Top pick
Runner Up
Business pick
- Cox and AT&T are the primary residential broadband companies serving New Orleans.
- The average Internet speed in New Orleans is 28.09 Mbps according to the latest speed test data.
- Business broadband options are surprisingly robust in New Orleans, including a variety of smaller companies specialized in local industries.
Best Residential Internet Providers
Picking the best provider in New Orleans ultimately comes down to the “cable vs DSL” question. While Cox and AT&T both offer residential fiber in certain areas, most of New Orleans residents simply have to choose between these older network types.
Cox Communications - Top Pick

- Pricing: $2999 - $15999
- Max Down: 300 Mbps
- Max Up: 30 Mbps
- Ratings:
Cox’s hybrid fiber-coaxial network provides among the best widely-available speeds in the area. The data caps aren’t as cord-cutter friendly as they could be, but will work for the average single user’s Netflix and Twitch habit. Their real value is for TV subscribers, who get access to their comprehensive and flexible premium channel packages.
AT&T Internet - Runner Up

- Pricing: $4000 - $8999
- Max Down: 100 Mbps
- Max Up: 20 Mbps
- Ratings:
AT&T Internet uses their FTTN (Fiber to the Node) DSL network to offer coverage to virtually everyone within city limits. If you can get a landline phone, you can probably get service from this provider, and their pricing is surprisingly affordable.
Residential Internet Providers Available in New Orleans
Here’s a quick overview of all the options available for home and apartment Internet in New Orleans.
Providers | Pricing | Availability | Rating | Phone |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | $3999+ | 100% Satellite | (844) 279-9732 | |
![]() | $5000+ | 100% Satellite | (855) 713-9640 | |
![]() | $2999+ | 97% Cable | (877) 232-2158 | |
![]() | $4000+ | 91% DSL | (844) 815-6944 | |
![]() | $4995+ | 80% DSL | (855) 340-8248 |
Best Business Internet Providers
Business options abound in New Orleans, although the area isn’t without some dark spots and infrastructure challenges.
AT&T Internet - Business Pick

- Max Down: 100 Mbps
- Max Up: 20 Mbps
- Ratings:
AT&T Business Internet is a good value for small businesses that rely on their Internet connection for mission-critical uses like running credit card transactions. Enterprise clients should consider some of the more scalable providers below, but AT&T is more than enough for baseline needs.
Business Internet Providers Available in New Orleans
Keep in mind that some providers only serve specialized industries or areas. You can use our broadband search tool to see which companies offer plans at your business location.
Providers | Pricing | Availability | Rating | Phone |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | N/A | 89% Satellite | (844) 279-9732 | |
![]() | N/A | 89% Satellite | (855) 713-9640 | |
![]() | N/A | 100% Fiber | (866) 414-9090 | |
![]() | $7499+ | 52% Cable | (877) 232-2158 | |
![]() | $5000+ | 77% DSL | (844) 815-6944 | |
![]() | N/A | 6% Fiber | (251) 662-1170 | |
![]() | N/A | 8% DSL | (877) 611-6342 | |
![]() | N/A | 7% DSL | (703) 442-5500 |
Map of Broadband Internet Competition in New Orleans
As with everything in New Orleans, every neighborhood does not have equal access to the best amenities. In the map below, you can see which districts and blocks have multiple options, and which have only one or two.
Provider Competition Map
New Orleans Internet Speed Overview
We found the average speed to be 28.09 Mbps in New Orleans, while the top speed available in select areas is 75.9 Mbps.
Average Speed | 90th Percentile Speed |
---|---|
28.09 Mbps | 75.9 Mbps |
Average Residential download speeds within New Orleans
Top Factors to Consider When Shopping for Internet Service in New Orleans
Data caps and technology challenges are the biggest issues to be aware of in New Orleans.
Data Caps
Keep an eye on your Netflix habit — data caps that charge users for going overboard on Internet use are unfortunately common in the New Orleans area. Be sure to verify your specific data limit and fee details with any potential home Internet provider before signing up. Finally, consider a dedicated TV service or TV bundle if you watch a lot. Considering you have to pay for access to premium channels either way, it will likely save you money if you watch daily.
Cable vs DSL in New Orleans
Cable vs DSL. Which should you choose? In New Orleans, the choice isn’t as clear cut as some, since DSL can actually outperform cable in some blocks — in spite of using older, less data-friendly twisted copper wiring.
If possible, find out what plans your neighbors are using and see if they can run a speed test to show the real-world performance in your service area. Keep in mind that cable and DSL often deliver significantly lower speeds than the “speeds up to…” metrics advertised.
Local Information
New Orleans isn’t without its share of challenges when it comes to broadband infrastructure.
Low-Income Internet Options in New Orleans
New Orleans residents who can’t afford home Internet may find themselves on the wrong side of the “digital divide,” unable to access basic education, employment, and communication services. Thankfully, specialized programs are available from Internet providers in New Orleans that can get home broadband installed for around $10/month for residents who meet need criteria. See EveryoneOn for a full rundown on programs in New Orleans.
Municipal Broadband Issues in New Orleans
New Orleans could theoretically install a municipal broadband network if public support was broad enough. However, strict laws in Louisiana make it difficult for a publicly-owned broadband network to create “competition” with private networks.
Specifically, state laws prohibit a public network from pricing their plans below whatever the local private providers are offering.[1]
As you might imagine, this makes it difficult to justify the high cost of installing public networks in the first place, let alone building a citywide network as cities like Chattanooga have done.
Internet Access Issues
Proposals to increase high-speed access in schools have been mysteriously stalled in some parts of New Orleans and Louisiana as a whole.[2] Questions about the validity of using public financing to increase rural access has plagued the New Orleans area for years.
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.