If you're thinking about moving to Boston and need a new internet connection, you're in luck. All but 0.7% of the city can access high-speed internet. The most widespread fiber coverage, which is provided by Verizon, Consolidated Communications, and Astound Broadband, can be found in South Boston, Uphams Corner, and in the Roxbury Crossing area. There are two primary cable internet providers (offering slower but sufficient speeds) servicing Boston, Xfinity and Astound. You should have no problem finding gigabit speeds with fiber or cable.
The only area in Boston Metro that doesn't currently have cable or fiber coverage is the 527-acre Franklin Park. The area around Northeastern University, bordered by Columbus and Huntington, averages speeds of around 50 Mbps. Other ISPs in Boston include Ultra Home Internet offering a 4G or 5G wireless connection while Verizon and Consolidated Communications offer DSL internet with slower speeds and lower prices. Read on to find the right internet solution in Boston for your household.
10 Internet Service Providers in Boston
To avoid wasting your time, providers with less than 1% coverage in the Boston metro area are not shown.
Which High-Speed Internet Provider In Boston Is The Best?
The big question on everybody's mind is “Which ISP offers the best high-speed, broadband coverage in Boston?” For cable, Xfinity may be the way to go, but Astound is a close second as each offers more than 99% coverage throughout Beantown with speeds sufficient enough for most people. Xfinity also offers fiber, though, and is available at 97.86% of Boston area homes versus barely 1% for Astound, though they're actively growing every year. Xfinity has the edge because of the company's massive fiber coverage in the area as well as the name recognition and other conveniences that come with using a larger provider.
For those looking for upgraded technology in the form of fiber internet, the best choice is Verizon. Often billed as the fastest internet in America, Verizon's Fios currently serves 6.5 million customers throughout the US. Another strong contender for those that don't need 800+ mbps speed is DSL; Verizon is also the best option there, covering folks who can't get access to their fiber network with DSL, which may be their only option. Although slower, it's available to 80.49% of the city and is cheaper than fiber.
The bottom line for many looking for broadband internet is to choose the provider that falls within your budget. In Boston, you almost certainly won't have trouble finding a reliable connection, no matter where you live. You'll even likely have more than one internet option in most city neighborhoods, which can't be said for some of the more rural areas in Massachusetts.
Boston Satellite TV & Internet Providers
DISH Satellite TV
DIRECTV Satellite TV
Not sure whether to choose Dish or DIRECTV? For most people most of the time we recommend DISH. But click here to learn more.
HughesNet Satellite Internet
Where in the Boston metro area is internet available?


Internet Availability Key
Internet service is available in 99.30% of the Boston metro area. Areas in green are more likely to have fiber, cable, DSL, or fixed wireless internet service. Areas in red may be more reliant on satellite service. The most widely available provider is XFINITY. Call one of the companies with service in the Boston metro area above to see who has service at your home, or click the technology to see where it can be found in the Boston metro area.
How fast are internet speeds in the Boston metro area?
The map below shows maximum internet speeds by area in the Boston metro area.


Internet Speed Key
The average Boston home can get up to 995 Mbps on their internet plan. For most people, the fastest download speed in the city is 2,000 Mbps, which less than 1% of residents can get. Some homes and apartments do not have access to these speeds. On the slower end, for example, less than 1% of homes can only purchase plans up to 0.77 Mbps. See the internet provider details below for info about their speed and coverage in the Boston metro area.
Internet speeds tend to be faster in the east parts of the Boston metro area, and slower in the northwest areas of the city.
What type of internet should I choose in the Boston metro area?
The fastest internet for you may vary based on where in the Boston metro area you live. If speed is your main concern, cable will be the fastest internet in the city.
- Fiber is the fastest internet type for 5.06% of Boston homes.
- Cable is fastest for 93.82% of the city.
- DSL is fastest for less than 1%.
- Fixed wireless is fastest for less than 1%.
- Satellite internet may be the only option for less than 1% of Boston homes.
Internet Market Health in Boston


Internet Competition Key
The map shows how competitive the the Boston metro area internet service market is. Areas in green have more alternatives, areas in yellow have a few choices, and areas in red may have only one provider. More competition usually means faster speeds and better prices for you, the customer.
Below are quick facts on internet competition and market health in the Boston metro area based on what connections the average home has availabile:
- Average number of internet service providers to a home: 3.4 (healthy)
- Average types of service (fiber, cable, DSL, etc): 3.0 (very healthy)
- Average providers with broadband (25 Mbps+) speeds: 2.6 (healthy)
Overall, competition is very healthy.
Boston internet customers have the ability to buy internet service from 1 to 8 different providers, depending on where they live. For different types of service, Boston homes have between 1 and 4 options. The type(s) of service available are cable, dsl, fiber, and fixed wireless, though these may vary depending on the region within the city.
When it comes to broadband download speeds faster than 25 Mbps, the situation is worse. Boston internet customers who want faster speeds have between 0 and 7 choices of companies offering speeds up to or over 25 Mbps.
More internet companies with faster speeds means fewer monopolies and better prices for customers. In promoting a free market for internet, the Boston metro area is doing quite well.
TV & Internet Providers in Depth
Below you'll find which TV and internet providers offer service in the Boston metro area, along with details on where in the Boston metro area and at what speeds.
XFINITY from Comcast Cable in Boston, MA
XFINITY cable coverage
About 97.86%, or 4,334,456 people, have XFINITY cable internet available to them in the city. The company covers the entire Boston area. XFINITY is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in most of the Boston metro area.
XFINITY from Comcast cable download speeds
XFINITY is above average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Boston metro area. Versus other cable providers in the area, XFINITY cable is one of the fastest. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Boston metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Boston metro area can order from XFINITY goes up to 1,000 Mbps, and all Boston customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
XFINITY from Comcast cable upload speeds
In the Boston metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for XFINITY cable. Compared to other ISPs, XFINITY is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and average compared to other Boston cable providers. XFINITY offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Boston metro area is up to 35 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 35.0 Mbps
Verizon DSL in Boston, MA





Verizon DSL coverage
About 80.49%, or 3,565,181 people, have Verizon DSL internet available to them in the city. The company covers the entire Boston area. Verizon is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in much of the Boston metro area.
Verizon DSL download speeds
Verizon is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Boston metro area. Versus other DSL providers in the area, Verizon DSL is the slowest. There are 8 different maximum speeds throughout the Boston metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Boston metro area can order from Verizon goes up to 15 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 0.77 Mbps, and the city-wide average maximum speed for Boston customers is up to 9.1 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 31.1% up to 15.0 Mbps
- 19.0% up to 10.0 Mbps
- 16.1% up to 7.0 Mbps
- 23.7% up to 5.0 Mbps
- 4.6% up to 3.0 Mbps
- 5.2% up to 1.5 Mbps
- 0.4% up to 1.0 Mbps
- 0.0% up to 0.8 Mbps
Verizon DSL upload speeds
In the Boston metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for Verizon DSL. Compared to other ISPs, Verizon is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and the slowest compared to other Boston DSL providers. Verizon offers 4 different upload speeds across the city, so your internet plan's upload speed may vary by neighborhood. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Boston metro area is up to 1.0 Mbps. Some customers have slower plan choices, which only go up to 0.13 Mbps. On average, Verizon customers can get speeds up to 0.86 Mbps.
Show all upload speeds
- 50.1% up to 1.0 Mbps
- 44.4% up to 0.8 Mbps
- 5.5% up to 0.4 Mbps
- 0.0% up to 0.1 Mbps
Verizon Fiber in Boston, MA





Verizon fiber coverage
About 59.93%, or 2,654,631 people, have Verizon fiber internet available to them in the city. The company covers the entire Boston area. Verizon is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a majority of the Boston metro area.
Verizon fiber download speeds
Verizon is above average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Boston metro area. Versus other fiber providers in the area, Verizon fiber is above average. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Boston metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Boston metro area can order from Verizon goes up to 940 Mbps, and all Boston customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 940.0 Mbps
Verizon fiber upload speeds
In the Boston metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for Verizon fiber. Compared to other ISPs, Verizon is above average where upload speeds are concerned, and above average compared to other Boston fiber providers. Verizon offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Boston metro area is up to 880 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 880.0 Mbps
Astound Broadband powered by RCN Cable in Boston, MA





Astound Broadband cable coverage
About 22.64%, or 1,003,003 people, have Astound Broadband cable internet available to them in the city. The company covers the central, west, south, southwest, east, northeast, north, and northwest Boston area. Astound Broadband is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a small portion of the Boston metro area.
Astound Broadband powered by RCN cable download speeds
Astound Broadband is above average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Boston metro area. Versus other cable providers in the area, Astound Broadband cable is below average. There are 2 different maximum speeds throughout the Boston metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Boston metro area can order from Astound Broadband goes up to 1,000 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 500 Mbps, and the city-wide average maximum speed for Boston customers is up to 884 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 76.8% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
- 23.2% up to 500.0 Mbps
Astound Broadband powered by RCN cable upload speeds
In the Boston metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for Astound Broadband cable. Compared to other ISPs, Astound Broadband is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and the slowest compared to other Boston cable providers. Astound Broadband offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Boston metro area is up to 20 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 20.0 Mbps
Consolidated Communications DSL in Boston, MA





Consolidated DSL coverage
About 6.38%, or 282,500 people, have Consolidated DSL internet available to them in the city. The company covers the northwest, northeast, and north Boston area. Consolidated is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a very small piece of the Boston metro area.
Consolidated Communications DSL download speeds
Consolidated is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Boston metro area. Versus other DSL providers in the area, Consolidated DSL is above average. There are 13 different maximum speeds throughout the Boston metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Boston metro area can order from Consolidated goes up to 100 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 0.77 Mbps, and the city-wide average maximum speed for Boston customers is up to 29 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 0.8% up to 100.0 Mbps
- 10.1% up to 80.0 Mbps
- 7.0% up to 60.0 Mbps
- 12.7% up to 40.0 Mbps
- 32.2% up to 25.0 Mbps
- 7.1% up to 20.0 Mbps
- 0.6% up to 15.0 Mbps
- 8.6% up to 10.0 Mbps
- 9.0% up to 7.0 Mbps
- 8.9% up to 3.0 Mbps
- 0.1% up to 1.6 Mbps
- 0.0% up to 1.5 Mbps
- 2.9% up to 0.8 Mbps
Consolidated Communications DSL upload speeds
In the Boston metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for Consolidated DSL. Compared to other ISPs, Consolidated is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and below average compared to other Boston DSL providers. Consolidated offers 9 different upload speeds across the city, so your internet plan's upload speed may vary by neighborhood. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Boston metro area is up to 40 Mbps. Some customers have slower plan choices, which only go up to 0.13 Mbps. On average, Consolidated customers can get speeds up to 6.0 Mbps.
Show all upload speeds
- 0.8% up to 40.0 Mbps
- 17.1% up to 20.0 Mbps
- 12.7% up to 10.0 Mbps
- 32.2% up to 2.0 Mbps
- 7.1% up to 1.5 Mbps
- 18.2% up to 1.0 Mbps
- 8.9% up to 0.8 Mbps
- 0.1% up to 0.4 Mbps
- 2.9% up to 0.1 Mbps
Consolidated Communications Fiber in Boston, MA





Consolidated fiber coverage
About 4.53%, or 200,502 people, have Consolidated fiber internet available to them in the city. The company covers the northwest, northeast, and north Boston area. Consolidated is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a very small piece of the Boston metro area.
Consolidated Communications fiber download speeds
Consolidated is above average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Boston metro area. Versus other fiber providers in the area, Consolidated fiber is below average. There are 3 different maximum speeds throughout the Boston metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Boston metro area can order from Consolidated goes up to 1,000 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 30 Mbps, and the city-wide average maximum speed for Boston customers is up to 807 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 77.9% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
- 17.9% up to 150.0 Mbps
- 4.2% up to 30.0 Mbps
Consolidated Communications fiber upload speeds
In the Boston metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for Consolidated fiber. Compared to other ISPs, Consolidated is above average where upload speeds are concerned, and below average compared to other Boston fiber providers. Consolidated offers 4 different upload speeds across the city, so your internet plan's upload speed may vary by neighborhood. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Boston metro area is up to 1,000 Mbps. Some customers have slower plan choices, which only go up to 15 Mbps. On average, Consolidated customers can get speeds up to 793 Mbps.
Show all upload speeds
- 77.9% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
- 17.0% up to 75.0 Mbps
- 0.9% up to 50.0 Mbps
- 4.2% up to 15.0 Mbps
Astound Broadband powered by RCN Fiber in Boston, MA





Astound Broadband fiber coverage
About 1.04%, or 45,949 people, have Astound Broadband fiber internet available to them in the city. The company covers the central, west, southwest, south, east, north, and northeast Boston area. Astound Broadband is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a very small piece of the Boston metro area.
Astound Broadband powered by RCN fiber download speeds
Astound Broadband is above average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Boston metro area. Versus other fiber providers in the area, Astound Broadband fiber is above average. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Boston metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Boston metro area can order from Astound Broadband goes up to 1,000 Mbps, and all Boston customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
Astound Broadband powered by RCN fiber upload speeds
In the Boston metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for Astound Broadband fiber. Compared to other ISPs, Astound Broadband is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and the slowest compared to other Boston fiber providers. Astound Broadband offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Boston metro area is up to 20 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 20.0 Mbps
T-Mobile Home Internet in Boston, MA



T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless coverage
About 33.26%, or 1,473,172 people, have T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless internet available to them in the city. The company covers the entire Boston area. T-Mobile Home Internet is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a small portion of the Boston metro area.
T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless download speeds
T-Mobile Home Internet is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Boston metro area. Versus other fixed wireless providers in the area, T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless is below average. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Boston metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Boston metro area can order from T-Mobile Home Internet goes up to 25 Mbps, and all Boston customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 25.0 Mbps
T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless upload speeds
In the Boston metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless. Compared to other ISPs, T-Mobile Home Internet is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and below average compared to other Boston fixed wireless providers. T-Mobile Home Internet offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Boston metro area is up to 3.0 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 3.0 Mbps
STARRY Fixed Wireless in Boston, MA



STARRY fixed wireless coverage
About 20.09%, or 889,951 people, have STARRY fixed wireless internet available to them in the city. The company covers the central, east, southeast, south, and west Boston area. STARRY is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a small portion of the Boston metro area.
STARRY fixed wireless download speeds
STARRY is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Boston metro area. Versus other fixed wireless providers in the area, STARRY fixed wireless is above average. There are 2 different maximum speeds throughout the Boston metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Boston metro area can order from STARRY goes up to 200 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 30 Mbps, and the city-wide average maximum speed for Boston customers is up to 199 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 99.4% up to 200.0 Mbps
- 0.6% up to 30.0 Mbps
STARRY fixed wireless upload speeds
In the Boston metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for STARRY fixed wireless. Compared to other ISPs, STARRY is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and above average compared to other Boston fixed wireless providers. STARRY offers 2 different upload speeds across the city, so your internet plan's upload speed may vary by neighborhood. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Boston metro area is up to 200 Mbps. Some customers have slower plan choices, which only go up to 30 Mbps. On average, STARRY customers can get speeds up to 199 Mbps.
Show all upload speeds
- 99.4% up to 200.0 Mbps
- 0.6% up to 30.0 Mbps
netBlazr Fixed Wireless in Boston, MA



netBlazr fixed wireless coverage
About 12.28%, or 543,758 people, have netBlazr fixed wireless internet available to them in the city. The company covers the central and east Boston area. netBlazr is a large internet service provider internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a very small piece of the Boston metro area.
netBlazr fixed wireless download speeds
netBlazr is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Boston metro area. Versus other fixed wireless providers in the area, netBlazr fixed wireless is below average. There are 4 different maximum speeds throughout the Boston metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Boston metro area can order from netBlazr goes up to 1,000 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 50 Mbps, and the city-wide average maximum speed for Boston customers is up to 74 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 0.0% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
- 5.1% up to 500.0 Mbps
- 0.2% up to 300.0 Mbps
- 94.6% up to 50.0 Mbps
netBlazr fixed wireless upload speeds
In the Boston metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for netBlazr fixed wireless. Compared to other ISPs, netBlazr is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and below average compared to other Boston fixed wireless providers. netBlazr offers 4 different upload speeds across the city, so your internet plan's upload speed may vary by neighborhood. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Boston metro area is up to 1,000 Mbps. Some customers have slower plan choices, which only go up to 50 Mbps. On average, netBlazr customers can get speeds up to 74 Mbps.
Show all upload speeds
- 0.0% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
- 5.1% up to 500.0 Mbps
- 0.2% up to 300.0 Mbps
- 94.6% up to 50.0 Mbps
Boston Internet by Area
This information is most helpful to those looking for homes or considering moving to the Boston metro area or any of the areas nearby.
How does internet in the Boston metro area compare to the rest of Massachusetts?
Internet speeds in the Boston metro area are comparable versus the average speeds in Massachusetts: 978 Mbps in Massachusetts versus 995 Mbps in the city. The state has similar internet availability compared to the city. Average internet coverage in Massachusetts is 99.27% versus 99.30% in the Boston metro area.
What zip codes have widespread internet?
Internet coverage varies by zip code and neighborhood. Some examples in or around the Boston metro area are shown below. You can enter any zip code here to see TV and internet providers by zip code.
What does internet service look like in other cities?
Below are cities nearby and with similar populations. This comparison can be useful if living somewhere with fast internet is important to you.
Nearby Cities
- Boston, MA: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Charlestown, MA: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Cambridge, MA: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Brookline, MA: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Jamaica Plain, MA: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Allston, MA: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Somerville, MA: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Chelsea, MA: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Brighton, MA: less internet coverage, slower speeds
- Everett, MA: more internet coverage, faster speeds
Cities with Similar Populations
- Phoenix Metro, AZ: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Riverside Metro, CA: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Detroit Metro, MI: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Seattle Metro, WA: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Atlanta Metro, GA: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Washington Metro, DC: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- San Francisco Metro, CA: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Minneapolis Metro, MN: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- San Diego Metro, CA: less internet coverage, slower speeds
- Miami Metro, FL: less internet coverage, faster speeds