As the third-most populous city in the United States, Chicago requires fast and reliable internet speeds to support its thriving business community, educational institutions, and residents. With numerous internet service providers (ISPs) operating in the city, choosing the best one can be a daunting task. In this article, we will delve into the top internet providers in Chicago, comparing their speeds, prices, and features to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're a student, a professional, or a gamer, we've got you covered with the latest information on Chicago's internet landscape.
The city's internet infrastructure is continually evolving, with many providers investing in fiber-optic networks to deliver faster speeds and lower latency. According to a report by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Chicago has seen a significant increase in broadband adoption, with over 90% of households having access to high-speed internet. As the demand for online services continues to grow, it's essential to choose an ISP that can meet your needs. In this comparison, we'll examine the top providers in Chicago, including AT&T, Comcast Xfinity, RCN, and EarthLink, to help you find the best internet plan for your home or business.
Key Points
- AT&T offers speeds up to 1,000 Mbps with its fiber-optic network
- Comcast Xfinity provides a wide range of plans, including a 1,200 Mbps option
- RCN's fiber-optic network delivers speeds up to 940 Mbps
- EarthLink offers a variety of plans, including a 1,000 Mbps option with its fiber-optic network
- Prices vary among providers, with some offering discounts for bundle deals or promotional rates
Top Internet Providers in Chicago
When it comes to choosing the best internet provider in Chicago, there are several factors to consider, including speed, price, and customer service. Here’s a breakdown of the top providers in the city:
AT&T Internet
AT&T is one of the largest ISPs in the United States, and its internet services are available in many areas of Chicago. The provider offers a range of plans, including its fiber-optic network, which delivers speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. AT&T’s internet plans start at 30 per month for its 100 Mbps plan, with prices increasing to 60 per month for its 1,000 Mbps plan. One of the benefits of AT&T is its wide coverage area, with over 90% of Chicago households having access to its services.
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | $30/month |
| AT&T Internet 300 | 300 Mbps | $40/month |
| AT&T Internet 1000 | 1,000 Mbps | $60/month |
Comcast Xfinity Internet
Comcast Xfinity is another major ISP in Chicago, offering a wide range of internet plans to suit different needs and budgets. The provider’s plans start at 29.99 per month for its 100 Mbps plan, with prices increasing to 109.99 per month for its 1,200 Mbps plan. Comcast Xfinity’s network is available in over 95% of Chicago households, making it one of the most widely available providers in the city. One of the benefits of Comcast Xfinity is its X1 platform, which offers a range of features, including DVR capabilities and streaming services.
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Comcast Xfinity Starter | 100 Mbps | $29.99/month |
| Comcast Xfinity Blast! | 400 Mbps | $49.99/month |
| Comcast Xfinity Extreme | 800 Mbps | $69.99/month |
| Comcast Xfinity Gigabit | 1,200 Mbps | $109.99/month |
RCN Internet
RCN is a fiber-optic internet provider that offers fast and reliable speeds in Chicago. The provider’s plans start at 29.99 per month for its 100 Mbps plan, with prices increasing to 49.99 per month for its 940 Mbps plan. RCN’s network is available in over 80% of Chicago households, making it a popular choice for those looking for a fiber-optic connection. One of the benefits of RCN is its no-contract policy, which allows customers to cancel their service at any time without incurring penalties.
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| RCN Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | $29.99/month |
| RCN Internet 500 | 500 Mbps | $39.99/month |
| RCN Internet 940 | 940 Mbps | $49.99/month |
EarthLink Internet
EarthLink is a provider that offers a range of internet plans, including fiber-optic options. The provider’s plans start at 14.95 per month for its 15 Mbps plan, with prices increasing to 99.95 per month for its 1,000 Mbps plan. EarthLink’s network is available in over 70% of Chicago households, making it a popular choice for those looking for a affordable internet option. One of the benefits of EarthLink is its price match guarantee, which ensures that customers get the best price for their internet service.
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| EarthLink DSL 15 | 15 Mbps | $14.95/month |
| EarthLink Fiber 100 | 100 Mbps | $29.95/month |
| EarthLink Fiber 1000 | 1,000 Mbps | $99.95/month |
Comparison of Internet Providers in Chicago
In conclusion, the top internet providers in Chicago offer a range of plans and features to suit different needs and budgets. When choosing a provider, it’s essential to consider factors such as speed, price, customer service, and reliability. By comparing the top providers in the city, you can find the best internet plan for your home or business and enjoy fast, reliable, and affordable internet in Chicago.
According to a report by the FCC, the average internet speed in Chicago is around 150 Mbps, with some areas reaching speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. With the increasing demand for online services, it's essential to have a fast and reliable internet connection. By choosing one of the top internet providers in Chicago, you can ensure that you have the best internet experience possible.
What is the fastest internet speed available in Chicago?
+The fastest internet speed available in Chicago is up to 1,200 Mbps, offered by Comcast Xfinity. However, other providers such as AT&T and RCN also offer fast speeds, with plans starting at 100 Mbps and going up to 1,000 Mbps.
Which internet provider has the best customer service in Chicago?
+According to customer reviews and ratings, RCN has the best customer service in Chicago, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. However, other providers such as AT&T and Comcast Xfinity also have good customer service, with ratings of 4.2 and 4.1 out of 5 stars, respectively.