How to check what internet is available at your home

The fastest way to see what providers serve your address is to enter your street address into a lookup tool. The major tools are the FCC's broadband map at broadbandmap.fcc.gov, your state's broadband office website (if one exists), and the individual websites of major providers in your region. Each tool shows different information: the FCC map shows what providers report offering in your area, while provider websites show what they can actually install at your specific address.

Start with your provider's website because it gives you the most accurate answer. Go to the homepage of any major provider you know operates in your state — Comcast, Charter, AT&T, Verizon, CenturyLink, or a local cable company — and look for "check availability" or "see what's available in your area". Enter your street address, apartment number if you have one, and zip code. The tool will tell you what speeds and packages that provider offers to you specifically. Do this for every major provider in your region, not just one.

If you do not know which providers operate in your state, start with the FCC broadband map. It is free and does not require an account. Enter your address and it will show you which providers report coverage there. The map is not perfect — some providers report coverage they cannot actually deliver, and some smaller providers are missing — but it gives you a starting list of names to check individually.

Key Takeaways

  • Enter your address into each provider's website directly to see what speeds and prices they can offer you, because availability varies block by block.
  • The FCC broadband map shows which providers report serving your area, but you still need to check each provider's own website to confirm.
  • Your state may have its own broadband office or broadband map with additional local providers not listed on the FCC map.
  • Internet availability depends on whether cable lines, phone lines, or fiber lines physically reach your building, so two addresses on the same street may have completely different options.
  • If a provider says they do not serve your address, ask whether they have plans to expand to your area, because timelines change.

What the FCC broadband map shows and does not show

The FCC broadband map (broadbandmap.fcc.gov) displays which internet providers report offering service in your area and what speeds they claim to offer. It is a public resource and does not require you to create an account. The map is updated regularly as providers report changes, but it reflects what providers say they offer, not always what they can actually deliver to your specific address.

The map has real gaps. Some smaller regional providers, fixed wireless providers, and satellite internet companies may not appear on it. Some providers report coverage for entire zip codes even though they only serve certain neighborhoods or streets. The map also does not show price, contract terms, or data caps — only the provider name and reported speed range. Use it as a starting point to identify which providers to contact, not as your final answer about what you can get.

State broadband offices and local maps

Many states maintain their own broadband maps or broadband offices that track providers in that state. These often include smaller regional providers and local cable companies that do not appear on the FCC map. Search "[your state] broadband map" or "[your state] broadband office" to see whether yours has one.

State maps are particularly useful if you live in a rural area or a region served by smaller providers. Some state offices also publish lists of providers by county or region, which can be faster than searching the map if you already know your general area. A few states — including Vermont, New York, and Maine — have detailed broadband offices that track expansion plans and can tell you whether a provider plans to reach your address in the near future.

Checking individual provider websites

After you have a list of providers from the FCC map or your state map, visit each provider's website and use their availability checker. This is the most accurate step because it shows what that specific provider can install at your specific address. The availability checker usually asks for your street address, apartment or unit number, and zip code. Some providers also ask for your phone number.

The provider's tool will show you what packages and speeds they offer to your address, along with pricing and any promotional offers. Write down the results from each provider so you can compare them side by side. If a provider says they do not serve your address, that usually means the physical infrastructure — cable lines, phone lines, or fiber — does not reach your building. Ask the provider whether they have expansion plans for your area, because some providers are actively building out to new neighborhoods.

Why availability varies by address

Internet availability is determined by physical infrastructure. Cable internet requires cable lines to reach your building. DSL requires phone lines. Fiber requires fiber-optic lines. Fixed wireless requires a tower nearby with line-of-sight to your location. Satellite works almost anywhere but has higher latency and data caps. If the lines do not physically reach your address, that provider cannot serve you, no matter how close you are to their service area.

This is why two addresses on the same street can have completely different options. One side of the street might have cable lines while the other does not. A building a block away might have fiber while your building does not. Availability is not about your zip code or neighborhood — it is about whether the specific infrastructure reaches your building. This is why checking each provider individually is essential.

What to do if no providers serve your address

If the major providers do not serve your address, look for fixed wireless or satellite options. Fixed wireless providers like T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet use cellular towers to deliver internet and may reach areas where cable and fiber do not. Satellite providers like Starlink, Viasat, and HughesNet work almost anywhere but typically have higher latency, slower speeds, and data caps.

Ask your landlord or neighbors whether they have internet and which provider they use. If they do, that provider may be able to serve you even if their website says otherwise — sometimes availability checkers have errors. You can also contact the provider's customer service directly and ask whether they have any plans to expand to your address. Some providers will add you to a waiting list or notify you when service becomes available.

Understanding speed claims and what they mean

When a provider lists speeds like "up to 100 Mbps" or "gigabit internet," those are the maximum speeds under ideal conditions. Your actual speed will usually be lower, especially during peak hours when many people in your area are using the network. read speed (measured in Mbps) matters most for streaming, browsing, and downloading files. Upload speed matters if you video conference, upload large files, or stream. Latency (measured in milliseconds) matters for online gaming and video calls.

The FCC broadband map and provider websites show read speeds, but they do not always show upload speeds or latency. Ask the provider for those numbers before you commit. If you plan to work from home, stream video, or game online, ask what speeds are typical during evening hours, not just the maximum possible speed. Some providers also have data caps — a monthly limit on how much data you can use — which the map does not show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get internet if I live in an apartment or rental?

Yes, but availability depends on what the building has. Some apartment buildings have agreements with specific providers, which means you can only use that provider. Others allow multiple providers. Ask your landlord or building management which providers serve the building, then check those providers' websites with your specific apartment address. If the building has a restrictive agreement, you may be able to request that the landlord negotiate with a different provider.

What if the provider's website says they do not serve my address but my neighbor has their service?

Availability checkers sometimes have errors, especially for new construction or recently updated addresses. Call the provider's customer service line and give them your exact street address and apartment number. They can check their system manually and may be able to serve you even if the website says no. If they still say no, ask whether the infrastructure reaches your building — if it does, they may be able to install service even if it is not currently listed.

How long does it take to get internet installed after I order?

Installation timelines vary by provider and how busy they are. Most providers can install within one to four weeks, but during peak moving seasons (spring and summer) it can take longer. Some providers offer faster installation for an extra fee. Ask the provider for their current installation timeline when you order, and ask whether they can schedule an appointment before you commit to a move-in date.

Should I check availability before I sign a lease?

Yes, if internet speed or specific providers matter to you. Check availability at the address before you sign, so you know what options you will have. If the address has no providers you want, or only satellite internet, you can decide whether that works for you before you commit to the lease. Some people discover after moving that their only option is slow or expensive, which is avoidable with a quick check beforehand.

What if I live in a rural area and no providers show up?

Check your state broadband map, because rural providers may not appear on the FCC map. If your state does not have one, search online for "[your county] internet providers" or call your county extension office — they sometimes maintain lists of providers. Fixed wireless and satellite are your most likely options in rural areas. Starlink is available in most rural areas now, though it has higher latency than cable or fiber.