Best Internet Providers in Birmingham, AL
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Top 9 Internet Service Providers in Birmingham, AL
1. Spectrum
93.2% Available
2. AT&T
91.1% Available
3. Viasat
100% Available
4. T-Mobile Home Internet
77.2% Available
5. EarthLink
37% Available
6. HughesNet
100% Available
7. XNET WiFi
37.6% Available
8. Starlink
100% Available
9. Verizon
49.8% Available
Best Internet Providers in Birmingham
Alright, Birmingham dwellers, let's dive into the secret sauce of snagging the best internet plan in your city! If you're on the hunt for a speedy, reliable connection, fiber internet should be your top pick. Luckily, Birmingham has AT&T Fiber lighting up the scene, covering 51.6% of the area with speeds reaching a whopping 5 Gbps—all that starting at just $55 a month. It's like unlocking a secret level of internet speed! If it’s available in your neck of the woods, it could be a total game-changer.
But let's say fiber isn't an option for you (or you just want some juicy alternatives). Cable internet is the runner-up champion, and Birmingham's got Spectrum covering a solid 93.2% of the city. With up to 1 Gbps speeds and prices starting at $50 per month, it's a fantastic choice for many internet users who want speed without breaking the bank.
Now, if wired options aren't your vibe, or you're looking for something a bit different, don't forget about 5G home internet! EarthLink 5G Home Internet is making waves here with 37% coverage and download speeds reaching 100 Mbps, starting at just $39.95 monthly. It's a fresh choice for those wanting to tread off the beaten path.
Finally, let's not overlook DSL. AT&T Internet provides DSL service to about 91.1% of Birmingham, offering speeds up to 100 Mbps beginning at $60 per month. While it may not be the flashiest option, it sure does the job for many households.
There you have it, your guide to navigating the best internet deals in Birmingham, AL. It's like we're on this mission together!
Birmingham Internet Resources for Low-Income Families
For Alabamians, the digital divide is an ongoing problem affecting a concerning portion of the population. Yet, as more of our daily lives move online for school, work, and many other duties, the need for quality access and devices has never been greater. For low-income individuals, this lack of access represents just one more hurdle toward income inequality. To help, we’ve outlined the following list of resources in Birmingham for obtaining devices, virtual child care, and internet for free or low-cost.
Discounted Distance Learning Devices in Birmingham
- Computers With Causes: Computers With Causes is a national non-profit organization specializing in digital device redistribution. This non-profit association provides free laptops to qualifying applicants in all states. To request a free computer, apply online on the Computers With Causes request page with details about your level of necessity.
- Learning To Be The Light: Learning To Be The Light is a Birmingham-based non-profit organization with a mission to supply computers to any local student in need. Interested applicants must be a student of Hoover City Schools (HCS) currently receiving free or reduced lunch. Apply for this program by contacting your child’s school principal, assistant principal, or guidance counselor, and ask them to inquire via email at info@learningtobethelight.org.
- PCs for People: PCs for People provides refurbished, steeply discounted computers to individuals living on a limited income. Demonstrate your level of eligibility by providing one of the accepted documents and a valid photo ID. You can browse their current inventory of digital devices through the online store.
If you cannot wait for a computer through the above services, and you need a computer now, consider calling or visiting the following Birmingham computer stores for a refurbished device:
Remote Learning Programs and Virtual Child Care Centers in Birmingham
- McWane Science Center: The McWane Science Center allows your child to dive into the intricacies of scientific discovery from the comfort of home, including virtual SCI Cafes with interviews of professional scientists, learning labs with a variety of education modules, and a virtual tour of the center.
- Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA): If you have an older child interested in learning more about the vast art world three times a week, the Birmingham Museum of Art will take them on tour to highlight one piece of art. All sessions occur on the museum director’s Facebook Live feed, and past recordings reside on the BMA website.
- The Birmingham Zoo: The Birmingham Zoo offers standards-aligned videos, lessons and activities for your child focused on behind-the-scenes learning of various animals at the zoo.
- Alabama Virtual Library: The Alabama Virtual Library is an online hub of electronic library resources to include periodicals, e-books, and more for children and adults alike. All you need is a library card to register and access their services.
- Homework Alabama: Homework Alabama is a much-needed alternative to often very pricey in-person tutoring services. Homework Alabama provides one-to-one free tutoring, assistance with homework, and test prep for K-12.
Free Wireless Internet Access in Birmingham
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham Wi-Fi Map
- Wi-FiMap.io Birmingham Free Wi-Fi Map
- WiFi Cafe Spots Birmingham Free Wi-Fi Map
The Birmingham Public Library system also offers free Wi-Fi access during library operating hours. No password is needed; just agree to the library’s internet Terms of Use to join. Here are six library branch locations offering free internet access:
- Central Library — 2100 Park Pl.
- Avondale Library — 509 40th St. S
- Five Points West Library — 4812 Avenue W
- North Birmingham Library — 2501 31st Ave. N
- Springville Road Library — 1224 Old Springville Rd.
- West End Library — 1348 Tuscaloosa Ave.
For additional Wi-Fi locations, please use our free Wi-Fi map below. Each pin shows the location and type of establishment offering free internet to the public:
Free Wireless Internet Access in Birmingham, AL
Internet Provider Store Locations in Birmingham
Fastest Birmingham Internet Providers
Connection Type |
Internet Providers |
Download Speeds Up To |
Upload Speeds Up To |
Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fiber |
AT&T Fiber |
5 Gbps |
5 Gbps |
51.6% |
C Spire Fiber |
1 Gbps |
1 Gbps |
2.0% |
|
|
Cable |
Spectrum |
1 Gbps |
35 Mbps |
93.2% |
|
DSL |
AT&T Internet |
100 Mbps |
20 Mbps |
91.1% |
Brightspeed |
100 Mbps |
10 Mbps |
0.7% |
|
|
Fixed Wireless |
AT&T Internet Air |
225 Mbps |
30 Mbps |
37.6% |
XNET WiFi |
225 Mbps |
30 Mbps |
37.6% |
|
|
Satellite |
Starlink |
220 Mbps |
25 Mbps |
100% |
Viasat Internet |
150 Mbps |
3 Mbps |
100% |
Compare Internet Providers in Nearby Cities:
Docena, Dolomite, Fairfield, Fultondale, Gardendale, Mulga, Pleasant Grove
Average download speed in Birmingham:
162 Mbps
Based on 84,116 speed tests
Internet Values of Birmingham Providers
| Providers | Connection Type | Plan Price | Download Speeds Up To | Internet Value | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C Spire Fiber | Fiber | $350 per month | 8 Gbps | $0.04 per Mbps | 833-711-1401 |
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber | $245 per month | 5 Gbps | $0.05 per Mbps | 855-957-4313 |
| Spectrum | Cable | $70 per month | 1 Gbps | $0.07 per Mbps | 855-959-3083 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | Fixed | $70 per month | 300 Mbps | $0.23 per Mbps | 866-498-5878 |
| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | Fixed | $60 per month | 245 Mbps | $0.24 per Mbps | 844-914-2347 |
| Kinetic by Windstream | DSL | $40 per month | 100 Mbps | $0.40 per Mbps | 855-958-4428 |
| AT&T Internet | DSL | $60 per month | 100 Mbps | $0.60 per Mbps | 855-957-4313 |
| Hughesnet | Satellite | $64.99 per month | 100 Mbps | $0.65 per Mbps | 855-958-4319 |
| Viasat Internet | Satellite | $99.99 per month | 150 Mbps | $0.67 per Mbps | 844-983-3105 |
Best Internet Provider in Birmingham
- Spectrum - No data caps and most Cable availability
- AT&T - Fast download speeds in Birmingham, most Fiber availability and most DSL availability
- Viasat - Most internet coverage in Birmingham
- T-Mobile Home Internet - 5g internet up to 245 Mbps
- EarthLink - 5g internet up to 100 Mbps
- HughesNet - Another great satellite internet alternative for those who can't get Cable, Fiber, or DSL
- XNET WiFi - Fixed wireless up to 150 Mbps
- Starlink - Widely available
- Verizon - 5g internet up to 50 Mbps
Internet Fees in Birmingham
| Common Providers in Birmingham | Early Termination Fees | Setup and Installation Fees | Late Payment Fees | Equipment Replacement Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber | N/A | $99 | Up to $9.25 | $10 per month |
| AT&T Internet | N/A | $149 | Up to $6.50 | N/A |
How Much Speed Do I Need?
25+ Mbps
- Web Surfing & Email
- HD Streaming
- Supports 1-2 Devices
- Ideal for 1-2 people
100+ Mbps
- Ultra HD (4K) Streaming
- Low Lag Online Gaming
- Supports 3-5 Devices
- Ideal for 2-6 people
1 Gig
- Multi 4K HD Streaming
- No Lag Online Gaming
- Supports more than 5 Devices
- Ideal for 6+ people
An Overview of Internet Providers in Birmingham By Connection
| Provider | Connection | Download speeds up to | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Fiber | 5 Gbps | 52% |
| AT&T | IPBB | 100 Mbps | 91% |
| Spectrum | Cable | 1 Gbps | 93% |
| C Spire | Fiber | 8 Gbps | 2% |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | 100% |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | 100% |
| AT&T | 5G Internet | 225 Mbps | 38% |
| Starlink | Satellite | 220 Mbps | 100% |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 5G Internet | 245 Mbps | 77% |
| Verizon | 5G Internet | 300 Mbps | 50% |
| EarthLink | 5G Internet | 100 Mbps | 37% |
| XNET WiFi | Fixed Wireless | 225 Mbps | 38% |
| Provider | Connection | Download speeds up to | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | 100% |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | 100% |
| Starlink | Satellite | 220 Mbps | 100% |
| AT&T | IPBB | 100 Mbps | 91% |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 5G Internet | 100 Mbps | 77% |
| AT&T | Fiber | 5 Gbps | 52% |
| Spectrum | Cable | 1 Gbps | 93% |
| Verizon | 5G Internet | 50 Mbps | 50% |
| C Spire | Fiber | 1 Gbps | 2% |
| AT&T | 5G Internet | 225 Mbps | 38% |
Popular Zip Codes in Birmingham, AL:
Internet Availability by Connection Type in Birmingham
Internet service providers in Birmingham use different methods for connecting their customers to the web. Connection types matter, so choose wisely. Fiber is generally the fastest and most reliable option, followed by cable, DSL and 5G home internet.
Fiber - 94%
Cable - 64%
DSL - 64%
What is Mbps?
Mbps is the abbreviation for megabits per second, and it also appears written as Mbits/sec. Internet providers use megabits per second to measure speeds. Broadband speeds are 25 Mbps or faster. Learn more about Mbps.
Who is InMyArea.com?
InMyArea.com is a 5 star rated internet service provider comparison and home services website. Read more about InMyArea.com.
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