Best Internet Providers in Norwalk, CT

Optimum

Starting From

$40.00/mo.

*plus taxes

  • Download Speed: Up to 8 Gbps
  • Upload Speed: Up to 8 Gbps
Frontier

Starting From

$39.99/mo.

*w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Billing

  • Download Speed: Up to 5 Gbps
  • Upload Speed: Up to 5 Gbps
Verizon

Starting From

$49.99/mo.

*for 12 mos

  • Download Speed: Up to 300 Mbps
  • Upload Speed: Up to 75 Mbps
Table of Contents

Top 7 Internet Providers in Norwalk, CT 

Norwalk’s internet service is fast and affordable, but not all ISPs offer the same quality.

Norwalk is a city on the coast of Connecticut that has a lot of history, culture, and economy. As a modern city, Norwalk requires a fast and reliable internet service to help its people and businesses. Internet access is very important for learning, communication, entertainment, and working. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) says that 99.9% of Norwalk homes can get broadband internet. The internet service providers (ISPs) in Norwalk, CT, can give speeds up to 8,000 Mbps for prices starting at $39.99 per month. But not all internet providers are the same. Some have faster speeds, lower prices, better customer service, or more features than others.

Read on as will look at the 7 best internet providers in Norwalk, CT, based on how much they are available, how fast they are, how much they cost, and more. Let’s begin!

Providers Speed Starting Price Type
Optimum Up to 8,000 Mbps $40.00/mo. Cable & Fiber
Frontier Up to 5,000 Mbps $39.99/mo. Fiber
Verizon Up to 1,000 Mbps $49.99/mo. 5G Home & Fiber
T-Mobile Home Internet Up to 245 Mbps $50.00/mo. 5G Home
Viasat Up to 30 Mbps $49.99/mo. Satellite
HughesNet Up to 50 Mbps $49.99/mo. Satellite
Starlink Up to 220 Mbps $90.00/mo. Satellite

Types of Internet Providers in Norwalk, CT

Most people are not aware of the diversity of Internet options available in Norwalk, CT. From fiber to satellite, each type of internet connection offers unique benefits for different needs. Let’s delve into the types of internet providers in Norwalk, their availability, speeds, and the leading carriers for each type.

Fiber Internet Providers in Norwalk

Fiber Internet is the fastest and most reliable type of internet service available today. It uses fiber-optic cables to transmit data as pulses of light, which can reach speeds up to 8,000 Mbps (8 Gbps).  Fiber internet is also less prone to interference, congestion, and weather conditions than other types of internet. Fiber internet is available to 65% of households in Norwalk, CT. The most widely available fiber internet provider in Norwalk is Optimum, offering broadband connectivity at a starting price of $40 per month. Fiber internet availability is growing, but it is still limited to certain areas. The top fiber internet providers in Norwalk are:

Fiber Internet Providers in Norwalk, CT
Providers Starting Price Speed Contact
Frontier $39.99/mo. Up to 5,000 Mbps Call Now
Verizon Fios $49.99/mo Up to 1,000 Mbps Order Now
Optimum $40.00/mo. Up to 8,000 Mbps Call Now

Cable Internet Providers in Norwalk 

Cable internet is the most common type of internet service in the U.S., as it covers 89% of the population. Cable internet providers use coaxial cables to deliver data over the same network as TV service. Cable internet can reach speeds up to 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps), but it is also affected by network congestion, especially during peak hours. Cable internet is more affordable than fiber internet, but also less reliable and consistent. Cable internet is available to 98% of households in Norwalk, CT. It is a reliable choice for streaming, gaming, and regular internet usage.

Cable Internet Providers in Norwalk, CT
Providers Starting Price Speed Contact
Optimum $40.00/mo. Up to 1,000 Mbps Call Now

5G Home Internet Providers in Norwalk

5G Home Internet uses wireless cellular networks to deliver data to your home. It is an excellent option for areas where wired connections are not feasible. 5G home internet can reach speeds up to 300 Mbps, but it is also dependent on the availability and strength of the 5G signal in your area. 5G home internet is more flexible and portable than fiber or cable internet, as it does not require any wires or cables for service installation and activation. However, 5G home internet is also less available and more expensive than other types of internet, as it requires a compatible device and a 5G plan. 

At the moment, the availability of 5G home internet in Norwalk is only 30%. As 5G technology evolves, its availability and speeds are expected to improve significantly.

5G Home Internet Providers in Norwalk, CT
Providers Starting Price Speed Contact
Verizon $50.00/mo. Up to 300 Mbps Order Now
T-Mobile $50.00/mo. Up to 245 Mbps Call Now

Satellite Internet Providers in Norwalk

Satellite internet is the go-to option for rural or remote areas where other types of internet are not available. Satellite internet is the most available internet service in the U.S., as it covers 100% of the population. Satellite internet providers in Norwalk use satellites in orbit to transmit data to and from your home. Therefore, the service is affected by latency, weather conditions, and data caps. Satellite internet is more expensive and slower than fiber, cable, or 5G home internet, but it is also the only option for some rural and remote areas. Providers like Viasat, HughesNet, and Starlink offer satellite internet in Norwalk.

Satellite Internet Providers in Norwalk, CT
Providers Starting Price Speed Contact
Viasat $49.99/mo. Up to 30 Mbps Call Now
HughesNet $49.99/mo. Up to 50 Mbps Call Now
Starlink $90.00/mo. Up to 220 Mbps Call Now

Fastest Internet Provider in Norwalk, CT

Optimum Fiber Internet is the best choice for speed lovers in Norwalk, CT. Optimum offers two types of internet connection- Fiber and Cable. Their Fiber service delivers data as pulses of light, which can reach speeds up to 8,000 Mbps (8 Gbps) for downloads and uploads. Optimum has six different fiber plans. 

The most common plan is Optimum Fiber 300, which offers speeds up to 300 Mbps for both downloads and uploads for $40 per month. However, if you need more speed, you can also choose from Optimum Fiber 1 Gig, 2 Gig, 5 Gig, or 8 Gig, respectively, for prices ranging from $60 to $280 per month. All Optimum Fiber plans come with unlimited data, Smart WiFi6 equipment, and no contracts.

However, Optimum has some complaints of “low reachable speed” and “customer service is iffy”. Therefore, you may want to check the availability and reliability of Optimum Fiber Internet in your area before signing up.

Optimum Fiber Internet Plans in Norwalk, CT 
Plan  Price  Speed 
Fiber 300  $25/mo.* (Limited-time) 300 Mbps 
Fiber 500  $40/mo.  500 Mbps 
Fiber 1 Gig  $60/mo.  1,000 Mbps 
Fiber 2 Gig  $90/mo.  2,000 Mbps 
Fiber 5 Gig  $180/mo.  5,000 Mbps 
Fiber 8 Gig  $280/mo.  8,000 Mbps 
The monthly prices quoted in the table above are with AutoPay and paperless billing discounts. Please note that the prices may vary based on your location within the city.

Cheapest Internet Provider in Norwalk, CT

One of the most common questions that people have when looking for internet service is how to find the cheapest provider. According to a survey by Pew Research Center, 79% of Americans say that the monthly cost of internet service is a major factor in their decision to subscribe. However, finding the cheapest internet provider is not always easy, as there are many factors to consider, such as speed, reliability, data caps, equipment fees, and customer service.

In Norwalk, CT, two ISPs offer fiber internet plans: Optimum and Frontier. 

The cheapest fiber internet provider in Norwalk, CT is Frontier. The Frontier Fiber 500 plan costs $39.99 per month, and it provides download and upload speeds of up to 500 Mbps. This plan also includes an Amazon Eero router. Additionally, this plan also guarantees unlimited monthly data, no annual contracts, and no hidden fees. The other side of the Frontier Fiber plans story is that the price you see here is valid only if you enroll in Auto Pay and Paperless Bill services. Otherwise, you will have to pay $10 more per month. This is a common practice in the Internet industry, but it can be misleading for some customers.

Optimum’s 300 plan, the runner-up in affordability, initially seems competitive at $40 per month. Yet, this price point can be deceiving, as it nearly doubles to $70 after the initial 12-month promotional period. Consequently, when considering both price stability and overall value, Frontier’s offering appears to be the most economical choice for fiber internet in Norwalk, CT.

Frontier Fiber Internet Plans in Norwalk, CT
Plan  Price  Speed 
Fiber 500  $39.99/mo.  500 Mbps 
Fiber 1 Gig  $59.99/mo.  1,000 Mbps 
Fiber 2 Gig $99.99/mo.  2,000 Mbps 
Fiber 5 Gig  $154.99/mo.  5,000 Mbps 
Monthly internet fees stated in the table above are after AutoPay and paperless billing discounts. The equipment fee is included in the quoted prices.

Best Low-income Internet Provider in Norwalk, CT

In Connecticut, the digital divide is a significant challenge. This gap, which separates those with access to affordable, high-speed internet and essential digital devices from those without, disproportionately impacts communities of color, low-income families, older adults, and students. Findings reveal that in five of the cities in Connecticut (including Norwalk), 38% of residents lack wireline broadband at home. This shortfall in digital connectivity and resources greatly impedes their engagement in online education, telehealth, remote work, and access to social services.

To bridge this gap, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has initiated the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), aimed at aiding eligible households in obtaining internet services and devices. The ACP offers a monthly discount of up to $30 on broadband services, and up to $75 for households on qualifying Tribal lands, provided through participating internet service providers (ISPs). Notably, all ISPs in our list, except Starlink, participate in this program, making the ACP discount available for any chosen provider.

Here’s an overview of the ACP Providers in Norwalk and their prices post-ACP discount:

ACP Providers in Norwalk, CT
Providers Price after ACP
Optimum $10.00/mo.
Frontier $9.99/mo.
T-Mobile Home Internet $19.00/mo.
Verizon $20.00/mo.
Viasat $19.99/mo.
HughesNet $19.99/mo.

Availability of Norwalk Internet Providers

The city is served by seven different internet providers, but not every provider extends their service uniformly across the city. The coverage varies depending on the type of internet service they offer, such as cable, fiber, satellite, or 5G. The diversity of options and the level of competition in any given area can significantly influence aspects like price, speed, and service quality.

For instance, while some providers may offer high-speed fiber or cable options in most parts of the city, others may only provide satellite or 5G services in certain areas. The result is a patchwork of availability, where some Norwalk residents may have access to fiber options, whereas others might be limited to slower connections, such as satellite.

The availability of each provider, based on the type of service they offer, is as follows:

Providers Availability in Norwalk, CT Type of Internet
Viasat 100% Satellite
HughesNet 100% Satellite
Starlink 100% Satellite
Optimum 86% Cable & Fiber
Frontier 74% Fiber
Verizon 60% 5G Home & Fiber
T-Mobile Home Internet 27% 5G Home

Best Norwalk Internet Provider

It can be hard to settle for one of these 7 options, as you have to consider several factors such as, how reliable is the service. Based on our research and analysis we have selected Frontier Fiber Internet as the best internet provider in Norwalk, CT.

Frontier has fast, reliable, and reasonable fiber internet service in Norwalk, CT, covering most of the city. You can choose from four fiber plans, with speeds ranging from 500 Mbps to 5 Gbps, starting from $39.99 per month. And the best part is, you can get their 500 Mbps plan for only $9.99 if you sign up through ACP.

But Frontier Fiber is not available everywhere in Norwalk, CT, or it may not suit your needs. In that case, you can go for Optimum, the next best internet provider in Norwalk, CT. Optimum provides nearly city-wide coverage with its cable and fiber services, offering speeds up to 8 Gbps with fiber plans and up to 1 Gbps with cable plans.

FAQs

Yes, Norwalk has fiber internet available from several providers. Optimum, Frontier, and Verizon offer fiber internet in nearly 65% of the neighborhoods in Norwalk.

For the best internet coverage in Norwalk, CT, consider options like Optimum and Frontier. They offer extensive coverage, reaching approximately 86% and 74% of the city, respectively. While satellite internet generally covers the entire city, these providers stand out for their reliability.

In Norwalk, CT, you can expect the average download speed to fall within the range of 72 to 245 Mbps. However, the typical speed experienced by users is around 166 Mbps. This speed range ensures a smooth online experience for various activities like streaming, gaming, and more.

The average upload speed in Norwalk, CT typically ranges from 20 to 60 Mbps. For most users, the actual upload speed is around 53 Mbps.

While completely free internet may not be available in Norwalk, CT, there is an affordable option through the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program. Eligible low-income households can access the internet at a minimal cost, starting from $9.99. This program offers up to $30 off every month on internet bills, provided the service is obtained from partner providers. This initiative aims to make internet access more accessible for those in need.

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