Best Internet Providers in Rhode Island
All 6 providers, ranked by coverage, speed and customer ratings
Find internet availability by address in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has 6 internet service providers, they are sorted by coverage, available speed, and customer rating from our unbiased internet provider report. Fiber, Cable, DSL, and Fixed Wireless internet are available in the state. Reviews are grouped by provider and the type of service they offer, covering all 4 available internet technologies in Rhode Island.
Ranks compare Rhode Island with the other 49 states.
The Best Internet in Rhode Island at a Glance
Rhode Island Internet Providers, Ranked by Coverage, Speed and Customer Ratings
Cox
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
Cable
EarthLink
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
Fixed Wireless
Verizon
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
Fixed Wireless
T-Mobile Home Internet
Connection
Customer Rating
Fixed Wireless
Providers with less than 1% coverage in this state 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 Rhode Island ratings may vary and are shown below.
Who is the Best Internet Provider in Rhode Island?
Cox Communications is the highest-rated internet provider in Rhode Island based on 30 local customer reviews. However, across the larger nationwide sample, T-Mobile Home Internet has the highest rating. The provider information above and the information immediately below can help you decide. Compare provider ratings and review counts above.
Click here to get Cox Communications
or call 1-855-231-3455
Which Providers are Available at my Home in Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island
- Cox - cable coverage map
- EarthLink - fiber coverage map
- Verizon - fiber coverage map
- Verizon - fixed wireless coverage map
- Cox - fiber coverage map
- i3 Broadband - cable coverage map
- T-Mobile Home Internet - fixed wireless coverage map
- AT&T - fixed wireless coverage map
- EarthLink - fixed wireless coverage map
How Rhode Island Compares to Other States
Rhode Island's report card score is tied 32nd of 50 and its connectivity index is 22nd of 50.
| Measure | Rhode Island | Rank among the 50 states | US | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISP Report Card inputs: what providers offer here | ||||
| Fiber availability | 90.7% | 2nd of 50 | 71.5% | Connecticut (93.9%) |
| Average top speed | 1,934 Mbps | 46th of 50 | 3,486 Mbps | Connecticut (6,892 Mbps) |
| Providers at a typical address | 5.7 | Tied 42nd of 50 | 7.1 | Utah (8.6) |
| Connectivity index inputs: how much households need and use the internet | ||||
| People per household | 2.5 | Tied 23rd of 50 | 2.7 | Hawaii and Utah (3.1) |
| Workers who work from home | 13% | Tied 26th of 50 | 15% | Colorado (21%) |
| Homes with a computer, tablet or phone | 95% | Tied 24th of 50 | 96% | Utah (98%) |
| Homes with internet | 92% | Tied 12th of 50 | 91% | California and Colorado and 2 more (94%) |
| Homes on fiber, cable or DSL | 78% | Tied 12th of 50 | 76% | New Hampshire (83%) |
| More about the households here | ||||
| Homes with a desktop or laptop | 80% | Tied 27th of 50 | 81% | Utah (89%) |
| Median household income | $96,849 | 15th of 50 | $93,246 | New Jersey ($118,198) |
| Residents in school (6th grade to college) | 17% | Tied 3rd of 50 | 16% | Utah (20%) |
Households in Rhode Island are smaller than the US average (2.5 people against 2.7); 13% of workers work from home (US 15%); and the median household income is $96,849 (US $93,246).
Our demographic data is sourced from the latest 5-year release of the American Community Survey by the US Census Bureau.
Internet in Rhode Island by County
Fiber reaches from 12.7% of homes in Bristol County to 98.3% in Kent County. Every county links to its own page.
Map of Rhode Island counties by ISP Report Card grade
Hover over or tap a county for its numbers, and click through to its page.
Every county in Rhode Island
| County | People | Homes with fiber | Average top speed | Providers at a typical address | Report card | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence County | 660,741 | 95.8% | 1,984 Mbps | 5.9 | B | 65/100 |
| Kent County | 170,363 | 98.3% | 1,997 Mbps | 5.5 | B | 68/100 |
| Washington County | 129,839 | 93.0% | 1,974 Mbps | 5.6 | B | 74/100 |
| Newport County | 85,643 | 78.6% | 1,325 Mbps | 4.5 | C | 71/100 |
| Bristol County | 50,793 | 12.7% | 1,999 Mbps | 5.6 | C | 71/100 |
Internet Service Providers in Rhode Island’s Biggest Cities
See internet service options for the largest cities in Rhode Island below. Click on any city you want to explore or use our location search for more specific results.
- Max download speed: 1,903 Mbps
- ISP Report Card: C+
- Max download speed: 1,976 Mbps
- ISP Report Card: B
- Max download speed: 1,999 Mbps
- ISP Report Card: B
- Max download speed: 1,998 Mbps
- ISP Report Card: B+
- Max download speed: 1,999 Mbps
- ISP Report Card: B+
- Max download speed: 1,993 Mbps
- ISP Report Card: B
- Max download speed: 1,999 Mbps
- ISP Report Card: B+
- Max download speed: 1,999 Mbps
- ISP Report Card: B
- Max download speed: 1,175 Mbps
- ISP Report Card: C+
- Max download speed: 1,992 Mbps
- ISP Report Card: B
- Max download speed: 1,962 Mbps
- ISP Report Card: B+
- Max download speed: 2,000 Mbps
- ISP Report Card: C
- Max download speed: 1,999 Mbps
- ISP Report Card: B
- Max download speed: 1,994 Mbps
- ISP Report Card: B+
- Max download speed: 1,998 Mbps
- ISP Report Card: B
Who is the Fastest Internet Provider in Rhode Island?
Based on both FCC data and unbiased customer ratings, the fastest internet in the state comes from Cox Communications.
Data Reported to FCC by ISPs: Average Maximum Available in Rhode Island
| EarthLink | 2,300 |
|---|---|
| Verizon | 2,300 |
| Cox Communications | 2,000 |
| i3 Broadband | 2,000 |
| Viasat | 100 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 100 |
| AT&T | 100 |
| HughesNet | 25 |
How fast is your internet?
Test your connection here and see it next to the speeds providers advertise in Rhode Island. It takes about 20 seconds and, on a fast line, can move a few hundred MB of data.
Customer Ratings for Rhode Island Internet Providers
Based on 30 reviews from Rhode Island internet customers, Cox Communications is the best internet service provider in the state. Cox Communications was rated at an average of 3.63 out of 5 in our report for overall customer satisfaction. Verizon wins for second-place in Rhode Island, with 3.77 out of 5 stars and 94.5% coverage in Rhode Island. At a state level, Verizon was found in our consumer study to be the highest-rated internet provider in Rhode Island. For the providers above, there were 30 reviews from Rhode Island internet service customers.
At a national level, based on 2704 national reviews for any of the providers listed above, T-Mobile Home Internet is rated higher than any other provider, with a rating of 4.01 out of 5.
Local, State, and National Ratings for all Rhode Island Internet Providers
The table below shows average customer ratings from customers in Rhode Island, and customers throughout the country.
| ISP / Tech Type | Rhode Island Overall | Rhode Island Overall | National Overall | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | (13) | (13) | (815) | View Plans | ||
| i3 Broadband | (1) | (1) | (29) | View Plans | ||
| Cox | (16) | (16) | (453) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet |  (0) | (0) |  (25) | View Plans | ||
| T-Mobile Home Internet | (0) | (0) | (341) | View Plans | ||
| AT&T | (0) | (0) | (1051) | View Plans | ||
| EarthLink | (0) | (0) | (15) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (0) |  (12) | View Plans |
Customer Ratings for Internet Provider Speeds in Rhode Island
Based on data reported by Rhode Island ISPs to the FCC, the fastest speeds in the state are available through Cox Communications. The company offers speeds up to 2,000 Mbps in Rhode Island. Therefore, the average customer can get up to 1,946 Mbps if they’re willing to purchase the fastest subscription tier available at their homes.
Additionally, actual customers rated their satisfaction with internet speed highest with Cox Communications. This indicates Cox reliably delivers speeds expected by the customer based on the plan they are paying for.
| ISP / Tech Type | Rhode Island Speed | Rhode Island Speed | National Speed | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | (16) | (16) | (453) | View Plans | ||
| Verizon | (13) | (13) | (815) | View Plans | ||
| i3 Broadband | (1) | (1) | (29) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) | (0) | (25) | View Plans | ||
| T-Mobile Home Internet | (0) | (0) | (341) | View Plans | ||
| AT&T | (0) | (0) | (1051) | View Plans | ||
| EarthLink | (0) | (0) | (15) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (0) | (12) | View Plans |
Who is the Cheapest Internet Provider in Rhode Island?
Of the providers in Rhode Island, customers rate Verizon the best for price. Data comes from customers rating their satisfaction with pricing, across Rhode Island or, where too few have reviewed a provider, across the country. This feedback is valuable because it considers price changes and whether the speeds paid for are worth it.
Verizon is rated 3.46 out of 5 for price, which is lower than the average across all internet providers in the country. Cox Communications is rated second for affordability, with an average price rating of 3.19 out of 5.
The table below shows how customers in Rhode Island and the United States rated the affordability of their internet service.
Rated Affordability in Rhode Island
| ISP / Tech Type | Rhode Island Affordability | Rhode Island Affordability | National Affordability | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| i3 Broadband | (1) | (1) | (29) | View Plans | ||
| Verizon | (13) | (13) | (815) | View Plans | ||
| Cox | (16) | (16) | (453) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) | (0) | (25) | View Plans | ||
| T-Mobile Home Internet | (0) | (0) | (341) | View Plans | ||
| AT&T | (0) | (0) | (1051) | View Plans | ||
| EarthLink | (0) | (0) | (15) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (0) | (12) | View Plans |
Fiber, 5G, Cable and DSL Internet in Rhode Island
Which Fiber Internet Providers are Available in Rhode Island?
EarthLink Fiber in Rhode Island
Availability:
84.5%
Customer Rating:
(6)
Avg. Download Speed
983 Mbps
EarthLink offers Fiber service to 84.5% of Rhode Island homes. Across the state, EarthLink Fiber has speeds up to 983 Mbps, with speeds from 75 Mpbs up to 2,300 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 75 and as high as 2,300, with an average of 883 Mbps throughout the state. EarthLink Fiber is rated about the same as other types of internet service available in Rhode Island from EarthLink in terms of customer satisfaction.
Verizon Fiber in Rhode Island
Availability:
84.5%
Customer Rating:
(452)
Avg. Download Speed
983 Mbps
Verizon offers Fiber service to 84.5% of Rhode Island homes. Across the state, Verizon Fiber has speeds up to 983 Mbps, with speeds from 75 Mpbs up to 2,300 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 75 and as high as 2,300, with an average of 883 Mbps throughout the state. Verizon Fiber is rated about the same as other types of internet service available in Rhode Island from Verizon in terms of customer satisfaction.
Cox Fiber in Rhode Island
Availability:
7.8%
Customer Rating:
(54)
Avg. Download Speed
1,154 Mbps
Cox Communications offers Fiber service to 7.8% of Rhode Island homes. Across the state, Cox Fiber has speeds up to 1,154 Mbps, with speeds from 1,000 Mpbs up to 2,000 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 35 and as high as 2,000, with an average of 149 Mbps throughout the state. Cox Fiber is rated lower than other types of internet service available in Rhode Island from Cox in terms of customer satisfaction.
Which Fixed Wireless and LTE Internet Providers are Available in Rhode Island?
T-Mobile Home Internet Fixed Wireless in Rhode Island
Availability:
93.2%
Customer Rating:
(341)
Avg. Download Speed
59 Mbps
T-Mobile Home Internet offers Fixed Wireless service to 93.2% of Rhode Island homes. Across the state, T-Mobile Home Internet Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 59 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 11 Mbps throughout the state.
EarthLink Fixed Wireless in Rhode Island
Availability:
73.1%
Customer Rating:
(4)
Avg. Download Speed
35 Mbps
EarthLink offers Fixed Wireless service to 73.1% of Rhode Island homes. Across the state, EarthLink Fixed Wireless has speeds up to 35 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 5.4 Mbps throughout the state.
AT&T Fixed Wireless in Rhode Island
Availability:
73.1%
Customer Rating:
(205)
Avg. Download Speed
35 Mbps
AT&T offers Fixed Wireless service to 73.1% of Rhode Island homes. Across the state, AT&T Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 35 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 5.4 Mbps throughout the state.
Verizon Fixed Wireless in Rhode Island
Availability:
40.8%
Customer Rating:
(362)
Avg. Download Speed
302 Mbps
Verizon offers Fixed Wireless service to 40.8% of Rhode Island homes. Across the state, Verizon Fixed Wireless has speeds up to 302 Mbps, with speeds from 25 Mpbs up to 1,000 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 6.0 and as high as 75, with an average of 23 Mbps throughout the state.
Which Cable Internet Providers are Available in Rhode Island?
Cox Cable in Rhode Island
Availability:
90.8%
Customer Rating:
(399)
Avg. Download Speed
2,000 Mbps
Cox Communications offers Cable service to 90.8% of Rhode Island homes. Across the state, Cox Cable has speeds up to 2,000 Mbps
i3 Broadband Cable in Rhode Island
Availability:
4.4%
Customer Rating:
(2)
Avg. Download Speed
2,000 Mbps
i3 Broadband offers Cable service to 4.4% of Rhode Island homes. Across the state, i3 Broadband Cable is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 2,000 Mbps
Which DSL Internet Providers are Available in Rhode Island?
According to the most recently submitted data by internet service providers to the FCC, there are currently no DSL providers available in Rhode Island.
Customer Reviews for Internet Service Providers in Rhode Island
Customer Reviews
A West Warwick, RI Customer
Verizon Fiber
May 13, 2026 
Glen M
Cox Cable
November 26, 2025 We've been customers of Cox Communications for more than two years. We are very with them. The installation technicians provide a high level of customer service. They are very caring individuals.
Kathy F
Verizon Fiber
July 26, 2025 Verizon has the only reliable internet service in this area. Since changing to Fios I have experienced perfect connections. Customer service is proactive in recommending pricing options that are benefical to the customer. They are consistent with equipment upgrades and service upgrade announcements and communications. I could not be more satisfied with Verizon. Truth
!
A Bristol, RI Customer
Cox Cable
April 16, 2025 Paige W
Cox Cable
December 09, 2024 Using cox is alright. I haven't been a customer for very long so others may have differing opinions. The way they handle customers is fine, not exceptional. As someone who has a lower budget and was looking for internet for working from home, they do the job.
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Which ISP Should You Choose in Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island is Cox.
- The fastest internet provider should be Cox Communications. Considering speed for the money and reliability in speeds, Cox Communications may be a better choice based on real-world local customer feedback.
- The most affordable internet provider in Rhode Island is Verizon.
- Viasat, HughesNet, and Cox Communications has the broadest coverage in Rhode Island, available to 96.2% 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.