In Nelson County there are 12 residential internet providers covering 99.11% of the county. The average home can get speeds up to 1,153 Mbps. Note that we may have a financial relationship with some of the providers below. This does not influence rankings, and helps us provide high-quality detailed information for free.
Jump to Availability Maps
12 Internet Service Providers in Nelson County
Data updated 11/14/2025, based on FCC data from 12/31/2024. This is the most current data available as of .
To avoid wasting your time, providers with less than 1% coverage in Nelson County are not shown.
Nelson County Satellite TV & Internet Providers
DISH Satellite TV
DIRECTV Satellite TV
Not sure whether to choose Dish or DIRECTV? For most people most of the time we recommend DISH. But click here to learn more.
Viasat Satellite Internet
Availability maps for all providers in Nelson County
Using the dropdown below, please select a provider. Green indicates nearly all homes have service, red indicates few homes have service, and blank indicates no service.
Please note some providers will take longer to load than others
Internet service is available in 99.11% of Nelson County. Using our interactive availability map, you can compare service areas for different providers, we include fiber, cable, DSL, or fixed wireless internet service for all providers who offer it. You will notice that some providers might be listed multiple times for each service. If you find no providers cover the location you're looking at, you can opt for satellite service. The most widely available provider is firefly FIBER BROADBAND. Now you can call companies in Nelson County with more confidence that they might be available.
How fast are internet speeds in Nelson County?
The map below shows maximum internet speeds by area in Nelson County.
Internet Speed Key
The average Nelson County home can get up to 1,153 Mbps on their internet plan. For most people, the fastest download speed in the county is 5,000 Mbps, which less than 1% of residents can get. Some homes and apartments do not have access to these speeds. On the slower end, for example, less than 1% of homes can only purchase plans up to 100 Mbps. See the internet provider details below for info about their speed and coverage in Nelson County.
Internet speeds tend to be faster in the northwest parts of Nelson County, and slower in the east areas of the county.
What type of internet should I choose in Nelson County?
The fastest internet for you may vary based on where in Nelson County you live. If speed is your main concern, fiber will be the fastest internet in the county.
- Fiber is the fastest internet type for 97.54% of Nelson County homes.
- Cable is fastest for 1.37% of the county.
- DSL is fastest for less than 1%.
- Fixed wireless is fastest for less than 1%.
- Satellite internet may be the only option for less than 1% of Nelson County homes.
Internet Market Health in Nelson County
Internet Competition Key
The map shows how competitive the Nelson County internet service market is. Areas in green have more alternatives, areas in yellow have a few choices, and areas in red may have only one provider. More competition usually means faster speeds and better prices for you, the customer.
Below are quick facts on internet competition and market health in Nelson County based on what connections the average home has availabile:
- Average number of internet service providers to a home: 3.2 (very unhealthy)
- Average types of service (fiber, cable, DSL, etc): 1.8 (very unhealthy)
- Average providers with broadband (25 Mbps+) speeds: 3.1 (very unhealthy)
Overall, competition is very unhealthy.
Nelson County internet customers have the ability to buy internet service from 1 to 8 different providers, depending on where they live. For different types of service, Nelson County homes have between 1 and 3 options. The type(s) of service available are fiber, fixed wireless, dsl, and cable, though these may vary depending on the region within the county.
When it comes to broadband download speeds faster than 25 Mbps, the situation is worse. Nelson County internet customers who want faster speeds have between 1 and 7 choices of companies offering speeds up to or over 25 Mbps.
More internet companies with faster speeds means fewer monopolies and better prices for customers. In promoting a free market for internet, Nelson County badly needs improvement.
TV & Internet Providers in Depth
Below you'll find which TV and internet providers offer service in Nelson County, along with details on where in Nelson County and at what speeds.
firefly FIBER BROADBAND Fiber in Nelson County, VA
firefly FIBER BROADBAND fiber coverage
About 98.40%, or 14,538 people, have firefly FIBER BROADBAND fiber internet available to them in the county. The company covers the entire Nelson County area. firefly FIBER BROADBAND is a large internet service provider internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in most of Nelson County.
firefly FIBER BROADBAND fiber download speeds
firefly FIBER BROADBAND is above average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in Nelson County. Versus other fiber providers in the area, firefly FIBER BROADBAND fiber is one of the slowest. There are no different maximum speeds throughout Nelson County. The fastest plan anyone in Nelson County can order from firefly FIBER BROADBAND goes up to 1,000 Mbps, and all Nelson County customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
firefly FIBER BROADBAND fiber upload speeds
In Nelson County download speeds tend to be equal to than upload speeds for firefly FIBER BROADBAND fiber. Compared to other ISPs, firefly FIBER BROADBAND is above average where upload speeds are concerned, and one of the slowest compared to other Nelson County fiber providers. firefly FIBER BROADBAND offers no different upload speeds across the county. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in Nelson County is up to 1,000 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
River Street Networks Fiber in Nelson County, VA
River Street fiber coverage
About 25.69%, or 3,795 people, have River Street fiber internet available to them in the county. The company covers the north, central, northeast, southwest, northwest, east, and south Nelson County area. River Street is a large internet service provider internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a small portion of Nelson County.
River Street Networks fiber download speeds
River Street is above average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in Nelson County. Versus other fiber providers in the area, River Street fiber is one of the slowest. There are no different maximum speeds throughout Nelson County. The fastest plan anyone in Nelson County can order from River Street goes up to 1,000 Mbps, and all Nelson County customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
River Street Networks fiber upload speeds
In Nelson County download speeds tend to be equal to than upload speeds for River Street fiber. Compared to other ISPs, River Street is above average where upload speeds are concerned, and one of the slowest compared to other Nelson County fiber providers. River Street offers no different upload speeds across the county. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in Nelson County is up to 1,000 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
Nelson Cable Fiber in Nelson County, VA
Nelson Cable fiber coverage
About 20.22%, or 2,988 people, have Nelson Cable fiber internet available to them in the county. The company covers the north, northwest, central, south, and west Nelson County area. Nelson Cable is a small internet service provider internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a small portion of Nelson County.
Nelson Cable fiber download speeds
Nelson Cable is the fastest when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in Nelson County. Versus other fiber providers in the area, Nelson Cable fiber is the fastest. There are 2 different maximum speeds throughout Nelson County. The fastest plan anyone in Nelson County can order from Nelson Cable goes up to 2,000 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 1,000 Mbps, and the county-wide average maximum speed for Nelson County customers is up to 1,728 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 72.8% up to 2,000.0 Mbps
- 27.2% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
Nelson Cable fiber upload speeds
In Nelson County download speeds tend to be equal to than upload speeds for Nelson Cable fiber. Compared to other ISPs, Nelson Cable is the fastest where upload speeds are concerned, and the fastest compared to other Nelson County fiber providers. Nelson Cable offers 2 different upload speeds across the county, so your internet plan's upload speed may vary by neighborhood . The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in Nelson County is up to 2,000 Mbps. Some customers have slower plan choices, which only go up to 1,000 Mbps. On average, Nelson Cable customers can get speeds up to 1,728 Mbps.
Show all upload speeds
- 72.8% up to 2,000.0 Mbps
- 27.2% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
Lumos Networks Fiber in Nelson County, VA
Lumos Networks fiber coverage
About 6.80%, or 1,004 people, have Lumos Networks fiber internet available to them in the county. The company covers the north, central, southwest, northeast, and northwest Nelson County area. Lumos Networks is a large internet service provider internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a very small piece of Nelson County.
Lumos Networks fiber download speeds
Lumos Networks is above average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in Nelson County. Versus other fiber providers in the area, Lumos Networks fiber is below average. There are 2 different maximum speeds throughout Nelson County. The fastest plan anyone in Nelson County can order from Lumos Networks goes up to 5,000 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 1,000 Mbps, and the county-wide average maximum speed for Nelson County customers is up to 1,044 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 1.1% up to 5,000.0 Mbps
- 98.9% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
Lumos Networks fiber upload speeds
In Nelson County download speeds tend to be equal to than upload speeds for Lumos Networks fiber. Compared to other ISPs, Lumos Networks is above average where upload speeds are concerned, and below average compared to other Nelson County fiber providers. Lumos Networks offers 2 different upload speeds across the county, so your internet plan's upload speed may vary by neighborhood . The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in Nelson County is up to 5,000 Mbps. Some customers have slower plan choices, which only go up to 1,000 Mbps. On average, Lumos Networks customers can get speeds up to 1,044 Mbps.
Show all upload speeds
- 1.1% up to 5,000.0 Mbps
- 98.9% up to 1,000.0 Mbps
Brightspeed DSL in Nelson County, VA
Brightspeed DSL coverage
About 3.98%, or 588 people, have Brightspeed DSL internet available to them in the county. The company covers the east and northeast Nelson County area. Brightspeed is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a very small piece of Nelson County.
Brightspeed DSL download speeds
Brightspeed is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in Nelson County. Versus other DSL providers in the area, Brightspeed DSL is the fastest. There are 5 different maximum speeds throughout Nelson County. The fastest plan anyone in Nelson County can order from Brightspeed goes up to 100 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 10 Mbps, and the county-wide average maximum speed for Nelson County customers is up to 44 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 26.7% up to 100.0 Mbps
- 8.7% up to 80.0 Mbps
- 6.0% up to 60.0 Mbps
- 1.5% up to 40.0 Mbps
- 57.1% up to 10.0 Mbps
Brightspeed DSL upload speeds
In Nelson County download speeds tend to be faster than than upload speeds for Brightspeed DSL. Compared to other ISPs, Brightspeed is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and the fastest compared to other Nelson County DSL providers. Brightspeed offers 4 different upload speeds across the county, so your internet plan's upload speed may vary by neighborhood . The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in Nelson County is up to 10 Mbps. Some customers have slower plan choices, which only go up to 1.0 Mbps. On average, Brightspeed customers can get speeds up to 4.5 Mbps.
Show all upload speeds
- 35.4% up to 10.0 Mbps
- 6.0% up to 5.0 Mbps
- 1.5% up to 3.0 Mbps
- 57.1% up to 1.0 Mbps
XFINITY from Comcast Cable in Nelson County, VA
XFINITY cable coverage
About 2.02%, or 299 people, have XFINITY cable internet available to them in the county. The company covers the south and north Nelson County area. XFINITY is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a very small piece of Nelson County.
XFINITY from Comcast cable download speeds
XFINITY is above average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in Nelson County. Versus other cable providers in the area, XFINITY cable is the fastest. There are no different maximum speeds throughout Nelson County. The fastest plan anyone in Nelson County can order from XFINITY goes up to 1,200 Mbps, and all Nelson County customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 1,200.0 Mbps
XFINITY from Comcast cable upload speeds
In Nelson County download speeds tend to be faster than than upload speeds for XFINITY cable. Compared to other ISPs, XFINITY is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and the fastest compared to other Nelson County cable providers. XFINITY offers no different upload speeds across the county. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in Nelson County is up to 35 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 35.0 Mbps
T-Mobile Home Internet Fixed Wireless in Nelson County, VA
T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless coverage
About 71.39%, or 10,548 people, have T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless internet available to them in the county. The company covers the entire Nelson County area. T-Mobile Home Internet is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in much of Nelson County.
T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless download speeds
T-Mobile Home Internet is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in Nelson County. Versus other fixed wireless providers in the area, T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless is below average. There are 2 different maximum speeds throughout Nelson County. The fastest plan anyone in Nelson County can order from T-Mobile Home Internet goes up to 100 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 25 Mbps, and the county-wide average maximum speed for Nelson County customers is up to 63 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 51.0% up to 100.0 Mbps
- 49.0% up to 25.0 Mbps
T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless upload speeds
In Nelson County download speeds tend to be faster than than upload speeds for T-Mobile Home Internet fixed wireless. Compared to other ISPs, T-Mobile Home Internet is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and above average compared to other Nelson County fixed wireless providers. T-Mobile Home Internet offers 2 different upload speeds across the county, so your internet plan's upload speed may vary by neighborhood . The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in Nelson County is up to 20 Mbps. Some customers have slower plan choices, which only go up to 3.0 Mbps. On average, T-Mobile Home Internet customers can get speeds up to 12 Mbps.
Show all upload speeds
- 51.0% up to 20.0 Mbps
- 49.0% up to 3.0 Mbps
EarthLink Fixed Wireless in Nelson County, VA
EarthLink fixed wireless coverage
About 31.03%, or 4,584 people, have EarthLink fixed wireless internet available to them in the county. The company covers the north, southwest, northeast, central, northwest, west, and south Nelson County area. EarthLink is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a small portion of Nelson County.
EarthLink fixed wireless download speeds
EarthLink is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in Nelson County. Versus other fixed wireless providers in the area, EarthLink fixed wireless is below average. There are 2 different maximum speeds throughout Nelson County. The fastest plan anyone in Nelson County can order from EarthLink goes up to 100 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 25 Mbps, and the county-wide average maximum speed for Nelson County customers is up to 36 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 14.7% up to 100.0 Mbps
- 85.3% up to 25.0 Mbps
EarthLink fixed wireless upload speeds
In Nelson County download speeds tend to be faster than than upload speeds for EarthLink fixed wireless. Compared to other ISPs, EarthLink is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and below average compared to other Nelson County fixed wireless providers. EarthLink offers 2 different upload speeds across the county, so your internet plan's upload speed may vary by neighborhood . The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in Nelson County is up to 20 Mbps. Some customers have slower plan choices, which only go up to 3.0 Mbps. On average, EarthLink customers can get speeds up to 5.5 Mbps.
Show all upload speeds
- 14.7% up to 20.0 Mbps
- 85.3% up to 3.0 Mbps
AT&T Fixed Wireless in Nelson County, VA
AT&T fixed wireless coverage
About 31.03%, or 4,584 people, have AT&T fixed wireless internet available to them in the county. The company covers the north, southwest, northeast, central, northwest, west, and south Nelson County area. AT&T is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a small portion of Nelson County.
AT&T fixed wireless download speeds
AT&T is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in Nelson County. Versus other fixed wireless providers in the area, AT&T fixed wireless is below average. There are 2 different maximum speeds throughout Nelson County. The fastest plan anyone in Nelson County can order from AT&T goes up to 100 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 25 Mbps, and the county-wide average maximum speed for Nelson County customers is up to 36 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 14.7% up to 100.0 Mbps
- 85.3% up to 25.0 Mbps
AT&T fixed wireless upload speeds
In Nelson County download speeds tend to be faster than than upload speeds for AT&T fixed wireless. Compared to other ISPs, AT&T is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and below average compared to other Nelson County fixed wireless providers. AT&T offers 2 different upload speeds across the county, so your internet plan's upload speed may vary by neighborhood . The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in Nelson County is up to 20 Mbps. Some customers have slower plan choices, which only go up to 3.0 Mbps. On average, AT&T customers can get speeds up to 5.5 Mbps.
Show all upload speeds
- 14.7% up to 20.0 Mbps
- 85.3% up to 3.0 Mbps
River Street Networks Fixed Wireless in Nelson County, VA
River Street fixed wireless coverage
About 16.98%, or 2,509 people, have River Street fixed wireless internet available to them in the county. The company covers the north, northeast, central, south, southwest, and west Nelson County area. River Street is a large internet service provider internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a small portion of Nelson County.
River Street Networks fixed wireless download speeds
River Street is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in Nelson County. Versus other fixed wireless providers in the area, River Street fixed wireless is the slowest. There are 2 different maximum speeds throughout Nelson County. The fastest plan anyone in Nelson County can order from River Street goes up to 25 Mbps, the slowest package only goes up to 10 Mbps, and the county-wide average maximum speed for Nelson County customers is up to 18 Mbps.
Show all download speeds
- 54.4% up to 25.0 Mbps
- 45.6% up to 10.0 Mbps
River Street Networks fixed wireless upload speeds
In Nelson County download speeds tend to be faster than than upload speeds for River Street fixed wireless. Compared to other ISPs, River Street is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and the slowest compared to other Nelson County fixed wireless providers. River Street offers 2 different upload speeds across the county, so your internet plan's upload speed may vary by neighborhood . The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in Nelson County is up to 3.0 Mbps. Some customers have slower plan choices, which only go up to 1.0 Mbps. On average, River Street customers can get speeds up to 2.1 Mbps.
Show all upload speeds
- 54.4% up to 3.0 Mbps
- 45.6% up to 1.0 Mbps
Verizon Fixed Wireless in Nelson County, VA
Verizon fixed wireless coverage
About 8.71%, or 1,287 people, have Verizon fixed wireless internet available to them in the county. The company covers the west, east, southwest, central, northeast, north, and southeast Nelson County area. Verizon is one of the largest internet service providers internet service providers in the US, with internet service available in a very small piece of Nelson County.
Verizon fixed wireless download speeds
Verizon is below average when comparing download speeds to all other internet providers in Nelson County. Versus other fixed wireless providers in the area, Verizon fixed wireless is the fastest. There are no different maximum speeds throughout Nelson County. The fastest plan anyone in Nelson County can order from Verizon goes up to 300 Mbps, and all Nelson County customers can get this speed.
Show all download speeds
- 100.0% up to 300.0 Mbps
Verizon fixed wireless upload speeds
In Nelson County download speeds tend to be faster than than upload speeds for Verizon fixed wireless. Compared to other ISPs, Verizon is below average where upload speeds are concerned, and the fastest compared to other Nelson County fixed wireless providers. Verizon offers no different upload speeds across the county. The fastest upload speed available to anyone from this ISP in Nelson County is up to 20 Mbps, which is available to everyone covered.
Show all upload speeds
- 100.0% up to 20.0 Mbps
Nelson County Internet by Area
This information is most helpful to those looking for homes or considering moving to Nelson County or any of the areas nearby.
How does internet in Nelson County compare to the rest of Virginia?
Internet speeds in Nelson County are slower versus the average speeds in Virginia: 1,990 Mbps in Virginia versus 1,153 Mbps in the county. The state has similar internet availability compared to the county. Average internet coverage in Virginia is 97.92% versus 99.11% in Nelson County.
What zip codes have widespread internet?
Internet coverage varies by zip code and neighborhood. Some examples in or around Nelson County are shown below. You can enter any zip code here to see TV and internet providers by zip code.
What does internet service look like in other counties?
Below are counties nearby and with similar populations. This comparison can be useful if living somewhere with fast internet is important to you.
Nearby Counties
- Buena Vista City, VA: less internet coverage, faster speeds
- Rockbridge County, VA: less internet coverage, faster speeds
- Lexington City, VA: less internet coverage, faster speeds
- Fluvanna County, VA: less internet coverage, slower speeds
- Louisa County, VA: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Goochland County, VA: less internet coverage, faster speeds
- Alleghany County, VA: less internet coverage, faster speeds
- Covington City, VA: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Greenbrier County, WV: less internet coverage, faster speeds
- King William County, VA: less internet coverage, faster speeds
Counties with Similar Populations
- Childress County, TX: less internet coverage, slower speeds
- Claiborne Parish, LA: less internet coverage, slower speeds
- Claiborne County, MS: less internet coverage, slower speeds
- Ciales Municipio, PR: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Chowan County, NC: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Chouteau County, MT: less internet coverage, slower speeds
- Choctaw County, OK: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Choctaw County, MS: more internet coverage, faster speeds
- Choctaw County, AL: more internet coverage, slower speeds
- Yoakum County, TX: more internet coverage, faster speeds