Which internet service provider boasts the highest speeds in the nation, according to a recent speed test?
In the latest Ookla's Speedtest Connectivity Report for the first half of 2025, AT&T Fiber and T-Mobile continue to dominate the US internet landscape, but Frontier Fiber and Verizon Fios are not far behind.
AT&T Fiber remains the nation's fastest fixed internet service provider (ISP), boasting a median download speed of 363.54Mbps and a Speed Score of 78.33. Frontier Fiber ranks a close second, with a median download speed of approximately 359Mbps, just slightly behind AT&T Fiber. Verizon Fios trails near the top in fixed broadband speeds but below Frontier Fiber.
In mobile networks, T-Mobile leads with a median download speed of 245.48Mbps and top 5G speeds of around 299.36Mbps. Verizon holds second place, with lower Speedtest Connectivity Scores and speed figures, but excels in video streaming performance. AT&T ranks third in mobile speeds.
Cable providers like Cox, Xfinity, and Spectrum occupy lower speed positions in the fixed broadband category, showing fiber networks (AT&T, Frontier, Verizon) have a consistent advantage in real-world speed tests.
Here's a summary of the key speed comparisons for fixed broadband in H1 2025:
| ISP | Median Download Speed (Mbps) | Notes | |----------------|------------------------------|--------------------------------| | AT&T Fiber | 363.54 | #1 fixed ISP for speed | | Frontier Fiber | ~359 | Close competitor to AT&T Fiber | | Verizon Fios | Not specified, below Frontier| Also among fastest fixed ISPs | | Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum | Lower speeds | Cable ISPs behind fiber |
For mobile networks:
| Carrier | Median Download Speed (Mbps) | 5G Median Speed (Mbps) | Notes | |----------------|------------------------------|-----------------------|------------------------------| | T-Mobile | 245.48 | 299.36 | Fastest U.S. wireless network| | Verizon | Lower than T-Mobile | Lower 5G speeds | Best video streaming scores | | AT&T | Third place | Lowest among top 3 | |
With the rise of 5G technology and the need for faster and more reliable internet connections, the dominance of fiber networks like AT&T's signals the need to ditch cable as cyber threats and IoT grow. Rising costs necessitate speed insights to justify potential switches, paired with deals from the best home internet bundles.
AT&T's high consumer ratings (3.7/5) add trust to the decision of ditching cable. As competition in the ISP market continues to heat up, it's an exciting time for consumers seeking faster and more reliable internet connections.
[1] Ookla's Speedtest Connectivity Report for H1 2025 [2] T-Mobile's 5G Speed Leadership [3] Verizon's Fixed Broadband Performance in H1 2025
Technology advancements, especially the rise of 5G, emphasize the importance of switching to faster and more reliable internet connections, such as fiber networks like AT&T's, due to growing cyber threats and the Internet of Things (IoT). With AT&T receiving high consumer ratings, it becomes a compelling choice for those looking to ditch cable. The ongoing competition among internet service providers (ISPs) provides an exciting opportunity for consumers seeking improved internet connections.
The dominance of fiber networks in speed tests, as observed in the first half of 2025, emphasizes the need for cable providers to adapt and improve their services to remain competitive with technology advancements.
