What Internet Can You
Actually Get?
We grade broadband access for every ZIP code in America. Search 34K areas — see providers, speeds, and whether you have real competition or a monopoly.
Test Your Download Speed
Broadband by State
Featured ZIP Codes
About Broadband Data
What is a Broadband Grade?
The Broadband Grade rates internet access quality from A (excellent) to F (poor) for every U.S. ZIP code. It weighs four factors: maximum available download speed (40%), provider competition measured by the number of ISPs serving the area (30%), fiber optic availability (20%), and upload speed (10%). Areas with fast speeds but only one provider score lower than areas with moderate speeds and real competition, because monopoly markets tend to have higher prices and worse service.
Where does this data come from?
All data comes from the FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC), which replaced the old Form 477 system in 2022. The BDC collects availability data at the individual address level from every internet service provider in the country, covering over 116 million locations. The FCC publishes updated BDC data twice a year. This is the most granular broadband dataset ever assembled by the federal government, and it is what the FCC uses to allocate billions in broadband funding.
What counts as broadband?
The FCC raised the broadband speed benchmark to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload in 2024, up from the previous 25/3 standard that had been in place since 2015. Areas that cannot access speeds at or above this threshold are classified as underserved and may be eligible for federal broadband subsidies. The FCC also set a long-term goal of 1 Gbps download and 500 Mbps upload. For context, streaming 4K video requires about 25 Mbps, while a household with multiple remote workers typically needs 100+ Mbps to avoid congestion.
Why does provider competition matter?
Areas served by only one or two internet providers consistently have higher prices and slower speeds than areas with three or more competitors. FCC data shows that the average price per Mbps drops by roughly 40% when a third provider enters a market. Our Broadband Grade weights competition at 30% because it is the strongest predictor of long-term service quality and price fairness. ZIP codes with a single provider rarely receive an A grade regardless of speed, because consumers have no alternative if service degrades.
What is the difference between fiber, cable, and DSL?
Fiber optic internet transmits data using light through glass strands and offers the fastest, most reliable connections, typically 500 Mbps to 5 Gbps symmetrical. Cable internet uses the same coaxial lines as cable TV and typically delivers 100-1,000 Mbps download but much slower upload speeds. DSL runs over copper telephone lines and maxes out around 50-100 Mbps, with speeds degrading over distance from the central office. Our grade weights fiber availability at 20% because fiber infrastructure is a strong indicator of future-proof connectivity.
How can I improve my broadband situation?
Start by checking which providers actually serve your address, since FCC data sometimes shows availability that is not yet built out. If you are in an underserved area (below 100/20 Mbps), check whether your state has applied for BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) funding, which is distributing $42.5 billion to expand broadband access. Fixed wireless providers like T-Mobile and Starlink have also expanded coverage in rural areas where wired options are limited. Filing an FCC broadband availability challenge can also prompt providers to correct overstated coverage claims.
How do I test my internet speed?
Use the speed test on this page to measure your real download speed. For the most accurate results, connect via ethernet cable, close other applications, and test at different times of day. Our test downloads data to your browser and measures actual throughput. Run the test on multiple services (DownloadSpeed, Fast.com, Speedtest) for a complete picture. If your wired speed matches your plan but Wi-Fi is slow, your router is the bottleneck.
What is a good download speed in 2026?
The FCC defines broadband as 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. For a household of 2-3 people, 200-300 Mbps is typically sufficient. Households with 4+ people, multiple remote workers, and 4K streaming should aim for 500+ Mbps. Gigabit plans (1,000 Mbps) provide significant headroom. The most important factor is often upload speed, not download — especially for video calls and cloud backups.
Why is my Wi-Fi slower than my internet plan?
Your router is likely the bottleneck. Wi-Fi 5 routers max out at 400-800 Mbps in practice. Walls, distance from the router, and interference from other devices further reduce speed. Test with an ethernet cable plugged directly into your modem — if wired speed matches your plan, the problem is your router or Wi-Fi environment. Upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 or mesh system typically solves this.