Latest news with #QuantumFiber
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LUMN Sells Consumer Fiber Business to AT&T to Sharpen Enterprise Focus
Lumen Technologies, Inc. LUMN has announced a definitive agreement to sell its Mass Markets fiber-to-the-home business, including Quantum Fiber, across 11 states to AT&T for $5.75 billion in cash, subject to subject to working capital and other various purchase price adjustments. This transaction marks an important move in Lumen's ongoing transformation into a leading digital enterprise networking company. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. The sale, which includes roughly 95% of Quantum Fiber in approximately 4 million fiber-enabled locations and close to 1 million subscribers as of March 31, 2025, is expected to contribute more than $750 million in annualized revenues, based on first-quarter figures. AT&T's scale and consumer-centric strategy are expected to further accelerate the growth of this business. Net proceeds from the deal, estimated at approximately $4.2 billion, combined with existing cash, will be used by LUMN to retire about $4.8 billion in super priority debt. This is expected to lower annual interest expenses by $300 million and reduce the company's projected 2025 net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio from 4.9 to 3.9. The deal will also reduce annual capital expenditures related to Mass Markets fiber by about $1 billion, allowing Lumen to reinvest in enterprise offerings and strengthen its balance sheet. Lumen Technologies, Inc. price-consensus-chart | Lumen Technologies, Inc. Quote The company also retains its existing copper network, which mainly services consumer customers. Lumen plans to continue new fiber buildouts at a similar pace as in 2024 through the end of 2025. Lumen aims to expand its intercity fiber network to 47 million miles by 2028. The company will also focus on growing the Lumen Digital Platform to deliver simpler, faster and more secure networking solutions for business customers. Lumen also intends to strategically integrate its physical infrastructure with its digital capabilities to boost network performance, scalability, intelligence and security via innovative architectures like Direct Fiber Access, Cloud On-ramps, and Multicloud Gateways. Management highlighted that the transaction provides it with increased financial flexibility to reimagine enterprise networking in a multi-cloud, artificial intelligence (AI)-first world. Lumen will retain its core infrastructure assets, including its national and regional fiber backbone, central offices and real estate, which will serve as the foundation for its enterprise services. Its wholesale and enterprise fiber customers will remain under Lumen across all markets. Increasing demand for Lumen's Private Connectivity Fabric (PCF) solutions amid rapid AI proliferation is emerging as an encouraging development. Lumen secured a total of $8.5 billion in PCF deals in 2024. As AI needs surge, large companies across various industries are urgently seeking fiber capacity, which is becoming highly valuable and potentially scarce. Lumen has inked deals with multiple tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Google Cloud and Meta Platforms to provide the network capabilities for AI innovation. Lumen added that it continues to see overall PCF demand for both large deal CST levels and at the smaller enterprise deal level. Currently, LUMN carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). In the past year, shares have surged 195.3% against the Zacks Diversified Communication Services industry's decline of 2.8%. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Some better-ranked stocks from the broader utilities space are Fortis Inc. FTS, Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. SWX and Telefonica, S.A. TEF. FTS and SWX presently sport a Zacks Rank #1, while TEF carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Fortis' earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 3.58%. In the last reported quarter, FTS delivered an earnings surprise of 1.45%. The company's long-term earnings growth rate is 5%. Its shares have surged 21.3% in the past year. Southwest's earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 6%. In the last reported quarter, SWX delivered an earnings surprise of 2.48%. The company's long-term earnings growth rate is 9.5%. Its shares have decreased 9.7% in the past year. Telefonica's earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 18.3%. The company's long-term earnings growth rate is 17.2%. Its shares have surged 15.3% in the past year. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Telefonica SA (TEF) : Free Stock Analysis Report Southwest Gas Corporation (SWX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Fortis (FTS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Lumen Technologies, Inc. (LUMN) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lumen Technologies (NYSE:LUMN) Stock Dips 16% Over Month As Acquisition Talks With AT&T Surface
Lumen Technologies experienced a 16% decline in its stock price over the past month. This movement coincides with recent collaborations and potential acquisition talks. The successful trial of a 1.2 terabit wavelength service in partnership with Ciena, which demonstrates Lumen's technological advancements, could have affected investor sentiment. Additionally, reports of acquisition discussions with AT&T for its consumer fiber operations may have added to market uncertainty. Broader market declines, reflected by a 1.8% fall over a weeklong period, alongside tariff-related economic concerns, also compounded pressures on Lumen's stock. These factors likely contributed to the company's overall price move. We've spotted 2 risks for Lumen Technologies you should be aware of, and 1 of them is a bit concerning. The latest GPUs need a type of rare earth metal called Terbium and there are only 20 companies in the world exploring or producing it. Find the list for free. Lumen Technologies achieved a significant total return of 152.56% over the last year. This performance surpassed both the US Telecom industry, which returned 29.1%, and the broader US market's 5.5%. Lumen's substantial debt reduction, including a US$1.6 billion decrease in 2024 and an additional US$200 million in redemption notices, bolstered its financial stability. Furthermore, partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft, AWS, and Meta improved its revenue prospects by generating US$8.5 billion in closed sales, supporting free cash flow amid ongoing strategic transformations. The company's focus on expanding network capabilities included the addition of 500,000 new Quantum Fiber units, enhancing market presence. Collaborations, such as the trial deployment of a 1.2 terabit wavelength service with Ciena and integration with Flexential, positioned Lumen for future growth in AI and cloud demands. A US$4.3 million contract with the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access also underscored Lumen's commitment to expanding connectivity solutions. These initiatives contributed to the company's impressive long-term share performance. Gain insights into Lumen Technologies' future direction by reviewing our growth report. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:LUMN. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best Internet Providers in Phoenix
CNET recommends Quantum Fiber as the best internet provider for most Phoenix households, offering fast, symmetrical speeds, free equipment rental and unlimited data. Cox is another top choice with widespread availability and high-speed plans, while Verizon 5G Home Internet provides budget-friendly options. Verizon's 5G Home Internet starts at just $35 per month for up to 100Mbps for eligible Verizon mobile customers. For faster speeds, Cox delivers up to 2,000Mbps for $150 monthly. However, Quantum Fiber recently matched those speeds -- offering 2,000Mbps with 1,000Mbps uploads for just $95 per month -- making it the top pick for both speed and value. CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Phoenix across several categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also do a close read of providers' terms and conditions and, when needed, will call ISPs to verify the details. Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your particular options is to plug your address into a provider's website. Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs. At the same time, the text is specific to what's available in Phoenix. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month, a standard industry offering. Discounts and promotions might also be available for signing a term contract or bundling multiple services. To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. CenturyLink: Lumen Technologies offers DSL service to nearly every household in the Phoenix area not eligible for Quantum Fiber. Speeds are largely impressive for DSL service, ranging from 60, 80 or 100Mbps in many neighborhoods. As such, CenturyLink is a solid choice for a basic, low-hassle connection, but if you want faster speeds, you'll have to turn to Cox or Verizon. T-Mobile Home Internet: While Verizon's 5G home internet network caters primarily to larger cities, such as Phoenix, T-Mobile focuses more on suburban and rural areas. Starting at $50 per month for speeds ranging from 81 to 415Mbps, T-Mobile is an ideal choice for those living outside the city where satellite or DSL is the only connection available. However, if you're within Phoenix, you'll find faster speeds for roughly the same price as other providers. Triad Wireless: Local fixed wireless provider Triad Wireless beams internet signals all over the Phoenix area for business, education and residential internet service. Max residential internet speeds can reach 1,000Mbps, which is impressive for a fixed wireless network. Since fixed wireless requires a direct line of sight to a nearby transmitter, you'll need to have a serviceability check before being able to sign up. Call 602-426-0542 or visit the Triad Wireless residential internet page to inquire about serviceability and pricing at your address. Satellite internet: Hughesnet and Viasat are always options for home internet, so long as you have a clear view of the southern sky. But satellite is often a last resort for internet, and with Cox, CenturyLink, 5G internet and other choices in Phoenix, the high pricing, high latency and low data allowances of satellite internet are easy to pass on. For a cheap, basic internet connection in Phoenix, consider Verizon 5G Home Internet, with plans starting at $50 monthly. Plus, if you're a Verizon mobile customer, you'll also want to see if you can get a discounted rate of $35 to $45 per month. You can also apply to Cox Communication for its 100Mbps ConnectAssist plan -- which costs $30 per month -- if you're running your household on a tight budget. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. The best internet deals and top promotions in Phoenix depend on the discounts available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers. Phoenix internet providers, such as Cox Communications, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, however, including Quantum Fiber and Verizon, run the same standard pricing year-round. For a more extensive list of promotions, check out our guide on the best internet deals. Speed test averages indicate that home internet in Phoenix is slower than the rest of Arizona and below the national average. Don't let that discourage you; faster speeds, up to 940Mbps, are available throughout the Phoenix area. Multi-gig speeds are slowly becoming available in Phoenix, so Cox and Quantum Fiber offer 2,000Mbps plans in the area. However, there's a chance that availability issues may limit most residents to a single gig of speed from Quantum Fiber, Cox or Verizon 5G. While perhaps not as exciting as multi-gig service, that's still plenty of speed for a virtually unlimited number of connected devices. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Best internet providers in Gilbert, AZ Best internet providers in Mesa, AZ Best internet providers in Scottsdale, AZ Best internet providers in Sedona, AZ Best internet providers in Tempe, AZ Best internet providers in Tucson, AZ Best internet providers in Yuma, AZ See all results for internet providers in Arizona. Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address. For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need. 0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics like browsing the internet, sending and receiving email, streaming low-quality video. 5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing. 40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming. 100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming. 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time. Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what's our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information, drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at But it doesn't end there. We go to the FCC's website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication. Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions: Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds? Do customers get decent value for what they're paying? Are customers happy with their service? While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to 'yes' on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and also consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Ookla is owned by Ziff Davis, the same parent company as CNET.) To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page. Quantum Fiber, Cox and Verizon 5G Home Internet are likely your best internet options in terms of speed and overall value. Quantum Fiber would be my first recommendation due to a fiber connection's reliability and symmetrical download/upload speed capabilities, not to mention its favorable service terms. Cox is also a solid choice for cable internet, especially if you plan to bundle internet and TV, but pricing is a bit high compared to other providers, and you'll have to deal with contracts and a data cap. As for Verizon 5G Home Internet, the value comes down to what speeds are available at your address, but the service is worth checking out if you're looking for an alternative to CenturyLink or Cox. There are several ways to get low-cost internet in Phoenix. With eligible phone plans, T-Mobile or Verizon mobile customers can get deep discounts on 5G home internet service: $35 per month for either Verizon 5G Home or T-Mobile Home Internet and $30 monthly for Cox ConnectAssist. Quantum Fiber offers the fastest plans in Phoenix. For $165, you can get 8,000Mbps symmetrical speeds if its available in your area of Phoenix. For most others, the 2000Mbps plan priced at $95 a month will be the best bet. Yes. Approximately 18% of Phoenix households are eligible for fiber service, according to FCC data. The largest fiber provider in the Phoenix area is Quantum Fiber. Cox also has a small fiber presence in Phoenix. A fiber-optic connection is the gold standard. That said, fiber availability may be limited to a small percentage of households in the area. Otherwise, a cable internet connection is your best bet. Cable internet can't match fiber's speed or reliability, but it's far more accessible and available to most households in Phoenix.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best Internet Providers in Plymouth, Minnesota
Residents of Plymouth have access to several of the nation's biggest internet providers. If you're looking for the best provider and plan for you, CNET's experts have got you covered. Right now, Xfinity is the best internet service provider in Plymouth, Minnesota. The area's largest cable internet provider has the best high-speed internet coverage in Plymouth, the largest plan selection and the lowest introductory pricing of any major provider. With maximum download speeds up to 1,200 megabits per second, Xfinity edges out fiber internet provider Quantum Fiber for the fastest internet plan in Plymouth. With service starting at $20 per month for speeds up to 150Mbps, Xfinity is the outright cheapest internet option as well. All things considered, Xfinity still may not be the best choice for your home internet service. Quantum Fiber has its benefits, as does fixed wireless internet from Verizon 5G Home Internet or T-Mobile Home Internet. Here's everything you need to know to help you decide on the right internet service provider for you. CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Plymouth across many categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also do a close read of providers' terms and conditions and, when needed, will call ISPs to verify the details. Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: Certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your particular options is to plug your address into a provider's website. Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs. At the same time, the text is specific to what's available in Plymouth. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month -- a standard industry offering. Other discounts and promotions might also be available for things like signing a term contract or bundling with multiple services. To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. The best internet deals and top promotions in Plymouth depend on what discounts are available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers. Plymouth internet providers, such as Xfinity, may feature lower introductory pricing or promotional offers for a limited time. Many, including Quantum Fiber and CenturyLink, run the same standard pricing year-round. For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address. For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need. 0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video. 5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing. 40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming. 100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming. 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time. Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What's our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at It doesn't end there: We go to the FCC's website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication. Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions: Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds? Do customers get decent value for what they're paying? Are customers happy with their service? While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to 'yes' on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and also take into account real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Disclaimer: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page. Xfinity has the best high-speed coverage, lowest introductory rates and best plan selection, including the fastest speed tier, of any major internet service provider in Plymouth, Minnesota. The provider also offers free equipment rental and unlimited data with select plans. Xfinity's low introductory rates are enticing, but a contract may be required to get the lowest price, and all rates are set to increase after the first year or two of service. Other Plymouth ISPs, including Quantum Fiber, CenturyLink, Verizon 5G Home Internet and T-Mobile Home Internet, have more stable pricing but lack Xfinity's speed options and coverage. Fiber internet is available in Plymouth, Minnesota, but to only a limited number of households, according to the most recent FCC data. Only around 12% of residences in the area are eligible for fiber internet. Those around Medicine Lake or in the Greenway West, Hampton Hills or O'Donnell Woods neighborhoods are most likely to be serviceable for fiber internet. Quantum Fiber is the primary fiber internet provider in the area. Xfinity has the cheapest internet plan of any provider in the Plymouth area, with service starting at $20 per month for download speeds up to 150Mbps. A one-year contract is required for the lowest price, and the monthly rate will increase by $34 after the first year of service. Xfinity also has lower introductory pricing on comparable plans from other Plymouth internet providers. For example, the gig service from Quantum Fiber starts at $80 per month, while Xfinity's gig plan starts at $65. After the promotional period (12 months) expires, the Xfinity rate increases to $106. Quantum Fiber does not have set price increases. Xfinity has the fastest max download speed in Plymouth, Minnesota, up to 1,200Mbps, starting at $75 per month. However, since Xfinity uses a cable internet connection, max upload speeds are significantly slower, topping out at 40Mbps. Quantum Fiber, although it doesn't have the fastest max speed, does have the perk of symmetrical download and upload speeds. So, Quantum Fiber's gig plan offers download and upload speeds up to 940Mbps, compared with the 1,200/40 you'd get with Xfinity.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best Internet Providers in Littleton, Colorado
CNET recommends Quantum Fiber as the best internet provider in Littleton, Colorado, thanks to its fast and reliable fiber-optic service. With symmetrical speeds ranging from 500Mbps to 8000Mbps, it offers the fastest connections in the area. Plus, all plans come with free equipment rental and unlimited data, ensuring you can browse, stream and work without restrictions. One of its standout perks is a price-for-life guarantee, so you won't have to worry about unexpected rate hikes. If Quantum Fiber is not an option for you, CenturyLink, another Lumen Technologies brand, has broader coverage. Alternatively, Xfinity -- the nation's largest cable internet provider -- offers the most affordable plans in the area, starting at just $20 per month for speeds up to 150Mbps. For those considering wireless internet, both Verizon 5G Home Internet and T-Mobile Home Internet are available in Littleton. Verizon offers faster max speeds at a lower starting price, while T-Mobile boasts wider availability, particularly in rural parts of the region. CNET considers speeds, pricing, customer service and overall value to recommend the best internet service in Littleton across several categories. Our evaluation includes referencing a proprietary database built over years of reviewing internet services. We validate that against provider information by spot-checking local addresses for service availability. We also do a close read of providers' terms and conditions and, when needed, will call ISPs to verify the details. Despite our efforts to find the most recent and accurate information, our process has some limitations you should know about. Pricing and speed data are variable: Certain addresses may qualify for different service tiers, and monthly costs may vary, even within a city. The best way to identify your particular options is to plug your address into a provider's website. Also, the prices, speed and other information listed above and in the provider cards below may differ from what we found in our research. The cards display the full range of a provider's pricing and speed across the US, according to our database of plan information provided directly by ISPs, while the text is specific to what's available in Littleton. The prices referenced within this article's text come from our research and include applicable discounts for setting up automatic payments each month -- a standard industry offering. Other discounts and promotions might also be available for things like signing a term contract or bundling with multiple services. To learn more about how we review internet providers, visit our full methodology page. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. The best internet deals and the top promotions in Littleton depend on what discounts are available during that period. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers. Littleton internet providers, such as Xfinity, may offer lower introductory pricing or promotions, such as free streaming services or equipment rental for a limited time. Many providers, including CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber, run the same standard pricing year-round. For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals. Source: CNET analysis of provider data. Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address. For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need. 0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video. 5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing. 40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming. 100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming. 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time. Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What's our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at It doesn't end there: We go to the FCC's website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication. Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions: Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds? Do customers get decent value for what they're paying? Are customers happy with their service? The answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to 'yes' on all three are the ones we recommend. When it comes to selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and also take into account real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page. Quantum Fiber is the best internet service provider in Littleton due to its fiber internet coverage, fast speeds and straightforward pricing, which includes a price-for-life guarantee. Additionally, the service includes free equipment rental, unlimited data and no contract requirements; all perks that aren't fully available from local broadband competitor Xfinity. Roughly three in 10 Littleton addresses are serviceable for fiber internet, per the latest FCC data. Fiber availability is greatest in the central and northeastern areas of the city, while those to the south and west may have a more difficult time accessing fiber internet. Quantum Fiber is the largest fiber-optic internet provider in Littleton. Xfinity has the lowest introductory rates for internet in Littleton. Xfinity's Connect and Connect More plans are the cheapest in Littleton, starting at $20 per month for speeds up to 150Mbps and $25 for 300Mbps, respectively. Wi-Fi equipment may be included with the Connect More plan (and higher speed tiers), a $15 monthly value if you rent your equipment. A one-year contract may be required to get the lowest pricing. Quantum Fiber has the fastest internet in Littleton, with maximum speeds of 8000Mbps available in select areas starting at $165 monthly. Quantum Fiber may also offer a 3,000Mbps plan and its flagship 940 and 500Mbps plans. In parts of Littleton where Quantum Fiber is unavailable (or the multi-gigabit plans are unavailable), Xfinity has the fastest speeds, up to 2000Mbps.
