Best Internet Providers in Columbus County, NC
All 9 providers, ranked by coverage, speed and customer ratings
Find internet availability by address in Columbus County, NC
Columbus County has 9 internet service providers, they are sorted by coverage, available speed, and customer rating from our unbiased internet provider report. Fiber, Cable, Fixed Wireless, and DSL internet are available in the county. Reviews are grouped by provider and the type of service they offer, covering all 4 available internet technologies in Columbus County.
Ranks compare Columbus County with the 100 North Carolina counties.
The Best Internet in Columbus County, NC at a Glance
Columbus County Internet Providers, Ranked by Coverage, Speed and Customer Ratings
Focus
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
Brightspeed
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
DSL
Fixed Wireless
Spectrum
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
Cable
EarthLink
Connection
Customer Rating
DSL
Fixed Wireless
Providers with less than 1% coverage in this county are excluded from the list. To see if one of these providers is available at your home, please use the address search above.
Speed and technology may vary by address for all providers. Please note we may have a financial relationship with some of the providers above, which does not impact the customer ratings displayed. Customer ratings listed above are national ratings, local Columbus County ratings may vary and are shown below.
Who is the Best Internet Provider in Columbus County, NC?
Focus Broadband is the highest-rated internet provider in Columbus County based on 322 North Carolina customer reviews, and T-Mobile Home Internet has the highest rating nationwide. The provider information above and the information immediately below can help you decide. Compare provider ratings and review counts above.
Which Providers are Available at my Home in Columbus County?
Coverage changes block by block. Pick a provider and a technology to see where its service reaches: the darker the area, the larger the share of homes it covers. For your exact address, use the address search above.

Coverage map for each provider in Columbus County
- Focus - fiber coverage map
- Spectrum - cable coverage map
- Brightspeed - fiber coverage map
- Spectrum - fiber coverage map
- Verizon - fixed wireless coverage map
- Star Communications - fiber coverage map
- River Street - fiber coverage map
- T-Mobile Home Internet - fixed wireless coverage map
- Brightspeed - dsl coverage map
- AT&T - fixed wireless coverage map
- EarthLink - fixed wireless coverage map
- Star Communications - dsl coverage map
- AT&T - dsl coverage map
- EarthLink - dsl coverage map
- Brightspeed - fixed wireless coverage map
How Columbus County Compares to the Rest of North Carolina
Columbus County's report card score is tied 34th of 100 and its connectivity index is tied 73rd of 100.
| Measure | Columbus County | Rank among North Carolina counties | North Carolina | US | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISP Report Card inputs: what providers offer here | |||||
| Fiber availability | 93.6% | 12th of 100 | 78.0% | 71.5% | Davie County (99.8%) |
| Average top speed | 2,916 Mbps | 30th of 100 | 3,577 Mbps | 3,486 Mbps | Greene County (8,030 Mbps) |
| Providers at a typical address | 5.4 | Tied 75th of 100 | 7.3 | 7.1 | Buncombe County (9.2) |
| Connectivity index inputs: how much households need and use the internet | |||||
| People per household | 2.5 | Tied 26th of 100 | 2.5 | 2.7 | Union County (3.0) |
| Workers who work from home | 6% | Tied 86th of 100 | 16% | 15% | Mecklenburg County and Wake County (29%) |
| Homes with a computer, tablet or phone | 91% | Tied 61st of 100 | 95% | 96% | Carteret County and Dare County and 3 more (98%) |
| Homes with internet | 84% | Tied 70th of 100 | 91% | 91% | Wake County (96%) |
| Homes on fiber, cable or DSL | 64% | Tied 69th of 100 | 77% | 76% | Wake County (86%) |
| More about the households here | |||||
| Homes with a desktop or laptop | 64% | Tied 84th of 100 | 80% | 81% | Orange County and Wake County (90%) |
| Median household income | $51,358 | 90th of 100 | $83,207 | $93,246 | Union County ($119,553) |
| Residents in school (6th grade to college) | 12% | Tied 65th of 100 | 16% | 16% | Watauga County (36%) |
Fiber reaches 93.6% of homes in Columbus County, against 78.0% across North Carolina. Households in Columbus County are smaller than the US average (2.5 people against 2.7); 6% of workers work from home (US 15%); and the median household income is $51,358 (US $93,246).
Our demographic data is sourced from the latest 5-year release of the American Community Survey by the US Census Bureau.
How Columbus County Compares to Its Neighbors
Columbus County has 6 neighbors, 2 of them in South Carolina. Among them, Horry County, SC has the most homes with fiber (91.7%) and Dillon County, SC the fewest (35.4%); Columbus County has 93.6%.
Map of Columbus County and its neighbors by ISP Report Card grade
Hover over or tap a county for its numbers, and click through to its page.
Columbus County and its neighbors
| County | People | Homes with fiber | Average top speed | Providers at a typical address | Report card | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus County (this page) | 50,623 | 93.6% | 2,916 Mbps | 5.4 | B | 37/100 |
| Horry County, SC | 351,029 | 91.7% | 2,243 Mbps | 5.9 | B | 66/100 |
| Brunswick County | 136,693 | 76.1% | 3,626 Mbps | 5.8 | B- | 69/100 |
| Robeson County | 116,530 | 76.4% | 1,697 Mbps | 6.1 | B- | 35/100 |
| Pender County | 60,203 | 71.4% | 2,636 Mbps | 6.6 | B | 65/100 |
| Bladen County | 29,606 | 79.6% | 1,269 Mbps | 5 | C+ | 44/100 |
| Dillon County, SC | 28,292 | 35.4% | 998 Mbps | 4.7 | C- | 20/100 |
Internet in Columbus County by City and ZIP Code
Fiber reaches from 80.3% of homes in Evergreen to 100.0% in Nakina; by ZIP code, from 80.5% in 28431 (Chadbourn) to 100.0% in 28455 (Nakina). Each row links to that place’s page.
Cities and towns in Columbus County
| City or town | People | Homes with fiber | Average top speed | Providers at a typical address | Report card | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whiteville | 15,004 | 95.7% | 2,389 Mbps | 5.9 | B | 44/100 |
| Tabor City | 6,400 | 99.0% | 4,393 Mbps | 5.8 | B+ | 32/100 |
| Chadbourn | 5,500 | 80.4% | 2,097 Mbps | 5.9 | B- | 27/100 |
| Clarendon | 1,842 | 97.0% | 2,283 Mbps | 5.8 | B | 35/100 |
| Delco | 1,828 | 99.5% | 4,310 Mbps | 4.3 | B | 37/100 |
| Riegelwood | 1,812 | 96.1% | 3,124 Mbps | 5.6 | B | 35/100 |
| Emerson | 1,651 | 99.8% | 4,655 Mbps | 2 | B- | 63/100 |
| Lake Waccamaw | 1,600 | 85.4% | 3,428 Mbps | 5.9 | B | 50/100 |
| Evergreen | 1,527 | 80.3% | 1,329 Mbps | 5 | C+ | 38/100 |
| Hallsboro | 1,395 | 89.4% | 4,575 Mbps | 5.4 | B | 50/100 |
| Nakina | 1,221 | 100.0% | 1,000 Mbps | 2.5 | C+ | 50/100 |
| Bolton | 1,147 | 100.0% | 4,337 Mbps | 4.3 | B | 38/100 |
| Fair Bluff | 1,054 | 99.9% | 1,000 Mbps | 3.3 | C+ | 15/100 |
| Wootens Crossroads | 1,027 | 87.4% | 3,736 Mbps | 6.8 | B+ | 44/100 |
| Cerro Gordo | 976 | 90.2% | 1,979 Mbps | 5.3 | B- | 16/100 |
| Brunswick | 847 | 100.0% | 1,375 Mbps | 6.7 | B+ | 50/100 |
| Sandyfield | 654 | 87.9% | 4,125 Mbps | 4.2 | B- | 35/100 |
| Goose Hollow | 474 | 100.0% | 5,000 Mbps | 5 | B+ | 38/100 |
| Williamson Crossroads | 462 | 56.9% | 2,016 Mbps | 6.2 | B- | 25/100 |
| Wards | 441 | 94.3% | 3,203 Mbps | 6.5 | B+ | 29/100 |
| Cherry Grove | 427 | 100.0% | 1,272 Mbps | 5.2 | B | 18/100 |
| Mollie | 424 | 100.0% | 1,000 Mbps | 4.2 | B- | 35/100 |
| Hinson Crossroads | 329 | 95.4% | 1,000 Mbps | 5 | C+ | 20/100 |
| Boardman | 254 | 97.6% | 1,000 Mbps | 2.8 | C | 47/100 |
| Pireway | 244 | 100.0% | 4,361 Mbps | 4.2 | B | 51/100 |
| Freeland | 239 | 100.0% | 3,109 Mbps | 3.9 | B | 38/100 |
| Freeman | 236 | 95.8% | 3,159 Mbps | 5 | B | 36/100 |
| Reeves | 222 | 100.0% | 2,532 Mbps | 4 | B | 60/100 |
| Gooseneck | 214 | 100.0% | 4,645 Mbps | 4.8 | B+ | 45/100 |
| Jonesboro Crossing | 180 | 29.4% | 2,178 Mbps | 5.8 | C+ | 41/100 |
| Wananish | 170 | 90.6% | 5,000 Mbps | 4.3 | B- | 33/100 |
| Honey Hill | 157 | 100.0% | 5,000 Mbps | 4.6 | B+ | 51/100 |
| Ironhill | 147 | 100.0% | 5,000 Mbps | 6.6 | A- | 21/100 |
| Armour | 111 | 100.0% | 5,000 Mbps | 7 | A | 31/100 |
| Prosper | 76 | 100.0% | 4,684 Mbps | 2.8 | B | 37/100 |
| Olyphic | 72 | 100.0% | 5,000 Mbps | 2.9 | B | 38/100 |
| Grist | 56 | 75.0% | 1,626 Mbps | 5.8 | C+ | 29/100 |
| Rico | 52 | 100.0% | 5,000 Mbps | 5.1 | B+ | 19/100 |
ZIP codes in Columbus County
| ZIP code | People | Homes with fiber | Average top speed | Providers at a typical address | Report card | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28472 (Whiteville) | 17,254 | 94.6% | 2,407 Mbps | 6 | B | 43/100 |
| 28463 (Tabor City) | 8,735 | 99.2% | 4,497 Mbps | 5.1 | B+ | 39/100 |
| 28431 (Chadbourn) | 6,209 | 80.5% | 2,195 Mbps | 6 | B- | 28/100 |
| 28456 (Riegelwood) | 3,378 | 90.7% | 3,046 Mbps | 4.8 | B- | 39/100 |
| 28450 (Lake Waccamaw) | 2,129 | 88.3% | 3,810 Mbps | 5.7 | B | 46/100 |
| 28436 (Delco) | 1,966 | 100.0% | 4,270 Mbps | 4.1 | B | 37/100 |
| 28423 (Bolton) | 1,952 | 99.0% | 4,344 Mbps | 4.7 | B | 37/100 |
| 28432 (Clarendon) | 1,691 | 97.5% | 1,778 Mbps | 5.1 | B- | 37/100 |
| 28455 (Nakina) | 1,689 | 100.0% | 1,019 Mbps | 2.7 | C+ | 48/100 |
| 28438 (Evergreen) | 1,579 | 81.1% | 1,183 Mbps | 4.7 | C+ | 39/100 |
| 28430 (Cerro Gordo) | 1,551 | 96.9% | 1,914 Mbps | 5.3 | B | 17/100 |
| 28442 (Hallsboro) | 1,493 | 86.9% | 4,475 Mbps | 5 | B- | 51/100 |
| 28439 (Fair Bluff) | 1,152 | 98.6% | 1,000 Mbps | 3.4 | C+ | 16/100 |
| 28424 (Whiteville) | 50 | 100.0% | 1,000 Mbps | 4.8 | B- | 51/100 |
Who is the Fastest Internet Provider in Columbus County?
According to unbiased feedback from real internet customers, they reported being happiest with speeds provided by AT&T. On the other hand, based on data provided by the internet providers to the FCC, Focus Broadband should have faster speeds at a local level. While we typically put more weight on real-world customer ratings, we display both satisfaction and technical maximum information for customers to decide for themselves.
Data Reported to FCC by ISPs: Average Maximum Available in Columbus County
| Focus Broadband | 5,000 |
|---|---|
| Brightspeed | 2,000 |
| Spectrum | 1,000 |
| Star Communications | 1,000 |
| River Street Networks | 1,000 |
| Verizon | 300 |
| Viasat | 100 |
| AT&T | 100 |
| EarthLink | 100 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 100 |
| HughesNet | 25 |
How fast is your internet?
Test your connection here and see it next to the speeds providers advertise in Columbus County. It takes about 20 seconds and, on a fast line, can move a few hundred MB of data.
Customer Ratings for Columbus County Internet Providers
Based on 322 reviews from North Carolina internet customers, Focus Broadband is the best internet service provider for Columbus County residents. Focus Broadband was rated at an average of 4.00 out of 5 in our report for overall customer satisfaction. AT&T wins for second-place in North Carolina, with 3.73 out of 5 stars and 65.1% coverage in Columbus County.
At a national level, based on 4259 national reviews for any of the providers listed above, T-Mobile Home Internet is rated higher than any other provider, with a rating of 4.02 out of 5.
Local, State, and National Ratings for all Columbus County Internet Providers
The table below shows average customer ratings from customers in Columbus County, North Carolina, and customers throughout the country.
| ISP / Tech Type | Columbus County Overall | North Carolina Overall | National Overall | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | (0) | (5) | (5) | View Plans | ||
| AT&T | (0) | (59) | (1051) | View Plans | ||
| T-Mobile Home Internet | (0) | (13) | (342) | View Plans | ||
| EarthLink | (0) | (1) | (15) | View Plans | ||
| Verizon | (0) | (9) | (816) | View Plans | ||
| Star Communications | (0) | (3) | (3) | View Plans | ||
| River Street | (0) | (1) | (2) | View Plans | ||
| Spectrum | (1) | (214) | (1949) | View Plans | ||
| Brightspeed | (0) | (17) | (76) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) | (0) | (25) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (0) | (12) | View Plans |
Customer Ratings for Internet Provider Speeds in Columbus County
Based on data reported by Columbus County ISPs to the FCC, the fastest speeds in the county are available through Focus Broadband. The company offers speeds up to 5,000 Mbps in Columbus County. Therefore, the average customer can get up to 3,323 Mbps if they’re willing to purchase the fastest subscription tier available at their homes.
However, actual customers rated their satisfaction with internet speed highest with AT&T. This indicates AT&T reliably delivers speeds expected by the customer based on the plan they are paying for.
| ISP / Tech Type | Columbus County Speed | North Carolina Speed | National Speed | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | (0) | (59) | (1051) | View Plans | ||
| Focus | (0) | (5) | (5) | View Plans | ||
| T-Mobile Home Internet | (0) | (13) | (342) | View Plans | ||
| Spectrum | (1) | (214) | (1949) | View Plans | ||
| EarthLink | (0) | (1) | (15) | View Plans | ||
| Verizon | (0) | (9) | (816) | View Plans | ||
| Star Communications | (0) | (3) | (3) | View Plans | ||
| River Street | (0) | (1) | (2) | View Plans | ||
| Brightspeed | (0) | (17) | (76) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) | (0) | (25) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (0) | (12) | View Plans |
Who is the Cheapest Internet Provider in Columbus County?
Of the providers in Columbus County, customers rate T-Mobile Home Internet the best for price. Data comes from customers rating their satisfaction with pricing: in Columbus County where enough of them have reviewed a provider, otherwise across North Carolina or the country. This feedback is valuable because it considers price changes and whether the speeds paid for are worth it.
T-Mobile Home Internet is rated 4.23 out of 5 for price, which is higher than the average across all internet providers in the country. Focus Broadband is rated second for affordability, with an average price rating of 3.80 out of 5.
The table below shows how customers in Columbus County, North Carolina, and the United States rated the affordability of their internet service.
Rated Affordability in Columbus County
| ISP / Tech Type | Columbus County Affordability | North Carolina Affordability | National Affordability | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Home Internet | (0) | (13) | (342) | View Plans | ||
| Focus | (0) | (5) | (5) | View Plans | ||
| Verizon | (0) | (9) | (816) | View Plans | ||
| EarthLink | (0) | (1) | (15) | View Plans | ||
| Star Communications | (0) | (3) | (3) | View Plans | ||
| AT&T | (0) | (59) | (1051) | View Plans | ||
| River Street | (0) | (1) | (2) | View Plans | ||
| Brightspeed | (0) | (17) | (76) | View Plans | ||
| Spectrum | (1) | (214) | (1949) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) | (0) | (25) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (0) | (12) | View Plans |
Fiber, 5G, Cable and DSL Internet in Columbus County
Which Fiber Internet Providers are Available in Columbus County?
Focus Fiber in Columbus County, NC
Focus Broadband offers Fiber service to 74.3% of Columbus County homes. Across the county, Focus Fiber is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 3,323 Mbps, with speeds from 1,000 Mpbs up to 5,000 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds are symmetrical, meaning they are exactly the same as download speeds for Focus Fiber.
Spectrum Fiber in Columbus County, NC
Spectrum offers Fiber service to 23.7% of Columbus County homes. Across the county, Spectrum Fiber has speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Brightspeed Fiber in Columbus County, NC
Brightspeed offers Fiber service to 23.4% of Columbus County homes. Across the county, Brightspeed Fiber has speeds up to 1,992 Mbps, with speeds from 1,000 Mpbs up to 2,000 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds are symmetrical, meaning they are exactly the same as download speeds for Brightspeed Fiber. Brightspeed Fiber is rated lower than other types of internet service available in Columbus County from Brightspeed in terms of customer satisfaction.
Star Communications Fiber in Columbus County, NC
Star Communications offers Fiber service to 5.0% of Columbus County homes. Across the county, Star Communications Fiber has speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
River Street Fiber in Columbus County, NC
River Street Networks offers Fiber service to 4.2% of Columbus County homes. Across the county, River Street Fiber is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Which Fixed Wireless and LTE Internet Providers are Available in Columbus County?
Verizon Fixed Wireless in Columbus County, NC
Verizon offers Fixed Wireless service to 73.1% of Columbus County homes. Across the county, Verizon Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 171 Mbps, with speeds from 25 Mpbs up to 300 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 6.0 and as high as 20, with an average of 13 Mbps throughout the county.
EarthLink Fixed Wireless in Columbus County, NC
EarthLink offers Fixed Wireless service to 63.7% of Columbus County homes. Across the county, EarthLink Fixed Wireless has speeds up to 31 Mbps, with speeds from 25 Mpbs up to 100 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 3.0 and as high as 20, with an average of 4.4 Mbps throughout the county.
AT&T Fixed Wireless in Columbus County, NC
AT&T offers Fixed Wireless service to 63.7% of Columbus County homes. Across the county, AT&T Fixed Wireless has speeds up to 31 Mbps, with speeds from 25 Mpbs up to 100 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 3.0 and as high as 20, with an average of 4.4 Mbps throughout the county.
T-Mobile Home Internet Fixed Wireless in Columbus County, NC
T-Mobile Home Internet offers Fixed Wireless service to 63.1% of Columbus County homes. Across the county, T-Mobile Home Internet Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 56 Mbps, with speeds from 25 Mpbs up to 100 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 3.0 and as high as 20, with an average of 9.9 Mbps throughout the county.
Which Cable Internet Providers are Available in Columbus County?
Which DSL Internet Providers are Available in Columbus County?
Brightspeed DSL in Columbus County, NC
Brightspeed offers DSL service to 72.2% of Columbus County homes. Across the county, Brightspeed DSL has speeds up to 35 Mbps, with speeds from 10 Mpbs up to 100 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 1.0 and as high as 10, with an average of 3.6 Mbps throughout the county. Brightspeed DSL is rated higher than other types of internet service available in Columbus County from Brightspeed in terms of customer satisfaction.
Star Communications DSL in Columbus County, NC
Star Communications offers DSL service to 4.5% of Columbus County homes. Across the county, Star Communications DSL has speeds up to 10 Mbps
EarthLink DSL in Columbus County, NC
EarthLink offers DSL service to 4.3% of Columbus County homes. Across the county, EarthLink DSL has speeds up to 10 Mbps
Customer Reviews for Internet Service Providers in North Carolina
Customer Reviews
ISPReports User
Spectrum Cable
November 05, 2026 Service during the day has gotten a little better. However, Spectrum does a lot of maintenance late at night and therefore the TV and Internet go out. Not happy with that since I stay up late.
ISPReports User
Ripple Fiber
November 01, 2026 Constant outages with customer service associates that barely know anything about the product
M.L.
AT&T Fiber
October 26, 2026 Price keeps going up, for the same service. Terrible internet service: 6 outages in the past month (Sept-Oct 2026) Very unreliable. If you have a problem: Customer Service is an AI bot.
ISPReports User
Spectrum
October 26, 2026 Declining since an optic company came into our housing area in zip 28110. We are displeased and considering alternatives.
ISPReports User
Brightspeed
October 23, 2026 You can not pay me enough to recommend Brightspeed. I can not believe that there are any legitimate reviews over a 2.
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Which ISP Should You Choose in Columbus County?
The right ISP for you depends upon your needs, but in general we can make the following suggestions:
- The best all-around internet service provider in Columbus County is Focus.
- The fastest internet provider should be Focus Broadband. Considering speed for the money and reliability in speeds, AT&T may be a better choice based on real-world local customer feedback.
- The most affordable internet provider in Columbus County is T-Mobile Home Internet.
- Viasat, HughesNet, and Brightspeed has the broadest coverage in Columbus County, available to 77.6% of homes, and is most likely to cover your home. To find out exactly what’s available at your home, please use our address search tool.
