AT&T is CNET’s choice for the best internet service provider in Alabama. It’s our top choice for most homes in the state because of its wide coverage and the option to get high-speed fiber plans in some areas. However, AT&T’s internet service doesn’t cover the entire state. If you’re outside of the coverage area, you can opt for Spectrum or T-Mobile Home Internet, which are both great options depending on what you can find at your address.
Looking for a budget-friendly ISP or fast-paced internet in Alabama? We’ve got you covered. Mediacom’s cable network has the cheapest plans in the area, with monthly prices starting at $20. If you need top speeds, Google Fiber and AT&T Fiber offer the fastest internet speeds in Alabama, with plans going up to 8,000Mbps and 5,000Mbps, respectively.
Best Internet Options in Alabama
Buzz Broadband: Buzz Broadband is one of those local ISPs that supplies fiber where you might not expect it. The ISP serves areas of Covington County around Andalusia and Ope, and plans to expand northward by 2023 and 2024. Speeds range from 200Mbps to 2,000Mbps for $60 to $100 monthly. There are no data caps, contracts or equipment fees.
Farmers Telecommunications Cooperative: FTC specializes in fiber. It offers service in DeKalb, Jackson and Marshall counties. It began as a telephone cooperative and later expanded into internet service. There are two plans: 400Mbps for $82 per month or 1,000Mbps for $102 with symmetrical speeds. The FTC doesn’t accept online orders, so call, email or visit the ISP’s business office in Rainsville.
Point Broadband: Point reaches many areas of Alabama, including Baldwin County and the towns of Hazel Green, Lillian, Lake Martin and Opelika. It offers fiber with speeds up to 2,000Mbps or fixed wireless with speeds up to 200Mbps. Here’s how fixed wireless compares to other internet connection types.
Sorting through Point’s plans can be a little confusing. The $40-per-month 200Mbps fiber plan only stays at that low price for three months before moving to $65 per month. Your best bet is to go to your address and check the offer. Keep an eye on the fine print.
Total Radio Services: Many rural homes are served by a local fixed wireless ISP. Total Radio services cover Marshall and Blount counties, focusing on households that can’t get cable or DSL.
Prices start at $35 per month, but speeds are variable depending on location.
Weiss Internet: Weiss Internet’s fixed wireless coverage area is centered on Cherokee County, but also reaches neighboring counties.
Plans start at $55 per month for 3Mbps service and up to $150 monthly for 100Mbps download. There’s a $150 installation fee. There are no data caps. Weiss has a very limited fiber presence in the Center, which it plans to expand.
Satellite Internet: The three big U.S. competitors are Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat. Satellite, which can be slow and expensive, is usually a last resort when other ISPs don’t work. If net speed is a priority, consider Starlink, but be prepared for an upfront equipment cost of $349.