Internet and telecommunications options in South Carolina: Major providers: AT&T, Spectrum, Comcast. High-speed internet availability: city vs rural areas. Fiber-optic services in urban regions. Average internet speeds and reliability ratings. Competitive pricing and bundled package deals. 5G network expansion in metropolitan areas. Satellite internet options for remote places. State-wide public Wi-Fi initiatives. Contract terms and early termination fees. Service quality and customer support reviews.
Major providers: AT&T, Spectrum, Comcast.
In South Carolina, major internet providers include Spectrum, which is CNET's top pick due to its extensive coverage and fast speeds up to 1,000Mbps; AT&T, offering both fiber and copper-based services with speeds up to 5,000Mbps in some areas; and Xfinity, providing cable internet with speeds up to 2,000Mbps. These providers offer various plans and services, including regional options like Comporium and HTC, to cater to different needs and locations across the state. For more in-depth information, you can visit their website.
High-speed internet availability: city vs rural areas.
In South Carolina, high-speed internet is widely available, with broadband speeds of at least 100Mbps accessible to 100% of households. However, rural areas may rely on DSL, 5G home internet, or satellite services like Starlink, while cities have access to faster fiber and cable internet from providers like Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, and Xfinity.
Fiber-optic services in urban regions.
In South Carolina's urban regions, fiber-optic services are widely available, with providers like AT&T, Upcountry Fiber, and Spectrum offering high-speed fiber internet. Cities such as Columbia, Greenville, Charleston, and Summerville have nearly complete coverage with speeds up to 5000 Mbps for download and 1000 Mbps or higher for upload. For more details on the internet services available in these areas, make sure to check out the extensive resources provided by InMyArea.
Average internet speeds and reliability ratings.
In South Carolina, the average download speed is 140.4 Mbps, ranking 17th nationally, and the average upload speed is 61 Mbps, ranking 20th nationally. Internet providers in the state receive an average customer satisfaction rating of 3.6 out of 5 stars, with 86.2% of the time advertised speeds meeting household needs. For a more detailed analysis and comparison of providers, visit the HighSpeedInternet website to ensure you select the best service for your needs.
Competitive pricing and bundled package deals.
In South Carolina, competitive pricing and bundled package deals are offered by providers like Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, and Xfinity. For example, AT&T Fiber offers a $20/month discount when combined with an AT&T unlimited wireless plan, and Spectrum is noted for its low equipment fees and unlimited data plans.
5G network expansion in metropolitan areas.
Verizon has taken a substantial step in boosting its 5G Ultra Wideband service across metropolitan areas in South Carolina, particularly in Columbia and West Columbia, by leveraging both mmWave and C-band spectrum. This strategic upgrade involves the installation of new cell sites and enhancement of fiber optic capacity, alongside improvements at crucial locations such as Williams Brice Stadium and Fort Jackson, providing users with better coverage, capacity, and speeds. Meanwhile, AT&T is similarly advancing its 5G network capabilities by adding over 75 new mobility sites and upgrading more than 550 existing ones throughout 2022, thereby amplifying LTE and 5G access across the state, including high-traffic zones like airports and stadiums. Concurrently, T-Mobile is extending its 5G reach with its 600 MHz and Ultra Capacity 5G services, ensuring comprehensive coverage and speed improvements in various urban areas across South Carolina.
Satellite internet options for remote places.
For remote places in South Carolina, satellite internet options include Starlink, which offers speeds up to 200Mbps with lower latency compared to other satellite services, and Viasat, which provides faster speeds and higher data allowances but at a higher cost.
State-wide public Wi-Fi initiatives.
South Carolina is receiving significant funding through the ReConnect Program and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program to enhance high-speed internet access in rural and underserved areas, which includes deploying fixed wireless and fiber-to-the-premises networks. While there are no specific state-wide public Wi-Fi initiatives mentioned, this substantial investment signifies a major development in bridging the digital divide. For more detailed information about these programs, visit the USDA News Release on their efforts in funding high-speed internet infrastructure.
Contract terms and early termination fees.
In South Carolina, most internet providers have eliminated contracts and early termination fees (ETFs), creating a more flexible experience for users. However, exceptions do exist with Xfinity's certain plans in the West and Northwest, as well as older AT&T plans which may impose a $15 charge per month for the duration remaining on the contract. Notably, popular providers like Spectrum and Verizon Fios have simplified their offerings by doing away with contracts and ETFs altogether. For a comprehensive guide on how to manage or shut down your internet service efficiently, visit the detailed resources provided on Cancel Internet Service.
Service quality and customer support reviews.
In South Carolina, West Carolina Tel is highly rated for service quality and customer support, achieving a perfect score of overall customer satisfaction and affordability. Other providers, such as HTC and CarolinaConnect, also receive high ratings. Meanwhile, AT&T and Earthlink are praised for their fiber services and symmetrical upload speeds, though their coverage is more limited. These providers play a significant role in ensuring residents have access to reliable internet services.