Editorial note: This post may contain links to internet offers and services from which Allconnect receives a commission. Broadband partners and the associated compensation do not influence our editorial decisions. Read more about our advertising policy.
*Price after $10/mo discount (starts within 2 bills) w/ paperless billing & Autopay if enrolled w a debut card or bank account. Discount reduced to $5/mo if enrolled w/ credit card. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies
Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.
Fixed wireless internet uses radio cell towers to broadcast signals to communities across the U.S. The introduction of 5th-generation (5G) internet and increased infrastructure has made fixed wireless access (FWA) one of the most serviceable internet technologies and a stronger competitor to cable and fiber internet.
Top fixed wireless internet providers include Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. Many smaller wireless internet companies are available across the country, and the fixed wireless internet providers near you depend on your location.
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2025. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
Shopping for an ISP near you? Fixed wireless internet service providers offer convenient no-contract plans, although reliability and speed may lag behind other internet technologies.
Pros
Cons
Easy to set up
Speed varies based on location
Not expensive
Inclement weather can affect reliability
Available in rural areas
Can experience slower speeds during network congestion
No contracts or data caps on most plans
Average speeds are slower than cable or fiber
Fixed wireless infrastructure
Wondering what is fixed wireless internet? Fixed wireless is broadband internet with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. Fixed wireless uses the radio cell towers found throughout most towns to transmit data to the modem and router in your home to provide fast Wi-Fi. 5G, 4G LTE and 3G are different types of fixed wireless service that provide internet at varying speeds.
Where is fixed wireless internet available?
Fixed wireless is available nationwide, with the most available providers T-Mobile 5G available in all 50 states and Verizon 5G available in 34. Many smaller fixed wireless providers exist throughout the country and are often available in rural areas. Enter your address on this page to find the best wireless internet deals near you.
Fixed wireless vs. other technology types
Compared to fiber, cable and satellite, fixed wireless internet outperforms in terms of availability, cost and fees.
Fixed wireless vs. fiber internet: Fiber is significantly faster, but fixed wireless is cheaper and more accessible.
Fixed wireless vs. cable internet:Cable internet speeds are usually faster, and while both connection types may throttle internet, speed fluctuation is more common with fixed wireless.
Fixed wireless vs. satellite internet:Satellite internet is available everywhere but comes with contracts, data limits and pricier fees/monthly rates.
Fixed wireless vs. DSL:DSL internet max speeds are 100 Mbps, whereas 5G fixed wireless internet reaches up to 1,000 Mbps. DSL runs along decades-old copper phone lines, often deteriorating or poorly maintained in many areas.
Fixed wireless FAQs
Which fixed wireless providers are available near me?
The most available fixed wireless provider is T-Mobile 5G. Other fixed wireless providers with large coverage areas include Verizon 5G, CenturyLink, Rise Broadband and Starry Internet.
Is wireless internet better than satellite internet?
Wireless internet is better than satellite because it is cheaper and provides faster speeds without data limitations, contracts or a bulky satellite installation. However, satellite internet is more widely available.
Is fixed wireless like fiber internet?
Like fiber internet, fixed wireless provides home Wi-Fi at varying speeds and price. However, while fiber uses the most secure and reliable technology with underground fiber-optic lines, fixed-wireless is broadcast from cell towers. As a result, fiber can provide much faster speeds (8 GB or more), while fixed wireless typically offers around 300 Mbps, with the ability to reach up to 1 GB in certain areas.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.
Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.
