Best Internet Providers in Charleston, SC
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Top 9 Internet Service Providers in Charleston, SC
1. AT&T
83.6% Available
2. Xfinity
93.3% Available
3. Viasat
100% Available
4. EarthLink
63.4% Available
5. HughesNet
100% Available
6. WOW!
58.8% Available
7. Starlink
100% Available
8. Verizon
33.1% Available
9. Always ON
63.4% Available
Best Internet Providers in Charleston
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect internet in Charleston, SC, let me share my local favorites with you! First things first, fiber internet is the shining star in the world of connectivity, and Charleston is blessed with AT&T Fiber. It covers 38.9% of the area and offers a lightning-fast maximum download speed of up to 5 Gbps, all starting at just $55 per month. Fiber is superb for streaming, gaming, and supporting all your smart devices seamlessly.
Now, if fiber isn’t available at your address, cable internet is a fantastic option, and Xfinity is a real gem here. With an impressive 93.3% coverage and speeds up to 2 Gbps starting at only $30 per month, you’ll be browsing, streaming, and downloading with ease. Don’t forget about WOW!, another excellent cable choice, covering 58.8% of the area with speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps at a delightful starting price of $25.
For those who love the idea of ditching the wires, 5G home internet is making waves! EarthLink 5G Home Internet is here with 63.4% coverage, offering speeds up to 100 Mbps starting at $39.95. This could be just the ticket if you’re seeking flexible and modern connectivity.
Last but not least, if you’re looking at DSL options, AT&T Internet covers a robust 83.6% of Charleston with speeds up to 100 Mbps, starting at $60 monthly. It’s a reliable choice if you prefer a tried-and-true connection method.
So, there you have it—a mix and match of excellent providers to satisfy your internet cravings in Charleston. Happy shopping!
Charleston Internet Resources for Low-Income Families
Many people take the internet for granted, but many households across the United States still lack a broadband connection. Low-income families in Charleston are particularly hit by this digital divide, especially now that many services are only available online. We assembled the following list of resources to help you find affordable devices, virtual child care and free Wi-Fi in the Charleston area:
Discounted Distance Learning Devices in Charleston
- Charleston County School District: Starting in Fall 2020, the Charleston County School District launched its full-time Virtual Academy program for students from kindergarten to 12th grade. The program is completely free and gives every student a laptop for school use.
- Palmetto Goodwill: Palmetto Goodwill reduces electronic waste in Charleston by recycling old equipment and offering affordable computers to those in need. If you can’t make it to their location on Rivers Avenue, you can shop their inventory online.
- ConnectHomeUSA: ConnectHomeUSA is closing the digital divide in Charleston and other communities around the country by connecting low-income individuals with affordable computers. All you have to do is enter your ZIP code, fill out some eligibility requirements and view offers to get connected.
In addition to the programs listed above, you can find affordable devices at one of Charleston’s many retailers selling refurbished computers and tablets at a discount. Some of your options include:
Remote Learning Programs and Virtual Child Care Centers in Charleston
- South Carolina Aquarium: The South Carolina Aquarium is offering free virtual tours every weekday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. An experienced and knowledgeable STEM tour guide leads each session.
- City of Charleston: Join your local government for daily recreational activities everyone in the family can do at home. Services include virtual tours, arts & crafts and even yoga, all for free!
- Gibbes Museum of Art: Thanks to Google Street Views, visitors can walk through all of the Gibbes Museum’s exhibits for free. Visitors can also download the Gibbes Museum of Art mobile app to learn more about each individual piece on display.
- Live 5 News: One of Charleston’s local news stations is hosting a free virtual classroom every Tuesday and Thursday at 2 p.m. via Facebook Live. Kids can tour the news studio in addition to learning more about the jobs of reporters and meteorologists.
- Charleston County Public Library: Charleston County Library offers a large variety of virtual resources, including audiobooks, eBooks, access to databases and much more. They’re also hosting daily storytimes and art classes for free. All you need is a library card, and getting one is easy.
Free Wireless Internet Access in Charleston
- Charleston Free Wi-Fi Map
- Charleston Digital Corridor Free Wi-Fi Map
- WifiMap.io Charleston Free Wi-Fi Map
The Charleston County Public Library also offers free Wi-Fi at all its branches, except the Folly Beach location, every day from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Library’s Wi-Fi extends beyond the walls of its buildings, allowing patrons to browse the internet from their parked cars. For even more free Wi-Fi locations, check out the free Wi-Fi map we put together below:
Free Wireless Internet Access in Charleston, SC
Internet Provider Store Locations in Charleston
Fastest Charleston Internet Providers
Connection Type |
Internet Providers |
Download Speeds Up To |
Upload Speeds Up To |
Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Fiber |
AT&T Fiber |
5 Gbps |
5 Gbps |
38.9% |
Hotwire Communications |
5 Gbps |
5 Gbps |
0.3% |
|
|
Cable |
Xfinity |
2 Gbps |
35 Mbps |
93.3% |
WOW! |
1.2 Gbps |
50 Mbps |
58.8% |
|
|
DSL |
AT&T Internet |
100 Mbps |
20 Mbps |
83.6% |
|
Fixed Wireless |
AT&T Internet Air |
225 Mbps |
30 Mbps |
44.8% |
Verizon 5G Home Internet |
50 Mbps |
4 Mbps |
33.1% |
|
|
Satellite |
Starlink |
220 Mbps |
25 Mbps |
100% |
Viasat Internet |
150 Mbps |
3 Mbps |
100% |
Compare Internet Providers in Nearby Cities:
Folly Beach, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Hollywood, Johns Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Ravenel, Sullivans Island, Wadmalaw Island
Average download speed in Charleston:
197 Mbps
Based on 18,556 speed tests
Internet Values of Charleston Providers
| Providers | Connection Type | Plan Price | Download Speeds Up To | Internet Value | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber | $245 per month | 5 Gbps | $0.05 per Mbps | 855-957-4313 |
| WOW! | Cable | $55 per month | 1 Gbps | $0.06 per Mbps | |
| Xfinity | Cable | $65 per month | 1 Gbps | $0.07 per Mbps | 844-982-3173 |
| Home Telecom | Fiber | $99.95 per month | 1 Gbps | $0.10 per Mbps | 888-746-4482 |
| 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 |
| 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 Charleston
- AT&T - Fast download speeds in Charleston, most Fiber availability and most DSL availability
- Xfinity - Most Cable availability
- Viasat - Most internet coverage in Charleston
- EarthLink - 5g internet up to 100 Mbps
- HughesNet - Another great satellite internet alternative for those who can't get Cable, Fiber, or DSL
- WOW! - Cable up to 1200 Mbps
- Starlink - Widely available
- Verizon - 5g internet up to 50 Mbps
- Always ON - Fixed wireless up to 150 Mbps
Internet Fees in Charleston
| Common Providers in Charleston | 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 |
| 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 Charleston By Connection
| Provider | Connection | Download speeds up to | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Fiber | 5 Gbps | 39% |
| AT&T | IPBB | 100 Mbps | 84% |
| Xfinity | Cable | 2 Gbps | 93% |
| Home Telecom | Fiber | 1 Gbps | 7% |
| WOW! | Cable | 1.2 Gbps | 59% |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | 100% |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | 100% |
| AT&T | 5G Internet | 225 Mbps | 45% |
| Starlink | Satellite | 220 Mbps | 100% |
| Verizon | 5G Internet | 300 Mbps | 33% |
| EarthLink | 5G Internet | 100 Mbps | 63% |
| Always ON | Fixed Wireless | 25 Mbps | 63% |
| 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 | 93% |
| AT&T | IPBB | 100 Mbps | 84% |
| AT&T | Fiber | 5 Gbps | 39% |
| Home Telecom | Fiber | 1 Gbps | 7% |
| WOW! | Cable | 1.2 Gbps | 59% |
| AT&T | 5G Internet | 225 Mbps | 45% |
| Verizon | 5G Internet | 50 Mbps | 33% |
Popular Zip Codes in Charleston, SC:
Internet Availability by Connection Type in Charleston
Internet service providers in Charleston 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%
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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