Shop fixed wireless internet near you
*5G Home Internet: 5G Home plan at $35/mo. or 5G Home Plus plan at $45/mo. when combined with postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Availability varies. Subject to credit approval. Price guarantee: 2 yrs for 5G Home, 3 yrs for 5G Home Plus, for new Verizon Home Internet (“VHI”) households who have not subscribed to a VHI service within the last 90 days. Applies only to the then-current base monthly rate exclusive of any other setup and additional equipment charges, discounts or promotions, plan perk and any other third-party services. As of 11/25/24.
What is fixed wireless internet?
Fixed wireless internet is a type of internet service that uses broadcast towers to transmit and receive internet signals in the form of radio waves. A small dish or antenna receives the signals and sends them to a modem, which converts them into the internet service you use to browse the web, send emails and stream TV.
Compare top fixed wireless internet options
Depending on your address, you may have access to internet services from one or more of the fixed wireless providers mentioned below. Fixed wireless internet isn’t always the cheapest internet, but sometimes it’s the only choice available other than satellite.
Your home must be close to a fixed wireless tower, ideally within 10 miles or less. For this reason, some addresses may not be eligible for fixed wireless internet service, even if there is a provider in their ZIP code.
Some providers offer 5G home internet, a type of fixed wireless service. This signal comes from nearby 5G cellphone towers.
| Provider | Download speeds | Monthly data allowance | Starting price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | 85 – 1,000 Mbps | Unlimited | $35.00/mo. |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | Up to 245 Mbps | Unlimited | $40.00 – $60.00/mo. |
| AT&T Internet Air | 40 – 140 Mbps | Unlimited | $60.00/mo. |
| Starry Internet | 100 – 1,000 Mbps | Unlimited | $30.00/mo. |
| Rise Broadband | 25 – 100 Mbps | 50 GB – Unlimited | $25.00/mo. |
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 11/25/24.
**5G Home Internet: 5G Home plan at $35/mo. or 5G Home Plus plan at $45/mo. when combined with postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Availability varies. Subject to credit approval. Price guarantee: 2 yrs for 5G Home, 3 yrs for 5G Home Plus, for new Verizon Home Internet (“VHI”) households who have not subscribed to a VHI service within the last 90 days. Applies only to the then-current base monthly rate exclusive of any other setup and additional equipment charges, discounts or promotions, plan perk and any other third-party services.
What we like about fixed wireless
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Affordable pricing
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Availability
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Can support bandwidth-heavy activities
Things to consider
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Your connection depends on your proximity to a cell tower
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Weather can impact fixed wireless
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A bit less reliable than fiber or cable
Fixed wireless internet providers
Allconnect Rating
4.64 / 5
Verizon 5G Home Internet
Verizon offers two fixed wireless 5G plans starting at $35/mo.* Verizon 5G internet availability covers many cities across the U.S., and there are no annual contracts, hidden fees, price increases or data caps.
Verizon’s wireless internet network is another affordable fixed wireless option if its 5G plan isn’t for you. Though 5G is the latest generation, Verizon’s 4G LTE still produces reliable speeds and has the same benefits as its 5G Home Internet.
Our favorite fixed wireless provider is Verizon because it offers multiple plans with a cheap starting price. You can save on Verizon 5G Home internet (85 – 1,000 Mbps) if you pair with a phone plan. Compared to other providers, Verizon offers more speed for a great price.
Best value plan: Verizon’s 5G Home Plus plan gives you up to 1,000 Mbps in download speed for $80/mo., but if you bundle it with your cellphone plan, it drops to $45/mo.
*5G Home Internet: 5G Home plan at $35/mo. or 5G Home Plus plan at $45/mo. when combined with postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband. Auto Pay & paper-free billing req’d. Availability varies. Subject to credit approval. Price guarantee: 2 yrs for 5G Home, 3 yrs for 5G Home Plus, for new Verizon Home Internet (“VHI”) households who have not subscribed to a VHI service within the last 90 days. Applies only to the then-current base monthly rate exclusive of any other setup and additional equipment charges, discounts or promotions, plan perk and any other third-party services. As of 11/25/24.
Verizon 5G Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.33 / 5
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
T-Mobile offers wireless 5G Home Internet with no hidden fees, price increases or data caps. While its simplistic pricing makes it extremely appealing compared to other providers, it does have inconsistent speeds and your location could affect the quality of your connection. T-Mobile is available across the entire U.S.
Best value plan: T-Mobile offers one plan at $40/mo. for speeds up to 245 Mbps.
T-Mobile Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.14 / 5
AT&T fixed wireless internet
AT&T offers one stand-alone fixed wireless internet plan and a fixed wireless internet and DIRECTV bundle. AT&T’s fixed wireless internet has great availability compared to many other ISPs and even includes a gateway router to connect your devices.
Best value plan: AT&T has only one fixed wireless plan, with up to 140 Mbps in speed and unlimited data for $60.00/mo.
AT&T Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
2.62 / 5
Rise Broadband fixed wireless internet
Rise Broadband is the biggest ISP in the U.S. for fixed wireless internet. It’s affordable with plans starting at $25/mo. and widely available in many rural areas that have been previously underserved or unserved. Rise Broadband also offers five different plans, giving customers lots of options in terms of speeds and price.
Best value plan: Rise Broadband’s 100 Unlimited Data for $75/mo. is enough to connect a small smart household.
Rise Broadband Customer Reviews:
Allconnect Rating
4.25 / 5
Starry fixed wireless 5G home internet
Starry Internet offers 5G fixed wireless internet with great download and upload speeds. There are also no hidden fees or contracts with Starry. Though it has limited availability, it is still a new service and will be expanding in the future.
Best value plan: Starry 500 with up to 500 Mbps for $55.00/mo.
Starry Customer Reviews:
Fixed wireless availability by provider
According to the FCC, fixed wireless internet service is available to about 80% of the U.S. population, and about 47% have access to broadband speeds (up to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload or higher). Main service areas for fixed wireless internet providers include rural regions in the Northeast, Midwest and Western U.S., but some providers, such as Starry, may provide fixed wireless service exclusively in major metropolitan areas. Compared to other internet technology types like fiber, fixed wireless has more availability since fiber is still relatively new and expensive to build out. Compared to cable and satellite, however, fixed wireless has less availability.
- Verizon – Fios is mostly available in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. 5G home internet is available in 900 areas and cities
- T-Mobile – Available in 50 states, covering about 75% of the country
- AT&T – Available in California, Florida, Texas and 19 more states
- Rise Broadband – Available in California, Colorado, Idaho and 16 more states
- Starry Internet – Available in Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City and Washington, D.C. and other cities across 25 states
Fixed wireless vs. satellite internet
Fixed wireless and satellite internet are often the only choices for internet in rural areas, and both have their advantages. Overall, you can expect faster speeds and higher data caps with fixed wireless.The two main satellite internet providers, Hughesnet and Viasat, have max speeds of 50 – 150 Mbps. Satellite internet is also more sensitive to weather. Essentially, satellite internet is a last resort when you can’t get fiber, cable, DSL or fixed wireless internet.
Fixed wireless
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Availability
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Simple pricing
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Fast speeds
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Easy to install
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Limited signal range
Satellite
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Availability
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Prone to weather disruptions
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Low data caps
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Contracts
Future of fixed wireless internet
Fixed wireless coverage is already available to the majority of the U.S. population, but many providers hope to continue expanding their networks to bring the service to more areas.
In fact, according to Ericsson, fixed wireless connections worldwide are expected to reach 330 million by 2029. The Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) reports that Verizon aims to have more than five million fixed wireless subscribers in 2025, and T-Mobile plans to have 12 million customers by 2028.
Fixed wireless expansion into metropolitan areas
Major cities, such as Boston, Denver, Los Angeles and New York City, that typically do not have access to fixed wireless service are starting to see options available thanks to providers such as Starry Internet, Verizon and T-Mobile. These fixed wireless networks often provide internet to entire buildings and may not be available for individual homes.
Starry $30/mo. service brings affordable fixed wireless to select cities
Starry Internet offers fixed wireless service in major cities, including Boston, New York, Washington, D.C., Columbus, Denver and Los Angeles. Currently, Starry is offering internet with speeds up to 100 Mbps starting at $30/mo. in select areas.
In larger cities, fixed wireless providers often run service to an entire building, such as an apartment complex, rather than to individual homes. Consequently, service may not be available at your address, even if there is a fixed wireless provider in your area that serves local buildings.
T-Mobile and Verizon continue to expand 5G fixed wireless
T-Mobile and Verizon have expanded their fixed wireless coverage significantly in recent years. In many areas where 5G cellphone coverage is available, you can now access home internet using the same towers.
These 5G home internet speeds are a huge improvement on traditional fixed wireless. Verizon says customers can expect download speeds around 300 Mbps, while T-Mobile says their average is around 100 Mbps, with speeds available up to 245 Mbps.
In select cities, AT&T has introduced a fixed wireless home internet plan to compete with T-Mobile’s and Verizon’s home internet plans. AT&T Internet Air will cost users $60/mo., plus taxes. If you add an eligible AT&T wireless (mobile) plan, you can save 20% per month on AT&T Internet Air.
Fixed wireless FAQs
What wireless internet providers are available near me?
Internet provider availability varies by location, so only certain providers may be available near you. Type in your address to find out what providers offer service in your area.
What is fixed wireless internet?
Fixed wireless internet is a wireless internet service that connects a fixed location, like a house, to the internet via cell towers. The strength of your fixed wireless internet connection will largely depend on your proximity to one of these towers.
What is the best type of internet connection?
Fiber internet is the fastest type of internet service available, but cable offers more than enough speed for day-to-day internet activities. Satellite and DSL internet are on the slower side, with satellite being known for its widespread availability — especially in rural areas.
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Written by:
Robin LaytonEditor, Broadband Content
Robin Layton is an editor for the broadband marketplace Allconnect. She built her internet industry expertise writing and editing on the site since January 2020, as well as on Allconnect’s sister site MYMOVE.com…
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Edited by:
Anine SusEditor I
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