Top pick
Runner Up
Business pick
- Spectrum and AT&T are the most common cable and DSL options in Charlotte.
- Google Fiber and AT&T both offer fiber service in select parts of Charlotte.
- The average speed for broadband in Charlotte is 53.14 Mbps.
Best Residential Internet Providers
Considering coverage area, we picked these providers for offering the best overall service quality to the most Charlotte residents.
Time Warner Cable - Top Pick
- Pricing: $4499 - $8998
- Max Down: 300 Mbps
- Max Up: 20 Mbps
- Ratings:
Charter Spectrum offers cable Internet and TV in the area, and their speeds are hard to beat. Cord cutters will enjoy their unlimited data policies, while TV fans will enjoy the flexible cable TV packages. Their pricing isn’t the cheapest in the area, but factor in how much better the speeds are and it’s worth it.
AT&T Internet - Runner Up
- Pricing: $3000 - $6000
- Max Down: 1,000 Mbps
- Max Up: 1,000 Mbps
- Ratings:
AT&T has a couple things going for it: reasonable prices and reasonable speeds. The provider offers easy installation throughout virtually all of the metro area, and also offers comprehensive premium TV packages through partner DirecTV.
Residential Internet Providers Available in Charlotte
Thanks to Google Fiber’s arrival, competition has kicked up a notch between Internet providers in Charlotte. Not all locals have more than a couple options or access to the fastest fiber service, but you can use our Internet search tool to check options at your location or browse the complete listing below.
| Providers | Pricing | Availability | Rating | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | $3000+ | 88% DSL | (855) 435-4578 | |
| | $4499+ | 100% Cable | (855) 436-3535 | |
 | $3999+ | 17% DSL | (855) 837-8791 | |
 | $5999+ | 100% Satellite | (888) 387-7910 | |
 | $5000+ | 100% Satellite | (877) 255-5702 |
Best Business Internet Providers
Charlotte has significantly more options for business than residential, and we recommend this provider as the best mid-range option for local businesses.
Time Warner Cable - Business Pick
- Max Down: 300 Mbps
- Max Up: 20 Mbps
- Ratings:
Charter Business provides all the core features for business applications including static IP, cloud backups, and more. The scalability can be limited for enterprise and fast-growing customers, but it’s perfect for everyone else.
Business Internet Providers Available in Charlotte
See the table below for an understanding of every option in Charlotte for business services, from basic cable to enterprise services like backhaul and IP transit.
| Providers | Pricing | Availability | Rating | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $5000+ | 89% DSL | (855) 435-4578 | |
 | N/A | 6% Copper | (877) 757-5799 | |
 | N/A | 2% Fiber | (888) 583-4237 | |
| | $7999+ | 100% Cable | (855) 436-3535 | |
| | $5000+ | 24% DSL | (855) 837-8791 | |
 | N/A | 5% Copper | (800) 421-3887 | |
| | $6999+ | 100% Satellite | (888) 387-7910 | |
| | $9999+ | 100% Satellite | (877) 255-5702 | |
 | N/A | 4% Copper | (866) 226-4244 | |
 | N/A | 3% DSL | (866) 424-5544 |
Map of Broadband Internet Competition in Charlotte
Charlotte has a decent array of Internet options, especially in areas served by Google Fiber or AT&T fiber. Navigate through the map below to see how specific districts compare.
Provider Competition Map
Charlotte Internet Speed Overview
The top speed we’ve recorded among Charlotte residents is a zippy 131.87 Mbps. The average recorded by speed tests is 53.14 Mbps.
| Average Speed | 90th Percentile Speed |
|---|---|
| 53.14 Mbps | 131.87 Mbps |
Average Residential download speeds within Charlotte
Top Factors to Consider When Shopping for Internet Service in Charlotte
Limited-Time Promotional Pricing
Reduced-rate signup offers are a common marketing tactic used by Internet and TV providers around Charlotte. These can get you a great deal, but be sure you understand the fine print before scheduling installation. Specifically, be aware of how long that promo price will last so you can average it against the final price to see what your actual monthly cost is over a 1–2 year contract period.
Google Fiber vs The World
Google Fiber has been slowing their expansion of late, so it could be some time before new addresses in Charlotte can sign up for service. Waitlist signup is available at the Google Fiber Charlotte page. They are also offering small business broadband.
Local Information
Thanks to their involvement in the Google Fiber rollout, Charlotte is often held up as a poster child of the positive effect high-speed access has on small local economies.
Low-Cost Access
Charlotte politicians have been active in supporting pro-broadband initiatives, including those geared at low-income residents, such as Lifeline.[1] Charlotte residents seeking low-cost home Internet can check their eligibility at EveryoneOn.
What About Municipal Broadband?
Regardless of community interest, installing a municipal broadband network in Charlotte would be virtually impossible under current state laws.[2] North Carolina has been a battleground for this issue. The FCC has regularly fought with local lawmakers to allow municipal broadband to serve certain areas.[3]
References and Footnotes
Experts
Ana De Castro
Ana De Castro cut her teeth as a SAP consultant for Deloitte during the original tech boom, and now works in a communications role in the telecom industry. When she isn’t explaining technical concepts to confused consumers, she enjoys traveling with her husband and two rambunctious kids.
James Webb
James Webb is a tech and gadgets expert with a focus on educational content development. He draws on his background in the startup world to make complicated technologies and topics easy to understand for normal folks.