Internet Speed: 46.6 Mbps downlink; 5.4 Mbps uplink

Internet Coverage: 85% of residents

Main Internet services: Cable, DSL, Fiber

Main Internet Service Providers: Cox, Verizon, FIOS by Verizon

Colocation Datacenters: 5

According to Akamai.com, the average downlink Internet speed in Rhode Island is 46.6 Mbps and the average upload speed is 5.4 Mbps.

In 2016, the population of Rhode Island was approximately 1 million. Over 85% of residents have access to the Internet, especially broadband connections.

Main Internet services provided in Rhode Island are the following:

– Cable – over 85% coverage
– DSL – over 80% coverage
– Fiber – over 80% coverage

Main Internet Service Providers located in Rhode Island are the following:

– Cox Communications (Cable) – 99.2% availability
– Verizon (DSL) – 90% availability
– FIOS by Verizon (Fiber) – 85% availability

Gigabit Internet in Rhode Island

Gigabit Internet services are widely available in Rhode Island, thanks to the large privately-owned fiber-optic infrastructure. Verizon, Cox Communications and Comcast are the companies that provide gigabit Internet services to their customers, either through fiber-optic lines, or through existing copper lines using the latest DOCSIS 3.1 technology.

According to datacentermap.com, there are currently 5 colocation datacenters located in Rhode Island. All datacenters are concentrated in Providence.

Major colocation providers located in Providence are as follows:

– Provdotnet, LLC.
– Level 3 Communications
– Lightower Fiber Networks
– MegaNet Communications

Prominent Colocation Providers – MegaNet Communications

One of the largest colocation providers located in Rhode Island is MegaNet Communications. The facility is sought after by customers looking for a solid presence in Rhode Island, as well as in Massachusetts and Connecticut. It is located in the central business district, and is connected to the company’s regional fiber loop. Amenities include: redundant DC power feeds, redundant AC system, AC power with UPS, open racks, cabinets, and diverse security solutions. Additionally, the facility features carrier neutrality, with on-site access to Verizon, AT&T, Cox Communications, as well as Level 3 Communications.

Prominent Colocation Providers – Level 3 Communications

Another prominent colocation provider located in Providence is Level 3 Communications. The main facility operated by this company is located in the central business district, and features a total square footage of 10,400. Amenities include: redundant DC power feeds, N+1 HVAC configuration, generator and battery backup, leasing of racks, cabinets, and enclosures. The datacenter also provides carrier neutrality, having access to over 5 telecommunications providers and other colocation providers.

Colocation Industry in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is currently regarded as an undeserved colocation market, due to many irremediable issues centered around the state’s very high risk for natural disasters, ranking second in the United States, as well as its close proximity to New York and New Jersey, which are immensely more advanced and lucrative in terms of colocation services.

Advantages for Colocation

Existing colocation providers do, however, make use of a series of advantage:

– The state’s small size, which reduces latency significantly;
– The state’s close proximity to three submarine cables, which span the North Atlantic Ocean to Western Europe
– Relatively low costs for electricity, lower than New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and even Connecticut (11th in the nation, according to electricitylocal.com).