Internet and telecommunications options in Washington: Provider options: Xfinity, CenturyLink, T-Mobile, Verizon. Fiber availability is expanding in major cities. Average internet speed: 100-200 Mbps. Mobile carriers offer 5G service statewide. Rural areas may need satellite internet. Contact providers for serviceability checks. Seasonal promotions may offer cost savings. Consider bundling for discounts on services. No tax on internet services. Use speed comparison tools before choosing.
Provider options: Xfinity, CenturyLink, T-Mobile, Verizon.
In Washington, top internet providers include Xfinity, which offers widely available cable internet with various plans; CenturyLink, known for its fiber service, particularly the Quantum Fiber brand; T-Mobile, providing 5G Home Internet with competitive pricing and high customer satisfaction; and Verizon, offering 5G and fiber options with fast speeds, especially through its Verizon Fios service. These providers vary in terms of speed, pricing, and availability, with Xfinity and CenturyLink being prominent for their wide reach and fiber capabilities, while T-Mobile and Verizon offer strong alternatives with their 5G services.
Fiber availability is expanding in major cities.
Washington State is significantly expanding fiber internet availability, with investments of $20 million and additional federal funding to enhance high-speed internet access in eastern and distressed regions, including key projects in Jefferson, Okanogan, and Spokane counties, as well as initiatives on Whidbey Island and other rural areas. For further details, you can visit the official High-Speed Internet WA website.
Average internet speed: 100-200 Mbps.
In Washington, the average internet speed is around 100-200 Mbps, with roughly 90% of residents having access to speeds of at least 100Mbps. The state's median download speed is about 189Mbps, ranking it 36th among US states. Fiber optics is the primary technology supporting higher broadband demands. For more details on the top providers and specific service options, you can check the Best Internet Providers in Washington on CNET.
Mobile carriers offer 5G service statewide.
In Washington, T-Mobile offers the best 5G coverage, covering 97.46% of the state, while AT&T and Verizon also provide 5G services, with AT&T covering 33.21% and Verizon covering 9.02% of the state. For a comprehensive analysis of the best networks in the region, you can explore the in-depth information available on Best Neighborhood. Both AT&T and Verizon are reputable providers, yet their 5G coverage still lags behind T-Mobile in terms of statewide reach.
Rural areas may need satellite internet.
In rural Washington, satellite internet providers like Viasat offer reliable and high-speed internet access, with download speeds reaching up to 100-150 Mbps, making it a viable option where traditional cable, fiber optic, or cellular internet are not available. For residents in these areas, choosing a satellite service from providers listed on the Rsinc Website can bridge the digital divide, connecting them to essential online services, entertainment, and communication channels that would otherwise be out of reach.
Contact providers for serviceability checks.
If you're looking to explore internet service providers in Washington, a great starting point is to visit the HighSpeedInternet.com website. By simply entering your zip code, you can easily find and compare offerings from major providers like Xfinity, CenturyLink, Spectrum, and Ziply Fiber, as well as review their availability and plan options. For those interested in CenturyLink specifically, their website offers detailed information on fiber or wireless internet service availability tailored to your location, along with contact details for further inquiries. Additionally, LocalTel offers personalized customer support and information on their internet services, ensuring that you have access to their reliable fiber and wireless options. On Allconnect, users can effortlessly compare providers by city, giving a comprehensive view of the available plans to make an informed decision.
Seasonal promotions may offer cost savings.
This holiday season, internet service providers like AT&T, Verizon, and Xfinity are offering various promotional deals, including reward cards, free subscriptions, and discounted plans, providing customers with significant cost savings and additional perks. For example, AT&T is offering up to $300 in reward cards for new fiber customers, while Xfinity is providing a 200 Mbps plan for $25 per month for a full year.
Consider bundling for discounts on services.
In Washington, consider bundling internet and mobile services with providers like Optimum, Spectrum, and T-Mobile to save money. For instance, Optimum offers a $15 monthly discount for bundling internet with Optimum Mobile, while T-Mobile provides a $20 discount on home internet when paired with certain mobile plans. To explore more options and find the best internet and mobile bundles, visit the Highspeed Internet website in order to make an informed decision.
No tax on internet services.
In Washington State, Internet access and telecommunications used to provide Internet access are exempt from retail sales tax due to the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act (ITFA). However, it is important to note that while these services are exempt from retail sales tax, they are still subject to Business and Occupation (B&O) taxes. For more information, you can visit the article on the Moss Adams website. This distinction ensures that while consumers benefit from not having to pay sales tax on Internet services, businesses providing these services still contribute to state revenues through B&O taxes.
Use speed comparison tools before choosing.
To choose the best internet provider in Washington, it is essential to use speed comparison tools to evaluate options such as Xfinity, CenturyLink, and Ziply Fiber, which offer varying speeds and coverage. Among these, Xfinity and Ziply Fiber stand out for their wide availability and high speeds. Additionally, utilizing speed test tools like TestMy.net allows you to compare real-world internet speeds of different ISPs in specific areas like Seattle. Here, you can access detailed speed test results and rankings of providers including Comcast, T-Mobile, and CenturyLink.