What is cable internet?
Cable internet is a fast and widely available type of internet in the US that uses the same infrastructure as cable TV. Almost 9 out of 10 Americans can get it in their area from a huge variety of providers across the country.
It can download at speeds over 1000 Mbps, which is great for most people. But it has slower upload speeds than fiber internet, and it can slow down during busy hours in some areas.
The speed you receive often depends on how many people in your area are connected to the Internet at the same time. Your connection may be noticeably slower if you are online during peak hours.
Still, it's much better than DSL or satellite internet, and it's often easy to install if you already have cable TV.
Cable internet providers
Max Speed
1,000 Mbs
Max Speed
2,000 Mbs
Max Speed
1,000 Mbs
Max Speed
1,000 Mbs
Max Speed
1,000 Mbs
Max Speed
1,000 Mbs
Max Speed
1,000 Mbs
Max Speed
1,000 Mbs
Pros & cons of cable internet
Pros
Available in many areas
Fast download speeds
Easy DIY installation
TV+ internet bundles available
Cons
Slow network when many people are online
Slower upload speeds than fiber
Usually more expensive than fiber
FAQs
Yes, you can get cable internet without also getting cable TV, and it's usually cheaper if you only need one service.
Yes, it's usually easy to add internet to your existing cable TV plan, and sometimes you can also get phone service included.
Bundling TV, phone, and internet with the same company can save you money and make things easier, since you only have to deal with one provider instead of several. You can compare prices and check for bundle offers on our website.