If you need internet access in Alabama, then this guide will be just what you need. Below you’ll find information on who the internet service providers in Alabama are, where to find 3G mobile coverage, what the top schools provide their students and a shortlist of where to find free wi-fi hotspots.
Find the Best Internet Service Provider in Your Area of Alabama
To find the best internet service providers available in your area of Alabama, just fill out the form below. There are usually only a couple of internet providers for any one area, and this form will be able to tell you which ones are available to you.
Local Residential Internet Service Providers
The following ISPs are local to Alabama, and provide internet connections to residential areas. For more information, you’ll find links to their sites, as well as phone numbers.
- Troy Cable: Troy offers broadband internet to their customers. They have a Gold package for $43.95/month with up to 15 Mbps download. They also have a Gold package Platinum Packages at $56.95/month with up to 20 Mbps download. Call them for more info at 800-735-9546.
- Zito Media: Zito Media offers High-Speed Internet Service through a Cable Broadband makes your Internet experience so much better than a dial-up service. Their download speed is up up to 50 times faster than dial-up (up to 10 Mbps). Prices are not stated on their site as you need to call them for more information at 800-365-6988.
- Knology: Knology’s internet plans include the Intronet package with a maximum speed of 1 Mbps, the Edge package with a speed of 3 Mbps, the Edge Plus package with 15 Mbps, and the High Speed package with 25/30Mbps. Prices are not stated on the website as you will have to call them to confirm serviceability in your area. Their phone number is 877-KNOLOGY.
Local Business Internet Service Providers
These 3 ISPs are local to Alabama too, but they focus on providing internet access to businesses.
- Northland Communications: Northland offers Broadband Business Internet with downstream of up to 12 to 24 Mbps and with upstream of up to 2 to 4 Mbps. Call their toll free number to request a price quotation at (800) 828-8019.
- Bright House Networks: Bright House Networks offers different internet business packages that you will need. They have packages with 3 Mbps download speed, 10 Mbps, 18 Mbps, and 50 Mbps; and these depend on your requirements. Not all speeds are available in all markets. Call them for more information and to get a price quotation at 205-591-6880.
- CableOne: CableOne’s business packages include the Business Economy High Speed Internet & Data package for up to 5 Mbps download speed. They also have the Business Suite (SOHO), Office, and Business Enterprise High Speed Internet & Data have up to 50 Mbps download speeds. The difference is their upload speeds, number of email accounts, and the data usage per month. To get a price quote, you will have call CableOne at (208) 375-8288.
Alabama Internet Connections and Coverage
In this section you’ll find information regarding the internet speeds in Alabama, as well as where to go to find 3G coverage (and whom from).
Regarding the speeds, Alabama has an average speed of 14.70 Mbps, which is slightly faster than the national average of 12.55 Mbps.
The 5 cities with fastest internet speed in Alabama are:
- Pleasant Grove – 27.49 Mbps
- Alexander City – 25.27 Mbps
- Guntersville – 24.84 Mbps
- Boaz – 24.80 Mbps
- Northport – 23.86 Mbps
The 5 fastest internet service providers in Alabama are:
- Charter Communications – 23.64 Mbps
- Cable One – 20.68 Mbps
- Comcast – 18.72 Mbps
- DoD Network Information Center – 16.09 Mbps
- Mediacom – 15.20 Mbps
Please keep in mind that these numbers will fluctuate. For the most up to date numbers, check out the Alabama page at NetIndex.com.
Mobile 3G Internet Coverage for Alabama
Here you’ll find a general overview of the 3G coverage in Alabama from the top 3 mobile internet providers. Please keep in mind that coverage maps change all the time, so you’ll want to visit the ISP’s site and check out their coverage map to ensure that they will provide coverage where you need it most.
Clear: Clear: Clear is available in major cities such as Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Wellington, Huntsville, and its neighboring towns.
AT&T: There are spots in Alabama that AT&T does not have mobile coverage. Mostly, these places are in the lower half of the state due to the terrain where forests and lakes are situated.
Verizon: Verizon, in general, has good 3G coverage in Alabama. There are just some areas where there is no signal due to mountains and other landforms that make it hard to get mobile signals.
Top 5 Colleges in Alabama & Their Internet Access
Below you’ll find the top 5 colleges in Alabama, the internet access they provide their students and how to get connected.
The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama currently has the ‘UA Wireless’ wireless network available in many areas across campus. To use this network, you must have a computer with a wireless network adapter. Over the next year, the UA WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) wireless network will be implemented to provide a higher level of security for wireless connections. Wireless guest accounts are available.
Auburn University
AU Wireless connectivity is available for AU employees & students. Locations continue to be added to the areas of AU Wireless availability via AU_WiFi and AU_GameNet. AU_WiFi is a WPA2-encrypted broadband wireless network, which means traffic cannot be easily obtained as it passes from a user’s computer to the wireless access point. AU_GameNet is Auburn University’s broadband wireless network for TiVos & gaming consoles, such as Sony Playstation 3, XBOX 360, and Nintendo Wii.
To access the AU Wireless network, you will be required to log in using your User Name and computing password. If you need to establish a temporary guest account, please contact the OIT HelpDesk.
Troy University
Troy University, in accordance with compliance regulations, will require a login to the network in order to gain access to the Internet, e-mail, and other online resources. The IT department has installed and maintains several wireless access points throughout each campus that are available for student use.
Impulse is a Network Access Control system designed for authenticating login access to the Troy University Network.
Samford University
Samford University offers wireless connection all across campus. There are two primary Wireless Networks available for use: Samford-WPA2 and ConfigSUWirless. The Samford-WPA2 network a Samford requires a User Name and Samford Password. ConfigSUWirless is the wireless network is for people who may have trouble connecting to Samford-WPA2. Its purpose is to help you get connected securely to Wifi on the campus. For guests requesting access, they need to complete a request form, and the access will be generated and sent to via email.
University of North Alabama
The University of North Alabama offers two types of wireless access: LionAir & LionAirEncrypted. It is available on campus 24/7 and is free for all students and employees. The “LionAir” wireless network processes your information as clear text and anyone that wanted to “eavesdrop” could. Your information is not encrypted which makes it unsecure. The “LionAirEncrypted” wireless network processes your information encrypted which makes it secure.
Free Internet Access Spots in Alabama
Fastfood joints like Burger King and Mcdonalds are quick places where you can get free WiFi access in Alabama. There are also coffee shops, hotels and inns, and public libraries where you can also connect online. Other Wi Fi hotspots are:
- Norwood Hodges Community Center in Anniston
- Mellow Mushroom in Auburn
- Minor Tire and Wheel Auto Service in Decatur
- Kiva Dunes in Gulf Shores
- La Pasadita in Hartselle
- Southern Timekeepers in Pinson
Please keep in mind that this is far from a complete list of free wi-fi hotspots in Alabama. This is just a shortlist to give you a few ideas of where you can go, or the types of places to look for.