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United States

US internet and cell phone plans compared

In the US, home internet choice depends heavily on your address, with cable, fiber, fixed wireless and satellite competing street by street. Cell service is run by three national carriers and many prepaid brands.

Photo: Andreas Niendorf on Unsplash

Major US providers

Cable and fiber providers are regional, so always check your address. Prepaid brands use one of the three national networks.

Internet · TV · Mobile

Xfinity

Cable

Comcast’s brand and one of the largest US home internet providers, mostly over cable.

Network
Own cable & fiber
Mobile
Xfinity Mobile (Verizon)
Owner
Comcast
Coverage
Regional

Internet · TV · Mobile

Spectrum

Cable

Charter’s brand, selling cable internet across many states, with mobile on Verizon’s network.

Network
Own cable
Mobile
Spectrum Mobile (Verizon)
Owner
Charter
Coverage
Regional

Fiber · Wireless

AT&T

Carrier

Runs a national mobile network plus AT&T Fiber and fixed wireless home internet in parts of the country.

Network
Own fiber & wireless
Home options
Fiber, Internet Air
Prepaid brand
Cricket
Coverage
National mobile

Fios · 5G Home · Wireless

Verizon

Carrier

A national mobile carrier that also sells Fios fiber in the Northeast and 5G Home Internet.

Network
Own fiber & wireless
Home options
Fios, 5G Home
Prepaid brands
Visible, Total
Coverage
National mobile

5G Home · Wireless

T-Mobile

Carrier

A national mobile carrier whose 5G Home Internet is a popular alternative to cable.

Network
Own wireless
Home options
5G Home Internet, fiber in some areas
Brands
Metro, Mint Mobile
Coverage
National mobile

Satellite internet

Starlink

Satellite

SpaceX’s low-orbit satellite service, used where cable and fiber don’t reach.

Network
Low-orbit satellites
Kit
Dish you set up
Best for
Rural homes, RVs
Coverage
Most of the US

Prepaid wireless

Mint Mobile

Prepaid plans bought in multi-month blocks, running on T-Mobile’s network.

Uses network
T-Mobile
Plans
Prepaid, multi-month
Owner
T-Mobile
Type
MVNO

Prepaid wireless

Visible

Verizon’s app-based, all-digital brand running on the Verizon network.

Uses network
Verizon
Plans
Monthly, no contract
Owner
Verizon
Type
MVNO

Prepaid wireless

Cricket Wireless

AT&T’s prepaid brand, sold online and in stores.

Uses network
AT&T
Plans
Prepaid
Owner
AT&T
Type
MVNO

Wireless

Google Fi

Google’s phone service, running mainly on T-Mobile, popular with travelers for its international data.

Uses network
T-Mobile
Plans
Monthly
Owner
Google
Type
MVNO

Internet · TV

Cox

A private cable provider serving parts of the South, Southwest and Midwest.

Network
Own cable & fiber
Also sells
TV, Cox Mobile
Owner
Cox Enterprises
Coverage
Regional

Prepaid wireless

Metro by T-Mobile

T-Mobile’s prepaid brand with phone deals sold through stores.

Uses network
T-Mobile
Plans
Prepaid
Owner
T-Mobile
Type
Sub-brand

Home internet types in the US

  • Cable (Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox): widely available in cities and suburbs, with fast downloads.
  • Fiber (AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios and others): the fastest option, with symmetrical speeds on many plans, where available.
  • 5G home internet (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T Internet Air): simple setup, no line needed; performance depends on local signal.
  • Satellite (Starlink and others): for rural areas where wired options don’t reach.

Check the FCC National Broadband Map to see which providers report service at your address.

Use the FCC broadband label

Since 2024, internet providers must show a standard “broadband facts” label at the point of sale, listing the monthly price, introductory periods, one-time and monthly fees, and typical speeds and latency. It’s the easiest way to compare like with like. Read our guide.

Cell plans: postpaid vs prepaid

Postpaid plans from AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile bundle perks and often device deals, billed after use. Prepaid brands (Cricket, Visible, Metro, Mint and others) are paid in advance and are often cheaper for the same network. Check whether a prepaid brand has lower data priority at busy times.

Help with costs

The federal Lifeline program offers a monthly discount on phone or internet service for eligible low-income households. The Affordable Connectivity Program stopped taking new funding in 2024. Some providers also run their own low-income plans. Check eligibility at the Lifeline Support site.

Last updated: 14 October 2026

Frequently asked questions

What counts as broadband in the US?
In 2024 the FCC raised its benchmark for fixed broadband to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.
How do I keep my number when switching carrier?
Ask the new carrier to port your number. You’ll need your account number and a number transfer PIN from your current carrier. Don’t cancel the old line first.

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