Best Internet Providers in Buffalo, NY
| Quick Facts | |
| Average Download Speed | 216.09 Mbps |
| Fastest Internet Provider | Verizon Fios |
| Cheapest Internet Provider | Consolidated Communications |
| Best ACP Provider | Spectrum |
| Most Extensive Coverage | Spectrum |
Table of Contents
Top 10 Buffalo Internet Providers
| Providers | Speed | Starting Price | Type |
| Spectrum | Up to 1,000 Mbps | $49.99/mo. | Fiber & Cable |
| Verizon Fios | Up to 1,000 Mbps | $49.99/mo. | Fiber-optic |
| T-Mobile | Up to 182 Mbps | $50.00/mo. | Fixed Wireless |
| EarthLink | Up to 1,000 Mbps | $54.95/mo. | Fiber & Fixed Wireless |
| Viasat | Up to 150 Mbps | $49.99/mo. | Satellite |
| HughesNet | Up to 50 Mbps | $64.99/mo. | Satellite |
| Starlink | Up to 220 Mbps | $99.00/mo. | Satellite |
| Consolidated Comm. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | $35.00/mo. | Fiber & DSL |
| Upstream Network | Up to 1,000 Mbps | N/A | Fiber & Cable |
| ispMint | Up to 100 Mbps | $99.00/mo. | DSL & Fixed Wireless |
Types of Internet Providers in Buffalo, NY
Buffalo is one of the most digitally connected cities in New York. Almost 98.1 percent of the city can access broadband with a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps. There are a total of 25 internet providers in Buffalo, New York. Among them:
- 7 offer fiber-optic internet service
- 5 offer DSL internet connections
- 5 offer fixed wireless internet
- 4 offer coaxial cable internet
- 3 offer satellite internet service
Fiber Internet Providers in Buffalo, NY
Fiber-optic connections are the fastest source of broadband technology in Buffalo. Unlike the traditional wired internet connections that carry internet data in the form of analog signals, data inside a fiber-optic strand travels as a light photon, in a wave-like motion, literally at the speed of light. Therefore, fiber-optic cables can distribute up to 10 Gbps (10,000 Mbps) of symmetrical internet speeds to residential subscribers.
At the moment, around 54 percent of the city can access fiber-optic cable systems and get equal upload and download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. The best neighborhoods in Buffalo for fiber-optic internet connectivity are Allentown, Black Rock, and Riverside Park.
The top 2 fiber internet providers in Buffalo, NY, can offer up to 1,000 Mbps of download and upload speeds with uncapped data for rates as low as $35 per month.
Here are the 2 best fiber internet providers in Buffalo that are illuminating the city with their lightning-fast broadband speeds.
Cable Internet Providers in Buffalo, NY
Cable Internet service is the second-fastest type of broadband connection in Buffalo, New York. Nearly 97.44 percent of the households in Buffalo can receive download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps through a robust and extensive coaxial cable network. Cable internet uses the same transmission lines that deliver cable TV service to the city’s residents. The structure of a coaxial cable is designed to carry analog (electrical) signals at high speeds (one thousand megabits per second) with minimal data loss. The result is that subscribers get consistently fast download speeds and low latencies, regardless of their distance from the data centers.
The ultrafast asymmetrical speeds of coaxial cable internet are available from north to south and east to west, covering neighborhoods, like Kensington, Tiffit, Abbott, and North Park. The Time Warner Cable system, operated by Spectrum Internet, is the largest provider of cable internet service in Buffalo, New York. Together, the cable internet providers in Buffalo, NY, can offer a download speed of up to 1 Gbps and an upload speed of up to 35 Mbps for as low as $49.99 per month.
You can get unlimited data, contract-free service, and cost-saving bundle deals on your cable internet plans in Buffalo.
Below, are the 2 best cable internet providers in Buffalo that guarantee low-cost, and moderately fast broadband connectivity in more than 97 percent of the city.
Fixed Wireless Internet Providers in Buffalo, NY
Wireless home internet service is increasing in popularity around the USA. The ease of connecting to a fast, affordable, and reliable home internet service without getting tangled in cords is attracting customers towards fixed wireless broadband plans. In Buffalo, fixed wireless internet connections offer coverage in at least 80 percent of the city. The wireless home internet providers in Buffalo, NY, use cellular towers to transmit Long Term Evolution (LTE) 4G and 5G internet data to subscribers.
In most cases, fixed wireless internet providers can distribute download speeds of up to 200 Mbps for an average monthly fee of $60. Some 5G home internet plans may include data caps. However, the best fixed wireless internet provider in Buffalo, T-Mobile Home, offers unlimited data, a lifetime price guarantee, a 15-day free trial, and no-contract service.
In the table below, we have mentioned the 3 best 5G home internet providers in Buffalo, NY, that ensure cordless digital connectivity from North Park to South Park and Front Park to Schiller Park.
| Top 3 Fixed Wireless Internet Providers in Buffalo, NY | |||
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Speed | Overall Rating |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $50.00/mo. | 182 Mbps | 4.23/ 5 stars |
| Ultra Home Internet | $54.99/mo. | 115 Mbps | 2.05/ 5 stars |
| Always On | $60.00/mo. | 150 Mbps | 3.31/ 5 stars |
DSL Internet Providers in Buffalo
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) internet is the second-most widely available source of wired internet in Buffalo, NY. Nearly 95 percent of the city can connect to a DSL internet network. But because of its slow speeds, comparatively higher costs, and low network reliability, only 2 percent of the residents use DSL internet. While Buffalonians wait for fiber-optic internet to catch up, DSL internet providers in Buffalo, NY, are filling the connectivity gap in the city’s underserved communities. Hence, DSL internet continues to contribute 69.77 percent to the Buffalo broadband market share.
A DSL internet connection is delivered over the traditional phone lines in the form of analog signals. Inside the home, an internet modem converts these electrical signals into internet data. Typically, DSL internet service can deliver a download speed of up to 100 Mbps for a median price of $55 per month. Like other wired internet connections, DSL internet can offer unlimited monthly data and low latency between 11 and 40 ms.
ispMint is the biggest Buffalo internet provider for DSL internet plans. For a starting price of $99 per month, it can offer a download speed of up to 100 Mbps in more than 82 percent of Buffalo.
The best DSL internet providers in Buffalo, NY, are promising basic broadband connectivity in almost every part of the city, except the Tifft Nature Preserve.
Satellite Internet Providers in Buffalo
Satellite Internet service was launched in 1996 to provide internet access in the remotest parts of the country. Satellite internet providers, like HughesNet (the nation’s first high-speed extraterrestrial internet service), use a fleet of communications satellites to transmit internet data directly to subscribers’ homes.
First, internet signals are sent in outer space from on-ground data centers, constructed and managed by satellite internet providers. Second, the signals (radio frequencies) are intercepted by geostationary satellites, which in turn transmit the signals to consumer’s homes. Lastly, subscriber’s homes are equipped with satellite dish antennas that capture the radio signals and convert them to digital data for internet usage.
Owning to its extraterrestrial nature, satellite internet carriers can offer coverage in 98.9 percent of Buffalo. But this citywide availability comes at a high cost. On average, satellite internet plans are 40 percent more expensive than terrestrial internet options. Moreover, their maximum download speed cannot reach more than 220 Mbps and often the data usage is capped. Another major disadvantage of a satellite internet connection is its ultra-high latency, which averages at 600 ms.
There are 3 satellite internet providers in Buffalo, New York. Collectively, they are mitigating the digital divide by offering instant and reliable internet connectivity for a starting price of $49.99 per month.
Fastest Internet Provider in Buffalo, NY
Light is the speed limit of the universe. Nothing can be faster than the speed of light. Verizon Fios, the nation’s second-best fiber-optic internet provider, capitalized on this universal law to deliver equal gigabit upload and download speeds to over 50 percent of the homes in Buffalo.
Verizon Fios’ symmetrical internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps and ultra-low latency of 9 ms make it the fastest internet provider in Buffalo, New York.
Verizon Fios Internet Plans in Buffalo, NY
Verizon Fios uses a 100 percent fiber-rich network to deliver a 1 Gig speed tier to most of north Buffalo. Its lightning-fast internet plans start at $49.99 per month, but if you bundle the service with Verizon Wireless Unlimited phone plans, the price drops to $24.99 per month.
All the Verizon Fios plans include a WiFi 6 router, unlimited data, price guarantees, and discounts on Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Go. You can also avail of an expert installation fee waiver by making an online order for fiber-powered internet plans. Annual contracts are not mandatory. Instead, customers can get up to $500 in early termination fee coverage for switching mid-contract from a competing provider to Verizon Fios.
Cheapest Internet Provider in Buffalo, NY
Over 16 percent of the families in Buffalo cannot afford broadband subscriptions. The average monthly fee of an internet plan in Buffalo is $62. This can be a significant expense for residents who are living paycheck-to-paycheck. Luckily, one Buffalo internet provider is offering internet packages at lower than market rates.
Consolidated Communications’ affordable introductory rates, 1-year price lock guarantees, and free installation make it the cheapest internet provider in Buffalo, New York.
Consolidated Communications Internet Plans in Buffalo, NY
Consolidated Communications is a well-reputed fiber and DSL internet provider in Buffalo. Its DSL internet service is available in a select few zip codes for a fixed monthly fee of $33. However, its fiber internet service is available in more than 23 percent of the city and the plans cost as low as $35 per month. You can receive up to 1,000 Mbps of equal upload and download speed, with uncapped data and contract-free service. All the Consolidated Communications fiber internet plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, 24/7 technical support, and online storage space.
T-Mobile is another great option for under $35 internet plan seekers. You can enroll in the T-Mobile 5G Home Internet service for just $30 per month by combining your wireless home internet plan with a Go5G Next, Go5G Plus, or Magenta Max phone line. The biggest advantage of the T-Mobile 5G Home Internet plan is its lifetime price lock guarantee.
So, you can continue to enjoy a maximum download speed of 245 Mbps for $30 per month for the entire service term.
Best Low-income Internet Provider in Buffalo, NY
Spectrum Internet® is the most widely available internet provider in Buffalo. Its 99.9 percent reliable cable internet service spans over 96.5 percent of the city, covering most neighborhoods and commercial districts.
Spectrum is bridging the digital divide in poor pockets of Buffalo (lower west side and the eastern belt) through its super saver Spectrum One bundle and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Spectrum One Mega Saver Deals
For the promotional period of 1 year, Spectrum Internet® plans come with an Advanced WiFi system and an unlimited Spectrum Mobile™ line, allowing customers to save $35 per month (for 12 months). An entry ticket of $49.99 per month gives Spectrum Internet® subscribers a chance to enjoy gigabit internet connectivity, whole-home WiFi coverage, and unlimited data, calling and texting on the nation’s most robust telecom infrastructure.
| Spectrum Internet Plans in Buffalo, NY | |||
| Plans | Price | Download Speed | Contact |
| Internet | $49.99/mo. | 300 Mbps | Call Now |
| Internet Ultra | $69.99/mo. | 500 Mbps | Call Now |
| Internet Gig | $89.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | Call Now |
Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program
Eligible low-income families can sign up for the Spectrum ACP plans and get free and discounted internet service with speeds of up to 1 Gig. The government-provided $30 credit can be used to pay for the Spectrum Internet® plans and bring the monthly fee down to $0.
| Spectrum Internet® ACP Deals | |||
| Plan | Normal Price | ACP Price | Speed |
| Spectrum Internet 100 | $29.99/mo. | Free | 100 Mbps |
| Spectrum Internet | $49.99/mo. | $19.99/mo. | 300 Mbps |
| Spectrum Internet Ultra | $69.99/mo. | $39.99/mo. | 500 Mbps |
| Spectrum Internet Gig | $89.99/mo. | $59.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps |
Availability of Buffalo Internet Providers
Buffalo is the second-largest city in the state of New York and is well-connected by wired and unwired internet technologies. Around 261,313 people (95 percent of the population) in Buffalo can get basic internet connectivity at rates as low as $35 per month. Coaxial cable internet is the most popular type of broadband in Buffalo and makes up 73.68 percent of the market share.
Fixed wireless internet is the most preferred option for cordless connectivity and close to 15 percent of Buffalonians are jumping ships to 5G home internet plans for uninterrupted and affordable internet access in remote parts of Buffalo.
Together, satellite, fixed wireless, fiber-optic, cable, and DSL internet providers in Buffalo are offering 98.9 percent internet coverage with a median download speed of 216.09 Mbps.
| Coverage of Internet Providers in Buffalo, NY | ||
| Buffalo Internet Providers | Citywide Availability | Type of Internet |
| Viasat | 98.9% | Satellite |
| HughesNet | 98.9% | Satellite |
| Starlink | 97.5% | Satellite |
| Spectrum | 96.5% | Fiber and Cable |
| ispMint | 82.8% | DSL and Fixed Wireless |
| Verizon Fios | 54.4% | Fiber-optic |
| T-Mobile Home | 41.2% | Fixed Wireless |
| EarthLink | 39.3% | Fiber and Fixed Wireless |
| Consolidated Communications | 23.8% | Fiber and DSL |
| Upstream Network | 11.0% | Fiber and Cable |
Best Buffalo Internet Provider
Our selection for the best internet provider in Buffalo was based on three key point indicators. The best Buffalo internet provider must offer citywide coverage, be affordable, and offer seamless ultrafast speeds.
Spectrum Internet® qualifies as the best internet provider in Buffalo, New York, according to our selection criteria. Its hybrid fiber-cable broadband service is available in over 96 percent of the city. The Spectrum Internet® plans start at $49.99 per month and offer download speeds 5 times faster than the city average.
FAQs
More than 50 percent of Buffalo is connected to a high-speed fiber internet service. Verizon Fios is the largest provider of fiber-optic internet connectivity in the city. Around 54.5 percent of the neighborhoods in Buffalo can access symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps) on the Verizon Fios network. Verizon Fios’ 100 percent fiber-rich internet plans start at $49.99 per month and offer unlimited data with up to 4 years of price lock guarantees.
Spectrum Internet® is the most widely available wired internet provider in Buffalo, NY. Its 99.9 percent reliable coaxial cable internet coverage extends to 96.5 percent of the city. Around 105,600 households in Buffalo can access the Spectrum cable internet service with a download speed of up to 1,000 Mbps for a starting price of $49.99 per month.
The median download speed in Buffalo is 216.09 Mbps. The result is based on data collected from millions of consumer-initiated tests taken every day on Ookla Speedtest®. The latest results posted on July 2023 for Buffalo, New York, also indicate that the average latency in the city is 17 milliseconds (ms).
The median upload speed in Buffalo is 15.97 Mbps for fixed broadband and 13.20 Mbps for wireless mobile data.
Individuals and households qualified to receive free and discounted internet plans under the government-sponsored Affordable Connectivity Program can sign up for the Spectrum ACP Internet 100 service. The free-of-cost plan includes 100 Mbps of download speed, unlimited data, and a free internet modem. Normally, the Spectrum Internet® 100 plan costs $29.99 per month, but after $30 of government subsidy (received through the Federal Communications Commission), the plan is offered to ACP recipients free of charge.
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