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According to CNET, AT&T Fiber is the leading internet provider in Madison, thanks to its ultra-fast speeds up to 5000Mbps, wide availability and transparent pricing. Spectrum is another reliable choice, offering citywide coverage and 500Mbps plans starting at $30 per month, though prices increase significantly after the first year. Wireless internet options from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are also available across Madison, making them flexible alternatives, especially when bundled with a cellphone plan.
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data
All available Madison residential internet providers
AT&T Internet: AT&T’s fiber game is strong in Madison but doesn’t reach every part of town. AT&T Internet Air covers more ground. It costs $60 a month for whatever speed you can get at your location, typically up to 300Mbps, depending on your location. The price-to-speed ratio won’t be appealing if you have a faster and cheaper option.
Verizon 5G Home Internet: With speeds up to 1,000Mbps in some parts of the country, Verizon is working hard to convince buyers that fixed wireless is the way to go for home internet. The company’s coverage map shows a mix of its latest 5G networks alongside slower 4G LTE coverage across Madison. The area east of Lake Mendota and Lake Monona has the widest 5G Ultra Wideband coverage. Typical Verizon home internet speeds in Madison will range from 100 to 300Mbps starting at $50 a month. The biggest challenge is finding an open slot, so T-Mobile edged Verizon as our pick for Madison’s best fixed wireless provider.
TDS Telecom: TDS covers a small portion of Madison proper, but it’s well worth mentioning for those in communities around Madison. TDS delivers fiber to places like Middleton, Monona and Waunakee. Prices start at $60 a month for a 300Mbps plan. On the fast end, TDS has a 1,000Mbps plan for $70 a month. You have the option to rent a router for $12 a month. There’s a $50 installation fee, but a good chance you can get that waived. Be sure to check out the TDS price-for-life plans. They’re more expensive over the first two years but will keep your price locked in for the long haul.
US Cellular: US Cellular is a sister company of TDS Telecom. It offers fixed wireless internet in Madison for $60 a month with an autopay discount. That pricing puts it in contention with T-Mobile and Verizon’s home internet plans. Some of US Cellular’s service areas can get up to 300Mbps speeds, but your mileage could vary considerably depending on your location. The biggest turn-off is that US Cellular will throttle your speeds after 600GB of high-speed data with its Home Internet Everywhere plan. After that, you’ll get bumped down to a painfully slow 1.5Mbps. Keep an eye on the plan terms. US Cellular may offer to cover equipment costs via a credit spread over a 36-month installment contract. It’s all a bit confusing, so you’ll likely do better with another ISP with simpler or faster plans with no throttling.
Satellite internet: Rural residents with few internet options should check into satellite providers Starlink, Viasat and Hughesnet. These likely won’t be your first choice if you live in town and have access to fiber, cable or fixed wireless from T-Mobile or Verizon. If you’re big on traveling (let’s say you’re heading south for the winter) and still need to stay connected, check into Starlink’s on-the-go plan. It’s pricey, but it will help you stay online when you’ve taken on the role of a digital nomad.
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Madison broadband at a glance
There isn’t a ton of ISP competition in Madison. Most residents will be weighing the decision between AT&T Fiber or Spectrum cable. Spectrum has some tempting introductory deals, while AT&T’s fiber service offers reasonable pricing and fast upload speeds to go with the download speeds. Live in the area around Madison? Check into fiber from TDS Telecom.
Pricing details on Madison home internet service
The average starting price for internet service in Madison is around $50, but there are ways to shave some bucks off that figure. Bargain hunters can look to bundle phone plans with home internet service to get deals. For example, with T-Mobile, you can get down to $35 a month. TDS Telecom offers 600Mbps speeds for as low as $60 a month for the first two years. Most Madison residents will be looking at around $50 for decent speeds.
Cheap internet options in the Madison metro area
Spectrum’s 500Mbps plans start at $50 a month. Meanwhile, AT&T’s fiber plans start at $55 a month, which is still budget-friendly, especially considering the company’s assurance that it won’t hike your fee after the first year. If you’re in a surrounding community, look into TDS Telecom’s fiber plans starting at $50 a month for the first two years.