Internet Providers in Birmingham, Alabama
Filter by zip:
About BroadbandNow’s Internet Service Data
BroadbandNow has the most accurate and comprehensive internet service coverage data on the web. Our data sources include the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), user speed tests and coverage data from internet service providers. In addition, we independently source and validate plan and pricing data. read more
Home Internet in Birmingham, AL
-
1. AT&T 
Speeds Up To5 Gbps
Connection: IPBB, Fiber, 5G InternetAvailability: 91.1%Birmingham speed tests confirm high speeds for AT&T Internet -
2. Spectrum 
Speeds Up To1 Gbps*
Connection: CableAvailability: 93.2%Birmingham speed tests confirm high speeds for Spectrum -
3. Viasat 
Speeds Up To150 Mbps*
Connection: SatelliteAvailability: 100% -
4. EarthLink 
Speeds Up To100 Mbps*
Connection: 5G InternetAvailability: 37% -
5. Hughesnet 
Speeds Up To100 Mbps*
Connection: SatelliteAvailability: 100% -
6. Starlink
Download Speeds:50 - 220 Mbps*
Connection: SatelliteAvailability: 100% -
7. Verizon
Speeds Up To50 Mbps*
Connection: 5G InternetAvailability: 43.9% -
Always ON
Download Speeds:25 - 150 Mbps*
Connection: Fixed WirelessAvailability: 43%
Compare Top Providers in Your Area
- AT&T Internet vs. Spectrum
- AT&T Internet vs. Kinetic by Windstream
- AT&T Internet vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Hughesnet vs. Viasat Internet
- Hughesnet vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Spectrum vs. Kinetic by Windstream
- Spectrum vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Starlink vs. Viasat Internet
- Viasat Internet vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet
Home Internet Summary in Birmingham, AL
AT&T Internet ranks among the top providers in Birmingham, Alabama. With IPBB and fiber connections, AT&T offers download speeds up to 5 Gbps. Its network covers 91.10% of the city, making it highly accessible. Plans start at $55 per month, offering substantial value for high-speed capabilities and an extensive fiber network. AT&T's strong presence and fast speeds make it ideal for heavy internet users, including gamers and high-definition content streamers.
Meanwhile, Spectrum provides strong competition in Birmingham with 93.20% coverage through its cable connection, the widest in the city. Spectrum's maximum download speed reaches 1 Gbps, which suffices for most online activities. Starting at $49.99 per month, it balances speed and affordability well. While it doesn't match AT&T's extreme fiber speeds, Spectrum's broad coverage and competitive pricing make it a dependable option for households seeking solid performance and accessibility.
Best Internet Providers in Birmingham, AL
The best internet providers in Birmingham are AT&T Fiber and Spectrum Internet. Of the two, AT&T Fiber is the best provider because of their fiber-optic network, which makes it faster and more reliable than area competitors. AT&T Fiber can reach symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 5 Gbps. AT&T also ranked highest for customer service in the North Central and West regions in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study. Customers who sign up for an AT&T Fiber plan get equipment like the WiFi gateway and All-Fi Hub with no additional equipment fees. AT&T Fiber plans also have the benefit of no annual contracts, data caps or price hikes.
In areas that lack access to AT&T Fiber, consider Spectrum Internet’s cable network, which is more accessible than AT&T Fiber. Although you won’t have the stability and symmetrical speeds of fiber, Spectrum offers affordable plans from $50 per month (for the first 12 months) that provide immense value for customers. Spectrum also offers internet, TV and phone packages. With Spectrum, you can expect a price increase after 12 months, as well as installation charges and a small monthly equipment fee. On the other hand, Spectrum has no data caps and cancellation fees on any of their plans.
Fastest Internet Providers in Birmingham, AL
AT&T is the fastest provider in Birmingham, with speeds up to 5 Gbps.
The fastest internet providers in Birmingham are AT&T Fiber and Spectrum Internet. AT&T Fiber customers in Birmingham can expect gigabit-level speeds. Since they use a fiber network, AT&T Fiber can offer symmetrical speeds (meaning upload speeds are as fast as download speeds) and more reliable performance during peak hours.
The next fastest option in Birmingham comes from Spectrum Internet. The provider’s cable network can produce speeds up to 1 Gbps (wireless speeds may vary), which is more than enough for any type of user. Spectrum Internet can’t offer symmetrical speeds but can offer more accessibility to those who don’t live within AT&T Fiber’s coverage areas.
What’s a Good Internet Speed?
| Internet Speed | Appropriate For | Providers in your Area offering this Speed | Availability in your Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Mbps |
|
|
43.01% |
| 100 Mbps |
|
|
100% |
| 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) |
|
|
93.2% |
Learn more about internet speeds:
Internet Availability in Birmingham, Alabama
You’ve got two providers to choose from for your home internet in Birmingham, Alabama. AT&T Fiber covers 51.6% of the Magic City, while Spectrum, a cable internet provider, offers even more availability in 93.2% of Birmingham. Choosing which option is better for you will depend on your neighborhood.
You’ll most likely have access to AT&T Fiber if you live in suburban areas like Mountain Park and Forest Park. Coverage in the city center is sparse but most reliable around the Automotive Historic District. Homes near the Sports Hall of Fame or UAB are unlikely to get coverage.
AT&T’s Internet Protocol Broadband (IPBB) service, however, offers widespread availability to 91.1% of Birmingham. It won’t offer the same speed as its fiber service, but it covers the vast majority of Birmingham, from the airport all the way down to Sand Ridge. It also covers areas that AT&T fiber doesn’t, like Elyton.
If AT&T isn’t an option, Spectrum is almost universally available in Birmingham, with a rare exception being around the university area. You’ll have coverage from top to bottom of 1st Avenue North, all throughout the suburbs, and the vast majority of the city center. Spectrum is the winner for availability in Birmingham, especially compared with AT&T Fiber’s spotty coverage, which is the only other option in the city that compares in speed.
Internet Provider Store Locations in Birmingham, AL
Provider Connection Types in Birmingham, AL
| Connection Type | About this Connection Type | Availability in Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite |
|
100% |
| DSL |
|
63.949999999999996% |
| Cable |
|
93.89999999999999% |
| Fiber |
|
47.27% |
List of Internet Providers in Birmingham, AL
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
Internet Providers in Birmingham, AL
| Provider | Plans Starting At | Speeds Up To | Connections | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet | $55/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan | 5 Gbps Ltd. avail/areas. Speeds vary, not g’td. Single devices wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. | IPBB, Fiber, 5G Internet | |
| Spectrum | $50/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan | 1 Gbps *Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Cable | |
| Viasat Internet | $99.99/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan | 150 Mbps *Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Satellite | |
| EarthLink 5G Home Internet | $39.95/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan | 100 Mbps *Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | 5G Internet | |
| Hughesnet | $49.99/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan | 100 Mbps *Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Satellite | |
| Starlink | $120/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan | 220 Mbps *Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Satellite | |
| Verizon | $50/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan | 50 Mbps *Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | 5G Internet | |
| Always ON | $60/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan | 25 Mbps *Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fixed Wireless |
Are you a journalist or researcher writing about this topic?
Contact us and we'll connect you with a broadband market expert on our team who can provide insights and data to support your work.
