The best internet provider in Hickory, North Carolina is Spectrum, offering fast download speeds, straightforward pricing, and TV and internet bundles. However, Metronet, a fiber ISP, provides faster speeds of up to 5,000 megabits per second and a cheaper plan starting at $30 a month for speeds up to 100Mbps, although it has limited coverage compared to Spectrum. Brightspeed (formerly CenturyLink) and fixed wireless options like T-Mobile Home Internet and possibly Open Broadband are also available in Hickory, with varying speeds and pricing. CNET evaluates internet providers based on factors such as speeds, pricing, customer service, and overall value to recommend the best options in Hickory.
While Spectrum is the largest cable internet provider in the Carolinas, Metronet offers advantages such as multigigabit speeds, symmetrical upload and download speeds, and superior reliability, although availability is limited to around 15% of households in Hickory. Fixed wireless services like T-Mobile Home Internet are popular in rural areas on the outskirts of Hickory, providing broadband speeds and unlimited data. CNET’s analysis of internet providers in Hickory includes data on pricing, speed, equipment costs, data caps, contracts, and overall review scores to help consumers make informed decisions about their internet provider.
Finding the best deals and promotions for internet service in Hickory depends on the availability of discounts and incentives offered by providers such as Spectrum, T-Mobile Home Internet, and Metronet. Fastest internet plans in Hickory include options like Metronet’s 5Gbps plan for $110 per month with 5,000Mbps download and upload speeds, or Spectrum’s Internet Gig plan for $60 per month with 1,000Mbps download speeds. When choosing an internet plan, it’s essential to consider factors like download speeds, data caps, connection types, and monthly costs to find the most suitable option for your needs.
Recommended minimum download speeds for various applications range from 5 to 40Mbps for higher quality video streaming and videoconferencing, up to 500 to 1,000Mbps for multiple users engaging in high-bandwidth activities simultaneously. CNET’s selection of the best internet providers in Hickory is based on factors like access to fast internet speeds, value for money, and customer satisfaction. The site reviews information from historical ISP data, provider websites, FCC mapping data, and sources like the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power to evaluate internet service providers in the area.
Overall, Spectrum is the top internet service provider in Hickory for its wide availability, fast download speeds, and TV and internet bundles. Metronet, although limited in coverage, offers the fastest speeds and competitive pricing, while fixed wireless options may be suitable for rural areas. Consumers in Hickory can compare internet providers based on factors like speed, pricing, data caps, and contract terms to find the best option for their specific needs and budget.
