Tampa is a city known for its tourist attractions on the west coast of Florida. Many families from all over the world come and gather in Tampa to see Busch Gardens. This garden is an amusement park and zoo all in one location. Additionally, the city is also known for its pristine Gulf Coast beaches. However, if the city seems like your ideal place to live, you’ll have to know the best internet providers in Tampa.
Spectrum and Frontier are renowned providers offering cable or fiber-optic services in neighborhoods like Palmetto Beach and Tampa Palms. Fiber-optic internet service from Frontier is available to nearly all Tampa residents, spreading to about 93% of households. Besides, you also have the option of DSL from Frontier, with area coverage of 92%. On the other hand, Spectrum provides cable services to around 99% of Tampa occupants.
Therefore, if you’re new to Tampa and searching for reliable internet, you may consider the no contract cable and internet packages. If you’re contemplating switching plans, the city provides several high-speed options from the most prominent internet service providers in the country. Thus, based on availability and your specific internet needs, you can choose from (DSL), fiber, cable, or satellite internet connections.
What Are The Internet Connection Types Available In Tampa
i) Cable internet
This connection type avails a high-speed network connection to the internet through the same framework as cable tv. Cable internet delivers speeds up to 400 Mpbs and is ideal for gaming and streaming tv.
ii) Fiber optic internet
Nowadays, Fiber optic is one of the most reliable internet connections. However, the fastest connection offers download speeds up to 940Mbps. A fiber optic cable is a network cable that comprises strands of glass fibers that transmit and receives data in the form of light. Besides, it can send data over longer distances and at the fastest speeds.
iii) DSL internet
DSL connection is an old internet connection technology best for light internet users. However, it connects to the internet using your existing telephone line and can be slower than other internet connection types. This internet connection is only usable as a last resort if you lack access to cable or fiber.
iii) Satellite internet
Satellite internet gets transmitted using a satellite dish rather than by broadband wires or cables. However, satellite internet is the most reliable in rural neighborhoods without the availability of wired options.
The internet connection has improved since it was first launched many years ago. On the downside, the internet speeds are not as swift as other internet services.
Overview of The Best Internet Providers in Tampa, Florida
Tampa residents can access DSL internet providers such as EarthLink and Frontier. However, DSL tends to be a more affordable but a slower option sometimes. This internet connection type uses a telephone line and a DSL modem to connect your home to the internet.
Tampa residents struggling with their monthly internet bills can also take advantage of the free internet for low-income families from the government and qualifying internet service providers.
Additionally, for cable internet, Tampa has Spectrum and Xfinity. This internet connection type requires the traditional TV cable lines and a cable modem to connect you to the internet.
If high speed concerns you, you can opt for fiber internet since it is an upgrade over a cable connection. Fiber internet uses fiber-optic cables to transfer data at blazing-fast speeds of 1,000 Mbps.
Notably, Frontier, EarthLink, and Xfinity provide fiber, but not everywhere. Therefore, ensure to check the availability of your preferred internet service provider for your location.
Again, if cable or DSL connectivity is unavailable in your area, you can look for a satellite connection from HughesNet and Viasat. Satellite internet uses satellites to transmit wirelessly in and from a satellite dish at your home.
5 Best Internet Providers in Tampa
1) Spectrum
Spectrum offers the most comprehensive coverage and the fastest internet connection in Tampa, with download speeds up to 1000 Mbps. These speeds are available to 99% of households in Tampa. However, Spectrum internet plans start from $34.99/month, and there are 9 internet plans. As with all internet providers, prices can vary depending on location.
The most selling point for this carrier is the massive network of Wi-Fi hotspots spread across the country. Besides, you can also obtain free government lifeline internet, a free modem, and antivirus software with Spectrum standard plan. Spectrums plans feature no data caps, and you also receive unlimited internet without compromising speed.
2) Viasat
Viasat is among the two companies in the U.S. that provide satellite internet. However, Viasat is available throughout Tampa and is a suitable option if you do not have access to cable or DSL. Viasat’s plans range from $75 per month to $150 per month. Additionally, for new customers in select areas, Viasat provides free standard installation.
Moreover, Viasat provides three internet plans in Tampa, including Unlimited Gold 30, Unlimited Silver 25, and Unlimited Bronze 12. The speeds include 30 Mbps, 25 Mbps, and 12 Mbps, respectively. However, plans and prices will vary based on your location.
For more general consumption, Viasat’s Unlimited Gold 30 provides downloads at up to 30 Mbps, with upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps. Thus, this plan is the best for basic browsing, email, and shopping online.
3) Frontier
Frontier is among the widely available internet providers to all residents of Tampa. The Company provides DSL and fiber internet plans featuring download speeds of up to 940 Mbps. However, DSL plans begin from as low as $27.99 per month, and fiber plans begin at $39.99 per month.
Notably, these prices may vary depending on your location. The FiOS GIG plan delivers download speeds of up to 940 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 880 Mbps. You can enjoy fast and reliable connections on multiple devices with this plan.
Again, you can use it to operate your smart home. Frontier internet requires auto pay and paperless billing. Otherwise, a printed bill fee of $2.99/month will apply.
4) Xfinity
Xfinity packs the most flexible plan options from 25 Mbps to 2,000 Mbps. However, Xfinity also generally features fantastic prices, ranging from the cheapest internet options to deluxe Wi-Fi packages and bundle deals on internet, TV, and phone. On the downside, Xfinity has the most limited coverage, primarily handling areas in East Tampa and suburbs further east.
Again, you can choose Xfinity’s Gigabit fiber plan to receive download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 35 Mbps. This high-speed internet plan is suitable for online gaming or streaming HD videos on multiple devices.
5) HughesNet
Hughesnet and Viasat are the only carriers that offer Satellite internet connections in Tampa. However, if you don’t require the capacity that gaming and HD video streaming need, you can check out HughesNet’s Internet plan that provides download speeds of up to 25 Mbps, with upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps.
Fastest Fixed Internet Providers in Tampa, Florida
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet are fast internet providers in Tampa. These carriers offer the same fixed wireless technology to supply residents faster and more reliable speeds than satellite and DSL internet.
Additionally, both providers are suitable options for rural residents who provide cheap internet for homes and customers who don’t have access to cable and fiber internet. Interestingly, you don’t need to sign up for contracts or get data caps on their plans.
New customers can enjoy sign-up perks such as reward cards, free subscriptions to streaming services, and free equipment from Verizon 5G Home Internet and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet.
How Do You Choose The Best Internet Provider in Tampa?
i) Get Unlimited Data
On top of internet speed, you also pay close attention to how much data you obtain on your plan. Going beyond your cap results in overage charges or slowed download speeds.
If you consume a lot of time doing data-heavy tasks like streaming 4K movies or joining Zoom meetings, you should avoid data caps. Therefore, select an internet provider that provides unlimited data. Another option you should consider is paying extra for unlimited data as an add-on to your existing plan.
ii) Internet Speed
Speed is a significant component to look for as it determines how fast you can access the internet. In other words, speed translates to how fast you can receive data to or from a server. However, internet providers also understand this aspect, which is why they mention the high speeds they provide in their plans.
Typically, 5G technology provides 100x more speed than 4G. But, not all internet providers have the capacity to upgrade to 5G. When selecting a service provider, know if they’re offering 5G or 4G speeds and in which areas. Internet connection speed can have a direct impact on user experience.
iii) Hidden Fees and Annual Contracts
Generally, the monthly fee you see on an internet plan is rarely the only cost you have to pay. In many scenarios, internet providers also impose extra costs for installation and monthly equipment rentals on top of the monthly internet charges. Some providers, especially cable providers, also impose annual price increments on their plans and early termination fees if you terminate service before your contract.
Most importantly, the best way to get away with these hidden charges is by selecting an internet provider with straightforward pricing. For instance, Verizon 5G Home Internet and T-Mobile Home Internet provide internet plans at fixed rates without hidden surprises or charges.
Bottom Line
New Tampa residents on vacation can get the best internet providers in Florida and Tampa city and enjoy their experience with the best internet connection ever. You can enjoy blazing speeds at very affordable pricing from the providers listed in this guideline.
However, Tampa’s most prominent internet providers include Frontier and Spectrum, which brings fiber-optic, cable, and DSL internet options to Tampa.