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Internet providers in Bristol, VA

Bristol, VA internet providers

Provider
Xfinity $29.99 50 - 3,000 MbpsCable6.137%
Spectrum $49.99 300 - 1,000 Mbps **Cable98%
CenturyLink $50.00 *** 10 - 940 MbpsDSL92%
BVU Authority $39.95 50 - 1,000 MbpsFiber-optic100%
HughesNet $64.99 25 - 25 MbpsSatellite100%
Shop providers Need help? Call: (844) 512-2720

Bristol internet service at a glance

At 100%, broadband coverage in Bristol is comparable to the rest of Virginia - 97%, and comparable to broadband coverage across the U.S. - 95%.

The vast majority of those living in the Bristol area will have access to cable, which covers 100% of Bristol residents. DSL internet is also an option for many, offering service to 37% of the area. Fiber-optic is less available but still a popular internet option for roughly 23% of those living in Bristol.

There are seven internet providers serving the Bristol area, and 99.93% of households will have internet options from more than one provider. Among Bristol's seven internet providers, prices start at $29.99 and available download speeds reach up to 3,000 Mbps.

Top high-speed internet providers in Bristol

The largest internet providers in Bristol are Spectrum, CenturyLink, and BVU Authority bringing cable, DSL, and fiber-optic options to Bristol.

Cable internet from Spectrum is available to nearly all Bristol residents, covering 98% of households. Many will also have the option of DSL from CenturyLink, which covers 92% of the area. Bristol’s third most-available internet provider, BVU Authority, offers fiber-optic to around 100% of Bristol residents.

Spectrum cable internet

Provider
Spectrum
Starting price*
$49.99/mo.
Max download speed

1,000 Mbps**

(wireless speeds may vary)

Max upload speed

5 Mbps

Average availability

98%

Cable from Spectrum offers broadband to nearly all households in Bristol covering 98% of the area.

Spectrum’s cable network is likely to offer faster speeds than DSL or satellite service, but Bristol residents in densely populated areas may experience slowed speeds during peak usage times.

Internet prices for Spectrum start at $49.99/mo.*, which is about the same as the average starting price for internet in Bristol, $50.82.

Spectrum 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 Bristol, $0.68.

For those who value internet speed as much as cost, Spectrum offers download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps** and upload speeds up to 5 Mbps in Bristol. These download speeds are available to 98% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Bristol's providers, 228 Mbps.

Check availability Call us: (844) 512-2720

CenturyLink DSL internet

Provider
CenturyLink
Starting price*
$50/mo.
Max download speed

940 Mbps

Max upload speed

40 Mbps

Average availability

92%

DSL from CenturyLink offers broadband to nearly all households in Bristol covering 92% of the area.

DSL internet from CenturyLink uses telephone lines in Bristol 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 CenturyLink start at $50/mo.*, which is about the same as the average starting price for internet in Bristol, $50.82.

CenturyLink customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 10 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $5.00 per Mbps, significantly higher than the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Bristol, $0.68.

For those who value internet speed as much as cost, CenturyLink offers download speeds up to 940 Mbps and upload speeds up to 40 Mbps in Bristol. These download speeds are available to 92% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Bristol's providers, 228 Mbps.

Check availability Call us: (844) 512-2720

BVU Authority fiber-optic internet

Provider

BVU Authority

Starting price*
$39.95/mo.
Max download speed

1,000 Mbps

Max upload speed

50 Mbps

Average availability

100%

Fiber-optic from BVU Authority offers broadband to all households in Bristol covering 100% of the area.

Fiber-optic service from BVU Authority is popular for its fast download and upload speeds, even during peak usage times, but may be less available throughout Bristol than other internet types.

Internet prices for BVU Authority start at $39.95/mo.*, which is significantly lower than the average starting price for internet in Bristol, $50.82.

BVU Authority customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 50 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $0.80 per Mbps, about the same as the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Bristol, $0.68.

For those who value internet speed as much as cost, BVU Authority offers download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps and upload speeds up to 50 Mbps in Bristol. These download speeds are available to 100% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Bristol's providers, 228 Mbps.

Check availability Call us: (844) 512-2720

Internet coverage for rural areas

If you live in the heart of Bristol, you’ll likely have options from fiber-optic, cable, and DSL internet providers. For those in rural areas or just outside Bristol, however, satellite or fixed wireless internet may be the best internet option.

Satellite internet from HughesNet and Viasat offers 100% availability in Bristol and surrounding areas. HughesNet starting prices are significantly higher than average in Bristol at $64.99/mo. for speeds up to 25 Mbps. Viasat starting prices are significantly higher than average in Bristol at $69.99/mo. for speeds up to 150 Mbps. Satellite internet is a less appealing option for many Bristol residents, however, as service typically comes with high latency and low data allowances.

Internet provider frequently asked questions

Xfinity is the fastest internet provider in Bristol with download speeds up to 3,000 Mbps. These speeds are available to 6.137% of households in Bristol. The next fastest internet provider in Bristol is Spectrum, offering download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps* to 98% of the area.

Xfinity offers the cheapest internet in Bristol with plans starting at $29.99/mo. This is significantly less than the average starting price for internet in Bristol, $50.82.

BVU Authority is the largest fiber-optic internet service provider in Bristol, covering 100% of the city.

Select internet providers including AT&T, Spectrum and Xfinity have thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots that customers can connect to at no extra cost. If your internet provider does not offer free Wi-Fi hotspots, you can find free public Wi-Fi at your local library or many restaurants and cafes. Consider these tips for using public Wi-Fi safely.

Cable internet will nearly always offer faster speeds than DSL, but typically at a higher price point. So if you’re shopping for cheap internet plans, DSL may be your better option but if you want speed, consider cable internet.

Monthly costs for internet can range from $20 to $60, depending on which providers are available in your area. Added fees for Wi-Fi service and equipment can add to that cost, but your internet provider may give you the option to use your own router, which can lower the monthly internet cost.