My grandma used to reside in Dallas, and I can still vividly recall the mind-blowing barbecue we would relish every time my family visited her. The succulent Texas brisket was particularly unforgettable. However, let’s not digress and get back to the subject of broadband. Fortunately, Dallas offers several residential internet options as well.
However, compared to some of the other leading cities in the US, Big D falls short of expectations in terms of its home internet speeds. According to Ookla’s latest report, Dallas ranked 97th out of the 100 most populous cities in the country, despite the fact that the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area is the fourth largest in the nation. This places it just behind Chicago, Seattle, and Denver- nothing to be ashamed of, right? However, it lags significantly behind Texas cities like Austin, Corpus Christi, El Paso, and San Antonio, all of which made it into the top 15.
While Dallas’s internet speed may not be as fast as that of other cities in the Lone Star State, it still provides numerous high-speed internet connections. You can opt for the fast fiber options from AT&T and Frontier or enjoy consistently speedy cable connections from Optimum (formerly Suddenlink) and Spectrum. For those interested in the burgeoning movement of 5G home internet, both Verizon 5G Home Internet and T-Mobile Home Internet are available to try.
The best internet service providers in Dallas have been reviewed, and our top choice for the overall best ISP is AT&T Fiber. Regardless of where you reside in DFW, you can turn to CNET for guidance in selecting your options. Without further delay, here are the most outstanding internet providers in Big D.
AT&T Fiber has been named the best internet provider in Dallas. Prices range from $55 to $180 per month, with speeds ranging from 300 to 5,000Mbps. Connections are made via fiber, and the product highlights include unlimited data, no contracts, and equipment included. Check availability or call (855) 421-7115 to order.
AT&T has a considerable presence in the region with its internet service being widely accessible throughout the city limits of Dallas-Fort Worth. Moreover, it is important to mention that AT&T has introduced its multi-gig plans in Dallas, which is one of the 100 cities where it has been rolled out. While this is all good news, several neighborhoods in the metropolitan area are still unable to use fiber, leaving them with only AT&T’s DSL service as an option. This is not ideal since AT&T has already revealed its plan to reduce its copper coverage by 50% by 2025, indicating how obsolete it has become.
However, if you are able to subscribe to AT&T Fiber, it’s hard to find a better option. Their array of plans, ranging from 300Mbps to 5,000Mbps, includes symmetrical upload and download speeds, unlimited data usage, and does not require annual contracts or impose additional monthly fees for equipment. Moreover, new customers can receive an AT&T Visa Reward Card worth $100 for plans at the two lowest tiers, and $150 for 1 Gig and higher.
Take a look at our review of AT&T’s home internet service.
See if AT&T Fiber is available in your area or call to place an order: (855) 421-7115.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Spectrum
Top internet provider with the highest availability in Dallas
Verify availability Or dial to place your order: (888) 236-9399
Details of the Service
Range of fees $50 – $90 per month Range of speeds 300 – 940Mbps Connection Cable Key Features Unlimited data, straightforward pricing, absence of any agreements, modem comes in the bundle, costless use of Wi-Fi hotspots across the country.
Although AT&T has a broad presence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Charter’s broadband service, Spectrum, surpasses it in terms of overall coverage in the area. What makes Spectrum even more attractive is that customers don’t have to worry about whether they are eligible for fiber or the slower DSL, as all Spectrum residences have access to its dependable cable internet connections.
Spectrum aims to simplify things and please its customers. They offer three plans with varying download speeds – 300, 500, or 940Mbps. Monthly costs include a modem rental and unlimited data. While a Wi-Fi router costs an additional $5 per month (which can be waived if you have your own), Spectrum does not require a long-term commitment. After 12 months, your monthly bill will increase by $25. However, compared to less reliable satellite, DSL, and fixed wireless services in the area, Spectrum’s consistent cable connections are a welcomed alternative. If you want to compare providers, you are free to do so.
Read our review of Spectrum Internet and find out more about it.
Check the availability of Spectrum Internet or call to place an order at (888) 236-9399.
Sarah Tew/CNET
T-Mobile Home Internet
The most excellent fixed wireless solution of all Dallas internet service providers
Verify availability Or contact for placing an order: (844) 332-9492
Details about the product
Price range: $50 per month ($30 for T-Mobile Magenta Max customers who qualify)
Speed range: 33-182Mbps
Connection: Fixed wireless
Highlights: Unlimited data, equipment included, no contracts, no additional fees.
In 2022, T-Mobile made strong efforts to promote its 5G home internet service, even launching a Home Internet Lite version to make it accessible to more households. The product is now accessible in over 92% of the area, according to the National Broadband Map of the Federal Communications Commission.
Let’s focus on T-Mobile Home Internet, which is a feasible alternative for individuals who had limited options such as satellite or DSL service. It competes with conventional ISPs by providing a free 15-day trial, enabling prospective customers to test it out without jeopardizing their existing contracts and obligations. T-Mobile also assures a price-lock guarantee, thereby eliminating the need to budget for sudden bill hikes that other internet providers tend to impose after an alluring promotional period.
You may wonder about any potential drawbacks. Despite T-Mobile’s satisfactory network coverage in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington vicinity, it’s advisable to confirm its availability in your specific area. To do so, you can input your address into the T-Mobile Home Internet website or simply provide your cell phone number as a T-Mobile subscriber.
Please read our review of T-Mobile’s home internet. You can check for T-Mobile availability or call to order at (844) 332-9492.
Overview of internet providers in Dallas:
| Provider | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment costs | Data cap | Contract | CNET review score |
|———-|———————|———————|————-|————————–|———-|———-|——————-|
| Astound Broadband/Grande | Cable | $25-$60 | 300-1,200Mbps | $15 (skippable) | None | None | 7 |
| AT&T | DSL/fiber | $55-$180 | 10-5,000Mbps | None | 1.5TB for plans under 100Mbps; None for all others | None | 7.4 |
| Frontier | DSL/fiber | $50-$155 | 10-5,000Mbps | None | None | None | 6 |
| Rise Broadband | Fixed wireless | $25-$100 | 25-1,000Mbps | $10 modem; $5-$15 router (skippable) | 250GB or unlimited | None, but required for some promotions | 6.2 |
| Spectrum | Cable | $50-$90 | 300-940Mbps | Free modem; $5 router | None | None | 7.2 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | Fixed wireless | $50 | 33-182Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | Fixed wireless | $50-$70 | 85-1,000Mbps | None | None | None | 7.2 |
Check out more providers and shop for internet services.
Astound Broadband, also known as Grande Communications and now part of its parent company Astound Broadband, offers some of the most attractive and competitive promo rates in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Their 300Mbps plan starts at just $25 per month, which translates to a very affordable 8 cents per Mbps. In comparison, Spectrum’s 300Mbps plan starts at $50 per month and AT&T Fiber’s 300Mbps plan starts at $55 monthly. Astound’s fastest plan, which offers 1,200Mbps speed, is available at a promotional price of $60 per month, equating to a remarkable 5 cents per Mbps. However, Astound also has one of the steepest price hikes in the industry. According to their rate card, the price for their 300Mbps plan could increase to $84 per month after the promotional period.
Frontier provides reliable service in the northern region of Dallas metro area. While it is not available in downtown, you can still enjoy its DSL and fiber-optic service in the northeast outskirts of Baytown, Beach City, Cove, and Crosby. Additionally, Frontier’s service is accessible in League City and Sante Fe, located in the southern part of the metro area. If Frontier Fiber is available, you can choose from symmetrical plans with speeds of up to 500Mbps, gigabit, 2Gbps, or even 5Gbps, with prices ranging from $50 to $155 per month. This option is very appealing; however, if you have to rely on Frontier DSL, it is recommended to continue your search.
Optimum: It’s worth noting that Suddenlink, a well-known provider in the Dallas area, has recently been renamed Optimum by its parent company, Altice USA. Optimum cable internet service is available in some scattered areas within the city, including the Arts District and University Park, but is primarily found to the east of Dallas in places like Balch Springs, Forney, Rockwall, and Terrell, as well as some areas north of DFW including Cross Roads, Little Elm, McKinney, and Prosper.
Rise Broadband: Rise Broadband is a top choice for rural broadband in the region, offering either a 25Mbps or 50Mbps plan for $25-$35 per month in almost all areas it services. While faster options are available within the city limits of Dallas or Fort Worth, Rise Broadband is a widely available option for many suburban and rural communities surrounding the DFW area. Additionally, Rise Broadband offers fiber connections in the southern suburb of Ferris, with plans between 100-1,000Mbps for $60-$100 per month.
Satellite internet: While satellite internet may not be the first choice for those in larger metropolitan areas like Dallas, it may be the only option for those on the rural periphery with limited access to reliable internet connections. HughesNet and Viasat are two steady choices, although both require two-year contract commitments and feature data restrictions. Elon Musk’s newer satellite provider, Starlink, offers faster speeds and no contracts, making it a more intriguing option. Unfortunately, the Starlink availability map indicates that the Dallas-Fort Worth area remains on the waiting list until late 2023.
Sparklight: While this cable broadband provider isn’t prominent in the Dallas area, it can be found in Fort Worth and McKinney, offering plans ranging from 200 to 940Mbps for $45-$110 per month. While no term contracts are required for service, Sparklight’s prices fall short of some of the area’s other cable providers, and customers also have to contend with a data cap.
Verizon 5G Home Internet: Verizon’s 5G home internet product offers faster speeds than T-Mobile’s (with an average of 300Mbps compared to T-Mobile’s 33-182Mbps) for $50 per month, without any data caps, contracts, or equipment fees. However, Verizon may not serve communities on the outskirts of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area as effectively as T-Mobile. Customers with a qualifying Verizon mobile plan can also receive a 50% discount off their monthly bill.
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Dallas Internet Overview
When considering ISPs in a city, it’s useful to have an overview, such as the one provided above. However, most individuals ultimately want to know two things: what are the most affordable internet plans and what are the fastest options? In relation to Dallas’s internet service providers, let’s delve deeper into these questions.
Availability of Broadband:
No data is available on the number of people who have access to broadband internet of any kind. Source: FCC
The predominating internet technology:
Source: FCC
Expected pricing for home internet services in Dallas:
The internet service in Dallas has an average starting price of around $43 monthly, which falls in the middle range compared to other markets covered by CNET. These markets include Brooklyn ($36 per month), Los Angeles ($38 monthly), Denver ($39 per month), Seattle ($42 per month), Houston ($45 per month), Charlotte, Chicago, San Diego, and St. Louis, which all have an average starting price at around $50 per month.
Affordable internet options in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
Rise Broadband offers the lowest starting price with a 25Mbps plan at a promotional price of $25 for the first year. However, an additional $10 monthly fee is required for the equipment. Astound Broadband offers the best value with their cheapest plan also priced at $25 per month, but with significantly faster speeds of 300Mbps. Unfortunately, Astound’s cheap internet is not available in downtown Dallas, but it is accessible in Allen, Denton, Flower Mound, Frisco, Little Elm, McKinney, and The Colony.
When searching for inexpensive internet options, keep in mind that each of the providers mentioned participates in the Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program. This program provides a $30 monthly discount to offer affordable, fast internet service to low-income families. Additionally, some providers have a budget-friendly internet plan specifically tailored to help underprivileged communities. When paired with the benefits of the ACP, it’s possible to receive broadband service for no cost.
What is the most economical internet plan available in Dallas?
Provider Starting Price Max Download Speed Monthly Equipment Fee Contract
Rise Broadband $25 25Mbps $10 modem; $5-$15 router (optional) None
Astound Broadband/Grande $25 300Mbps $15 (optional) None
Optimum $40 300Mbps None None
Sparklight $50 200Mbps $11 (optional) None
T-Mobile Home Internet $50 ($30 with eligible phone plans) 182Mbps None None
Spectrum $50 300Mbps Free modem; $5 router None
Verizon 5G Home Internet $50 ($25 with eligible phone plans) 300Mbps None None
Frontier $50 500Mbps None None
AT&T Fiber 300 $55 300Mbps None None
These are the internet speed categories available in Dallas. As previously mentioned in the article, Dallas ranked among the bottom 10 cities in the US based on the median download speeds for the top 100 cities according to Ookla’s report. Nevertheless, this doesn’t imply that Dallas doesn’t offer high-speed alternatives.
Top high-speed internet providers in Dallas
For some residents in Dallas, they have the option of choosing AT&T’s impressive Fiber 5000 plan (5 gigabits). This plan boasts great value at just 4 cents per Mbps, making it the fastest and most cost-effective option available. While it may be a little costly at $180 per month, the benefits of this plan more than make up for the price. Frontier also offers a similar 5Gbps plan, but it is not as widely available as AT&T’s option and costs slightly less at $155 monthly. If you don’t require such high speeds, there are still other quick options available to you.
What are the fastest internet plans available in Dallas?
Provider Max download speed Max upload speed Starting price Data cap Contract Frontier Fiber 5 Gig 5,000Mbps 5,000Mbps $155 None None AT&T Fiber 5000 5,000Mbps 5,000Mbps $180 None None AT&T Fiber 2000 2,000Mbps 2,000Mbps $110 None None Frontier Fiber 2 Gig 2,000Mbps 2,000Mbps $100 None None Astound Broadband/Grande 1,200Mbps 50Mbps $60 None None AT&T Fiber 1000 1,000Mbps 1,000Mbps $80 None None Frontier Fiber 1 Gig 1,000Mbps 1,000Mbps $70 None None Rise Broadband 1,000Mbps 1,000Mbps $100 None None Astound Broadband/Grande 940Mbps 50Mbps $50 None None Sparklight 940Mbps 50Mbps $110 None None Optimum Gig 940Mbps 35Mbps $80 None None Spectrum Internet Gig 940Mbps 35Mbps $90 None None
What are the top internet provider options in Dallas? CNET’s home internet reviews suggest that fiber internet is superior to cable broadband in nearly all cases. If possible, opt for AT&T Fiber or Frontier Fiber in suburban areas. While cable providers such as Spectrum, Astound, Optimum, and Sparklight offer reliable connections with a variety of fast plans to suit any household, it is important to avoid data caps and prioritize fiber plans over slower, less reliable DSL connections if AT&T or Frontier is available.
Frequently Asked Questions about Internet Providers in Dallas
Which internet provider offers the lowest price in Dallas?
It varies depending on what you are looking for. If you want the provider with the lowest price, Rise Broadband’s fixed wireless plan is the absolute cheapest at $25 a month for 25Mbps. However, Astound Broadband’s 300Mbps plan is also priced at $25 a month, providing much greater value for a significantly faster internet speed.
Can I get fiber internet in Dallas?
Yes, there are multiple internet service providers in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area that offer fiber connections. AT&T and Frontier have the top tier plans, with both offering symmetrical speeds and a 5Gbps option. It’s important to note that these providers also offer DSL plans, so it’s important to confirm you’re receiving the fiber offering rather than DSL.
What is the fastest internet plan offered by providers in Dallas?
Big D’s fastest plans are offered by AT&T and Frontier, with symmetrical speeds reaching 5,000Mbps for download and upload. Both providers also offer a 2-gig plan. For cable internet, Astound Broadband offers the fastest package in the Dallas metropolitan area with a speed of 1,200Mbps. Lastly, Spectrum ranks highest in terms of speed across Dallas, based on Ookla’s most recent report, with a median download speed of nearly 243Mbps.
