What is the best ISP in Reading?
Spectrum is the best internet service provider in Reading. According to FCC datathe ISP covers the vast majority of households in the area, offering accessibility that ensures many residents can take advantage of its reliable service. Spectrum also offers competitive pricing, with starting prices that are among the most affordable in the region, making it an attractive option for those looking for fast internet that's also affordable.
However, if you are looking for other alternatives, AT&T fiber has the fastest internet plans in Reading. Its upload and download speeds reach 5,000 Mbps, far more than most people need, and the equipment is included at no extra cost. The downside is that it doesn't cover many households in the city, but if you can get it, it's still a provider worth considering.
Another option to consider is T-Mobile Wireless Internet. While it doesn't offer the same speeds as Spectrum or AT&T Fiber, it's widely available in Redding and comes with a guarantee that rates will never go up.
Best Internet in Redding, CA
Reading internet providers compared
| Provider | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment costs | Data cap | Agreement | CNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T fiber Read the full review |
Hair | $55-$245 | 300-5,000 Mbps | No one | No one | No one | 7.4 |
| Spary | Fixed wireless | $55-$110 | 12-100 Mbps | It varies | No one | No one | N/A |
| Digital trail | Fixed wireless | 63-167 dollars | 3-200 Mbps | No one | 150 GB-Unlimited | No one | N/A |
| Spectrum Read the full review |
Cable | 30-70 dollars | 100-1,000 Mbps | $10 (optional) | No one | No one | 7.2 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($40-$50 with eligible cellular plans) | 72-245 Mbps | No one | No one | No one | 7.4 |
| Speed | Fixed wireless | 50-85 dollars | 15-100 Mbps | It varies | No one | No one | N/A |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Reading?
| Provider | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Monthly subscription for equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum Internet advantage Read the full review |
30 dollars | 100 Mbps | $10 (optional) |
| Speed 15 | 50 dollars | 15 Mbps | No one |
| Spectrum Internet Premier Read the full review |
50 dollars | 500 Mbps | $10 (optional) |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review |
$50 ($40 with eligible mobile plans) | 245 Mbps | No one |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find online deals and promotions in Reading
The best online deals and top promotions in Reading depend on what discounts are available at the time. Most deals are short-lived, but we often look for the latest offers.
Redding ISPs, such as Spectrum, may offer lower introductory prices or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many providers, including T-Mobile Home Internet and AT&T Fiber, have the same standard prices year-round.
For a more extensive list of promotions, check out our guide to the best internet deals.
The fastest internet plans in Reading
| Provider | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Maximum upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet 5000 Read the full review |
245 dollars | 5,000 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps | No one | Hair |
| AT&T Internet 2000 Read the full review |
145 dollars | 2,000 Mbps | 2,000 Mbps | No one | Hair |
| AT&T Internet 1000 Read the full review |
80 dollars | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | No one | Hair |
| Spectrum Internet gig Read the full review |
70 dollars | 1,000 Mbps | 35 Mbps | No one | Cable |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What is a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an Internet plan that can accommodate video conferencing, streaming video, or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a stronger connection. Here's an overview of recommended minimum download speeds for different apps, according to the FCC. Note that these are guidelines only and that internet speed, service and performance will vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, see our guide to how much internet speed do you really need?.
- 0 to 5 Mbps lets you handle the basics: web browsing, sending and receiving email, and streaming low-quality video.
- From 5 to 40 Mbps, you can enjoy video streaming and video conferencing with higher quality.
- 40 to 100 Mbps should give a user enough bandwidth to meet the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
- 100 to 500 Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities such as video conferencing, streaming, and online gaming.
- 500 to 1,000 Mbps allows three or more users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities.
How CNET picked the best ISPs in Reading
Internet providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest ones smart phone, laptop, router or kitchen toolit is impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What is our approach? We start by researching price, availability and speed information based on our historical data from ISPs, provider locations and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn't stop there: We go to the FCC website to check our data and make sure we account for every ISP that provides service in a certain area. We also enter local addresses on supplier websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and JD Power, to gauge how satisfied customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent change; all information provided is correct as of the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
- Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
- Are customers getting decent value for what they are paying for?
- Are customers satisfied with their service?
The answer to those questions is often layered and complex, but the providers who come closest to saying yes to all three are the ones we recommend. When choosing the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also take into account factors such as price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively simple. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and look at real-world speed data from sources like Okla and The FCC reports. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
To explore our process in more detail, visit our how we test ISPs page.
ISPs in Reading FAQ
What is the best internet service provider in Reading?
Spectrum is the best internet service provider in Reading. It's the only wired ISP widely available in town, and its $30 plan is the cheapest you'll find. However, prices increase significantly after 12 to 24 months.
Is fiber optic internet available in Reading?
Yes, fiber optic internet is available to 5% of homes in Reading, according to FCC data. AT&T is the only fiber provider in the area.
What is the cheapest ISP in Reading?
Spectrum is the cheapest ISP in Reading, with prices starting at $30 per month for 100 Mbps.
Which ISP in Reading offers the fastest plan?
AT&T Fiber offers the fastest internet plan in Reading, with download and upload speeds of up to 5,000 Mbps.