How to view Internet info on Redfin.com
Internet information is available for most U.S. properties on Redfin.com, and will launch soon on the Redfin iOS and Android apps.
- Search for homes in a region of your choice.
- Click on a home to view its details.
- Navigate to the “Property Details” section.
- Click “Internet” under Utilities.
Internet Data Methodology
We’ve partnered with BroadbandNow to provide our users with comprehensive internet data for most zip codes, neighborhoods, cities, and counties in the contiguous U.S.
BroadbandNow combines the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Fixed Broadband dataset with information about coverage and pricing directly from Internet Service Providers (ISPs). BroadbandNow also undergoes a manual review of provider coverage to calibrate FCC over-reporting and uses a dedicated team who checks the plans and prices of thousands of ISPs to ensure information is comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date.
Internet Connection Types
There are several types of Internet connections to choose from, however, availability varies between homes. Learn more about the different types below:
Fiber
Fiber uses light to transmit internet data along fiber-optic cables made of thin glass strands. This means information travels close to the speed of light, offering the highest speed and bandwidth. Fiber connections are not available in all areas.
Cable
Cable delivers internet data over the same coaxial cable used for Cable TV service. Cable is fast and affordable, but you may experience slowdowns during the hours of peak usage. Delays or lags can also be more frequent with a cable internet connection.
Copper
Copper connections like T1 use twisted copper lines to transmit data and voice. While it is mostly used for business, copper connections are available for residential use in some locations. Compared to fiber, copper tends to be slower and less reliable, at a lower price. Its speed and reliability rival fiber, usually at a lower price.
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line, or DSL internet, uses phone lines to transmit internet data. Unlike the old dial-up, DSL lets you use the internet without an incoming call disrupting the connection. Since DSL uses existing cables, providers can keep prices low.
IPBB
IPBB is a higher speed DSL internet offered by AT&T. It uses common phone lines to deliver internet data. With speeds ranging from 10 to 100 Mbps, IPBB can be faster than traditional DSL, but it’s slower and offers less bandwidth than cable or fiber.
Fixed Wireless
Fixed wireless sends internet data over the airwaves from a nearby tower to a receiver installed at the user’s home. Fixed wireless can offer fast, reliable internet in areas with no access to high-speed connections that use fiber or copper cables.
Satellite
Satellite internet sends data from a satellite to an antenna on your property. It requires no ground infrastructure like cables or towers, making it a good solution for rural homes. However, satellite internet can be less reliable and more expensive than other options.
Internet Connection Speeds
Internet speeds are typically measured using download and upload speeds in Mbps (megabits per second). Connection speeds vary by provider, type, and home. You'll want to choose a speed that is right for you based on your internet usage. Learn more about different speed options:
- Slow (< 25 Mbps): Basic internet for checking e-mail and conducting Google searches.
- Moderate (25 - 99 Mbps): Ideal for streaming activities, such as Netflix, FaceTime, and Zoom calls.
- Fast (100+ Mbps): Best for faster downloads, online gaming, and streaming ultra-high-definition on multiple screens.
The Digital Divide
Not all Americans have equal access to quality Internet. Overall, around 13% of the U.S. population (42 million people) doesn’t have access to broadband, based on a 2021 BroadbandNow study.
There are also inequities between communities. A 2021 Pew Research study found that Black and Hispanic adults are less likely to have home broadband than their White counterparts. Also, around 1 in 3 individuals living on Tribal lands lack access to broadband.