What are the best internet providers in Rhode Island?
Verizon Fios is our choice of the best internet service providers in Rhode Islandwith its 100% fiber optic internet, fast upload and download speeds, competitive prices and customer-friendly terms of service. JD Power also ranked Verizon Fios for more than 10 years in customer satisfaction in the eastern region.
Cox is another solid choice for Rhode Island home internet and is almost available in the state. Availability is Cox's main advantage over Verizon Fios, as the two ISPs match very well in pricing, download speed, and terms of service.
Prices start at around $50 per month for both providers, but you have a slightly higher connection to Verizon Fios. The local provider i3 broadband starts at a low starting price of $40 per month, but is relatively limited.
In addition to Verizon Fios, Cox, and possibly I3 broadband, Verizon 5G home internet and wireless internet from T-Mobile Home Internet are the only other practical internet options in Rhode Island. If you can use either of them to qualify for a mobile bundle discount, that would be the best source of cheap internet in the state.
The best internet providers in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Internet Provider Comparison
| Provider | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment cost | Data cap | contract | CNET Comment Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox Read the full review |
cable | $50- $150 | 250 to 2,000Mbps | $15 (includes 24 months) | 1.25TB, unlimited 24 months | Nothing | 6.2 |
| i3 broadband | cable | $40-$70 | 250 to 1,000Mbps | $5 (optional) | Nothing | Nothing | N/A. |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($40-$50 with qualified mobile plans) | 72 to 245Mbps | Nothing | Nothing | Nothing | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G home internet Read the full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 (Qualified Movement Plan, $35 to $45) | 50 to 1,000Mbps | Nothing | Nothing | Nothing | 7.2 |
| Verizon Fios Read the full review |
fiber | $35- $85 | 300 to 2,000Mbps | Nothing | Nothing | Nothing | 7.6 |
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Source: CNET Analysis of Provider Data
What other internet options are there in Rhode Island?
Verizon (Fios and 5G home internet), Cox and T-Mobile Home Internet are the major broadband options available in Rhode Island. Local provider i3 Broadband provides wired internet services to Warren, Bristol and surrounding areas, but according to the FCC, the total coverage is only 5% of Rhode Island households.
Hughesnet, Viasat and Starlink’s satellite Internet is available throughout the state, but with cables, fibers and fixed wireless connections cover more than 99% of Rhode Island Residence, so there is no need to resort to the limited data that comes with slow speeds and satellite internet.
Internet failure in Rhode Island cities
It is difficult to cover broadband options across the state and provide the attention that cities deserve. That's why we also compiled a list of the best internet providers in various cities in the United States, including Rhode Island. We check the Internet connection type, maximum speed and cheapest providers. If you can't find the city below, please check it later. We are working hard to add more locations every week.
Cheap Internet Choices in Rhode Island
Unless you are eligible for mobile bundling discounts with Verizon or T-Mobile, i3 Broadband has the cheapest internet plan in Rhode Island, starting at $40 a month and speeds up to 250Mbps. Verizon Fios and Cox are available as low as $35, and there are no bundled discounts for Verizon 5G home internet and T-Mobile Home Internet.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Rhode Island?
| Provider | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| i3 Broadband Lightning 250 | $40 | 250Mbps | $5 (optional) |
| Verizon Fios 300 Read the full review |
$35 | 300Mbps | Nothing |
| Cox goes faster Read the full review |
$50 | 250Mbps | $15 (includes 24 months) |
| Verizon 5G home internet Read the full review |
$50 ($35 for eligible mobile plans) | 300Mbps | Nothing |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
$50 ($40 for qualified mobile plans) | 245Mbps | Nothing |
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Source: CNET Analysis of Provider Data
How to Find Internet Deals and Promotions in Rhode Island
The best internet deals and top promotions in Rhode Island depend on the discount available during a given period. Most transactions are short-lived, but we often look for the latest quotes.
Rhode Island Internet providers (such as Cox) may offer lower introductory pricing or specials for a limited time. Many people, including Verizon Fios and i3 broadband, run the same standard pricing throughout the year.
For a wider list of promotions, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
How fast is Rhode Island broadband?
Despite limited ISP selection in Rhode Island, recent Ookla speed test data suggest that the state's median download speed is faster than most 257Mbps. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET (Ziff Davis).
Verizon Fios, Cox and I3 broadband offer gigabit services in Rhode Island at speeds up to 940Mbps or higher. Verizon 5G home internet can also provide speeds up to 1,000Mbps.
The fastest internet plan in Rhode Island
| Provider | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Maximum upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i3 broadband performance internet | $70 | 1,000Mbps | 40Mbps | Nothing | cable |
| Cox is super fast Read the full review |
$150 | 2,000Mbps | 35Mbps | 1.25TB, unlimited 24 months | cable |
| Verizon 2 performances Read the full review |
$85 | 2,000Mbps | 2,000Mbps | Nothing | fiber |
| Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read the full review |
$70 ($45 for qualified mobile plans) | 1,000Mbps | 75Mbps | Nothing | Fixed wireless |
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Source: CNET Analysis of Provider Data
What is good internet speed?
Most Internet connectivity programs can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you are looking for an internet plan that can accommodate video conferencing, streaming videos or games, you will get better experience and have a stronger connection. According to the FCC, this is an overview of the minimum download speeds recommended for various applications. Note that these are just guides; Internet speed, services, and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, see our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
- 0 to 5Mbps allows you to solve the basics: browse the internet, send and receive emails and stream low-quality video.
- 5 to 40Mbps provides you with higher quality video streaming and video conferencing.
- 40 to 100Mbps should provide a user with enough bandwidth to meet the needs of modern remote office, video streaming and online gaming.
- 100 to 500Mbps allows one to perform high bandwidth activities for two users simultaneously, such as video conferencing, streaming and online gaming.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high bandwidth activities simultaneously.
How CNET chooses the best internet provider in Rhode Island
There are numerous and regional Internet service providers. Unlike the latest smartphones, laptops, routers, or kitchen tools, it is impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. Our approach is to first study pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, provider sites, and mapping information from the FCC.GOV Federal Communications Commission.
Additionally, we reviewed the FCC’s website to check our data and make sure that we consider all ISPs that provide services in a certain area. We also enter our local address on the provider website to find specific options for residents. We look at resources including the U.S. Customer Satisfaction Index and JD Power to evaluate how satisfied ISP services have with customers. ISP plans and prices change frequently. All information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once this local information is obtained, we ask three main questions:
- Can providers access reasonable and fast internet speeds?
- Do customers get decent value for the money they pay?
- Are customers satisfied with their service?
Although the answers to these questions are often layered and complex, the three questions we recommend are closest to the provider of “yes”. When choosing the cheapest internet service, we look for the lowest monthly plan, although we also consider issues such as price increase, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively simple. We view upload and download speeds on ads and consider actual speed data from sources such as Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process more deeply, visit our test ISP page.
What's the last sentence of Rhode Island Internet providers?
Your internet options in Rhode Island might come down to Verizon Fios or Cox, although a small portion of the state can also choose from wired internet from i3 broadband.
Verizon Fios is easier to recommend, thanks to 100% fiber connection, faster upload speeds and better perks including free equipment rentals, unlimited data, no contract requirements and registration bonus offers. However, not all Rhode Island residents can serve Verizon Fios. Cox has the availability advantage, extending coverage to nearly every address in the state.
Those looking for a Verizon Fios or Cox alternative may want to consider a fixed wireless internet for Verizon 5G home internet or T-Mobile Home Internet. Verizon may be faster, up to 1,000Mbps, but is available in some areas, but T-Mobile has better coverage in Rhode Island.
Internet providers of FAQs in Rhode Island
What are the best Internet service providers in Rhode Island?
Verizon Fio offers the best overall value for any internet provider in Rhode Island. As the state's largest fiber internet provider, Verizon Fios offers significantly faster uploads and better reliability than wired internet services with Cox or i3 broadband. Verizon Fios also offers free device rentals, unlimited data and no contractual requirements – privileges that Cox or i3 broadband are not fully available yet.
Is fiber optic internet available in Rhode Island?
According to the latest FCC data, more than 75% of Rhode Island homes are available for fiber optic internet. While Verizon Fios is the largest fiber ISP in the state, Cox has also had small and growing fibers in Rhode Island.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Rhode Island?
Local cable provider i3 Broadband has the cheapest internet in Rhode Island, with services starting at $40 per month and speeds up to 250Mbps. T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G home internet may be cheap options, with services ranging from $40 and $35 per month, respectively, but only when bundled with qualified mobile services. Otherwise, both providers start at $50 per month, the same as Verizon Fios and Cox.
Which internet provider in Rhode Island offers the fastest plan?
i3 broadband offers maximum download speeds up to 1,000Mbps in Rhode Island. Verizon 5G home internet also advertises a maximum speed of up to 1,000Mbps, although actual speeds vary. Verizon Fios' Gigabit service extends to 2,000Mbps, with a maximum upload speed much higher than Cox or i3 broadband, with a maximum of 2,000Mbps.
