Internet Providers in Tacoma, Washington

When Tacoma residents take a break from hiking in the Pacific Northwest, they need reliable internet for entrepreneurial pursuits or maybe just curling up to watch Netflix as the never-ending rain falls outside. This Internet Buyer’s Guide for Tacoma, Washington, will help guide you to the right choice of internet for your household or business.

What type of internet is available in Tacoma?

Tacoma residents have access to several internet types: DSL, Cable, Fiber-Optic, and Satellite.

• DSL: DSL internet is widely available and is one of the cheapest options in Tacoma. While it’s considerably slower than cable and fiber, DSL is good for single-family households and light internet users.
• Cable: Using the same coaxial cables as your TV, cable internet in Tacoma can reach download speeds that rival fiber internet connections.
• Fiber-Optic: Fiber-optic cables are made of tiny strands of glass and deliver data at the speed of light. Fiber is the fastest internet technology by far as it can reach speeds up to 10,000 Mbps for both upload and download.
• Satellite: Satellite internet is delivered from a satellite to a dish attached to the outside of your home. This is the slowest internet type offered in Tacoma, but you have access to it virtually anywhere you can see the sky.

Be mindful that you might not be able to access each of the above internet types everywhere in Tacoma.

How do I find the cheapest internet option in Tacoma?

While Tacoma has access to 25 internet providers with 10 of them offering residential internet, XFINITY from Comcast, Rainier Connect and CenturyLink provide some of the lowest-priced internet plans and supply the largest coverage area by a huge margin.

How Much Internet Speed Do I Need In Tacoma?

Tacoma is full of students, artists, and small business owners that are conscious of price. For this reason, Tacoma residents are looking for the fastest internet speeds at the lowest price. However, internet needs vary from household to household.

More devices require more bandwidth and, therefore, a better internet plan. Internet speeds around 25 Mbps are ideal for small households of basic internet users. Most college students in Tacoma will find that these plans are the most economical for their situation. On the other hand, large families will likely need something a bit faster with speeds of at least 100 Mbps. Take a look at the chart below for guidance.

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

How do I find the fastest internet in Tacoma?

When it comes to finding the fastest internet in Tacoma, you have your choice of two internet providers: XFINITY from Comcast and Rainier Connect. Both offer speeds up to 1200 Mbps.

Should I bundle TV or phone service in Tacoma?

At a glance, you will find that Viasat Internet and HughesNet are the top two providers by coverage area that offer bundles in Tacoma. It would be beneficial to call each internet provider to discuss what bundles are offered in your area to see if you can save money by bundling.

How can I compare the major internet providers in Tacoma?

When shopping for the right internet for you in Tacoma, there are four factors that should guide your decision.

• Price: Tacoma residents are price-conscious when it comes to internet. Shopping around and calling different providers regarding their promotions is recommended to find the best deal.
• Speed: Whether you’re a student at UW Tacoma, University of Puget Sound, or one of Tacoma’s many other colleges, your speed requirements will vary greatly from a family of five. Think about how much streaming and gaming you do before deciding on an internet plan.
• Data Caps: Think about how often you’re online and how much data you use. Some plans come with small data caps that will only be suitable for light internet users. There are also high data caps and unlimited data options for heavy-duty internet users.
• Contracts: If you plan to move this year or within the next few years, you will want to pay special attention to the length of contract you commit to.

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

If you’re moving to Tacoma to start a business, go to school, or pursue an art, you picked the right place. As an extremely diverse area, Tacoma has a friendly and inclusive atmosphere that’s hard to find in other places. There’s no shortage of coffee shops filled with art, interesting bars, and unique thinkers.

If you like your current internet provider and they offer their service in Tacoma, you can give them a call about transferring your service to your new home. If your provider isn’t available or you can’t transfer your plan, be aware that you may have to pay early termination fees.

If you don’t currently have XFINITY from Comcast, CenturyLink and Rainier Connect, it’s likely that you will have to cancel your service with your current provider. If that is the case, you should consider how much you will have to pay in early termination fees if you are under contract. These fees are usually listed in the fine print of your contract. In Tacoma, early termination fees range from $0-400. Call your provider to find out exactly how much you’ll have to pay if you decide to end your contract early.

Internet providers in Tacoma typically have contracts that range from 1-2 years. There are also no-contract options for those who are unsure about their future plans or are only planning to stay in the area for a few months.

Installation Fees in Tacoma

Installation fees are hard to avoid. Sometimes, self-installation is offered for free or for a small fee. Otherwise, providers in Tacoma charge anywhere from $0 to for professional installation depending on your plan. If you want to keep costs low, you should give your prospective internet provider a call and discuss self-install options and fees. You may be able to reduce your monthly bill by purchasing and installing your own equipment.

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

As a city full of young people who are more connected than ever, data caps can pose a unique problem. In Tacoma, Viasat Internet offers plans with no data caps for those who need unlimited data. Average US households do not surpass a 1 TB data cap offered by providers like XFINITY from Comcast. However, if you choose satellite internet, data caps can be reached quickly, as they are typically very small.

What are the most-connected neighborhoods in Tacoma?

Surprisingly, the most-connected neighborhoods in Tacoma aren’t in downtown Tacoma or the North End at all. The neighborhoods with the most internet providers available are located in Hilltop, South Tacoma, and Eastside. The great majority of Tacoma has access to just two major providers while the more connected neighborhoods have access to up to three providers.

Internet Statistics for Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma, known as “The City of Destiny,” with its spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, is the 7th most-connected city in the state. With an average download speed of 147.9 Mbps and almost 100 percent of its residents having access to multiple providers, Tacoma is more connected than ahead of Lakewood, Federal Way, University Place, Milton, and Fox Island. However, about 3,000 people in the county have access to no more than one internet provider. Those with access are likely to choose between XFINITY from Comcast, CenturyLink and Rainier Connect, the most available providers in the city excluding satellite internet providers.