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These are the fastest (and slowest) internet service providers in Indy

Allison Carter
Getty Images 2007 file photo

Let's face it, in a modern Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the need for good internet speed ranks just below food and water. Nobody has time for Netflix buffering or slow downloads.

Ookla Speedtest put together a list of the fastest internet service providers across the country, including Indianapolis.

The good news? Internet speeds are generally up. Fixed broadband (the kind you have at home) speeds are up 40 percent since the same time last year, with average speeds topping 50 megabits per second (mbps) for the first time. Mobile speeds are also up 30 percent, with average download speeds at 19.27 mbps.

Speedtest attributes the increases to industry consolidation and fierce competition, particularly in mobile.

So let's talk specifics. What are the best providers in Indy?

Fixed broadband

1. Spectrum (includes Bright House): 154.25 mbps download, 21.08 mbps upload

2. Metronet: 95.89 mbps download, 25.63 upload

3. Xfinity (Comcast): 90.13 mbps download, 23.51 mbps

4. AT&T Uverse: 36.34 mbps download, 5.7 mbps upload

All together, the average speeds are 46.81 mbps download, 10.59 mbps upload.

Mobile internet

1. Verizon: 26.18 mbps download, 9.09 upload

2. Sprint: 20.9 mbps download, 5.79 mbps upload

3. AT&T: 20.63 mbps download, 9.24 mbps upload

4. T-Mobile: 12.92 mbps download, 6.85 mbps upload

Your averages there are 20.76 mbps down, 7.93 mbps up.

How'd your service providers fare?

Allison Carter is an engagement producer at IndyStar and has the fastest providers for both, so she's clearly living life right. Follow her on Twitter @AllisonLCarter