Compare 98421 internet speeds to the national average
Download Speeds
Tacoma – 140 Mbps
WA – 126 Mbps
U.S. – 123 Mbps
Upload Speeds
Tacoma – 22 Mbps
WA – 39 Mbps
U.S. – 44 Mbps
*Data sourced from M-LAB speed tests taken by real users in Tacoma.
Internet providers in 98421
Internet providers in your area
98421 internet providers
| Provider | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CenturyLink | $50.00 ** | 10 - 940 Mbps | DSL | 100% |
ClickCableTV(wholesale)  | $34.95 | 55 - 500 Mbps | Cable | 100% |
| HughesNet | $64.99 | 25 - 25 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
| Viasat | $69.99 | 12 - 150 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 Sep 23, 2022.
**Speeds/pricing may vary. Service is not available everywhere.
Need help?98421 internet service at a glance
Broadband availability
1276
people have access to broadband internet of any type
1 provider - 100%
2 providers - 100%
3 providers - 0.00%
4+ providers - 0%
Source: FCC
At 100%, broadband coverage in the 98421 ZIP code 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 98421 ZIP will have access to DSL, which covers 100% of households. Cable internet is also an option for many, offering service to 100% of the area. No fiber-optic providers are currently available in Tacoma, but satellite or fixed-wireless providers may offer broadband options in your area.
There are four internet providers serving the 98421 area, and 100% of households will have internet options from more than one provider. Among four internet providers in 98421, prices start at $34.95 and available download speeds reach up to 940 Mbps.
Results from real users
Average internet speeds in Tacoma
| Provider | Download speed | Upload speed | Internet type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CenturyLink | 103 Mbps | 88 Mbps | DSL |
| ClickCableTV(wholesale) | 102 Mbps | 13 Mbps | Cable |
*Data sourced from M-LAB speed tests taken by real users in Tacoma.
Top high-speed internet providers in 98421
The largest internet providers serving the 98421 ZIP code are CenturyLink, ClickCableTV(wholesale), and HughesNet bringing DSL, cable, and satellite options to the area.
DSL internet from CenturyLink is available to nearly all in the 98421 ZIP code, covering 100% of households. Many will also have the option of cable from ClickCableTV(wholesale), which covers 100% of the area. Tacoma’s third most-available internet provider, HughesNet, offers satellite to around 100% of residents in the 98421 ZIP code.
CenturyLink DSL internet
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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 Sep 23, 2022.
DSL from CenturyLink offers broadband to all households in the 98421 ZIP code, covering 100% of the area.
DSL internet from CenturyLink uses telephone lines 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 Tacoma, $54.98.
CenturyLink customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 10 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $5.00 per Mbps, higher than the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Tacoma, $2.11.
For those who value internet speed as much as cost, CenturyLink offers download speeds up to 940 Mbps and upload speeds up to 2 Mbps in 98421 ZIP code. These download speeds are available to 100% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Tacoma's providers, 43 Mbps.
ClickCableTV(wholesale) cable internet
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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 Sep 23, 2022.
Cable from ClickCableTV(wholesale) offers broadband to all households in the 98421 ZIP code, covering 100% of the area.
ClickCableTV(wholesale)’s cable network is likely to offer faster speeds than DSL or satellite service, but 98421 residents in densely populated areas may experience slowed speeds during peak usage times.
Internet prices for ClickCableTV(wholesale) start at $34.95/mo.*, which is significantly lower than the average starting price for internet in Tacoma, $54.98.
ClickCableTV(wholesale) customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 55 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $0.64 per Mbps, lower than the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Tacoma, $2.11.
For those who value internet speed as much as cost, ClickCableTV(wholesale) offers download speeds up to 500 Mbps and upload speeds up to 10 Mbps in 98421 ZIP code. These download speeds are available to 100% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Tacoma's providers, 43 Mbps.
HughesNet satellite internet
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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 Sep 23, 2022.
Satellite from HughesNet offers broadband to all households in the 98421 ZIP code, covering 100% of the area.
HughesNet satellite internet offers reliable connection throughout the 98421 ZIP where other internet types may not be available, but service is likely to come with low monthly data allowances and high latency, making streaming binges and real-time online gaming impractical.
Internet prices for HughesNet start at $64.99/mo.*, which is significantly higher than the average starting price for internet in Tacoma, $54.98.
HughesNet customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 25 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $2.60 per Mbps, about the same as the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Tacoma, $2.11.
For those who value internet speed as much as cost, HughesNet offers download speeds up to 25 Mbps and upload speeds up to 3 Mbps in 98421 ZIP code. These download speeds are available to 100% of the area, and are about the same as the average max speeds from all Tacoma's providers, 43 Mbps.
Internet providers in 98421 frequently asked questions
CenturyLink is the fastest internet provider in the 98421 ZIP code with download speeds up to 940 Mbps. These speeds are available to 100% of households in 98421. The next fastest internet provider in the 98421 ZIP code is ClickCableTV(wholesale), offering download speeds up to 500 Mbps to 100% of the area.
ClickCableTV(wholesale) offers the cheapest internet in the 98421 ZIP with service starting at $34.95/mo. This is significantly less than the average starting price for internet in Tacoma, $54.98.
Take a speed test to see what download and upload speeds you are getting. For the best results, perform the test over a wired connection. View our speed test guide for a full breakdown of your results. If you want faster speeds, consider these tips for boosting internet speed, or shop for faster internet plans in your area.
Fiber and cable internet are similar internet service types, but fiber offers a few advantages over cable. Fiber internet can deliver faster upload and download speeds than cable in most areas, and is less vulnerable to slowed speeds during peak usage times. Cable does have the advantage over fiber in terms of availability, covering 89% of U.S. households compared to fiber’s 38%.
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.
Wi-Fi connects your device to a router, but that router needs to be connected to the internet for your device to also be connected to the internet. You need an internet service provider to get Wi-Fi.
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