Is your internet slowing down your team? Do surprise bills hurt your budget? You are not alone. Many business owners face these problems daily. But a good internet is vital today. It helps your staff work without stress.

Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) is the answer. It is different from home internet. It is a private lane just for you. You do not share it with neighbors. Therefore, your speed stays fast. This is true even during busy times. For owners, this is critical. It makes sure video calls work smoothly.

In this guide, we will explain DIA pricing for 2026. We will check costs and providers. We will also help you find the best deal.

What Drives the Cost?

Several things change the price of your internet. First, speed is the main factor. Faster speeds cost more money. Most small offices start with 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps. However, big companies often need 10 Gbps. Also, DIA offers “symmetric” speeds. This means your upload speed is fast. It matches your download speed exactly.

The price of Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) is not random. It changes based on your business details. It also depends on your location. You can get a better deal if you know these facts. Below, we look at what changes your monthly bill.

Bandwidth Speed Requirements

The speed you choose is the single biggest driver of your monthly cost. Naturally, faster speeds cost more money. If you need to move huge files quickly, you will pay a higher price.

Most small businesses start business internet solutions with standard speeds between 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps. This range handles normal office work like email and Zoom calls very well. However, we are seeing a major shift in the market. According to Industry Research Biz, over 65% of new contracts in 2024 were for speeds above 1 Gbps. In fact, many large firms now choose 10 Gbps connections. They need this power to support heavy cloud tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads.

A major benefit of DIA is “symmetric speed.” This means your upload speed is exactly the same as your download speed. For example, if you buy a 1 Gbps line, you can send data to the cloud just as fast as you download it. This is different from home internet, where upload speeds are often slow.

Network Connectivity Type

How your building connects to the internet backbone affects your quote significantly. This is often the difference between a cheap bill and an expensive one.

• On-Net (Lit Building) :- This is the best scenario for any buyer. It means the provider already has their fiber cables installed inside your building’s basement or riser. Because the expensive infrastructure is already there, “On-Net” pricing is always the lowest.
• Near-Net :- In this case, the provider is close to your building but not inside yet. They might be in the street or a neighboring building. They must run a new cable, called a “lateral,” to reach you. This adds a small cost, but it remains affordable compared to building a whole new network.
• Off-Net :- This is the most expensive option. It means the provider is far away from your location. They must dig up streets and build a new path just for you. Consequently, you will pay high construction fees. According to CanComCo, these construction costs can range from $5,000 to over $50,000 depending on the distance.
• Colocation Data Centers :- These are special buildings where many providers meet. Because competition is high and fiber is everywhere, data centers typically have the lowest pricing in the market (Lightyear.ai).

Geographic Location

Where your business sits on the map plays a huge role in the final price.

• Dense Urban Areas :- Big cities like New York or Chicago have miles of fiber cables under the streets. Many providers fight for your business in these zones. As a result, prices are usually lower due to this “price compression.” Industry Research Biz notes that competitive pressure reduced urban DIA pricing by 18% between 2020 and 2024.
• Rural Areas :- Remote locations are the most expensive. Often, only one provider is available to serve you. Due to the lack of competition and the high cost of reaching you, rates are much higher.
• Market Competition :- In general, competition is your friend. If five companies want your business, you will get a better deal. If only one company can serve you, you lose leverage.

Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

An SLA is a formal, legal promise from your provider about quality. It protects your business from bad service.

• Guarantees :- Providers promise specific performance levels. This includes uptime (usually 99.99% or higher), low latency, and low packet loss. Latency is the delay in your signal. For smooth video calls, you typically want latency below 25 milliseconds (BroadbandNow).
• Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) :- This metric is critical. It defines how fast the provider must fix a broken line. According to Lightyear.ai, the industry standard for DIA is a 4-hour response time.
• Pricing Impact :- Stronger promises cost more money. A contract that guarantees 100% availability will have a higher premium than a standard one.
• Service Credits :- The SLA protects your wallet. If the internet goes down and breaches the agreement, the provider must pay you back in service credits. This ensures they are motivated to keep your connection running.

Contract Term Length

The length of your commitment changes your monthly payment. Providers want you to stay for a long time.

• Long Terms (36 Months) Most businesses choose a 36-month term. This is the industry standard for dedicated fiber and business internet. Providers lower the monthly rate significantly for longer contracts. Additionally, most major US carriers (such as Verizon and AT&T) will waive expensive installation fees, which can run into the thousands, if you sign for three years.
• Short Terms (12 Months) A 12-month contract offers flexibility. However, it is expensive. Industry data indicates that a 12-month term can cost 20% to 30% more per month than a 3-year deal. Furthermore, you usually lose the installation waiver, meaning you must pay the full upfront construction cost.

Equipment and Management

1. Provider-Managed
   You can rent a router from your provider to keep things simple. They handle the setup, updates, and repairs for you. However, this convenience adds a monthly fee. Basic rentals typically cost $15 to $30 per month, while fully managed services range from $50 to $150.
2. Customer-Managed
   You can buy your own router to avoid monthly rental fees. This saves money in the long run, but your own team must manage the security and updates. A standard business router costs between $200 and $500 upfront, while enterprise-grade hardware often exceeds $1,000.

2026 Pricing Benchmarks

We analyzed the latest 8 dedicated internet access providers in the US for the latest pricing. The table below shows the average monthly costs for a standard 36-month contract. Please note that “Near-Net” prices are higher because they often include construction fees.

Provider	100 Mbps (On-Net)	1 Gbps (On-Net)	10 Gbps (On-Net)
Lumen	$400 – $500	$700 – $800	$2,000 – $2,500
Zayo	$400 – $500	$600 – $800	$2,000 – $2,500
Verizon	$400 – $600	$900 – $1,000	$3,000 – $3,500
Spectrum	$400 – $500	$800 – $1,000	$2,000 – $2,500
Frontier	$400 – $500	$900 – $1,000	$2,500 – $3,000
AT&T	$500 – $700	$1,000 – $1,400	$3,000 – $3,700
Comcast	$500 – $600	$800 – $1,000	$3,000 – $3,500
Cox	$500 – $600	$1,000 – $1,200	$2,500 – $3,000

Reference :- 2025 Market Analysis based on provider rate cards.

Top Providers :- A Detailed Look

AT&T Business

AT&T Business uses variable rate pricing, so your cost changes heavily based on your location. However, they are a great choice if your building needs new construction. Unlike some rivals, they often absorb those buildout costs. Furthermore, they offer competitive managed router options. If you are in a targeted building, their numerous fiber promotions can make their speeds very affordable.

• Speed Range :- Fiber plans typically start at 300 Mbps and go up to 5 Gbps. Dedicated internet options can reach 1 Tbps.
• Coverage :- Their primary wired network covers 21 states, mostly in the South, Midwest, and West (e.g., Texas, California, Florida).

Verizon Enterprise

Verizon Enterprise  is typically a strong option for “on-net” locations. They offer the best promotions for full port speeds like 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps. However, their prices for “near-net” and “off-net” sites can be fairly expensive. On the positive side, they provide a well-managed router service. This makes them a reliable choice for businesses that value support.

• Speed Range :- Fios Business speeds range from 200 Mbps to 2 Gbps. Dedicated access can scale up to 100 Gbps.
• Coverage :- Their primary fiber (Fios) is in 9 states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic (e.g., New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia), plus Washington, D.C.

Comcast Business

Comcast Business is a good option for sites that already have their fiber. However, they can be pricey for “near-net” locations. This is because they do not absorb much of the construction cost. Additionally, their promotions are sometimes limited. Therefore, whether your building is “on-net” really determines if they are a competitive choice for you.

• Speed Range :- Coax speeds range from 150 Mbps to 1.25 Gbps. Fiber solutions (Ethernet Dedicated Internet) scale up to 100 Gbps.
• Coverage :- They have a massive footprint covering 39 states and Washington, D.C.

Spectrum Enterprise

Spectrum Enterprise offers a unique pricing advantage. They charge the same rate for “on-net” and “near-net” locations. This simplifies your budget. However, like most cable companies, they do not pay for fiber buildouts. As a result, “off-net” sites are rarely competitive. Their promotions vary but usually cover all speed tiers.

• Speed Range :- Business internet speeds start at 300 Mbps and reach 1 Gbps over coax. Fiber clients can get speeds up to 100 Gbps.
• Coverage :- They cover 41 states, with a heavy presence in the South, Midwest, and Northeast.

Lumen

Lumen is a great option for “on-net” locations and large bandwidth needs. They distinguish themselves by working with customers on “near-net” sites. Specifically, they often absorb much of the fiber buildout cost to stay competitive. Additionally, their promotions change from time to time, offering chances for savings.

• Speed Range :- “Internet On-Demand” ranges from 50 Mbps to 10 Gbps. Dedicated Fiber can reach 100 Gbps.
• Coverage :- They have a deep fiber backbone nationwide, with local service historically concentrated in 36 states (Western, Midwestern, and Southern US).

Frontier Business

Frontier is competitive because their price is the same for “on-net” and “near-net” sites. This creates predictable billing. It can be very expensive for “off-net” locations. While they run consistent promotions, these deals usually apply only to full port speeds.

• Speed Range :- Fiber speeds typically start at 500 Mbps and go as high as 7 Gbps in select areas.
• Coverage :- They serve 25 states, with major coverage in California, Texas, Florida, and parts of the Northeast.

Zayo Group

Zayo is one of the best options for “on-net” fiber locations. Their pricing for existing connections is very low. However, they can be more expensive for “near-net” locations that need construction. Zayo generally will not absorb these buildout costs. Consequently, checking if they are in your building is the most important factor.

• Speed Range :- They focus on high-capacity infrastructure. Connections often start at 1 Gbps and go up to 400 Gbps or even 800 Gbps for wavelengths.
• Coverage :- They operate a global backbone with dense metro fiber in 400+ markets across North America.

Cox Business

Cox is often one of the more expensive providers. Even for “on-net” locations, their rates are higher than average. They do not absorb much construction cost. Promotions are also limited. However, their best pricing tends to be on the lower speed tiers.

• Speed Range :- Small business plans range from 25 Mbps to 1 Gbps (download). Enterprise fiber can reach 100 Gbps.
• Coverage :- They cover 18 states, with major markets in Arizona, California, Nevada, Virginia, and Louisiana.

DIA vs. Broadband :- Is It Worth It?

You might wonder why DIA costs more than standard broadband. Broadband is cheap, but it is shared. Your speed drops when others use the internet. In contrast, DIA is guaranteed.

For example, DIA offers symmetric speeds. This means you upload data as fast as you download it. Broadband usually has very slow upload speeds. While DIA costs 2 to 4 times more, the reliability is worth it. It protects your business from downtime and lost revenue.

How to Optimize Your DIA Costs

• Choose On-Net or Near-Net Locations: Pick a building that already has fiber cables inside. These sites avoid the high costs of digging new trenches. Thus, you save money and get your internet working much faster.
• Leverage Longer Contract Terms: Signing a longer deal, like three years, often brings the price down. Carriers usually drop the setup fees if you stay longer. This plan keeps your monthly bills low and very steady.
• Use Customer-Managed Equipment: Buying your own router stops the monthly rental fees from the carrier. Your own team handles the updates and settings. Over time, this small change saves your business a lot of cash.
• Compare Multiple Providers: Do not settle for the first quote you see from one carrier. Ask several companies for their best rates to spark a deal. Competition helps you get better service for less money.
• Time Your Purchase Strategically: Buy your service at the end of the year when sales teams want deals. Many carriers offer big discounts to meet their goals. Planning your start date can lead to huge savings.

Understanding DIA Pricing Models

• Flat-Rate Pricing: This plan gives you one set price for your speed every month. It is very easy to track and great for your budget. You never have to worry about a surprise bill.
• Burstable/95th Percentile Pricing: This model lets you use extra speed only when you truly need it. You pay for your base use plus a bit more for peaks. It works well for growing, busy companies.

Hidden Costs and Additional Fees

• Installation Fees: These are one-time costs to turn on your new internet line. Sometimes, you can ask the provider to remove these fees entirely. Always check the first bill to see these specific charges.
• Construction (Off-Net): If fiber is far away, you must pay to bring it to you. This work involves digging and labor. Our partners can often help find ways to lower these big upfront costs.
• Equipment Rental: Carriers often charge a small fee to use their hardware each month. These costs stay on your bill for years. Checking these fees helps you see the true cost of the service.
• NRC vs MRC Breakdown: NRC means a one-time fee, while MRC is your monthly bill. You must look at both to see the total deal. This view helps you plan your spending for the year.
• Early Termination Fees: Ending a contract early can lead to a very big fine. Carriers use these fees to cover their costs. Always read the fine print before you sign a new long-term deal.
• Always Request All-In Pricing: Ask for a quote that shows every tax and fee from the start. This ensures the price you see is the price you pay. It prevents any shock when the first bill arrives.

Conclusion

Dedicated Internet Access is a strategic investment that delivers guaranteed performance, symmetric speeds, and enterprise-grade SLAs—critical differentiators from shared broadband. The 2026 pricing landscape shows 1 Gbps connections ranging from $700 to $1,400 monthly, with on-net locations commanding the best rates.

What is the average cost of DIA in 2026?

For a standard 1 Gbps connection, expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,600 per month. Prices vary based on your building’s location and the competition in your area. On-net buildings usually see the lowest rates.

Is dedicated internet access worth the cost?

Yes, if your business cannot afford downtime. The guarantees and consistent speed protect your revenue. Unlike shared fiber, you get the full speed you pay for even during the busiest work hours of the day.

How long does DIA installation take?

It typically takes 30 to 90 days. If construction is needed to bring fiber to your site, it can take longer. Starting the process early ensures your business stays online without any stressful last-minute delays.

Can I negotiate DIA pricing?

Yes. Providers often lower rates to win your business, especially if you have competing quotes. You can also ask for lower installation fees or better hardware deals when you talk to their sales team directly.