In the Providence metro area there are 7 residential internet providers covering 99.18% of the city. The average home can get speeds up to 995 Mbps. Note that we may have a financial relationship with some of the providers below. This does not influence rankings, and helps us provide high-quality detailed information for free.
7 Internet Service Providers in Providence
To avoid wasting your time, providers with less than 1% coverage in the Providence metro area are not shown.
Providence 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 Providence metro area is internet available?
Internet Availability Key
Internet service is available in 99.18% of the Providence 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 Verizon. Call one of the companies with service in the Providence metro area above to see who has service at your home, or click the technology to see where it can be found in the Providence metro area.
How fast are internet speeds in the Providence metro area?
The map below shows maximum internet speeds by area in the Providence metro area.
Internet Speed Key
The average Providence home can get up to 995 Mbps on their internet plan. For most people, the fastest download speed in the city is 1,000 Mbps, which 97.46% 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 Providence metro area.
Internet speeds tend to be faster in the northeast parts of the Providence metro area, and slower in the south areas of the city.
What type of internet should I choose in the Providence metro area?
The fastest internet for you may vary based on where in the Providence 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 less than 1% of Providence homes.
- Cable is fastest for 98.01% 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 Providence homes.
Internet Market Health in Providence
Internet Competition Key
The map shows how competitive the the Providence 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 Providence metro area based on what connections the average home has availabile:
- Average number of internet service providers to a home: 2.9 (unhealthy)
- Average types of service (fiber, cable, DSL, etc): 2.8 (very healthy)
- Average providers with broadband (25 Mbps+) speeds: 2.0 (healthy)
Overall, competition is healthy.
Providence internet customers have the ability to buy internet service from 1 to 5 different providers, depending on where they live. For different types of service, Providence 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. Providence internet customers who want faster speeds have between 0 and 4 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 Providence metro area is doing better than most.
TV & Internet Providers in Depth
Below you'll find which TV and internet providers offer service in the Providence metro area, along with details on where in the Providence metro area and at what speeds.
Verizon DSL in Providence, RI
Verizon DSL coverage
About 85.00%, or 1,360,699 people, have Verizon DSL internet available to them in the city. The company covers the entire Providence area. Verizon is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in much of the Providence metro area.
Verizon DSL download speeds
Verizon is the slowest when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Providence metro area. Versus other DSL providers in the area, Verizon DSL is the fastest. There are 8 different maximum speeds throughout the Providence metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Providence 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 Providence customers is up to 7.5 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 17.3% up to 15.0 Mbps
- 16.6% up to 10.0 Mbps
- 15.1% up to 7.0 Mbps
- 38.5% up to 5.0 Mbps
- 5.6% up to 3.0 Mbps
- 6.4% up to 1.5 Mbps
- 0.4% up to 1.0 Mbps
- 0.1% up to 0.8 Mbps
Verizon DSL upload speeds
In the Providence metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for Verizon DSL. Compared to other ISPs, Verizon is the slowest where upload speeds are concerned, and the fastest compared to other Providence 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 Providence 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 0.82 Mbps.
Show all upload speeds
- 33.9% up to 1.0 Mbps
- 59.2% up to 0.8 Mbps
- 6.8% up to 0.4 Mbps
- 0.1% up to 0.1 Mbps
Verizon Fiber in Providence, RI
Verizon fiber coverage
About 65.53%, or 1,049,068 people, have Verizon fiber internet available to them in the city. The company covers the north, central, northwest, west, southwest, northeast, south, and east Providence area. Verizon is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in much of the Providence metro area.
Verizon fiber download speeds
Verizon is above average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Providence metro area. Versus other fiber providers in the area, Verizon fiber is the slowest. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Providence metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Providence metro area can order from Verizon goes up to 940 Mbps, and all Providence customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 940.0 Mbps
Verizon fiber upload speeds
In the Providence metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for Verizon fiber. Compared to other ISPs, Verizon is the fastest where upload speeds are concerned, and the fastest compared to other Providence fiber providers. Verizon offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Providence metro area is up to 880 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 880.0 Mbps
Cox Communications Cable in Providence, RI
Cox cable coverage
About 64.43%, or 1,031,376 people, have Cox cable internet available to them in the city. The company covers the central, north, northwest, west, southwest, southeast, south, and east Providence area. Cox is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a majority of the Providence metro area.
Cox Communications cable download speeds
Cox is one of the fastest when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Providence metro area. Versus other cable providers in the area, Cox cable is one of the fastest. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Providence metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Providence metro area can order from Cox goes up to 1,000 Mbps, and all Providence customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
Cox Communications cable upload speeds
In the Providence metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for Cox cable. Compared to other ISPs, Cox is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and one of the fastest compared to other Providence cable providers. Cox offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Providence metro area is up to 35 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 35.0 Mbps
XFINITY from Comcast Cable in Providence, RI
XFINITY cable coverage
About 32.97%, or 527,761 people, have XFINITY cable internet available to them in the city. The company covers the northeast, southeast, east, north, and central Providence area. XFINITY is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a small portion of the Providence metro area.
XFINITY from Comcast cable download speeds
XFINITY is one of the fastest when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Providence metro area. Versus other cable providers in the area, XFINITY cable is one of the fastest. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Providence metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Providence metro area can order from XFINITY goes up to 1,000 Mbps, and all Providence 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 Providence 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 one of the fastest compared to other Providence cable providers. XFINITY offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Providence metro area is up to 35 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 35.0 Mbps
i3 Broadband Cable in Providence, RI
i3 Broadband cable coverage
About 3.10%, or 49,612 people, have i3 Broadband cable internet available to them in the city. The company covers the central, east, southeast, and south Providence area. i3 Broadband is a large internet service provider internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a very small piece of the Providence metro area.
i3 Broadband cable download speeds
i3 Broadband is one of the fastest when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Providence metro area. Versus other cable providers in the area, i3 Broadband cable is one of the fastest. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Providence metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Providence metro area can order from i3 Broadband goes up to 1,000 Mbps, and all Providence customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
i3 Broadband cable upload speeds
In the Providence metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for i3 Broadband cable. Compared to other ISPs, i3 Broadband is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and the slowest compared to other Providence cable providers. i3 Broadband offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Providence metro area is up to 30 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 30.0 Mbps
Spectrum Cable in Providence, RI
Spectrum cable coverage
About 1.15%, or 18,399 people, have Spectrum cable internet available to them in the city. The company covers the southeast and east Providence area. Spectrum 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 Providence metro area.
Spectrum cable download speeds
Spectrum is above average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in the Providence metro area. Versus other cable providers in the area, Spectrum cable is the slowest. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Providence metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Providence metro area can order from Spectrum goes up to 940 Mbps, and all Providence customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 940.0 Mbps
Spectrum cable upload speeds
In the Providence metro area download speeds tend to be than upload speeds for Spectrum cable. Compared to other ISPs, Spectrum is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and one of the fastest compared to other Providence cable providers. Spectrum offers no different upload speeds across the city. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in the Providence metro area is up to 35 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 35.0 Mbps
T-Mobile Home Internet in Providence, RI
T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless coverage
About 32.48%, or 519,956 people, have T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless internet available to them in the city. The company covers the entire Providence 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 Providence 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 Providence metro area. Versus other fixed wireless providers in the area, T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless is the fastest. There are no different maximum speeds throughout the Providence metro area. The fastest plan anyone in the Providence metro area can order from T-Mobile Home Internet goes up to 25 Mbps, and all Providence 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 Providence 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 the fastest compared to other Providence 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 Providence 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
Providence Internet by Area
This information is most helpful to those looking for homes or considering moving to the Providence metro area or any of the areas nearby.
How does internet in the Providence metro area compare to the rest of Rhode Island?
Internet speeds in the Providence metro area are comparable versus the average speeds in Rhode Island: 996 Mbps in Rhode Island versus 995 Mbps in the city. The state has similar internet availability compared to the city. Average internet coverage in Rhode Island is 99.17% versus 99.18% in the Providence metro area.
What zip codes have widespread internet?
Internet coverage varies by zip code and neighborhood. Some examples in or around the Providence 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
- Providence, RI: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- East Providence, RI: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Rumford, RI: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Pawtucket, RI: less internet coverage, faster speeds
- North Providence, RI: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Cranston, RI: less internet coverage, slower speeds
- Riverside, RI: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Central Falls, RI: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Seekonk, MA: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Johnston, RI: more internet coverage, faster speeds
Cities with Similar Populations
- New York, NY: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Philadelphia, PA: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- San Antonio, TX: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Virginia Beach Metro, VA: less internet coverage, slower speeds
- Jacksonville Metro, FL: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Milwaukee Metro, WI: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Bronx, NY: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Phoenix, AZ: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Nashville Metro, TN: less internet coverage, slower speeds
- Oklahoma City Metro, OK: more internet coverage, slower speeds