Top Internet Providers in Myrtle Beach for Speed Price and Coverage

Choosing the right internet provider in Myrtle Beach involves balancing speed, price, and coverage. According to CNET, the top recommendation is Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC), a local provider known for personalized customer service and the largest fiber internet coverage in the area. HTC offers high-speed plans ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 Mbps with no data caps or contracts, making it an excellent option for residents seeking reliable and fast internet.

For those prioritizing speed and affordability, Frontier Fiber stands out with plans offering speeds up to 5,000 Mbps. Although its availability is limited primarily to North Myrtle Beach, Frontier Fiber provides some of the fastest and most cost-effective internet options, with introductory prices starting at $30 per month for 500 Mbps. This makes Frontier a compelling choice for eligible households looking for ultra-fast connectivity.

Other notable providers in the Myrtle Beach area include Spectrum, which offers cable internet plans with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps and flexible pricing starting at $30 per month. Fixed wireless options such as T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet provide alternatives with speeds ranging from 50 to 1,000 Mbps, catering to users who prefer wireless connectivity or have limited wired options.

Understanding Internet Speeds and Usage Needs

Selecting the right internet speed depends on household size and usage patterns. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommends:

• 0 to 5 Mbps for basic browsing, email, and low-quality video streaming
• 5 to 40 Mbps for higher quality video streaming and videoconferencing
• 40 to 100 Mbps for telecommuting, streaming, and gaming for one user
• 100 to 500 Mbps for one to two users engaging in high-bandwidth activities
• 500 to 1,000 Mbps for three or more users performing simultaneous high-bandwidth tasks

How CNET Evaluates Myrtle Beach Internet Providers

CNET’s methodology involves analyzing pricing, availability, and speed data from multiple sources including provider websites, FCC data, and customer satisfaction indexes like J.D. Power. They assess whether providers offer fast speeds, good value, and positive customer experiences. This comprehensive approach ensures recommendations are tailored to local market conditions and consumer needs.

For consumers seeking the cheapest plans, CNET factors in introductory pricing, equipment fees, contract terms, and price increases after promotional periods. For fastest internet, they consider advertised speeds alongside real-world performance data from Ookla and FCC reports.

Summary of Myrtle Beach Internet Providers

Key providers in Myrtle Beach include:

• Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC): Largest fiber coverage, speeds up to 2,000 Mbps, no data caps, local customer service.
• Frontier Fiber: Fastest plans up to 5,000 Mbps, limited availability, affordable introductory pricing.
• Spectrum: Cable internet with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, competitive pricing, optional equipment rental fees.
• T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon 5G Home Internet: Fixed wireless options with speeds ranging from 50 to 1,000 Mbps, suitable for wireless connectivity needs.

Overall, Myrtle Beach residents have access to a variety of internet plans tailored to different budgets and usage needs. Whether prioritizing speed, price, or customer service, options like HTC and Frontier Fiber provide strong choices backed by fiber infrastructure, while Spectrum and wireless providers offer flexible alternatives.

As internet demands continue to grow with streaming, gaming, and remote work, Myrtle Beach’s expanding fiber coverage and competitive market present opportunities for residents and businesses to secure reliable, high-speed connectivity that fits their specific needs.