Top pick

  • $1999 - $12999
  • Up to 300 Mbps
(877) 232-2158

Runner Up

  • $5000 - $9000
  • Up to 75 Mbps
(844) 815-6944

Business pick

  • $5000 - $5000
  • Up to 75 Mbps
(877) 870-0814
Written by Jessica Sims Published on Updated on
  • Cox and AT&T are the primary residential broadband companies serving New Orleans.
  • The average Internet speed in New Orleans is 26.65 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: $1999 - $12999
  • 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.

  • Flexible TV, sports, and premium channel packages
  • Data limits on streaming

(877) 232-2158

AT&T Internet - Runner Up

  • Pricing: $5000
  • Max Down: 75 Mbps
  • Max Up: 8.0 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.

  • Basic access pricing
  • Data limitations on streaming and downloads

(844) 815-6944

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.

ProvidersPricingAvailabilityPhone
$3999+ 100%
Satellite		 (844) 279-9732
$3000+ 100%
Satellite		 (855) 713-9640
$1999+ 96%
Cable		 (877) 232-2158
$5000+ 89%
DSL		 (844) 815-6944

Residential Internet Service Providers

This table includes every provider that has filed with the FCC as providing residential service to zip codes in this area. Some of these providers also offer advanced services like business broadband or VoIP.

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: 75 Mbps
  • Max Up: 8.0 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.

  • Excellent small business features and skilled support staff
  • Limited features for enterprise applications

(877) 870-0814

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.

ProvidersPricingAvailabilityPhone
N/A 89%
Satellite		 (844) 279-9732
N/A 100%
Satellite		 (855) 713-9640
N/A 100%
Fiber		 (866) 414-9090
$9500+ 48%
Cable		 (877) 232-2158
$5000+ 77%
DSL		 (844) 815-6944
N/A 6%
Fiber		 (251) 662-1170
N/A 7%
DSL		 (703) 442-5500
$5900+ 8%
DSL		 (877) 757-5799

Small Business Broadband Service Providers

This table includes every provider we've noted that offers business-specific broadband service in this area. These providers are focused on the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.

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

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COVERAGE CENSUS TRACTS

New Orleans Internet Speed Overview

We found the average speed to be 26.65 Mbps in New Orleans, while the top speed available in select areas is 79.15 Mbps.

Average Speed90th Percentile Speed
26.65 Mbps79.15 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

  1. http://broadbandnow.com/report/municipal-broadband-roadblocks-by-state/ ↩
  2. http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/education/article_9fedcc20-1320-11e7-be16-df215d9f85dd.html ↩

Experts

Ana De Castro

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

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.

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