Best Internet Providers in Pittsburgh, PA
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Top 8 Internet Service Providers in Pittsburgh, PA
1. AT&T
34.4% Available
2. EarthLink
91.2% Available
3. Verizon
90% Available
4. Xfinity
99.6% Available
5. Viasat
100% Available
6. HughesNet
100% Available
7. Starlink
100% Available
8. Always ON
58.4% Available
Best Internet Providers in Pittsburgh
When shopping for the best internet in Pittsburgh, PA, fiber internet is the top choice for serious users looking for high-speed, reliable connectivity. In Pittsburgh, EarthLink Fiber stands out with its extensive coverage of 91.2% and impressive maximum download speeds of up to 940 Mbps, starting at $54.95 per month. Another strong contender is Verizon Fios, offering nearly equivalent coverage at 90% and the same maximum speeds, with plans beginning at $49.99 per month. These options exemplify the gold standard in internet connectivity, providing superior performance for streaming, gaming, and remote work.
If fiber isn't available in your area or doesn't meet your needs, cable internet is a robust alternative. Xfinity dominates the cable market in Pittsburgh with an astounding 99.6% coverage. It provides blazing-fast download speeds of up to 2 Gbps, with plans starting at a competitive price of $30 per month. This makes cable internet an excellent option for families and heavy internet users needing fast, reliable connectivity across multiple devices.
For those seeking wireless alternatives, 5G home internet could be suitable. Verizon 5G Home Internet has a modest coverage of 9.8% in Pittsburgh, offering speeds up to 50 Mbps at a reasonable price point of $50 per month. This technology is still expanding and can serve well in areas with strong 5G signals.
Lastly, DSL internet is also available through Verizon High Speed Internet, although its coverage is limited to just 2.9% of the city. With maximum download speeds of 10 Mbps and a starting price of $40 per month, it might serve as a fallback option for areas where other types of connections are unavailable. While DSL might not be the first choice for most due to its lower speed, it can still be a reliable solution for basic internet needs.
Pittsburgh COVID-19 Internet Resources for Low-Income Families
Now more than ever, Pittsburgh students are expected to have digital technology readily available at home. Not having access to a working computer or high-speed internet makes life very complicated for Pittsburgh families on the wrong side of the digital divide. We assembled the following lists to help low-income Pittsburgh families find the free and discounted computers, internet, and services they need for academic success:
Discounted Distance Learning Devices in Pittsburgh
- Computer Reach: Computer Reach conducts a weekly lottery program that awards eligible recipients with a free desktop computer bundle. Names are drawn each Friday at 12 p.m., and the lottery winners can retrieve their packages from the Pittsburgh warehouse. You can also buy a refurbished laptop for as little as $75 from the Computer Reach online store.
- PCs for People: Eligible low-income individuals in Pittsburgh can purchase a low-cost, refurbished computer starting at $100 through the PCs for People online store. To qualify for the program, recipients must be currently enrolled in a government assistance program or live below the 200 percent poverty line.
- University of Pittsburgh: The University of Pittsburgh makes free loaner laptops and hot spots available to its students and employees who cannot afford to purchase this technology on their own. There are only a limited number of devices available, and students take priority over university faculty and staff.
If you don’t qualify for one of the low-cost computer programs above, you may be able to find a great deal on a refurbished laptop sold at a local technology store. The following computer stores in the Pittsburgh area offer a range of refurbished computers that work like new but cost a fraction of the price of an unused device:
Remote Learning Programs and Virtual Child Care Centers in Pittsburgh
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: The Pittsburgh public library system makes an incredible selection of online educational material available to library cardholding Pittsburgh residents for free. With just a few clicks, students can access online homework help, virtual programs for learners of all ages, and thousands of online courses.
- Pittsburgh Public Schools: The Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Online Academy is a virtual public school designed for students who work better outside the traditional classroom. This innovative education program is available to students in Pittsburgh public schools as well as external applicants. Students can work at their own pace while still receiving remote assistance from high-quality educators.
- Level Up 412: Level Up 412, an initiative funded by Verizon, offers free technology classes to children and adult learners throughout Pittsburgh. Driven by the goal of preparing economically disadvantaged learners for more lucrative jobs in the future, Level Up 412 courses include topics in programming, cybersecurity, web development, and more!
- Literacy Pittsburgh: Powered by volunteers, this organization provides free literacy programs to people of all ages in the Pittsburgh area. Students who live in Alleghany County and Beaver County can access free online classes and tutoring covering English language learning, GED or HiSET preparation, reading and writing, math, U.S. citizenship test preparation, and college entrance exam preparation.
- Child Care Works Program: The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services offers subsidized child care for low-income families through the Child Care Works Program. Managed by the Early Learning Resource Center, the Child Care Works Program helps eligible low-income families pay for child care by providing a portion of the necessary funds.
Free Wireless Internet Access in Pittsburgh
- Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Branch Locations
- WiFiMap.io Pittsburgh Free Wi-Fi Map
- Instabridge Pittsburgh Free Wi-Fi Directory
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh makes free Wi-Fi available in the parking lots of the following branches:
- Allegheny Branch — 1230 Federal St.
- Beechview Branch — 1910 Broadway Ave.
- Brookline Branch — 708 Brookline Blvd.
- Carrick Branch — 1811 Brownsville Rd.
- East Liberty Branch — 130 S. Whitfield St.
Thanks to the affordable resources provided by non-profit and government programs, a lack of home internet service shouldn’t stop you from getting online. To learn more about the locations in Pittsburgh offering free Wi-Fi to the public, look through our Wi-Fi coverage map:
Free Wireless Internet Access in Pittsburgh, PA
Internet Provider Store Locations in Pittsburgh
Fastest Pittsburgh Internet Providers
Connection Type |
Internet Providers |
Download Speeds Up To |
Upload Speeds Up To |
Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fiber |
Xfinity |
2 Gbps |
35 Mbps |
0.1% |
Kinetic by Windstream |
1 Gbps |
1 Gbps |
0.5% |
|
|
Cable |
Xfinity |
2 Gbps |
35 Mbps |
99.6% |
|
DSL |
Kinetic by Windstream |
50 Mbps |
9 Mbps |
0.9% |
Verizon High Speed Internet |
10 Mbps |
1 Mbps |
2.9% |
|
|
Fixed Wireless |
AT&T Internet Air |
225 Mbps |
30 Mbps |
34.4% |
Verizon 5G Home Internet |
50 Mbps |
4 Mbps |
9.8% |
|
|
Satellite |
Starlink |
220 Mbps |
25 Mbps |
100% |
Viasat Internet |
150 Mbps |
3 Mbps |
100% |
Compare Internet Providers in Nearby Cities:
Average download speed in Pittsburgh:
174 Mbps
Based on 310,166 speed tests
Internet Values of Pittsburgh Providers
| Providers | Connection Type | Plan Price | Download Speeds Up To | Internet Value | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | Fiber | $299.95 per month | 10 Gbps | $0.03 per Mbps | 844-982-3173 |
| EarthLink Fiber | Fiber | $189.95 per month | 5 Gbps | $0.04 per Mbps | 866-671-3918 |
| Xfinity | Cable | $65 per month | 1 Gbps | $0.07 per Mbps | 844-982-3173 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | Fixed | $70 per month | 300 Mbps | $0.23 per Mbps | 866-498-5878 |
| AT&T Internet Air | Fixed | $60 per month | 225 Mbps | $0.27 per Mbps | 855-957-4313 |
| Kinetic by Windstream | DSL | $40 per month | 100 Mbps | $0.40 per Mbps | 855-958-4428 |
| 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 |
| Verizon High Speed Internet | DSL | $40 per month | 15 Mbps | $2.67 per Mbps | 866-498-5878 |
Best Internet Provider in Pittsburgh
- AT&T - 5g internet up to 225 Mbps
- EarthLink - Most Fiber availability
- Verizon - Fiber up to 940 Mbps
- Xfinity - Fast download speeds in Pittsburgh, most internet coverage and most Cable availability
- Viasat - Widely available
- HughesNet - Another great satellite internet alternative for those who can't get Cable, Fiber, or DSL
- Starlink - Coverage
- Always ON - Fixed wireless up to 150 Mbps
Internet Fees in Pittsburgh
| Common Providers in Pittsburgh | Early Termination Fees | Setup and Installation Fees | Late Payment Fees | Equipment Replacement Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EarthLink Fiber | N/A | $79.95 | 14 Days Then Deactivation | $6.95 per month |
| Verizon High Speed Internet | N/A | $99 | $9 | $15 per month |
| Xfinity | N/A | $89.99 | Up to $10 | $14 per month |
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 Pittsburgh By Connection
| Provider | Connection | Download speeds up to | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | Cable | 2 Gbps | 100% |
| Verizon | DSL | 15 Mbps | 3% |
| Verizon | Fiber | 2.3 Gbps | 90% |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | 100% |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | 100% |
| AT&T | 5G Internet | 225 Mbps | 34% |
| EarthLink | Fiber | 5 Gbps | 91% |
| Starlink | Satellite | 220 Mbps | 100% |
| Verizon | 5G Internet | 300 Mbps | 10% |
| Always ON | Fixed Wireless | 25 Mbps | 58% |
| Provider | Connection | Download speeds up to | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | 100% |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | 100% |
| Starlink | Satellite | 220 Mbps | 100% |
| Xfinity | Cable | 2 Gbps | 100% |
| Verizon | Fiber | 940 Mbps | 90% |
| AT&T | 5G Internet | 225 Mbps | 34% |
| Windstream | DSL | 50 Mbps | 1% |
| Windstream | Fiber | 1 Gbps | 1% |
| Verizon | 5G Internet | 50 Mbps | 10% |
Popular Zip Codes in Pittsburgh, PA:
Internet Availability by Connection Type in Pittsburgh
Internet service providers in Pittsburgh 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 - 100%
Cable - 5%
DSL - 5%
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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