Internet providers in Tampa, FL
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Prices from
$49.99
per month
Available speeds
300-1,000
Mbps
for 12 mos with Auto Pay.
Prices from
$29.99
per month
Available speeds
200-5,000
Mbps
Why trust our broadband experts
Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.
Florida is home to some of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, and Tampa is no exception. Its white-sand beaches, strong job market, and proximity to some of the top theme parks in the country all make Tampa an attractive place to settle down. If you’re considering moving to Tampa, you may be wondering what internet options are available in Tampa before you make the move.
The good news is that Tampa internet providers offer plans of all kinds, with bandwidth to fit every type of internet user. Read on to explore some of the top options for internet service in Tampa.
Best internet providers in Tampa, FL
- Frontier: Best fiber internet
- Spectrum: Best for TV bundles
- Viasat: Best satellite internet
- T-Mobile: Most accessible 5G home internet
- Verizon 5G Home: Fasted fixed wireless provider
Tampa internet comparison
With a booming tech job market and residential population in Tampa, the need for high-speed internet options continues to grow rapidly. Locals in the Big Guava have plenty of options for internet service, but speed and service reliability can vary considerably.
Out of all the available choices, here are our top five picks for internet service providers in Tampa.
Provider | Starting price range* | Download speed range | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Frontier | $29.99–$154.99/mo. | 200–5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Spectrum | $24.99–$59.99/mo. | 300–1,000 Mbps | Cable |
Viasat | $99.99–$119.99/mo. | 25–100 Mbps | Satellite |
T-Mobile | $60/mo. | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
Verizon 5G Home | $60–$80/mo. | 300–1,000 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
How to choose a provider in Tampa
When it comes to home internet, once you’re online, you hope you barely have to think about your provider at all. But while you’re shopping for an internet provider in Tampa, it’s important to delve into the details of each plan to make sure you find the right fit. In particular, we recommend weighing your options in three key areas:
- Pricing: Budgeting for an internet plan involves considering more than just the advertised price. Read the fine print for fees, equipment and installation charges, and pricing after the initial promotional period.
- Speed: Bandwidth and speed are closely related, and different internet technologies handle multi-device connections or heavy gaming and streaming better than others. Consider your everyday internet use and look for bandwidth and speed capabilities — along with service reliability — that’s up to the task. But don’t pay for more bandwidth than you really need.
- Perks: You may be able to save by bundling your internet plan with TV or mobile service, so be sure to consider those offers when shopping for plans. Plus, some providers offer other perks to lure you on board.
Tampa internet provider reviews
Considering those factors, here’s an overview of our top five choices for Tampa internet providers.
Frontier – Best fiber internet
Frontier is one of the top internet providers in the country, with DSL or fiber services available in 29 states. Its fiber service is far superior, offering connection speeds of up to 5 GB. Frontier’s pricing is much more affordable than other top fiber internet providers, and its contract-free plans appeal to many customers.
Pros
Affordable pricing.
No contracts or early termination fees.
No data caps.
Cons
Below-average customer satisfaction scores.
Much slower DSL connections in rural areas.
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.
Read our full Frontier review.
Spectrum – Best for TV bundles
If Frontier Fiber isn’t available in your area, Spectrum’s cable plans may be your next best choice. Upload speeds are far slower with cable, making it a little dicier for gaming. Still, Spectrum’s gigabit internet plans work great for 4K streaming or other heavy internet use. Spectrum offers some of the best bundling deals for TV and internet, too.
Pros
Equipment fees included in pricing.
Options for no-contract plans.
Bundle with TV, home phone and mobile phone.
Cons
Poor customer service reviews.
Cable gets bogged down with multiple connections.
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.
Read our full Spectrum review.
Viasat – Best satellite internet
Viasat is available almost everywhere in the U.S., making it a great option for customers in Tampa who are outside the reach of other connection types. It’s considerably slower than other options, but it’s still possible to connect at up to 100 Mbps with no cap on standard data usage.
Pros
Available almost everywhere.
Unlimited standard data with up to 500 GB high-speed data.
Faster speeds than some other satellite providers.
Cons
Requires a satellite dish at home.
Two-year contracts with early termination fees.
Pricey for how much bandwidth you get.
Overall score: 2.1 out of 5.
Read our full Viasat review.
T-Mobile Home Internet – Most accessible 5G home internet
T-Mobile boasts a massive 5G wireless network, and its home internet services are widely available in Tampa. With prices as low as $40/mo. (when bundled with a mobile plan) and connection speeds of up to 245 Mbps, T-Mobile is an excellent choice for existing cell phone users or those who want to make the switch.
Pros
Steep discount when bundled with cell phone plan.
Straightforward pricing with one plan option.
Speeds of up to 245 Mbps in some areas.
Cons
Slows down with multiple device connections.
Speed varies based on location and network load.
$35 device connection fee.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full T-Mobile review.
Verizon 5G Home – Fastest fixed wireless internet
Verizon isn’t as widely available in Tampa as T-Mobile, but it does win out when it comes to speed. Plans start at 300 Mbps and reach 1 GB in some areas. Like T-Mobile, Verizon offers steep discounts for cellular subscribers. It also offers some big signup perks, such as a free Nintendo Switch or a $200 Target gift card depending on active promotions.
Pros
Faster connection speeds than other 5G providers.
No contracts or hidden fees.
Huge sign-on deals and bundle discounts.
Cons
Not available everywhere.
5G connections are less reliable than cable or fiber.
Best pricing only available when for Verizon Wireless customers.
Overall score: 4 out of 5.
Read our full Verizon 5G review.
Cheap internet in Tampa, FL
Internet service providers in Tampa offer some top-of-the-line plans, but few home internet users need that much bandwidth. If budget is your top priority, you’ve got several great options in the Big Guava. Frontier offers fiber internet for as low as $29.99/mo., and Verizon and T-Mobile both offer affordable internet plans.
Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Frontier | $29.99/mo. | 200 Mbps | Fiber |
Verizon | $35/mo.** | 300 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
T-Mobile | $40/mo.** | 72–245 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Fastest internet in Tampa, FL
If you do need top speeds for everything from 4K streaming to intense gaming, Tampa internet providers have you covered. Gigabit internet speeds (and more) are available over fixed wireless, cable and fiber, with prices starting as low as $45/mo.
Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Verizon 5G Home | $45**–$80/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
Spectrum | $99.99–$119.99/mo. | Up to 1,000 Mbps | Cable |
Frontier | $154.99/mo. | Up to 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Tampa internet technology
Your internet bandwidth and browsing speed are largely determined by the type of technology your provider uses. In Tampa, you may be able to choose from any of the following options:
- Fiber internet: Fiber-optic cables are the gold standard for reliable high-speed internet service. With synchronous download and upload speeds, there’s virtually no lag, making this a great choice for gaming, video calls and more.
- Cable: Cable may not be as fast or reliable as fiber, but it’s still far more widely available. You can still get speeds of 1 GB or more, and cable providers often offer great bundling options for internet and TV services.
- Satellite: If you’re having trouble finding internet options in your area, check out satellite providers like Viasat or Hughesnet. Connection speeds are slower than other technologies, but satellite service is available in many places still out of reach for fiber and cable.
- 5G: Fixed wireless internet has recently pushed its way into the conversation as a legitimate option for high-speed home internet. Verizon offers speeds of up to 1 GB in some areas, while T-Mobile provides a respectable 245 Mbps. Bundling these plans with cellular service can help you save big.
Tampa internet FAQs
Does Tampa have fiber-optic internet?
Yes, Tampa internet providers like Frontier and EarthLink offer fiber services in many parts of Tampa. You may be able to access connection speeds of up to 5 GB.
Is Spectrum available in Tampa, FL?
Spectrum is our top pick for cable internet in the Big Guava, with about 85% coverage in the city. Pay attention to Spectrum’s bundle deals to get a discounted rate.
How much does internet cost in Tampa, FL?
Internet plan fees range considerably depending on the provider, technology and connection speed. In Tampa, you can get residential internet for anywhere from $29.99/mo. to $154.99/mo.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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