Cox Speed Test - Check Cox Internet Speed
Test your Cox internet speed in United States
www.cox.comCox Communications is the third-largest cable internet provider in the United States with 6.5 million residential customers. Cox offers cable and fiber broadband with speeds from 100 Mbps to 2 Gbps across 18 states. Test your Cox connection to measure actual download, upload, and latency performance.
About Cox
Cox Communications is a privately held subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1962, Cox serves 6.5 million internet customers across 18 states including Arizona, California, Virginia, Nevada, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.
The company uses DOCSIS 3.1 cable technology and is expanding fiber (FTTH) in select markets with its G10 multi-gigabit service. Cox is the third-largest cable provider in the US after Comcast and Charter. Unlike publicly traded competitors, Cox can invest for long-term growth without quarterly earnings pressure.
Cox Plans and Services
Cox offers several internet plans across different technologies and price points.
Cox internet plans range from $50 to $150 per month. Internet Essential 100 offers 100 Mbps at $50, Preferred 250 provides 250 Mbps at $70, Ultimate 500 delivers 500 Mbps at $100, and Gigablast reaches 1 Gbps at $120. G10 fiber offers 2 Gbps symmetrical at $150 where available.
Most plans include 1.25 TB data with unlimited data available for $50/month extra. Panoramic WiFi gateway costs $14/month. Cox Contour TV and Cox Mobile available as bundles.
Cox Internet Plans
| Plan | Speed | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Essential 100 cable | 100 Mbps | $50/month |
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| Internet Preferred 250 cable | 250 Mbps | $70/month |
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| Internet Ultimate 500 cable | 500 Mbps | $100/month |
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| Internet Gigablast cable | 1000 Mbps | $120/month |
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| G10 fiber | 2000 Mbps | $150/month |
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Prices and availability may vary by location. Contact Cox for current offers.
Cox Coverage by Region
Cox performance varies by location. Coverage density, local infrastructure, and network congestion affect speeds in each market.
Southwest (Phoenix AZ, Las Vegas NV, Tucson AZ)
Cox headquarters market with priority infrastructure investment. G10 fiber expanding rapidly in Phoenix metro (Scottsdale, Tempe, Gilbert) and parts of Las Vegas. Cable network consistently delivers 95%+ of advertised speeds. Summer heat rarely affects underground cable. Data cap 1.25 TB enforced but rarely hit by typical users (average 500-700 GB/month). Phoenix metro has lowest outage frequency among all Cox markets. Las Vegas Strip and suburbs have dedicated fiber rings for business continuity.
Virginia (Hampton Roads - Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News)
Cox's oldest market and stronghold in Virginia since 1962. Legacy cable infrastructure upgraded to DOCSIS 3.1 in 2020-2021. Upload speeds limited by aging last-mile coax in some neighborhoods. G10 fiber rolling out slowly (currently 15% coverage in Virginia Beach, 5% in Norfolk). Military housing areas (Norfolk Naval Station, Langley AFB) have priority maintenance contracts with sub-4-hour repair SLAs. Hurricane season (Jun-Nov) can cause temporary outages, but Cox deploys mobile generators within 24 hours. Data cap enforced but flexible waiver policy for military families on deployment.
Southeast (New Orleans LA, Baton Rouge LA, Pensacola FL, Omaha NE)
New Orleans market has significant infrastructure variations between Uptown (newer, faster) and East Bank (older, slower). Post-Hurricane Katrina rebuilding in 2006-2010 created excellent infrastructure in Metairie and Kenner suburbs. Baton Rouge has spotty coverage outside I-10 corridor. Omaha is Cox's northernmost market with weather-resilient buried cable. Louisiana markets experience higher humidity-related signal degradation requiring annual line maintenance. Pensacola market small but well-maintained due to proximity to Naval Air Station. G10 fiber available in parts of New Orleans CBD and Omaha downtown only.
California (San Diego, Orange County, Santa Barbara)
San Diego is Cox's most competitive market facing AT&T Fiber and Verizon 5G Home. Cox responds with aggressive G10 fiber buildout (30% coverage in La Jolla, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Encinitas). Orange County markets (Irvine, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel) have 40%+ G10 fiber penetration. Santa Barbara is small boutique market with premium pricing ($10-20/month higher than other Cox markets). California markets do NOT have data caps per 2015 California legislation. Upload speeds hit 35 Mbps consistently unlike other regions. Fiber availability expanding 5-10% per quarter. Customer service response times faster (avg 8-minute hold vs 15 minutes nationally) due to local call centers.
Other Markets (Oklahoma City OK, Wichita KS, Rhode Island, Connecticut)
Oklahoma City is Cox's fastest-growing market with 10% annual subscriber growth. Wichita has aging infrastructure (DOCSIS 3.0 in parts, slower 250-500 Mbps typical). Rhode Island markets face heavy competition from Verizon Fios, causing Cox to maintain competitive pricing and service quality. Connecticut footprint limited to specific towns. G10 fiber virtually unavailable in these markets (pilot only in Oklahoma City metro suburbs). Data caps enforced in all markets except where state legislation prohibits. Customer service handled by regional centers with 10-20 minute average hold times.
Is Cox Right for You?
Every provider has trade-offs. Here is how Cox performs based on real-world usage and customer feedback.
Strengths
- Privately held ownership allows long-term investment without quarterly earnings pressure, resulting in consistent network upgrades
- G10 fiber (2 Gbps symmetrical) is faster than Xfinity Gigabit (1.2 Gbps) and matches AT&T multi-gig where available
- No annual contracts required on any plan - cancel anytime without early termination fees
- California markets have unlimited data by default (no 1.25 TB cap) per state legislation
- Cox Mobile offers affordable wireless using Verizon's network when bundled with internet ($30-60/month for unlimited)
- Panoramic WiFi 6E gateway provides strong whole-home coverage (2,500-3,500 sq ft) with app-based controls
- Business continuity focus - average 99.5% uptime across all markets, faster than Spectrum (99.2%) but similar to Xfinity
- Responsive local customer service in major markets (Phoenix, San Diego) with sub-10-minute hold times
- Data cap rarely enforced strictly - soft warnings at 1.0 TB, formal overage charges only after 1.5+ TB in practice
Weaknesses
- 1.25 TB data cap on most plans (except California) adds $50/month for unlimited, making total cost $100-170/month competitive with fiber ISPs
- Upload speeds limited to 35 Mbps maximum on cable plans, inadequate for heavy video conferencing, streaming, or remote work with large file uploads
- G10 fiber availability extremely limited (10-15% of footprint), mostly in high-income neighborhoods in Phoenix, San Diego, Orange County
- Pricing increases 20-30% after 12-month promotional period ends - $50 Essential plan jumps to $65, $100 Ultimate jumps to $130
- Customer service quality varies significantly by region - Rhode Island and Louisiana markets have 20-30 minute hold times vs 8-10 minutes in Phoenix/San Diego
- Panoramic WiFi gateway rental ($14/month = $168/year) adds hidden cost - purchasing own DOCSIS 3.1 modem + WiFi 6 router saves $100+/year
- Installation fees $75-100 for professional install, $10 for self-install kit (vs free at Spectrum, T-Mobile Home Internet)
- Smaller footprint (18 states) compared to Xfinity (40 states) or AT&T (nationwide) limits availability
Best For
- Households in Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Diego, or Hampton Roads needing reliable cable internet with consistent speeds
- Users who want no annual contracts and flexibility to cancel anytime without penalties
- California residents who get unlimited data by default without paying extra $50/month
- Customers seeking G10 fiber (2 Gbps symmetrical) in limited availability areas as an alternative to AT&T Fiber or Verizon Fios
- Moderate data users (500-1,000 GB/month) who won't hit the 1.25 TB cap
- Families wanting to bundle Cox internet + Cox Mobile + Cox Contour TV for 10-15% multi-product discount
- Remote workers needing reliable download speeds (video calls, cloud apps) but not heavy upload requirements
- Renters in apartment complexes where Cox is the exclusive or primary provider
Not Ideal For
- Heavy data users (2+ TB/month for 4K streaming, gaming, large file transfers) who must pay $50/month unlimited add-on
- Content creators, streamers, or remote workers who need fast upload speeds (30+ Mbps) - fiber ISPs like AT&T or Verizon better choice
- Budget-conscious users - after promotional period, Cox costs $65-130/month vs T-Mobile Home Internet fixed $50/month or Spectrum's lower pricing
- Customers outside the 18-state footprint (no Cox availability)
- Users in rural or suburban areas where Cox coverage is unavailable (Cox focuses on urban/suburban metros only)
How Cox Compares
Side-by-side comparison of Cox against major competitors in United States.
| Competitor | Speed | Price | Coverage | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | Cox Gigablast offers 1 Gbps download / 35 Mbps upload at $120/month, similar to Xfinity Gigabit 1.2 Gbps / 35 Mbps at $90/month. Cox G10 fiber delivers 2 Gbps symmetrical at $150/month where available (limited), better than Xfinity Gigabit Pro 6 Gbps at $300/month for most users. Cable upload speeds identical (35 Mbps max). Cox fiber faster and cheaper where available. | Cox Essential 100 costs $50/month (promo) vs Xfinity Connect 75 at $30/month. Cox Gigablast $120/month vs Xfinity Gigabit $90/month. Cox 15-30% more expensive on cable plans. Cox unlimited data add-on $50/month, same as Xfinity. After 12 months, Cox prices increase 20-30%, Xfinity increases 30-40%. Total cost of ownership similar. | Xfinity covers 40 states with 32M customers. Cox covers 18 states with 6.5M customers. Xfinity available in more markets (Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, West). Cox concentrated in Southwest (Phoenix, Las Vegas), Virginia, California. Where both available, choose based on local network quality not coverage. | Choose Xfinity if you need wider coverage or lower promotional pricing. Choose Cox if you're in Arizona, San Diego, or Hampton Roads where Cox network quality is excellent. Choose Cox G10 fiber over Xfinity cable if available at your address for symmetrical 2 Gbps. For cable-only markets, Xfinity typically offers better value ($90 vs $120 for gigabit). |
| Spectrum | Cox Gigablast 1 Gbps / 35 Mbps vs Spectrum Gig 1 Gbps / 35 Mbps - identical cable speeds. Cox G10 fiber 2 Gbps symmetrical significantly faster than Spectrum's max 1 Gbps cable, but G10 availability only 10-15% vs Spectrum's 80%+ cable coverage. | Spectrum Internet (300 Mbps) $50/month vs Cox Preferred 250 $70/month. Spectrum Gig $90/month vs Cox Gigablast $120/month. Spectrum 20-30% cheaper across all tiers. Spectrum includes unlimited data, Cox charges $50/month extra (except California). Total cost: Spectrum $50-90, Cox $120-170 including unlimited. | Spectrum covers 41 states with 32M customers. Cox covers 18 states with 6.5M customers. Limited overlap in markets. Where both available, Spectrum typically offers better cable value, Cox offers fiber option in select areas. | Choose Spectrum for better cable pricing ($90 gig with unlimited data vs $170 Cox gig with unlimited). Choose Cox if G10 fiber available at your address for 2 Gbps symmetrical speeds. Spectrum better for budget-conscious users, Cox better for fiber seekers in limited markets. |
| ATT | AT&T Fiber 1000 delivers 1000/1000 Mbps symmetrical vs Cox Gigablast 1000/35 Mbps. AT&T Fiber 2000 matches Cox G10 at 2000/2000 Mbps. AT&T offers 5 Gbps tier, Cox maxes at 2 Gbps. AT&T fiber consistently delivers 900-1000 Mbps, Cox G10 delivers 1900-2000 Mbps. Upload speeds: AT&T 940-1000 Mbps vs Cox G10 1900-2000 Mbps vs Cox cable 30-35 Mbps. | AT&T Fiber 1000 $80/month unlimited vs Cox Gigablast $120/month + $50 unlimited = $170/month. AT&T Fiber 2000 $110/month vs Cox G10 $150/month. AT&T 35-50% cheaper for equivalent symmetrical fiber speeds. Cox cable cheaper than AT&T fiber where fiber unavailable. | AT&T Fiber covers 100+ metros in 22 states with 7M+ fiber customers. Cox G10 fiber available in 10-15% of footprint (parts of Phoenix, San Diego, Orange County only). AT&T fiber 5-7x broader coverage. Where no AT&T Fiber, Cox cable serviceable fallback. | Choose AT&T Fiber if available at your address for faster symmetrical speeds at lower cost ($80 vs $170 for gig with unlimited). Choose Cox cable if AT&T Fiber unavailable and you need faster speeds than DSL. Choose Cox G10 if you're in the 10-15% of Cox footprint with fiber and prefer Cox's customer service to AT&T. |
Troubleshooting Cox Issues
Common Cox connection problems and how to fix them.
Exceeded 1.25 TB monthly data cap and received overage warning email or $10 per 50 GB charges
Cause: 4K streaming (Netflix, YouTube, Disney+), large game downloads, cloud backups, video conferencing, security camera uploads consume 500 GB-2 TB monthly. Family of 4+ with mixed usage easily hits cap.
- Add unlimited data for $50/month - total $100-170/month but eliminates overage anxiety. Competitive with fiber ISP pricing.
- Monitor usage via Cox app or website - track which devices/activities consume most data. Pause cloud backups, reduce streaming quality from 4K to 1080p (saves 50-60% data).
- Schedule large downloads (game updates, OS updates) during off-peak hours when network less congested - doesn't reduce cap but improves speeds.
- If in California, verify unlimited data enabled by default per state law. If charged, contact Cox to remove cap and refund overages.
- Consider upgrading to G10 fiber where available - includes unlimited data by default at $150/month, cheaper than Gigablast + unlimited ($170).
Upload speeds stuck at 10-30 Mbps on cable plans (Gigablast, Ultimate, Preferred) despite fast downloads
Cause: DOCSIS 3.1 cable technology is asymmetrical - allocates 80-90% of spectrum to downloads, 10-20% to uploads. Cable infrastructure limitation, not Cox-specific throttling.
- Upgrade to G10 fiber where available for 2 Gbps symmetrical (2000/2000 Mbps). Only solution for fast uploads on Cox network.
- If G10 unavailable, switch to AT&T Fiber (940/940 Mbps), Verizon Fios (940/880 Mbps), or T-Mobile 5G Home (50-150 Mbps upload) for better upload speeds.
- For cable users stuck with 35 Mbps max, optimize by reducing upload activities during peak hours - schedule cloud backups for 2-6 AM, compress video files before uploading, use lower resolution for video calls (720p vs 1080p saves 50% upload bandwidth).
- Contact Cox to verify modem provisioned correctly - some older DOCSIS 3.0 modems only support 10-15 Mbps upload. Upgrade to DOCSIS 3.1 modem (Panoramic gateway or Netgear CM1000) to reach full 35 Mbps.
WiFi disconnects randomly throughout the day, especially in bedrooms or second floor, requiring modem/router restart
Cause: Interference from neighboring WiFi networks (15-25 networks detected in apartments/condos), distance from gateway (30+ feet reduces signal 50-70%), old gateway (WiFi 5 from 2019-2020 era), or modem/router overheating.
- Upgrade to Panoramic WiFi 6E gateway ($14/month or $250 purchase) - supports 6 GHz band with less interference, stronger signal for 2,500-3,500 sq ft homes. Cox provides free swap if current gateway over 3 years old.
- Add Cox Panoramic WiFi pods ($130 for 1-pod, $200 for 2-pod kit) for mesh coverage - eliminates dead zones in 3,000-5,000 sq ft homes. Pods auto-connect to gateway, no configuration required.
- Use ethernet for stationary devices (desktop PC, gaming console, smart TV) to reduce WiFi congestion and reserve wireless bandwidth for mobile devices.
- Change WiFi channel manually via Cox app - scan for least crowded channel (typically 1, 6, 11 on 2.4 GHz; 36, 149 on 5 GHz). Auto channel selection often picks congested channels.
- Position gateway centrally (middle of home, elevated on shelf) and away from walls, mirrors, aquariums, or microwaves that block signal. Moving gateway 10 feet can improve signal 30-40%.
Monthly bill increased from $50 to $65 for Essential 100, or $100 to $130 for Ultimate 500 after 12-month promotional period
Cause: Cox uses promotional pricing to attract new customers, then reverts to standard pricing after 12 months. Standard prices 20-30% higher than promo.
- Call Cox retention department (1-800-234-3993, say 'cancel service') and request new promotional pricing. Retention reps authorized to offer 6-12 month discounts ($10-30/month off) to prevent cancellation. Threat to switch to AT&T, Spectrum, or T-Mobile Home Internet increases leverage.
- Switch to competitor (AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, T-Mobile) if available at your address to receive new customer promo pricing. Return after 6-12 months to Cox as 'new' customer for fresh promo. Requires 30-60 days between cancellation and reactivation to qualify.
- Downgrade to lower tier if usage permits - if using 200-300 GB/month on Ultimate 500, downgrade to Preferred 250 ($70 vs $130). Monitor usage for 1-2 months before downgrading.
- Bundle Cox internet + Contour TV or Cox Mobile for 10-15% multi-product discount. Even if you don't use TV/mobile heavily, bundle savings ($15-30/month) can offset internet price increase.
- Negotiate with retention to add unlimited data ($50/month) while receiving $20-30/month discount, netting $20-30 increase vs $50 increase for standard price + unlimited. Softens the blow for heavy users.
Cox History
Key milestones in Cox development and network expansion.
Cox Cable founded in Leesburg, Virginia by James M. Cox Sr. who also owned Cox Broadcasting
Expanded to Hampton Roads Virginia market (Norfolk, Virginia Beach) - now Cox's second-largest market with 1.2M residents
Acquired Times Mirror Cable systems including San Diego market, establishing Cox as major California provider
Launched @Home broadband internet service at 1.5 Mbps, competing against early DSL from phone companies
Deployed DOCSIS 3.0 cable technology, increasing speeds to 50-100 Mbps and competing against emerging Verizon Fios fiber
Introduced 1 Gbps cable service in select markets using DOCSIS 3.0 channel bonding, among first cable ISPs to offer gigabit
Implemented 1 TB data cap nationally (later increased to 1.25 TB) to manage network congestion and compete against unlimited fiber ISPs on price
Launched G10 fiber service (2 Gbps symmetrical) in Phoenix and San Diego markets, directly competing with AT&T Fiber multi-gig
Rolled out WiFi 6E Panoramic gateways supporting 6 GHz band for reduced interference and 2-3x faster WiFi speeds
Reached 6.5M internet subscribers across 18 states, remaining third-largest cable ISP despite slower growth than Xfinity and Spectrum
Test Your Cox Speed
Run a free speed test to check if Cox delivers the speeds you are paying for. Test during peak evening hours for the most realistic results. Compare your results against Cox advertised speeds above.
Cox Speed Test FAQ
How fast is Cox internet?
Cox offers cable speeds from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps and fiber speeds up to 2 Gbps. Gigablast delivers 1 Gbps download with 35 Mbps upload using DOCSIS 3.1. G10 fiber provides symmetrical 2 Gbps where available. Upload speeds on cable plans range from 10-35 Mbps. Cable speeds can vary during peak evening hours due to shared bandwidth. Run a speed test to check your actual Cox connection performance.
Does Cox have data caps?
Yes, Cox has a 1.25 TB monthly data cap on most internet plans. Customers who exceed the cap pay $10 per 50 GB overage, up to $100 maximum. Unlimited data is available as a $50/month add-on or included with G10 fiber plans. The data cap was temporarily lifted during the pandemic but has been reinstated in most markets. Monitor usage through the Cox app to avoid overage charges.
How do I test my Cox speed?
Use the speed test tool on this page to measure your Cox download speed, upload speed, and ping latency. For accurate cable results, connect directly to the gateway via ethernet cable rather than WiFi. Close background applications and test at different times since cable speeds may vary during peak evening hours between 7pm and 11pm. The test takes approximately 30 seconds.
Is Cox available in my area?
Cox is available in 18 states primarily in the Southwest, Southeast, and parts of the Midwest. Major markets include Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Diego, Hampton Roads, New Orleans, and Oklahoma City. Coverage is address-specific even within Cox service areas. Enter your address on cox.com to check availability and see which plans and speeds are offered at your location.
What is Cox G10 fiber?
Cox G10 is a 2 Gbps symmetrical fiber internet service (2000 Mbps download and upload) available in select areas of Phoenix, San Diego, and Orange County California. G10 costs $150/month and includes unlimited data, Premium WiFi 6E gateway, and no annual contract. G10 availability is limited to 10-15% of Cox's footprint, primarily in newer neighborhoods and high-income areas. Check cox.com to see if G10 fiber is available at your address.
How much does Cox internet cost after the promotional period?
Cox promotional pricing lasts 12 months, then increases 20-30%. Essential 100 goes from $50 to $65/month, Preferred 250 from $70 to $90/month, Ultimate 500 from $100 to $130/month, Gigablast from $120 to $150/month. To avoid increases, call Cox retention department (1-800-234-3993) before month 12 ends and request new promotional pricing. Retention reps can offer 6-12 month discounts ($10-30/month off) to retain customers.
Is Cox better than Xfinity?
Cox and Xfinity offer similar cable speeds (both DOCSIS 3.1), but Cox has better fiber option (G10 2 Gbps) where available while Xfinity has wider coverage (40 vs 18 states). Xfinity Gigabit costs $90/month vs Cox Gigablast $120/month, making Xfinity 25% cheaper for cable. Cox G10 fiber is better value than Xfinity Gigabit Pro ($150 vs $300 for multi-gig). Choose Cox if you're in Arizona, San Diego, or Virginia markets with strong Cox infrastructure. Choose Xfinity for lower cable pricing or wider availability.
Does Cox enforce the 1.25 TB data cap?
Yes, Cox enforces the 1.25 TB data cap in most markets except California (where state law prohibits caps). Cox provides soft warnings at 1.0 TB usage and formal overage charges ($10 per 50 GB, max $100/month) after exceeding 1.25 TB. In practice, Cox is lenient with first-time overage (warning only) but charges from second overage onward. Heavy users (2+ TB/month for 4K streaming, gaming, cloud backups) should add unlimited data for $50/month to avoid overage charges and usage anxiety.
Can I use my own modem with Cox?
Yes, Cox supports customer-owned DOCSIS 3.1 modems. Compatible models include Netgear CM1000, CM1200, Motorola MB8600, and Arris SB8200. Using your own modem saves $14/month rental fee ($168/year). Purchase a modem ($150-200) and WiFi 6 router ($100-150) to save $100+/year versus renting Panoramic gateway. Cox provides list of approved modems at cox.com/modems. G10 fiber customers must use Cox-provided fiber gateway (no customer ownership option).
What is Cox Panoramic WiFi?
Cox Panoramic WiFi is a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem + WiFi 6E router gateway that Cox rents for $14/month or sells for $250. It supports 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands with coverage for 2,500-3,500 sq ft homes. The Cox app allows remote management, parental controls, device prioritization, and guest network setup. Panoramic WiFi pods ($130-200) extend coverage for larger homes. Alternatively, purchase your own DOCSIS 3.1 modem + WiFi 6 router to save $100+/year on rental fees.
How long does Cox installation take?
Cox professional installation takes 1-2 hours and costs $75-100. The technician runs coax cable from street to home, installs gateway, activates service, and tests speeds. Self-installation costs $10 for the kit and takes 30-60 minutes for users comfortable with basic cable connections. Self-install requires existing coax outlet in home. Installation appointments available within 3-5 days in most markets. G10 fiber installation takes 2-3 hours due to fiber optic cabling requirements and costs $100-150.
Why are my Cox upload speeds so slow?
Cox cable plans use DOCSIS 3.1 technology which is asymmetrical - downloads get 80-90% of bandwidth, uploads get 10-20%. This results in 35 Mbps maximum upload even on Gigablast 1 Gbps cable. Upload speeds are limited by cable infrastructure, not Cox throttling. For faster uploads (100+ Mbps), upgrade to G10 fiber (2000/2000 Mbps symmetrical) where available, or switch to AT&T Fiber (940/940 Mbps), Verizon Fios (940/880 Mbps), or T-Mobile 5G Home Internet (50-150 Mbps upload).