Best Internet Providers in Salem
Sitting on a gentle ridge between farm fields and the county line, Salem still looks and feels like a small rural town where utilities had to pick their way through decades of spread-out development. A state route slices through the center and the settlement pattern drops off quickly into long drives and piecemeal neighborhoods. Fiber service is concentrated in downtown Salem and the newer subdivisions north of the route, while the outer neighborhoods and surrounding county parcels remain largely served by satellite and fixed wireless. When you live near the center you get lower-latency uploads and steady streaming, but step into the farmland and you’ll be relying on higher-latency satellite links or spotty cellular fixes.
In Salem, internet competition varies by neighborhood, but most residents have multiple options to choose from. After reviewing provider availability, plan pricing, typical speeds, and customer sentiment across the 25 areas we track, here are our top recommendations for 2026.
EarthLink Fiber is the standout pick if it is available at your address. With speeds up to 5 Gbps (and, in some areas, symmetrical upload speeds), it is often the best option for gaming, remote work, and busy households with many users and connected devices. Availability has expanded across parts of Salem, so it is worth checking your exact address first.
Public Service Telephone Company is usually the most widely available choice in Salem and a strong option when you need a reliable connection. Its network reaches approximately 100% of Salem, with speeds up to 30 Mbps and plans starting around N/A/mo, making it the most accessible option for many residents. In neighborhoods where EarthLink Fiber is not offered yet, Public Service Telephone Company is often the best overall mix of speed and price.
Viasat can be a strong third option if you would rather keep things simple, with straightforward pricing around $49.99/mo and fewer stipulations.
Coverage reaches roughly 95% of Salem, and speeds range between 50 Mbps and 150 Mbps, which is enough for streaming, video calls, and everyday home use. It can be a great fit in parts of Salem where signal strength is strong.
Cyberonic or Viasat may still offer service in parts of Salem, if none of these are available at your address, with speeds up to 30 Mbps. Since promotions change often, it is always smart to check current deals before you order.