city center within the 12 loop, with the exception of the Irving area, is serviced by three or more providers. Areas like Lower Greenville, Kessler, Satellite and cable are the two most available options for subscribers. The providers with the most widespread coverage throughout Dallas include Spectrum and EarthLink. Other types of internet, like Fiber, are becoming popular as the technology becomes more widely available.
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
Internet Statistics for Dallas, Texas
Known as one of the most diverse cities in the United States, Dallas is the 41st most-connected city in the Lone Star State. It stands ahead of its neighbors like ahead of Hutchins, Garland, Balch Springs, and Mesquite, and is a central hub, making it a prime location for a number of Fortune 500 companies. Most of the city has three to five internet options available to them, with Spectrum, EarthLink and AT&T Internet having the greatest coverage. While the average download speed in Dallas is 186.3 Mbps, 5,000 Dallas county residents still do not have access to speeds higher than 25 Mbps internet, and another 4,000 do not have access to any wired connection at all.
