In a state where internet customers often feel shortchanged by their service providers, finding an ISP that actually delivers the speeds they advertise has become increasingly important for Illinois residents. While many providers promise lightning-fast connections, recent data reveals significant gaps between advertised and actual speeds across the industry. However, several providers in Illinois stand out for their reliability and commitment to meeting their speed promises.
The Speed Promise Problem
Across the United States, customers are getting only about a third of the internet speed they pay for on average, with cable and fiber providers being the most likely to under-deliver. This widespread issue has left consumers frustrated and questioning whether they’re truly getting what they pay for. In Illinois specifically, internet providers received moderate satisfaction ratings from customers, ranking the state in the middle nationwide for internet customer satisfaction.
Top Performers: Providers That Deliver
Google Fiber: The Gold Standard
Google Fiber continues to set the benchmark for speed delivery and customer satisfaction nationwide. With consistently high download speeds and reliable performance, Google Fiber has proven it can consistently meet its promises. The provider earned the highest customer service rating ever recorded, with customers giving it exceptional ratings for overall experience. While Google Fiber’s availability in Illinois is limited, those who can access it report exceptional satisfaction with actual speeds matching advertised rates.
AT&T Fiber: Reliable High-Speed Performance
AT&T has emerged as Illinois’s primary fiber internet provider, with extensive coverage in the Chicago area, Springfield, Urbana, and along the southwest border. The company offers speeds up to 5,000 Mbps, with competitive monthly pricing. AT&T’s fiber service has earned strong customer ratings and positive reviews from users. The provider’s commitment to fiber infrastructure has resulted in more consistent speed delivery compared to traditional cable services.
Xfinity: Surprising Improvement in Speed Delivery
Despite being a cable provider, Xfinity has made significant strides recently, earning recognition as one of the top ISPs for customer satisfaction. The company saw substantial improvement in its overall satisfaction score compared to the previous year, largely due to improvements in internet performance and value. Xfinity increased download speeds on its budget and mid-tier plans while maintaining competitive pricing, with plans starting at affordable rates for speeds up to 3,000 Mbps. The provider covers most of Illinois and has been rated highly in customer satisfaction surveys.
Regional Success Stories
Several smaller providers in Illinois have distinguished themselves for speed reliability:
- i3 Broadband delivers impressive average speeds for both download and upload, covering a significant portion of available areas
- Wabash Communications leads the state with exceptional average speeds for both download and upload, available to most of their service area
- Astound Broadband customers in specific areas report the highest satisfaction with internet speed delivery, indicating the provider reliably delivers speeds expected by customers based on their plans
Technology Matters: Fiber vs. Cable Performance
The type of internet connection significantly impacts speed delivery reliability. Fiber internet in Illinois averages much higher speeds with growing availability, while cable internet offers good speeds with widespread availability. Customers report higher satisfaction with fiber and 5G internet service compared to satellite and cable connections.
What Sets These Providers Apart
The providers that consistently deliver on their speed promises share several key characteristics:
Transparent Communication: Top-performing ISPs provide clear information about expected speeds and don’t oversell their capabilities.
Infrastructure Investment: Companies like AT&T and Google Fiber have invested heavily in fiber-optic networks, which provide more consistent speeds than traditional cable infrastructure.
Customer-Focused Approach: Providers with high satisfaction ratings prioritize customer service and actively work to resolve speed-related issues.
Regular Network Upgrades: Companies that deliver on speed promises continuously upgrade their networks and increase speeds on existing plans without additional charges.
The Bottom Line for Illinois Consumers
While the gap between advertised and actual speeds remains a significant issue across the internet industry, Illinois residents have several reliable options. Google Fiber leads in both speed delivery and customer satisfaction, though availability is limited. AT&T Fiber offers widespread coverage with consistent performance, while Xfinity has made notable improvements in speed delivery for cable internet customers.
For consumers prioritizing speed reliability, fiber connections from AT&T or Google Fiber represent the best options where available. However, Xfinity’s recent improvements make it a viable choice for those in areas without fiber access. Regional providers like i3 Broadband and Wabash Communications also offer excellent alternatives with strong speed delivery records.
The key for Illinois consumers is to research actual customer experiences and speed test results rather than relying solely on advertised speeds when choosing an internet provider.
