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Originally Posted On: https://www.earthlink.net/blog/which-states-have-the-best-internet-speed/
Which States Have the Best Internet Speed?
We’ve talked a lot about how to choose the right internet plan for you and how fast 100 Mbps really is. But what if we zoom out and look at the average internet speeds across the country? Other than the top cities for fiber internet, what states have the fastest — and slowest — average internet speeds?
But first, a reminder: even if the average for your state is lower than what you want at your own home, your address could have different options available. The most accurate way to find out what speeds you can get is to use High Speed Options’ free internet speed test.
What is the average internet speed in the U.S.?
Across the country, the average U.S. internet speed is 119.03 Mbps, according to HighSpeedInternet.com. “Fast” internet is typically considered anything more than 100 Mbps, putting the average slightly above fast. But broadband internet is anything faster than 25 Mbps, as defined by the FCC.
So while the average is 119 Mbps, there are still plenty of people who don’t have access to 25 Mbps. Rural internet access continues to lag behind the access other more populous areas enjoy. In fact, 25% of Americans in rural areas — roughly 14.5 million people — don’t have broadband internet, according to the FCC. We’re hopeful that folks all over the country will be able to enjoy faster speeds as wireless home internet takes off. Now, let’s take a look at the best states for internet speed.
Which states have the fastest internet?
If you’re looking for the fastest internet speeds in the U.S., you’re looking towards the East Coast. This is partly thanks to a number of large cities in a relatively small geographical area, especially when compared to states out west.
Here are the states with the fastest average download speeds:
| Delaware | 145.8 Mbps |
| New Jersey | 144.7 Mbps |
| Maryland | 144.3 Mbps |
| Virginia | 139.6 Mbps |
| Massachusetts | 138.1 Mbps |
| Rhode Island | 134.5 Mbps |
If the East Coast isn’t your style, there are a handful of warmer states with average speeds well over 100 Mbps.
| Texas | 133.7 Mbps |
| California | 131.0 Mbps |
| Georgia | 128.0 Mbps |
| Florida | 127.79 Mbps |
And it’s not a coincidence that Atlanta, Austin, and San Antonio are three of the best cities for fiber internet. If that’s where you’re heading, find your fiber internet plan now.
Ready to get faster internet? Chat with our Internet Experts today and get internet at the speed of light!
Which states have the slowest internet?
The states that have slower speeds are those with lower population densities. Many internet providers haven’t built fiber networks in these areas because of the high costs when it can be miles between homes.
Here are the states with the slowest average download speeds:
| West Virginia | 60.7 Mbps |
| Montana | 63.4 Mbps |
| Wyoming | 69.9 Mbps |
| Maine | 71.8 Mbps |
| Idaho | 75.1 Mbps |
These speeds are higher than the definition of broadband, but they’re not fast enough to enjoy streaming on multiple devices or support an entire smart home.
States with the best fiber internet
If you’re looking to live in places with faster internet speed, look no further than fiber friendly areas.
Fiber internet, which operates via fiber optic cables with glass strands, uses light signals to send data faster than cable internet. A fiber internet connection can make a huge difference in your download and upload speeds, allowing you to load large files, stream, and play video games without worrying about data limits.
Maybe you’re not looking to move to fiber internet cities, but there are certainly states that are more fiber friendly than others. Wondering what states have fiber optic internet? See if the state you live in or hope to move to offers the best connection.
- Largest population with fiber access
- Over 14.5 million residents can connect to fiber
- Major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are fiber hotspots
- 217+ fiber providers
- Nearly 46.6% of the state is covered
- Rapid growth in urban and suburban areas
- 45.7% of residents have access to fiber
- Popular among retirees who still want high-speed connectivity
- A leader in fiber adoption on the East Coast
- 66% of residents enjoy fiber internet options
- Strong coverage in NYC and upstate metros
- Over 3.8 million residents covered
- Major fiber networks in Chicago and surrounding suburbs
- Fiber access for 6.2 million people
- Dense population supports multiple providers
- 30.1% fiber coverage among its 11.8 million residents
- Availability growing in both cities and rural areas
- Over 53% of the population has fiber access
- Atlanta is one of the top cities for fiber speeds
- 105 fiber internet providers
- 4.35 million residents with available fiber coverage
- Nearly 48% of the 10M+ residents can connect to fiber
- Growth seen in both Detroit and rural counties
How can I get faster internet?
If you’re frustrated with slow internet, there are a few things you can do to improve your speed.
- Try restarting your router. It’s the oldest trick in the book, but that’s because it works so often. Turning your equipment off, waiting about 20 seconds, and turning it back on gives it a chance to restart and clear out any unnecessary data.
- Move your router. Did you know that certain materials can block your signal? Anything from concrete, brick, or even a stack of books can make it harder for WiFi signals to get through. And keeping it in the closet (or far away from where you need it) is something to avoid, too.
- Boost your signal. You can use a WiFi extender or create a mesh network, depending on your needs. Both can be self-installed and help your internet reach all the nooks and crannies of your home.
- Switch internet providers or upgrade your plan. If you’ve tried those solutions and you’re still looking for more speed, it might be time to upgrade your internet plan or switch providers entirely. EarthLink offers fiber internet speeds up to 5 Gigs, no credit checks, and no data caps.
Why EarthLink?
As one of the original Internet Service Providers, EarthLink is here for the the latest and greatest connection, which is fiber internet. We’re expanding our fiber coverage, helping cities across the U.S. access symmetrical high-speed connections ideal for streaming, remote work, and gaming.
As more consumers look for faster upload and download speeds, our fiber services stand out by offering dedicated lines that avoid the slowdowns common with cable-based networks.
And starting at just $39.95/mo, with speeds up to 5 Gigs, no throttling, unlimited data, and no credit checks, it’s a great deal on internet. Ready to get started? Our internet experts are here for you. Call 866-618-0396 today.
Key Takeaways
- Fiber cities lead in speed: Cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Seattle offer top-tier fiber internet with gigabit speeds.
- Fiber = consistent, symmetrical performance: Unlike cable, fiber provides equal upload/download speeds and doesn’t slow down during peak hours.
- Urban vs. rural gap: Fast internet is common in cities, but rural areas often fall behind—even within the same state.
- Local investment matters: States and cities investing in fiber infrastructure see better speeds and more reliable service.
Looking for more tips? Check out our guide for improving WiFi connectivity in your apartment or dorm room and figuring out why your internet is slow.
We can help make it easy to move your internet — and we can even send you a great checklist or two. Check out all of our home internet options or give our Internet Experts a call today at 866-618-0396. With coverage for more than 96% of the continental U.S., chances are we can help you out wherever you roam.
