*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. As of Feb 14, 2023.
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people have access to broadband internet of any type
1 provider - 97.69%
2 providers - 95.49%
3 providers - 8.16%
4+ providers - 0%
Source: FCC
At 98%, broadband coverage in Columbia is comparable to the rest of Maryland - 97%, and comparable to broadband coverage across the U.S. - 95%.
The vast majority of those living in the Columbia area will have access to fiber-optic, which covers 93% of Columbia residents. Cable internet is also an option for many, offering service to 92% of the area. DSL is less available but still a popular internet option for roughly 74% of those living in Columbia.
There are five internet providers serving the Columbia area, and 95.49% of households will have internet options from more than one provider. Among Columbia's five internet providers, prices start at $29.99 and available download speeds reach up to 3,000 Mbps.
The largest internet providers in Columbia are Verizon and Xfinity bringing fiber-optic, DSL, and cable options to Columbia.
Fiber-optic internet from Verizon is available to nearly all Columbia residents, covering 95% of households. Many will also have the option of DSL from Verizon, which covers 79% of the area. Columbia’s third most-available internet provider, Xfinity, offers cable to around 97% of Columbia residents.
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*Wireless speeds may vary. 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. As of Feb 14, 2023.
Fiber-optic from Verizon offers broadband to nearly all households in Columbia covering 95% of the area.
Fiber-optic service from Verizon is popular for its fast download and upload speeds, even during peak usage times, but may be less available throughout Columbia than other internet types.
Internet prices for Verizon start at $49.99/mo.*, which is about the same as the average starting price for internet in Columbia, $53.74.
Verizon customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 300 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $0.17 per Mbps, about the same as the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Columbia, $0.31.
For those who value internet speed as much as cost, Verizon offers download speeds up to 940 Mbps and upload speeds up to 880 Mbps in Columbia. These download speeds are available to 95% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Columbia's providers, 298 Mbps.
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*Wireless speeds may vary. 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. As of Feb 14, 2023.
DSL from Verizon offers broadband to most households in Columbia covering 79% of the area.
DSL internet from Verizon uses telephone lines in Columbia to deliver service, which often leads to lower prices and higher availability, though download speeds are likely to be slower than cable or fiber-optic internet.
Internet prices for Verizon start at $49.99/mo.*, which is about the same as the average starting price for internet in Columbia, $53.74.
Verizon customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 300 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $0.17 per Mbps, about the same as the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Columbia, $0.31.
For those who value internet speed as much as cost, Verizon offers download speeds up to 940 Mbps and upload speeds up to 1 Mbps in Columbia. These download speeds are available to 79% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Columbia's providers, 298 Mbps.
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*Wireless speeds may vary. 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. As of Feb 14, 2023.
Cable from Xfinity offers broadband to nearly all households in Columbia covering 97% of the area.
Xfinity’s cable network is likely to offer faster speeds than DSL or satellite service, but Columbia residents in densely populated areas may experience slowed speeds during peak usage times.
Internet prices for Xfinity start at $29.99/mo.*, which is significantly lower than the average starting price for internet in Columbia, $53.74.
Xfinity customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 50 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $0.60 per Mbps, about the same as the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Columbia, $0.31.
For those who value internet speed as much as cost, Xfinity offers download speeds up to 3,000 Mbps and upload speeds up to 10 Mbps in Columbia. These download speeds are available to 97% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Columbia's providers, 298 Mbps.
If you live in the heart of Columbia, you’ll likely have options from cable, fiber-optic, and DSL internet providers. For those in rural areas or just outside Columbia, however, satellite or fixed wireless internet may be the best internet option.
Satellite internet from HughesNet and Viasat offers 100% availability in Columbia and surrounding areas. HughesNet starting prices are significantly higher than average in Columbia at $64.99/mo. for speeds up to 25 Mbps. Viasat starting prices are significantly higher than average in Columbia at $69.99/mo. for speeds up to 150 Mbps. Satellite internet is a less appealing option for many Columbia residents, however, as service typically comes with high latency and low data allowances.
Xfinity is the fastest internet provider in Columbia with download speeds up to 3,000 Mbps. These speeds are available to 97% of households in Columbia. The next fastest internet provider in Columbia is Verizon, offering download speeds up to 940 Mbps to 95% of the area.
Xfinity offers the cheapest internet in Columbia with plans starting at $29.99/mo. This is significantly less than the average starting price for internet in Columbia, $53.74.
Verizon is the largest fiber-optic internet service provider in Columbia, covering 95% of the city.
No matter where you live, your address is likely serviceable for satellite internet from providers such as HughesNet and Viasat. You will probably also have the option of at least one cable provider, such as Cox, Spectrum and Xfinity, and DSL providers such as Frontier and Verizon. Roughly a third of households will be eligible for fiber internet from AT&T, CenturyLink, Windstream or other providers.
Upgrading your internet plan or switching to a new provider that offers faster internet service is the best way to get significantly faster speeds, but that will likely also come with a price increase. To get faster internet without changing your plan or provider, upgrade your internet equipment or reduce the number of devices connected to your network.
Learn the penalty, if any, of canceling service with your current provider. Find other internet providers in your area and compare plans and pricing. Choose the internet provider and plan that best meets your needs. Order your new services and get your installation/activation date. Call your current internet provider and cancel service by the activation date of your new service.
*GIG: Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum Internet® Gig promotion price is $89.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr. 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra. General Terms: INTERNET: Speed based on wired connection and may vary by address. Wireless speeds may vary. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Enter your address to determine availability. ©2022 Charter Communications.
Speed based on wired connection. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit spectrum.net/modem
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