Tennessee Internet Guide

If you need internet access, or just want to switch providers, and you live in the state of Tennessee, then you’re in luck. Below you’ll find information that explains who you can get internet access from, where you can get 3G mobile coverage and free wi-fi hotspots.

Find the Best Internet Service Provider in Your Area of Tennessee

Local Residential Internet Service Providers

What we have below are 3 ISPs local to Tennessee that provide internet access to residential areas.

  • Ben Lomand Connect: Ben Lomand has different broadband packages available for your home. You can get the Lite Plan for $29.95/month with a download speed of 1.5 Mbps. They also have the Preferred plan for $49.95/month with 3.0 Mbps download speed, Ultra plan for $64.95/month with 6.0 Mbps, and the Xtreme plan for $69.95/month with 10.0 Mbps. To order, call them at 800-974-7779.
  • ClickOne: ClickOne’s broadband internet packages are available depending on your needs. Their base internet package costs $40 per month with 3 Mbps Download speed. The next package costs $50 per month with 12 Mbps Download. They also have a$60 per month package with 25 Mbps Down, and an $80 per month package with 50 Mbps Download. Contact them at (731) 784-5000.
  • Knology: Knology’s basic internet package start with the Intronet plan with a maximum speed of 1 Mbps. They also have the Edge with a speed of 3 Mbps, Edge Plus with 15 Mbps, and High Speed with 25/30Mbps. Prices are not stated on their website as you will need to call them to confirm serviceability in your area. Their phone number is 877-KNOLOGY.

Local Business Internet Service Providers

The following 3 ISPs are also local to Tennessee, except their focus is on providing businesses with internet access.

  • Millington Cable: Millington cable offers internet service through their Xipline Broadband Internet.  For your business, you can order the Business Class Basic with speeds up to 3 Mbps downstream and 384 Kbps upstream for $99.95 per month. Or you can get Business Class Silver with speeds up to 6 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream for $139.95 per month. Call them at 901-872-3600.
  • Aeneas: Aeneas Business DSK packages require you to get a telephone line to get their business broadband service. For example, if you have 2 telephone lines with your DSL internet, you will pay $155 for a 1.5 Mbps download speed package, $175 for a 3.0 Mbps download speed package, and $195 for a 6.0 Mbps download speed package. For more telephone lines, as well as for other inquiries, call them at 731-554-9200.
  • CableOne: CableOne’s business packages start with the Business Economy High Speed Internet & Data package for up to 5 Mbps download speed. They have other plans like Business Suite (SOHO), Office, and Business Enterprise High Speed Internet & Data have up to 50 Mbps download speeds. Monthly rates of their packages are stated on their website as you will have to call CableOne to get a quote. Their phone number is (208) 375-8288.

Tennessee Internet Connections and Coverage

In this section we cover Tennessee’s internet speeds as a state, as well as on a local level. We also have the top 5 fastest ISPs.

In regards to the state, Tennessee’s average internet speed is 15.34 Mbps, which is faster than the national average of 12.55 Mbps.

The 5 cities with fastest internet speed in Tennessee are:

  • Soddy Daisy – 38.27 Mbps
  • Jasper – 25.99 Mbps
  • Lexington – 25.47 Mbps
  • Paris – 25.28 Mbps
  • Ashland City – 25.02 Mbps

The 5 fastest internet service providers in Tennessee are:

  • EPB Telecom – 31.63 Mbps
  • Charter Communications – 21.49 Mbps
  • Cable One – 19.85 Mbps
  • Comcast – 18.86 Mbps
  • Knology 17.27 Mbps

Keep in mind that these numbers fluctuate, so for the most up to date stats you’ll want to check out the Tennessee page at NetIndex.com.

Mobile 3G Internet Coverage for Tennessee

Here we have 3 mobile internet providers and a little insight as to where they provide 3G coverage in Tennessee. It’s important to remember that their coverage can (will) change, so you’ll want to double check their coverage maps before buying service to make sure they still have coverage in areas you need it most.

Clear: Clear has good mobile coverage in Tennessee. Most of the strong 3G signals are located in big cities such as Nashville and their neighboring towns.

AT&T: AT&T’s 3G signals are weak only in the northeastern part and the area towards North Carolina. These are due to rivers, mountains and other natural forms that makes it difficult to get mobile coverage.

Verizon: Verizon’s wireless mobile coverage is generally strong in Tennessee. Some places in the Mideastern area and mostly areas towards North Carolina since these are where the Appalachian Mountains are located.

Top 5 Colleges in Tennessee & Their Internet Access

If you’re going to school in Tennessee then you’ll want to read this section. What we have below are the top 5 colleges in Tennessee, the access they provide students and how to get connected.

University of Tennessee Knoxville

UTK has different wireless networks for you to go online and browse the internet. They are:

UT-open: This network is for students, faculty, and staff and your device needs to be registered.

UT-wpa2: This network is for students, faculty, and staff and your device needs to be registered.

UT-visitor: This network is for visitors of the university; both sponsored and non-sponsored.

Eduroam: This network is for visitors from other universities that participate in the eduroam system

Middle Tennessee State University

Wireless Internet access is available at many locations on campus, including outdoor areas, lounges, eateries, and classroom buildings. Full wireless service on campus is limited to University students and employees and can be accessed by entering the Pipeline username and password. Limited Internet access is available for guests as well.

Belmont University

Belmont University offers wireless data services to most areas of the campus.  Wireless service is available in classrooms and in public areas. Access to the Internet using wireless is open to the Belmont community and guests while on campus. Faculty and staff have wired access and should not rely on wireless services for Belmont work. Wi-Fi Services for PDAs and other devices are not supported.

To access the campus wireless network simply scan for BELMONT and connect.  There is no login required for access. The Belmont Wi-Fi network is open to the Belmont community and guests.

East Tennessee State University

ETSU wireless access points are available to ETSU students, faculty, and staff. Most ETSU owned wireless devices that log on to the ETSU Domain will receive the SSID wireless configuration automatically. Security for all ETSU Wireless Access Points is enabled by PEAP (Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol).

Vanderbilt University

Wireless internet is offered on campus by Vanderbilt University. All you need to do is access the VUWireless network. However, a password is required to log in to the wireless system.

Free Internet Access Spots in Tennessee

In Tennessee, bread and coffee shops are common places where you can get free internet access. Some other places you can check out are:

  • Love’s Travel Stop in Baxter
  • Forrest Landing in Chapel Hill
  • Miller Plaza in Chattanooga
  • Plateau Travel Plaza in Crossville
  • Thunderdome Gaming Center & Grill in Johnson City
  • Dalton’s Barber Shop in Lenoir City

Keep in mind that this is far from a complete list, but instead a shortlist to give you an idea where to go or start looking if you’re needing a free wi-fi hotspot in Tennessee.