Arizona is a state with many appealing features, from its scenic landscapes to its vibrant cities. However, when it comes to home internet options, residents often face limited choices. Fiber connections are scarce, leaving many with DSL, cable, or fixed wireless services. Providers such as CenturyLink, Sparklight, Frontier, Xfinity, and Cox offer varying degrees of coverage across the state, with speeds typically reaching up to 940 megabits per second. For rural areas without wired internet access, options include local fixed wireless providers or satellite internet.
In rural Arizona, CenturyLink’s DSL service is a reliable choice for those seeking wired internet connections. With speeds up to 500 Mbps in some locations, at a starting price of $55 per month, CenturyLink’s DSL service offers a more extensive reach than fiber options. For areas where DSL or fixed wireless may not be viable, satellite internet from providers like Starlink, Viasat, or Hughesnet can provide a connection with a clear view of the southern sky. While satellite internet can be costly and offer varying speeds, it may be a viable alternative for those without other options.
Some small fixed wireless ISPs are working to expand faster internet services in underserved areas of Arizona. Providers like AireBeam are introducing fiber networks with speeds up to 2,000 Mbps in certain locations, while fixed wireless services reach rural parts of Pinal, Maricopa, and Pima counties. Even in areas where wired options are limited, fixed wireless can provide a decent connection, though speeds and pricing can vary depending on the provider and location. In areas with clear line-of-sight to a tower, fixed wireless may offer a viable internet solution.
While fiber availability in Arizona remains limited, with only about 16% of households having access to speeds of at least 250 Mbps, providers like Quantum Fiber, Google Fiber, and AT&T Fiber are expanding their networks in cities like Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Tucson. However, the majority of Arizona residents still rely on cable, DSL, or fixed wireless services for their internet needs. The state’s middling internet speeds, as ranked by Ookla Speedtest data, suggest a need for further expansion of high-speed broadband options to meet the growing demand.
Internet pricing in Arizona varies depending on the provider and plan chosen, with options starting around $50 per month. Promotional deals, contracts, and equipment fees can affect the overall cost of service. Low-income households in Arizona can access affordable internet plans through programs like Xfinity’s Internet Essentials Plus or Cox Communications’ ConnectAssist. Bundling internet service with other plans, such as mobile phone services, can also reduce costs for eligible customers.
Overall, Arizona’s internet landscape is evolving, with federal funding initiatives and the entry of major fiber providers promising improved connectivity for residents. While the state faces challenges in expanding high-speed internet access, developments from providers like AT&T, Google Fiber, and local companies like Wyyerd and AireBeam highlight a growing commitment to enhancing broadband services across Arizona.
