As a growing city in the Phoenix metro area, Mesa is home to over half a million residents who rely on access to fast, reliable internet service. With more people working from home and streaming HD video, having quality internet in Mesa is more important than ever. Fortunately, residents have multiple options to choose from.
After extensive research on providers available in Mesa, I‘ve compiled the eight best ISPs based on speed, reliability, value, and coverage. Keep reading for full details on your options to help you select the right high-speed internet service for your home or business.
1. Cox Communications
Cox Communications leverages existing cable infrastructure to deliver high-speed internet powered by a robust fiber-backed network. One of the top providers in Mesa, Cox offers download speeds up to 1 Gbps along with bundle discounts for TV and phone service.
Speed Tiers: 100 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1 Gbps
Data Caps: 1.25 TB regardless of speed tier
Contract Terms: No contracts
Price Range: $50-$100/month
Pros
- Gigabit speeds widely available
- Reliable service and good customer ratings
- Bundles with TV and phone service
Cons
- Speeds vary by location
- Data overage fees
Overall, Cox provides very fast and dependable internet service throughout much of Mesa. The lack of contracts and bundle options add appeal, making Cox a top contender for many households.
2. CenturyLink
CenturyLink is the second largest internet provider in Mesa, leveraging DSL technology to offer internet speeds up to 100 Mbps depending on location. With over 49 million subscribers nationwide, CenturyLink earns relatively good ratings for value and customer service.
Speed Tiers: 20 Mbps, 40 Mbps, and 100 Mbps
Data Caps: Unlimited
Contract Terms: No contracts
Price Range: $50-$90/month
Pros
- Month-to-month billing, no contracts
- Unlimited data on all speed tiers
- Price-lock guarantee
Cons
- Speed varies widely by area
- Must rent modem for $15/month
For a low-cost internet option without data caps, CenturyLink is a fairly safe bet in Mesa. Just keep in mind that download speeds are not guaranteed and tend to be on the slower side outside of major metro neighborhoods.
3. Viasat
Viasat is a satellite internet provider available even in remote parts of Mesa. While pricier and slower than cable or fiber, Viasat offers unlimited data plans that work for light internet users including email, web browsing, and some video streaming.
Speed Tiers: 12-100 Mbps
Data Caps: Unlimited
Contract Terms: 24 months
Price Range: $50-$150/month
Pros
- Available virtually everywhere
- No hard data caps
- 24/7 technical support
Cons
- Speeds slower than cable
- 2-year contract required
- Significant latency
Viasat gives rural Mesa residents an option for basic internet access, though the speeds, latency, reliability, and value don’t match up to major cable providers. If you live far outside the city with no other choices, Viasat is worth considering.
4. HughesNet
Another satellite internet provider, HughesNet offers service across Mesa. Plans top out at 50 Mbps speeds and 50-100GB of high-speed data per month before getting throttled to extremely slow speeds.
Speed Tiers: 25 Mbps
Data Caps: 15GB-100GB
Contract Terms: 24 months
Price Range: $60-$175/month
Pros
- Available in remote areas
- Free 50GB of late-night data
- Video data saver feature
Cons
- Slow speeds and high latency
- Strict data caps
- 2-year contract required
HughesNet works better than Viasat for data-intensive use with higher caps available, but the speed and latency still can’t match cable or fiber. HughesNet makes sense in rural areas yet remains pricey given data and speed limitations.
5. T-Mobile Home Internet
Leveraging its rapidly expanding 5G network, T-Mobile offers home internet with no contracts or data caps. While speeds don‘t match the gigabit rates of fiber, T-Mobile hits over 100 Mbps in many areas of Mesa.
Speed Tiers: 33-182 Mbps
Data Caps: None
Contract Terms: No contract
Price: $50/month
Pros
- No data caps
- No contract required
- Uses 5G for fast speeds
Cons
- Speed varies by location
- Purchase of equipment may be required
For median home internet use, T-Mobile delivers plenty of speed and value. If you aren‘t satisfied with performance, T-Mobile makes it easy to cancel anytime.
6. Verizon 5G Home Internet
In select areas of Mesa, Verizon offers 5G home internet with wireless speeds averaging around 300 Mbps down. For high data usage households, Verizon‘s 5G service rivals cable and fiber while undercutting those providers on price.
Speed Tiers: 300 Mbps (5G), up to 1Gbps (Fios fiber)
Data Caps: None
Contract Terms: No contract
Price Range: $25-$150/month
Pros
- Fast 5G speeds, no data caps
- No annual contract required
- Works well for streaming & gaming
Cons
- Only in limited coverage areas
- Purchase of equipment may be required
- Fios fiber not widely available
If you can get a strong 5G signal, Verizon delivers speed, data, and reliability to rival top-tier cable internet without contracts. Check coverage in your neighborhood first before signing up.
7. EarthLink
Offering DSL and fiber broadband in select Mesa neighborhoods, EarthLink provides discounted promo rates to new subscribers. Mid-tier speeds work well for web browsing, video streaming, and typical mixed home use.
Speed Tiers: Up to 1Gbps fiber, or 25-100Mbps DSL
Data Caps: 50GB-150GB
Contract Terms: 1 year
Price Range: $50-$150/month
Pros
- Low starting prices
- No gear rental fees
- Clear pricing and terms
Cons
- Strict data caps
- 1-year contract
- Slow/spotty outside city
For moderate internet needs in metro Mesa, EarthLink fiber or DSL offer affordable starting rates. Just know the tradeoffs in speed, data allowances, and contract terms versus faster uncapped providers.
8. MediaCom
Serving residents across the greater Phoenix area, MediaCom leverages cable and newly built fiber lines to deliver speedy broadband. With 1Gbps service now available in parts of Mesa, MediaCom rivals the top providers for speed and capacity.
Speed Tiers: 100Mbps-1Gbps
Data Caps: 200GB-6TB
Contract Terms: No contracts
Price Range: $30-$70/month
Pros
- Broad metro network reach
- No contract required
- 1Gbps speeds widely available
Cons
- Below average reliability ratings
- Limited tech support options
- Data overage fees
For the fastest unlimited data plan available from a cable ISP, MediaCom‘s 1Gbps tier is a leading contender in covered neighborhoods of Mesa.
Key Considerations for Choosing an Internet Provider in Mesa
With several solid providers to pick from, focus on these key factors as you evaluate options and make the best choice for your home:
- Speed – Consider both the max advertised speeds and typical speeds your area qualifies for. Fiber and cable providers edge out DSL and satellite for bandwidth.
- Data Caps – If your household streams lots of HD video or uses high data apps, seek unlimited data or 1TB+ caps.
- Reliability – Check provider ratings and average downtime when judging expected reliability.
- Value – Compare monthly prices factoring speed, data, and any bundle discounts you may qualify for.
- Contracts – If you may move soon, avoid binding contracts you’d need to pay to escape.
Doing your homework on these aspects will lead you to the best provider in Mesa matching your usage needs, budget, location, and more.
FAQs about Mesa Internet Providers
What internet speed do I need in Mesa?
For light web browsing and standard definition video, 25 Mbps should suffice. For smooth HD streaming or multi-device homes, speeds of 100+ Mbps are recommended. Gigabit internet over 500 Mbps is best for large families with lots of connected smart home devices.
How much should internet cost per month in Mesa?
For basic 20 Mbps DSL access, plan on a minimum of around $40/month. Mid-tier cable plans with 100 Mbps speeds average $60-$80/month. Gigabit fiber plans fall in the $80-$120 range at most providers.
Does CenturyLink have data caps?
No, CenturyLink home internet plans do not impose any data caps. Usage is unlimited regardless of the speed tier.
Does Cox offer contracts for internet service?
Cox gives customers the flexibility to go month-to-month without requiring an annual service contract. That makes it easy to cancel or change your plan anytime.
What areas of Mesa can get Verizon 5G home internet service?
Verizon 5G home internet is limited to certain neighborhoods scattered around the metro area. Use the address lookup tool on Verizon’s website to check if 5G coverage is available where you live.
Find the Best Internet Service for Your Mesa Home
Hopefully this overview gives Mesa residents a full picture of the competitive internet provider environment across the city. All options have tradeoffs around speeds, contracts, reliability, and overall value depending on your location and needs. If you keep the key buying considerations in mind while comparing plans, choosing the ideal internet provider for your household becomes much easier.
