Internet providers in Tennessee

What internet speed do you need in Tennessee?

The internet speed you need depends on the number of devices connected to your home network and the types of internet activities you consistently engage in daily. The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) broadband speed standard of 100 Mbps download speed and 20 Mbps upload speed is a good baseline, though most households need more.

Internet speeds will vary by provider and location. More rural areas in Tennessee may not have access to faster internet speeds from cable and fiber internet technology. Satellite internet is available to the entire state, but satellite speeds tend to max out around 100 Mbps.

• Light internet use

  1 to 2 devices: 5 to 20 Mbps

  2 to 4 devices: 20 to 40 Mbps

  5 to 10 devices: 50 to 100 Mbps

• Moderate internet use

  1 to 2 devices: 5 to 20 Mbps

  2 to 4 devices: 20 to 40 Mbps

  5 to 10 devices: 75 to 200 Mbps

• High internet use

  1 to 2 devices: 100 to 200 Mbps

  2 to 4 devices: 200 to 300 Mbps

  5 to 10 devices: 400 to 500 Mbps

Average internet price in Tennessee

• Fiber internet in Tennessee costs between $29.99 and $245.00/mo. from providers like Frontier, AT&T and Google Fiber. Frontier offers the cheapest fiber internet in Tennessee starting at $29.99/mo.
• Cable internet prices in Tennessee start at $30.00/mo. from Xfinity and Spectrum.
• Satellite internet in Tennessee starts at $49.99/mo. with Hughesnet

Fastest internet in Tennessee

While internet coverage is important, it’s also important to have reliable internet. Residents of Tennessee can access multiple fiber internet providers, all within a similar starting price range. Fiber is preferable because it gives you a symmetrical upload and download speed range.

Nashville has Google Fiber available to select addresses, with speeds up to 8 gigs.

Cheapest internet in Tennessee

Since internet is a monthly subscription, finding a plan that fits your long-term budget is important. Furthermore, internet is also based on usage, so you should know how much you need to make sure you’re not paying for more. 

Xfinity offers the large cities of Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga nearly 100% coverage. Plans start at $30/mo. for up to 300 Mbps, which is plenty of bandwidth for two or three people online simultaneously.

Tennessee internet statistics

Though there’s a gap in internet service throughout the state, customers with access enjoy a variety of options at a relatively low price. The top Tennessee ISPs offer plans ranging around $25 to $70/mo. for speeds beyond 100 Mbps. The Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act is focused on improving service in underserved areas by allowing private and nonprofit cooperatives to offer broadband service. 

Internet availability in Tennessee

All Tennessee residents have access to broadband that offers at least 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload speeds. Most residents without any broadband access live in rural areas, while only 2% of urban dwellers don’t have access to the internet. In recent years, the Tennessee state government has expanded funding for projects that would quickly improve broadband access throughout rural communities. 

Quality of internet access in Tennessee

Almost all areas in Tennessee have access to the minimum recommended broadband speed, with high percentages reaching 100 and 250 Mbps.

• Residents with broadband access (speeds at or over 100/20 Mbps): 100%
• Residents with access to gigabit speeds (at or over 1,000/100 Mbps): 74%
• Median download speed in Tennessee: 295.19 Mbps

Sources: FCC coverage maps and data, Ookla speed tests, internal speed test results and provider websites.