Table of Contents
Top 10 Internet Providers in Rochester, NY
| Providers | Speed | Starting Price | Type |
| Spectrum | 1,000 Mbps | $49.99/mo. | Fiber and Cable |
| T-Mobile Home | 182 Mbps | $50.00/mo. | Fixed Wireless |
| Frontier | 5,000 Mbps | $49.99/mo. | Fiber and DSL |
| Verizon 5G Home | 1,000 Mbps | $50.00/mo. | Fixed Wireless |
| HughesNet | 50 Mbps | $64.99/mo. | Satellite |
| Viasat | 150 Mbps | $49.99/mo. | Satellite |
| Starlink | 220 Mbps | $99.00/mo. | Satellite |
| EarthLink | 5,000 Mbps | $54.95/mo. | Fiber-optic |
| Greenlight Networks | 5,000 Mbps | $50.00/mo. | Fiber-optic |
| Consolidated Comm. | 50 Mbps | $33.00/mo. | DSL |
Types of Internet Providers in Rochester, NY
Rochester is one of the most digitally connected cities in New York state. Around 96.4 percent of the city has access to broadband internet with a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps. There are a total of 21 internet providers in Rochester, New York. Among them:
- 5 offer fiber-optic internet service
- 4 offer DSL internet connections
- 4 offer fixed wireless internet
- 3 offer coaxial cable internet
- 3 offer satellite internet service
Fiber Internet Providers in Rochester, NY
Fiber-optic internet is the fastest available source of broadband connectivity in Rochester, New York. Around 32.72 percent of the city can access median upload and download speeds of 1,500 Mbps on a robust fiber-optic internet network. Fiber internet providers in Rochester, NY, use light photons to transmit internet data at the speed of 5 gigabits per second. The delicate strands of fiber-optic cables are made from silica glass and are perfect for refracting light rays, causing a low-loss wave-like motion for long-distance distribution of high-speed internet signals.
Currently, 5 fiber internet providers in Rochester, NY, can promise equal upload and download speeds of 1 Gbps and more to 29,880 homes.
The best neighborhoods in Rochester for accessing gigabit and multigigabit fiber internet speeds are Upper Monroe, East Avenue, and Browncroft.
Frontier Fiber, EarthLink Fiber, and Greenlight Networks are the only three internet providers in Rochester, NY, that can deliver blazing-fast symmetrical internet speeds of up to 5,000 Mbps. The average price of a fiber internet plan in Rochester is $51.67 per month.
Cable Internet Providers in Rochester, NY
Cable Internet is the most widely available form of wired broadband in Rochester, NY. Over 97.8 percent of the city can access download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps through a reliable coaxial cable system. The same transmission lines that deliver cable TV service to Rochesterians are used to carry internet data. A coaxial cable is purpose-built to transfer high-speed analog (electrical) signals over long distances with minimal data loss. The double insulation layer prevents data interference from parallel lines and ensures 99.9 percent reliable speeds with low latencies.
Spectrum Internet, is the largest internet provider in Rochester, NY, offering cable internet service. From Maplewood in the north to Strong in the south, and Browncroft in the east to the United Neighbors Together in the west, 96 percent of the city is connected to the Spectrum’s cable network. The remaining 1 percent of the neighborhoods are serviced by EarthLink and Armstrong.
Collectively, the coaxial cable internet providers in Rochester, NY, can distribute asymmetrical internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps) for an average monthly fee of $48.30.
Below, are the 3 best cable internet providers in Rochester, NY, that promise affordable gigabit connectivity throughout the city.
Fixed Wireless Internet Providers in Rochester, NY
Fixed wireless internet, also known as 5G, is the latest internet technology in the USA. The wireless nature of 5G home internet service offers customers greater mobility and reliable coverage in remote locations. Unlike wired internet services, 5G home internet providers in Rochester, NY, use cellular long-term evolution (LTE) towers to emit radio signals directly to the subscriber’s home. Inside the home, a cordless 5G modem converts radio frequencies into internet data for multi-device WiFi connectivity.
Most fixed wireless internet providers in Rochester, NY, can distribute download speeds of up to 200 Mbps for a median price of $60 per month. However, Verizon 5G offers the fastest wireless home internet service with a download speed of up to 1 Gig for as low as $35 per month. You can get unlimited data, a cutting-edge WiFi router, a 30-day free trial, and up to 3 years of price guarantees.
Here are the 3 best fixed wireless internet providers in Rochester, NY, that offer cordless broadband coverage in 63.6 percent of the city.
| Top 3 Fixed Wireless Internet Providers in Rochester, NY | |||
| Provider | Starting Price | Max. Speed | Contact |
| T-Mobile Home | $50.00/mo. | 182 Mbps | Call Now |
| Verizon 5G | $50.00/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | Order Now |
| Always On | $60.00/mo. | 150 Mbps | Call Now |
DSL Internet Providers in Rochester, NY
Digital subscriber line (DSL) internet is the second-most widely available source of wired broadband in Rochester, New York. Approximately 88 percent of the city can receive basic broadband access with download speeds between 25 and 100 Mbps through the DSL internet service. A DSL internet connection is established over telephone wires that transmit data in the form of analog signals.
Despite their citywide availability, DSL internet providers in Rochester, NY, are losing popularity due to their slow speeds, comparatively high prices, and low network reliability. In Rochester, a typical 100 Mbps DSL internet plan costs $55. Like other wired internet connections, DSL internet can offer uncapped data and low latency between 11 and 40 ms.
Frontier Communications is the most extensive DSL internet provider in Rochester, NY. For a starting price of $45 per month, Frontier Internet can deliver a download speed of up to 100 Mbps in more than 41 percent of the city.
Below, are the 3 best DSL internet providers in Rochester, NY that are offering basic and unlimited broadband connectivity in fiber-deprived communities.
Satellite Internet Providers in Rochester, NY
Satellite internet providers in Rochester, NY, guarantee 100 percent broadband coverage in the city. The 3 best satellite internet providers in Rochester are delivering download speeds of up to 220 Mbps for an average fee of $71.33 per month.
Fastest Internet Provider in Rochester, NY
It is a universally accepted truth that nothing travels faster than light. Fiber-optic internet was developed on the premise of this theory to deliver internet data at the speed of light. In the present day, fiber-optic internet can distribute up to 10 Gbps (10,000 Mbps) of the same upload and download speeds to residential customers. While 10 Gig speeds are available in 15 percent of the United States, its adoption is yet to become a reality in Rochester city.
Frontier is one of the top 10 national fiber internet providers. Its fiber-exclusive arm, Frontier Fiber, can offer symmetrical 5 Gig internet speeds in more than 41 percent of the city, making it the fastest internet provider in Rochester, NY.
Frontier Fiber Internet Plans in Rochester
Frontier Fiber’s blistering-fast internet service starts at $49.99 per month. With every Frontier Fiber internet plan, subscribers get unlimited data, contract-free service, a free WiFi 6e gateway, and free expert installation.
Frontier Fiber’s extreme bandwidths are perfect for ultra-high-definition streaming, competitive gaming, and heavy file sharing.
| Frontier Fiber Internet Plans in Rochester, NY | |||
| Plan | Price | Speed | Shop Now |
| Fiber 500 | $49.99/mo. | 500 Mbps | Call Now |
| Fiber 1 Gig | $69.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | Call Now |
| Fiber 2 Gig | $99.99/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | Call Now |
| Fiber 5 Gig | $154.99/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | Call Now |
Although EarthLink Fiber and Greenlight Networks claim to deliver the same upload and download speeds of up to 5,000 Mbps, we will not consider them the fastest Rochester internet providers in Rochester, NY, because of their low network reliability and below-average customer rating.
Cheapest Internet Provider in Rochester, NY
Rochester is the 5th poorest city in New York state. Over 31 percent of its population lives below the poverty line. The price of a high-speed broadband plan in Rochester is between $65 and $85 per month. This can be an exorbitant added expense for low-income families who struggle to pay for their basic needs, like housing, food, and transportation.
Amid this financial distress, one Rochester internet provider is offering basic internet access at lower than market rates.
Consolidated Communications DSL Plans in Rochester, NY
Consolidated Communications’ DSL Internet service is available in 20 percent of Rochester for rates as low as $33 per month. You can receive a download speed of up to 50 Mbps with uncapped data, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and free cloud storage.
Best Low-income Internet Provider in Rochester, NY
Spectrum is the largest wired internet provider in Rochester, NY. It uses a hybrid fiber-cable system to distribute ultrafast 1 Gbps download speed in 96.5 percent of the city.
Spectrum’s gigabit internet speeds are accessible even in the poorest neighborhoods of Rochester, like Edgerton, Upper Falls, and Brown Square for a starting price of $49.99 per month.
Spectrum One Bundle Deals
Spectrum offers a super saver 3-in-1 starter deal across the city. New customers can save $35 per month by combining their Spectrum Internet® plan with an unlimited Spectrum Mobile line and an advanced home WiFi system during the promo period of 12 months. The Spectrum One bundle deals start at $49.99 per month, and subscribers can get download speeds of up to 1 Gbps, free whole-home wireless coverage, and unlimited data, talk, and text for 360-degree connectivity.
| Spectrum One Plans in Rochester, NY | ||||
| Plans | Price | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Included |
| Internet | $49.99/mo. | 300 Mbps | 10 Mbps | Advanced WiFi+ Mobil line |
| Internet Ultra | $69.99/mo. | 500 Mbps | 20 Mbps | Advanced WiFi+ Mobile line |
| Internet Gig | $89.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | 35 Mbps | Advanced WiFi+ Mobile line |
Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program
Around 20 percent of Rochesterians (42,120 people) are affected by the digital divide prevalent in the city. They are unable to afford a high-speed broadband plan at home, and as a result, are held back in the pursuit of their personal and professional goals. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spectrum Internet® partnered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to offer free and low-cost internet plans to eligible underprivileged households in Rochester.
With the Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program, qualified customers can get $30 off on their broadband service, bringing their monthly internet bill down to $0 for a 100 Mbps internet connection.
| Spectrum Internet® ACP Deals | |||
| Plan | Regular Price | ACP Price | Download Speed |
| Internet 100 | $29.99/mo. | Free | 100 Mbps |
| Internet | $49.99/mo. | $19.99/mo. | 300 Mbps |
| Internet Ultra | $69.99/mo. | $39.99/mo. | 500 Mbps |
| Internet Gig | $89.99/mo. | $59.99/mo. | 1,000 Mbps |
Availability of Rochester Internet Providers
Rochester is the third-largest city in New York state by population. More than 96 percent of its population (around 202,182 people) can get broadband speeds (25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up) through wired and wireless internet technologies for rates as low as $33 per month.
Coaxial cable internet is the most preferred option for internet connectivity in Rochester. It offers superfast download speeds (up to 1 Gbps), at comparatively low costs ($39.95 per month), to 97.8 percent of the city.
Here is a breakdown of the coverage areas of internet services available to Rochesterians:
| Availability of Internet Providers in Rochester, NY | |
| Type of Internet Service | Coverage Area in Rochester |
| Satellite Internet | 100% |
| Cable Internet | 97.8% |
| DSL Internet | 88.0% |
| Fixed Wireless Internet | 63.6% |
| Fiber-optic Internet | 32.7% |
Together, the satellite, fixed wireless, coaxial cable, fiber-optic, and DSL internet providers in Rochester offer a median internet speed of 215.24 Mbps, which is 0.51 Mbps faster than the state average.
| Rochester Internet Provider | Citywide Availability | Type of Internet |
| HughesNet | 100% | Satellite |
| Viasat | 99.9% | Satellite |
| Starlink | 98.5% | Satellite |
| Spectrum | 96.5% | Fiber & Cable |
| T-Mobile Home | 63.6% | Fixed Wireless |
| Greenlight Networks | 52.4% | Fiber-optic |
| Frontier Communications | 41.2% | Fiber and DSL |
| Verizon 5G Home | 31.7% | Fixed Wireless |
| EarthLink | 28.8% | Fiber-optic |
| Consolidated Communications | 20.0% | DSL |
Best Rochester Internet Provider
After thoroughly analyzing the top-rated Rochester internet providers based on our 3-point metrics (speed, coverage, and affordability) we have concluded that Spectrum Internet® has all it takes to qualify as the best internet provider in Rochester, NY. Its seamlessly fast 1 Gig download speed is available in 96.5 percent of the city for rates as low as $49.99 per month. Spectrum Internet’s hybrid fiber-cable broadband service promises unlimited, contract-less connectivity, 99.9 percent reliability, and free out-of-home WiFi coverage across the city.
FAQs
More than 32.7 percent of Rochester has access to fiber-optic internet with equal upload and download speeds of up to 5 Gbps (5,000 Mbps). Greenlight Networks is the largest fiber internet provider in Rochester, NY, offering symmetrical internet speeds of up to 5 Gigs for a starting price of $50 per month. Frontier and EarthLink are two other major fiber internet providers in Rochester, NY. However, their coverage area is less than 42 percent of the city.
Spectrum Internet® is the most widely available wired internet provider in Rochester, New York. Spectrum’s ultrafast hybrid fiber-cable internet service is accessible in 96.5 percent of the city. Nearly 88,200 households in Rochester can receive up to 1,000 Mbps of download speed and 35 Mbps of upload speed for a starting price of $49.99 per month.
The median download speed in Rochester for fixed broadband internet is 215.24 Mbps. The result is based on the latest data collected from millions of consumer-initiated tests taken daily on Ookla Speedtest®. The findings for Rochester city in New York were last updated in July 2023. The results also show that the average latency in Rochester, NY, is 13 milliseconds (ms).
The average upload speed in Rochester is 18.52 Mbps for fixed broadband and 7.73 Mbps for wireless mobile data.
Spectrum has partnered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to offer free and discounted internet service to eligible low-income families in Rochester, New York. Qualified Spectrum Internet® customers can get 100 Mbps of download speed for free. You can learn more about Spectrum’s free internet service on the Spectrum Affordable Connectivity Program page.
Rochesterians can also access free WiFi in public libraries, airports, and a select few coffee shops.
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