JS
While broadband technology keeps improving, Americans still aren’t satisfied with the speeds they’re getting. Here’s how you can improve yours. Read more
Internet providers in Tacoma, WA
Shop the best Tacoma internet providers. Compare internet plan pricing and speeds from cable, DSL and fiber-optic providers in your area.
Shop local providersSearching for deals in your area
Jump to section
Tacoma internet service at a glance
At 100%, broadband coverage in Tacoma is comparable to the rest of Washington - 97%, and comparable to broadband coverage across the U.S. - 95%.
The vast majority of those living in the Tacoma area will have access to cable, which covers 100% of Tacoma residents. DSL internet is also an option for many, offering service to 84% of the area. Fiber-optic is less available but still a popular internet option for roughly 48% of those living in Tacoma.
There are six internet providers serving the Tacoma area, and 99.96% of households will have internet options from more than one provider. Among Tacoma's six internet providers, prices start at $29.99 and available download speeds reach up to 1,000 Mbps.
See all providersTop high-speed internet providers in Tacoma
The largest internet providers in Tacoma are Xfinity and CenturyLink bringing cable, DSL, and fiber-optic options to Tacoma.
Cable internet from Xfinity is available to nearly all Tacoma residents, covering 100% of households. Many will also have the option of DSL from CenturyLink, which covers 64% of the area. Tacoma’s third most-available internet provider, CenturyLink, offers fiber-optic to around 48% of Tacoma residents.
Xfinity cable internet
|
|
|
|
|
*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 Mar 10, 2020.
Cable from Xfinity offers broadband to all households in Tacoma covering 100% of the area.
Xfinity’s cable network is likely to offer faster speeds than DSL or satellite service, but Tacoma 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 Tacoma, $47.24.
Xfinity customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 15 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $2.00 per Mbps, lower than the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Tacoma, $3.63.
For those who value internet speed as much as cost, Xfinity offers download speeds up to 987 Mbps and upload speeds up to 35 Mbps in Tacoma. These download speeds are available to 100% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Tacoma's providers, 544 Mbps.
CenturyLink DSL internet
|
|
|
|
|
*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 Mar 10, 2020.
DSL from CenturyLink offers broadband to most households in Tacoma covering 64% of the area.
DSL internet from CenturyLink uses telephone lines in Tacoma 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 $49/mo.*, which is about the same as the average starting price for internet in Tacoma, $47.24.
CenturyLink customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 12 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $4.08 per Mbps, about the same as the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Tacoma, $3.63.
For those who value internet speed as much as cost, CenturyLink offers download speeds up to 140 Mbps and upload speeds up to 40 Mbps in Tacoma. These download speeds are available to 64% of the area, and are much slower than the average max speeds from all Tacoma's providers, 544 Mbps.
CenturyLink fiber-optic internet
|
|
|
|
|
*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 Mar 10, 2020.
Fiber-optic from CenturyLink offers broadband to about half of households in Tacoma covering 48% of the area.
Fiber-optic service from CenturyLink is popular for its fast download and upload speeds, even during peak usage times, but may be less available throughout Tacoma than other internet types.
Internet prices for CenturyLink start at $49/mo.*, which is about the same as the average starting price for internet in Tacoma, $47.24.
CenturyLink customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 12 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $4.08 per Mbps, about the same as the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Tacoma, $3.63.
For those who value internet speed as much as cost, CenturyLink offers download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps and upload speeds up to 1,000 Mbps in Tacoma. These download speeds are available to 48% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Tacoma's providers, 544 Mbps.
Internet coverage for rural areas
If you live in the heart of Tacoma, you’ll likely have options from cable, DSL, and fiber-optic internet providers. For those in rural areas or just outside Tacoma, however, satellite or fixed wireless internet may be the best internet option.
Satellite internet from HughesNet and ViaSat, Inc. offers 100% availability in Tacoma and surrounding areas. HughesNet starting prices are significantly higher than average in Tacoma at $59.99/mo. for speeds up to 25 Mbps. The starting price for ViaSat, Inc. plans is about average for Tacoma at $50/mo. for speeds up to 25 Mbps. Satellite internet is a less appealing option for many Tacoma residents, however, as service typically comes with high latency and low data allowances.
Tacoma, WA internet providers
Need help? Call (844) 451-2720
| Provider | ||||
| Xfinity | $29.99/mo. | 15 - 987 Mbps | Cable | 100% |
| CenturyLink | $49/mo. | 12 - 1,000 Mbps | Fiber-optic | 48% |
| CenturyLink | $49/mo. | 12 - 140 Mbps | DSL | 64% |
| City of Tacoma | - | - | Cable | 100% |
| Pivotal Global Capacity, LLC | - | - | DSL | 2.912% |
| HughesNet | $59.99/mo. | 2 - 25 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
| ViaSat, Inc. | $50/mo. | 12 - 25 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
*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 Mar 10, 2020.
Need help?Internet provider frequently asked questions
What’s the fastest internet provider in Tacoma?
CenturyLink is the fastest internet provider in Tacoma with download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. These speeds are available to 48% of households in Tacoma. The next fastest internet provider in Tacoma is Xfinity, offering download speeds up to 987 Mbps to 100% of the area.
What’s the cheapest internet provider in Tacoma?
Xfinity offers the cheapest internet in Tacoma with plans starting at $29.99/mo. This is significantly less than the average starting price for internet in Tacoma, $47.24.
Is fiber internet available in Tacoma?
CenturyLink is the largest fiber-optic internet service provider in Tacoma, covering 48% of the city.
Do I need Wi-Fi extenders?
Wi-Fi extenders are handy when your router can’t project a strong signal to everywhere in your home that you need it. Your internet provider may offer Wi-Fi extenders for an added monthly cost, or you can purchase one online or from most electronics retailers.
How much speed do I need for streaming?
Each video streaming service has varying recommended speeds, but speeds up to 10 Mbps will often handle streaming on one device. For HD and 4K streaming, consider faster speeds of at least 25 Mbps to reduce buffering and maintain optimal picture quality.
Do I need a phone line for broadband?
The only broadband internet type that requires a phone line is DSL and dial-up, which use phone lines to deliver service. Other internet types, such as cable, fiber-optic and satellite, require no phone line for broadband service.
How can we help?
Related resources Read more from the Resource Center
A renter’s guide to choosing internet and TV service
Aug 14, 2019
VB
Like water, cable and internet have become essential utilities that are often rolled into the cost of the rent. Here are a few things to consider before opting in. Read more
JS
To set up your TV for streaming, you’ll need a reliable internet connection, a device to stream on and, most importantly, something good to watch. Read more
Give us a call
Our experts can help you find the right plan at the right price.
Call: (844) 451-2720
Stay connected with Allconnect
Subscribe to get updates on news and local internet and TV offers.
Thanks for signing up.
Check your inbox and stay tuned for deals, news and more.