Internet Providers in Seattle, Washington

Seattle sits on the Puget Sound and is known as the largest city in Washington State. Whether moving or starting a business, those looking for internet providers in Seattle will find information on internet plans, deals, and pricing in this Internet Buyer’s Guide.

What type of internet is available in Seattle?

There are several types of internet available in Seattle, which include DSL, cable, fiber, and satellite.

• DSL: By providing connection through existing phone lines, DSL is available to about 91 percent of Seattle. Speeds average around 10-40 Mbps.
• Cable: Service is provided through the same lines as cable television. Speeds average around 100 Mbps, but can reach nearly 1,000 Mbps for cable-fiber hybrid plans from providers like Xfinity. Over 95 percent of Seattle has cable options available.
• Fiber-Optic: Regarded as the fastest type of high-speed internet, fiber uses cords infused with glass to provide speeds between 100-1000 Mbps. Fiber is widely available throughout Seattle.
• Satellite: By using a dish on the roof or porch of a residence, a satellite connection is provided through data sent from the satellite to the dish. Speeds average around 10-25 Mbps, and satellite is available to 100 percent of residents.

Different options may be available in different areas so it is best to contact the provider to see what is available in your area.

How do I find the cheapest internet option in Seattle?

Seattle has a total of 12 internet providers- 6 that provide residential service and 6 that provide business service. XFINITY from Comcast, CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit and CenturyLink provide some of the lowest priced plans that range in speeds from 6 Mbps to 50 Mbps.

How Much Internet Speed Do I Need In Seattle?

The top occupations in Seattle are currently professional/scientific/technical, health care/social assistance, and retail trade. Seattle is a hub spot for tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft and also the original home to Starbucks. The average resident in Seattle is looking for a quality internet provider to either help with their occupation or education. However residents and business owners still have different needs for the internet, so the needs of your household will determine which options are better for you.

For those that plan on light internet browsing or checking emails, minimum speeds of 25 Mbps are recommended. For competitive gaming, heavy streaming, and high-resolution Skype calls, it is ideal to have at least 100 Mbps speeds. If the internet is primarily used for streaming 4K videos and will be used on multiple devices, 1000 Mbps speeds are recommended.

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

How do I find the fastest internet in Seattle?

Currently, the fastest internet available in Seattle is 1200 Mbps. Providers that offer speeds up to 1200 Mbps include XFINITY from Comcast and CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit.

Should I bundle TV or phone service in Seattle?

Several internet providers in Seattle also offer the opportunity to bundle services with television and phone services to help customers save money. Viasat Internet, HughesNet, and XFINITY from Comcast offer bundled services with triple and double play deals. These providers also offer standalone internet plans if you’re not looking for a bundle.

How can I compare the major internet providers in Seattle?

Before committing to an internet service provider in Seattle there are a few different aspects to keep in mind while looking around.

• Price: This may include the monthly fee for your service, as well as installation, equipment, and any other service fees.
• Speed: Depending on if your house or business will be using the internet for light web browsing or heavy streaming will determine how much speed is necessary.
• Data Caps: The average data caps offered in Seattle are around 1 TB, while other providers have no data caps. Different plans have various options and costs depending on the area.
• Contracts: There are both contract and contract-free options available in certain areas of Seattle. The average contract ranges from 1-2 years depending on the provider.

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

Whether going to Seattle for education at the University of Washington or trying to get a job in a tech-enriched city, there are several important components to consider before switching internet providers.

If you are satisfied with your current internet provider and would like to transfer your services to your new home, it would be best to see if they provide service in the new location. If not, there may be early termination fees for services that have ended before the contract term.

Early termination fees are usually involved when cancelling a contract before the term is completed. Early termination fees, or ETFs, in Seattle range from $0-400 depending on the internet provider and contract.

Both contract and contract-free options are available in Seattle. Depending on the plan and provider there are 1-2 years contracts available, or, month-to-month options. XFINITY from Comcast and CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit are two providers that offer contract free options in Seattle.

Installation Fees in Seattle

Both professional installation and self-installation options are available in Seattle. Self-installation allows for the customer to install the equipment in their home, and it is typically either free or inexpensive. Professional installation includes a trained professional that sets up equipment that can be more costly. Professional installation services range from $0 to in Seattle depending on the provider and services.

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

If you’re using the internet for heavy streaming and gaming, data caps of 1 TB or higher may be necessary in order to avoid lag and data overage fees. Internet providers that offer plans without data caps in Seattle include Viasat Internet and CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit. Providers that offer plans with 1 TB caps include XFINITY from Comcast and T-Mobile Home Internet.

What are the most-connected neighborhoods in Seattle?

The average home has between 2-3 internet providers as options in Seattle. Among these neighborhoods, Beacon Hill, Columbia City, and Pike Place Market are the most-connected neighborhoods with around 4 providers available to customers. Cable and DSL are the most commonly seen internet types as XFINITY from Comcast and CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit are the most available providers.

Internet Statistics for Seattle, Washington

As the 6th most-connected city in Washington, Seattle is ahead of Bellevue, Kirkland, Bainbridge Island, Mercer Island, and Medina. With around 73 percent of the city having access to fiber connections, working from home is quite achievable for those in the tech industry – more than 32,000 people work from home in Seattle. XFINITY from Comcast, CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit and CenturyLink currently have the largest coverage in the city, making them common options for residents. Despite being a fiber-friendly city, about people in Seattle have access to one or fewer wired internet providers at their address.