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Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of December 2023.
Overview of Chicago Providers
If you’re in Chicago or its surrounding areas, you have access to at least two internet providers. Xfinity internet and AT&T are two of the largest providers in Chicago, but there are plenty of other internet service providers for you to compare. Here’s a quick guide to help you find the internet plan that fits your lifestyle.
Internet Statistics for Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a diverse city that is known for many things, from being “The Windy City,” to the food and music festivals, do it storied sports teams. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimates that 100% of the Cook County population has access to at least two broadband internet providers with download speeds of 25 Mbps or faster.
The largest internet providers in Chicago include Xfinity, AT&T, and HughesNet. If you’re in Chicago or planning to move there, you’re fortunate to have several choices to help you get connected. We encourage you to research each provider to find the one that fits your needs and budget.
Compare Internet Service Providers in Chicago
| Provider | Starting Price | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astound Broadband Powered by RCN | $19.99/mo.* | 1200 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| Xfinity | $19.99/mo. – $299.95/mo. | 50 Mbps – 3000 Mbps | 5 Mbps – 35 Mbps |
| WOW! | $24.99/mo.* | 1200 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| Viasat | $64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo. | 25 Mbps – 150 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| Verizon | $39.99/mo. – $89.99/mo. | 500Mbps – 940 Mbps | 500 Mbps – 880 Mbps |
| Sparklight | $45 – $110* | 940 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| HughesNet | $44.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
| AT&T | $55/mo. – $80/mo. | 300 Mbps – 940 Mbps | 300 Mbps – 940 Mbps |
| Provider | Astound Broadband Powered by RCN |
|---|---|
| Starting Price | $19.99/mo.* |
| Max Download Speed | 1200 Mbps |
| Max Upload Speed | 50 Mbps |
| Provider | Xfinity |
| Starting Price | $19.99/mo. – $299.95/mo. |
| Max Download Speed | 50 Mbps – 3000 Mbps |
| Max Upload Speed | 5 Mbps – 35 Mbps |
| Provider | WOW! |
| Starting Price | $24.99/mo.* |
| Max Download Speed | 1200 Mbps |
| Max Upload Speed | 50 Mbps |
| Provider | Viasat |
| Starting Price | $64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo. |
| Max Download Speed | 25 Mbps – 150 Mbps |
| Max Upload Speed | 3 Mbps |
| Provider | Verizon |
| Starting Price | $39.99/mo. – $89.99/mo. |
| Max Download Speed | 500Mbps – 940 Mbps |
| Max Upload Speed | 500 Mbps – 880 Mbps |
| Provider | Sparklight |
| Starting Price | $45 – $110* |
| Max Download Speed | 940 Mbps |
| Max Upload Speed | 50 Mbps |
| Provider | HughesNet |
| Starting Price | $44.99/mo. |
| Max Download Speed | 25 Mbps |
| Max Upload Speed | 3 Mbps |
| Provider | AT&T |
| Starting Price | $55/mo. – $80/mo. |
| Max Download Speed | 300 Mbps – 940 Mbps |
| Max Upload Speed | 300 Mbps – 940 Mbps |
Pricing, speeds, offers, and availability vary by service address and are subject to change at any time. Additional fees, taxes, and terms may apply. As of December 2023.
Types of Internet Available in Chicago
A wide variety of internet connections are available in Chicago, Illinois including 5G, fiber, cable, DSL, satellite, and fixed wireless. Overall, cable internet and DSL are the primary types of internet in Chicago, with over 99% coverage by one or more providers. Fiber networks are steadily growing, though, with nearly 46% of coverage city-wide.
- Fiber: Fiber internet offers users symmetrical speeds at affordable prices. While a few providers deliver up to 10 Gbps, most fiber plans come with speeds up to 1000 Mbps.
- Cable: A better alternative to DSL, cable internet delivers service over existing TV lines. This provides wide availability and potential download speeds up to 1000 Mbps.
- DSL: DSL internet runs on existing telephone lines. It’s more available than cable or fiber internet and can deliver download speeds up to 150 Mbps in select areas.
- Satellite: Satellite internet is available virtually anywhere in the US, with speeds ranging from 25 to 150 Mbps. This makes it a great option for those living in more remote areas.
- Fixed-Wireless: Fixed-wireless internet delivers service using radio towers. It typically offers lower latency than satellite internet but often comes with a data cap.
- 5G: 5G networks run on three different bands with speeds up to 100 Mbps, 1000 Mbps, or 10 Gbps. This allows for faster speeds, lower latency, and increased connectivity.
Please keep in mind that while the types of internet listed above do exist in Chicago, availability depends entirely on your location. There may be far more or far less coverage depending on the district – or even the street – where you live.
Chicago Internet FAQs:
To date, there are 8 Chicago internet providers. Enter your zip code here to find the best internet options in your area.
Xfinity offers the fastest internet in Chicago with download speeds of up to 1200 Mbps in select areas.
Yes. There are multiple Chicago internet providers that allow you to bundle two or more services. For example, Spectrum offers internet, TV, and phone services you can combine into one bill. Explore the best cable and internet bundles on HighSpeedOptions.
Internet plans start anywhere as low as $19.99 per month depending on where you live and the type of service. For providers in your area, enter your zip code here.
