Internet and telecommunications options in Mississippi: Major ISPs: AT&T, Comcast Xfinity, C Spire. Available technologies: DSL, cable, fiber. Average internet speeds: 25-100 Mbps. Rural area coverage: Limited, satellite or fixed wireless. Fiber-optic availability: Increasing in urban areas. Mobile carriers: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile. 5G network: Expanding in major cities. Broadband affordability programs available. Data caps: Common with some providers. Installation and setup fees may apply.
Major ISPs: AT&T, Comcast Xfinity, C Spire.
AT&T Fiber stands as the top-recommended Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Mississippi, celebrated for its high-speed fiber connections, diverse plans, and exceptional customer satisfaction. In addition to AT&T, Comcast Xfinity and C Spire present competitive alternatives. Xfinity distinguishes itself with affordable plans while C Spire delivers remarkable fiber speeds up to 8 Gbps in select areas. For a detailed exploration of these options, visit the Best Internet Providers in Mississippi to make an informed choice for your internet needs.
Available technologies: DSL, cable, fiber.
In Mississippi, the available internet technologies include DSL, which is widely available but generally slower, cable internet from providers like Mediacom and Xfinity offering speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, and fiber internet, with AT&T Fiber and MaxxSouth Broadband providing the fastest speeds, including up to 10,000 Mbps from MaxxSouth Broadband.
Average internet speeds: 25-100 Mbps.
In Mississippi, for average internet speeds of 25-100 Mbps, both Mediacom and Xfinity offer affordable plans. Mediacom starts at $25 a month for 100 Mbps, while Xfinity provides 150 Mbps for just $30 a month.
Rural area coverage: Limited, satellite or fixed wireless.
In rural Mississippi, internet access is largely limited, with satellite internet services like Viasat and Hughesnet being the primary options. These providers offer download speeds up to 100-150 Mbps; however, these services can experience minor latency and reduced speeds at peak times or after data thresholds are exceeded. For more information on connectivity solutions in this region, visit the Rural Mississippi Internet page, which provides insights into available internet services and their capabilities.
Fiber-optic availability: Increasing in urban areas.
Fiber-optic internet is available in 58.24% of Mississippi, with the highest availability and speeds often found in urban and southeastern areas of the state. In these regions, providers like MaxxSouth and C Spire offer impressive speeds up to 10,000 Mbps in some areas.
Mobile carriers: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile.
In Mississippi, AT&T offers the most extensive coverage, covering 91.6% of the state, followed by T-Mobile with 82.9%, and Verizon with 77.9%. AT&T is ranked as the best overall for its balance of coverage, data speeds, and reliability, although T-Mobile has the fastest data speeds in the state. For an in-depth comparison and further details on coverage, you can visit this Coverage Map website.
5G network: Expanding in major cities.
In Mississippi, 5G network expansion is primarily focused on major cities such as Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi, and Tupelo, with C Spire being the leading carrier. While other carriers like T-Mobile and UScellular are expected to enter the market soon, rural areas still face limited coverage. For more information on the progress and challenges of this expansion, explore the detailed insights available at Navigating the 5G Landscape in Mississippi.
Broadband affordability programs available.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers significant discounts, providing up to $30 per month for internet service to eligible households and extending up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Furthermore, a one-time discount of up to $100 is available for purchasing essential devices like laptops, desktops, or tablets. In addition to these efforts, Mississippi's Digital Equity Plan, recently accepted by the NTIA, strives to bridge gaps in digital access, skills, and affordability. This initiative leverages funds from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program as part of the broader Internet for All initiative, ensuring digital inclusivity for the future.
Data caps: Common with some providers.
Data caps in Mississippi are common with some Internet providers, particularly cable and satellite services. For example, Xfinity enforces a 1.2 TB monthly data cap with an overage fee of $10 per 50 GB, while Mediacom and other cable providers also impose similar caps. For more detailed information on this subject, you can visit the article on Internet Service Providers With Data Caps which offers a comprehensive overview of how these restrictions can affect your Internet usage and what options might be available to manage or avoid them.
Installation and setup fees may apply.
Installation and setup fees for internet services in Mississippi can range from $50 to $199.99, depending on the provider, with some plans offering promotions that waive these fees. For example, AT&T and Verizon Fios may charge up to $99 for setup and installation, while Hughesnet's fee can be as high as $199.99. For more details on these fees and provider-specific promotions, you can visit the Guide to Internet Fees on Allconnect. This comprehensive resource provides insights into potential costs associated with various internet service providers.