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Top 7 Internet Providers in Albany, NY
Albany might not be a large city like NYC, but it is the capital of New York State due to its central location. As one of the oldest surviving European settlements from the original fifteen colonies, Albany is well-known for its rich history, which is also eloquently reflected in its architecture. The city is an economic and cultural core of the Capital District of New York State.
However, you can find only a handful of internet providers in Albany, NY. Still, this does not mean that residents don’t have access to the internet. In fact, Albany’s broadband coverage is much better than the country’s average. As a result, 99% of Albanians can access at least two internet providers. We have raked the top 7 internet providers in Albany, NY, based on their speed, pricing, availability, and overall value so you can find the best broadband for your home.
| Providers | Speed | Starting Price | Type |
| Verizon | Up to 1,000 Mbps | $50.00/mo. | DSL, 5G Internet |
| Verizon Fios | Up to 940 Mbps | $49.99/mo. | Fiber |
| Spectrum | Up to 1,000 Mbps | $49.99/mo. | Cable |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | Up to 245 Mbps | $50.00/mo. | 5G Internet |
| Starlink | Up to 220 Mbps | $120.00/mo. | Satellite |
| Viasat | Up to 50 Mbps | $49.99/mo. | Satellite |
| HughesNet | Up to 50 Mbps | $49.99/mo. | Satellite |
Types of Internet Providers in Albany, NY
Although Albany’s broadband coverage is at 100%, you can mainly access cable and DSL internet options, as fiber-optic infrastructure is limited to only a few households. On the other hand, satellite internet is the most widely available wireless internet service, while fixed wireless is available in some neighborhoods.
Fiber Internet Providers in Albany, NY
Fiber Internet has a limited presence in Albany, available only in a few areas. As a result, you can only find Verizon Fios in western Albany and locations around downtown. This fiber internet provider in Albany offers a choice of three internet speeds, with prices ranging from $49.99 to $89.99 per month. These plans come with price guarantees ranging from two to four years and no hidden charges, making them a preferred option for home internet in Albany.
| Fiber Internet Providers in Albany, NY | |||
| Providers | Starting Price | Speed Range | Contact |
| Verizon Fios | $49.99/mo. | Up to 940 Mbps | Order Now |
Cable Internet Providers in Albany, NY
Cable internet is readily available throughout the city, making Spectrum accessible everywhere in Albany. This cable internet provider in Albany offers three internet speeds, starting from a decent 300 Mbps and reaching up to a swift 1000 Mbps. However, these speeds can vary depending on your location.
Spectrum Internet Plans are quite reasonable, ranging from $49.99 to $89.99, but the provider raises them by $35 after 12 months, resulting in somewhat high standard rates. However, Spectrum is still a practical choice for home internet service in Albany, NY, since it does not impose any data caps or contracts and provides a free modem and security suite.
| Cable Internet Providers in Albany, NY | |||
| Providers | Starting Price | Speed Range | Contact |
| Spectrum | $49.99/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Call Now |
Fixed Wireless Internet Providers in Albany, NY
Fixed wireless is not as extensively available in Albany as in other cities. However, you can find T-Mobile and Verizon 5G Home Internet in specific neighborhoods. While these internet providers in Albany, NY, might not offer the same speeds as wired internet alternatives, they are a powerful and cost-effective broadband solution, delivering remarkable value through their offerings.
DSL Internet Providers in Albany, NY
DSL is another prevailing wired internet service in Albany, covering 78% of the city. While DSL internet providers in Albany, NY, offer significantly faster speeds than dial-up connections, they cannot match the bandwidth capacities of cable or fiber internet. Verizon has a DSL network in this city, offering speeds up to 15 Mbps at a starting price of $75. Although this plan is contract-free and offers unlimited data, the combination of a high introductory price and a slow speed may cause many people to have second thoughts about it.
| DSL Internet Providers in Albany, NY | |||
| Providers | Starting Price | Speed Range | Contact |
| Verizon | $74.99/mo. | Up to 15 Mbps | Order Now |
Satellite Internet Providers in Albany
Satellite Internet is also widely available broadband in Albany, NY, offered by Viasat, HughesNet, and Starlink. While you can find these providers at every address in Albany, the prices of their internet plans are notably higher than other internet types. HughesNet and Viasat start at $50 but come with significant price hikes, data caps, and 2-year contracts. Meanwhile, Starlink’s starting price of $120 is higher, but it also offers greater flexibility by providing residents with unlimited standard data at an average speed of 53 Mbps.
| Satellite Internet Providers in Albany, NY | |||
| Providers | Starting Price | Speed Range | Data Caps |
| Viasat | $64.99/mo. | Up to 50 Mbps | 60 GB – 500 GB |
| HughesNet | $49.99/mo. | Up to 50 Mbps | 15 GB – 200 GB |
| Starlink | $120.00/mo. | Up to 220 Mbps | Unlimited |
Fastest Internet Provider in Albany, NY
Fiber-optic has a limited presence in Albany, which is why Verizon Fios is only available at a few addresses. Hence, cable internet is the primary connectivity option, and Spectrum is the fastest internet provider in Albany, NY with a 1,000 Mbps high-end plan with an introductory price of $89.99 for 12 months. This gigabit connection offers sufficient bandwidth to connect more than ten devices and also supports a broad range of online activities, from streaming on Twitch and watching live concerts to playing competitive games.
| Fastest Internet Plan in Albany, NY | |
| Plan | Spectrum Internet® Gig |
| Starting Price | $89.99/mo. for 12 mos.* |
| Regular Price | 124.99/mo. |
| Download Speed | 1,000 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 35 Mbps |
| Data Caps | None |
| Contract | None |
| Modem | Included |
| Router | $5.00/mo. |
| Installation | $59.99 |
Cheapest Internet Provider in Albany, NY
To choose a cheap option, you must also consider various aspects of an internet plan besides the monthly service fee, such as sign-up costs, installation fees, contracts, and henceforth, early termination charges, equipment rentals, and other additional costs. Many internet providers in Albany, NY, use low introductory price tactics to trap customers and then charge them with high long-term costs. Therefore, after a comprehensive analysis, we have identified T-Mobile as the most affordable internet provider in Albany.
While the cost of T-Mobile Home Internet aligns with the starting price of many other internet providers in Albany, NY, it is a reasonable choice because it does not have a long list of additional charges. The provider also offers decent internet speeds ranging from 72 to 245 Mbps, depending on the network strength in your area. Moreover, T-Mobile 5G Home Internet features a lifetime price guarantee, sparing you from the constant concern of unexpected price hikes. The deprioritization of data for residential consumers is the only drawback of this option.
| Cheapest Internet Plan in Albany, NY | |
| Plan | T-Mobile Home Internet |
| Starting Price | $50.00/mo. with AutoPay |
| Price Guarantee | Lifetime |
| Internet Speed | 72 Mbps – 245 Mbps |
| Data Caps | None |
| Contract | None |
| Equipment | Included |
| Installation | Free |
Best Low-income Internet Provider in Albany, NY
Low-income households can benefit from the same opportunities as others through the Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program. By partnering with the FCC, Spectrum provides affordable internet options to qualifying families, enabling them to save $30 on their internet bill. Being one of the best ACP Internet providers in Albany, NY, Spectrum provides an exclusive, low-cost 100 Mbps plan with this program, which starts at $29.99 per month.
This plan enables financially challenged families to access free internet for almost two years with the ACP discount. However, the price of this plan is increased to $59.99 after the promotional period, requiring a payment of $29.99 with the ACP discount.
| Best Internet Provider in Albany for Low-Income Hoyseholds | |||
| Provider | Plan | Starting Price | Price after ACP |
| Spectrum | Internet 100 | $29.99/mo. for 24 months | $0 |
Availability of Albany Internet Providers
Only a few Albany internet providers in Albany, NY, have citywide coverage, with cable and DSL being the primary choices for wired broadband. As a result, Spectrum is the leading choice for the majority of Albany residents. In contrast, fiber internet providers cover a comparatively smaller area, allowing only a fraction of residents to access the high internet speeds via Verizon Fios.
On the other hand, Starlink, Viasat, and HughesNet are accessible at every address. Many residents also have the option of fixed wireless services such as Verizon and T-Mobile Home Internet. The following table outlines the coverage areas of these top 7 internet providers in Albany, NY, to help you understand which option is most likely available at your address.
| Providers | Coverage in Albany | Type |
| Verizon | 91.5% | DSL, 5G Internet |
| Verizon Fios | 26.3% | Fiber |
| Spectrum | 98% | Cable |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 68.15% | 5G Internet |
| Starlink | 100% | Satellite |
| Viasat | 100% | Satellite |
| HughesNet | 100% | Satellite |
Best Albany Internet Provider
The capital of New York State is perfect for a serene lifestyle, offering ample outdoor activities and entertainment options. Internet is the center of these activities, and among the various internet providers in Albany, NY, Spectrum is the best choice for home internet. With citywide coverage, the provider offers three contract-free, high-speed internet plans to the majority of residents. In addition to its exceptional internet service, Spectrum also provides a variety of incredible bundles that allow you to combine multiple services under one bill, enabling seamless connectivity and enjoyment.
FAQs
Yes, Albany has fiber internet, but it is available to only a fraction of households.
Besides satellite internet providers, Spectrum has the best coverage in Albany, NY.
356 Mbps is the average download speed in Albany, NY.
38 Mbps is the average upload speed in Albany, NY.
Yes, qualifying low-income families can get free internet through Spectrum’s ACP.
Rochesterians can also access free WiFi in public libraries, airports, and a select few coffee shops.
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