News Summary
A recent report by Ookla indicates that Houston is one of the top cities in the U.S. for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds. San Antonio leads in mobile internet speeds, with Houston achieving fifth place on the list. For fixed broadband, Houston ranks fifth as well, showing significant improvement and competitive advantage among Texas cities. The presence of major ISPs and new competitors like Ezee Fiber contribute to this progress. Improved infrastructure and a favorable regulatory environment further enhance online connectivity in the region.
Houston Ranks Among the Best in National Internet Speed Survey
According to a new report by Ookla, the parent company behind Speedtest.net, Houston is among the top-performing cities in the United States for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds. The survey, which evaluated internet service provider performance from January to June, reveals a significant leap for Texas cities, with several ranking in the top five for both categories.
Top Performers in Mobile Internet
San Antonio leads the mobile internet rankings, boasting a median download speed of over 344 Mbps. Following closely, Austin ranks third with speeds nearing 228 Mbps, while Dallas comes in at fourth place with a download speed of approximately 217 Mbps. Houston rounds out the top five for mobile internet speeds with a rate of 204.51 Mbps. Remarkably, Phoenix is the only city outside of Texas to crack the top five for mobile internet, registering speeds close to 228 Mbps.
Fixed Broadband Success
In terms of fixed broadband, Texas cities continue to shine. Austin takes the lead once again, offering over 344 Mbps in median download speeds through Google Fiber. San Antonio secures the second position with 337 Mbps, also via Google Fiber, while Houston achieved a notable fifth place with an approximate speed of 287 Mbps, delivered through Ezee Fiber. Other major cities, such as Los Angeles and New York City, entered the fixed broadband rankings at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively.
Texas Infrastructure and Provider Competition
The impressive rankings of Texas cities can be attributed to several factors, including the strong presence of major internet service providers like AT&T, which has its headquarters in Dallas. This localization allows constant technological upgrades to the state’s infrastructure. Furthermore, GigaPower, a joint venture of AT&T, is concentrating its efforts on improving Texas’s internet capabilities. The combination of large providers like AT&T and newer competitors like Ezee Fiber is reshaping the competitive landscape of internet services in the state.
Notably, Ezee Fiber, a smaller yet potent competitor in Houston, has achieved remarkable performance, even surpassing AT&T in terms of download speeds. Despite having only recently met the reporting threshold for the survey, the provider is actively expanding its operations with substantial investments, including a projected $200 million expansion into Fort Bend County set for 2024. Ezee Fiber is also in the process of acquiring Tachus Fiber Internet to broaden its offerings.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Texas’s favorable regulatory environment supports the construction of cell towers and fiber lines, making it easier for providers to deliver high-quality internet services. Both AT&T and Comcast are actively competing in Houston’s internet market, with AT&T focused on upgrading older multifamily buildings for fiber access. In contrast, Comcast is also entering the fiber domain while implementing the latest cable internet standards.
Furthermore, cellular providers prefer deploying advanced wireless technologies in Texas due to its flat terrain, which enhances signal strength. This strategic advantage contributes to the state’s overall superior internet connectivity.
Historical Context
This recent surge in internet performance is particularly notable given that Houston ranked quite low in the previous speed survey: No. 70 for mobile and No. 51 for fixed broadband. This data highlights a significant improvement in network infrastructure and service quality across Texas cities, creating a more competitive environment for both consumers and service providers.
In conclusion, the findings from Ookla’s survey indicate that Texas cities, led by Houston, are quickly climbing the ranks in internet speeds, reshaping the landscape for broadband connectivity across the nation. As providers expand their reach and invest in technology, residents can expect enhanced internet experiences in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Amazon Launches 27 Satellites for Project Kuiper
Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: Texas Cities Internet Fastest Speeds
- Wikipedia: Internet Speed
- USA Today: Best Internet Providers in Austin, TX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Broadband
- CNET: Best Internet Providers in Dallas, TX
- Google Search: Best Internet Providers
- Beaumont Enterprise: Local Lowdown on High-Speed Internet Access
- Google News: Internet Speed in Texas
- Innovation Map: Xfinity’s Faster Internet in Southeast Texas
- Google Scholar: Internet Providers Texas
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
