Cable Internet in the US
Cable internet uses the existing coaxial-cable TV lines to deliver high-speed broadband. DOCSIS 3.1 enables gigabit downloads, while upload speeds typically lag behind fiber.
Best for
Streaming-heavy homes, gaming, and households where upload demand is moderate.
Cable Internet FAQ
How does cable internet differ from fiber?
Cable runs on hybrid fiber-coax — the last few hundred feet to your home are coax, which limits upload speed and can slow during neighborhood peak hours. Fiber runs glass all the way to the home and is symmetrical.
Who are the biggest US cable internet providers?
Xfinity (Comcast), Spectrum (Charter), Cox, Optimum (Altice), and Mediacom are the largest. Most US homes have access to at least one of them.
Are there data caps on cable internet?
Some carriers (Xfinity in many regions, Cox, Mediacom) impose 1.2-1.25 TB monthly caps with overage fees. Spectrum and Optimum currently advertise no caps.