Minnesota, often known for its chilly winters, offers residents a unique blend of urban living and natural beauty. However, when it comes to internet speeds, the city is not among the fastest in the United States. According to Ookla's rankings, Minneapolis occupies the 93rd spot among the 100 most populated cities, which may not be very appealing to tech-savvy inhabitants. Let's explore the internet providers in Minnesota considering pricing, speeds, connection types, and service terms.
For Minnesota residents, there are several Minnesota internet providers to choose from, but the options available can vary based on your location. Here are some of the key providers in the area.
Xfinity may not offer the best value in Minneapolis, Minnesota as USI's 1-gig plan stands out for its affordability at $70, but Xfinity is the most widely available service provider in the city.
Xfinity offers a variety of plans with different speeds to cater to different needs.
CenturyLink's fiber internet is a great option for Minnesota residents fortunate enough to have access to it.
With speeds ranging from 500Mbps to 940Mbps, it provides reliable and fast internet.
USI is beloved by its customers and is ranked as the fastest provider in the area by Ookla, with median download speeds of over 236 megabits per second.
However, its availability is limited, so it's crucial to check if it's an option in your area.
T-Mobile offers a fixed wireless internet service with speeds of 72-245Mbps, available for $50 a month (with autopay).
HughesNet provides satellite internet with speeds starting at 25Mbps. It is relatively more expensive, with prices ranging from $50 to $175, and comes with data caps.
Mediacom's cable internet offering is available to only a fifth of Minnesota residents, with prices starting at $30 and going up to $90, offering speeds from 100Mbps to 1Gbps.
Viasat , another satellite internet provider, offers plans ranging from $50 to $300, with speeds between 12 and 150Mbps.
The cost of Minnesota internet varies, with an average starting price of around $47 for baseline internet. However, there are more affordable options available.
Xfinity Connect - Xfinity offers a $20 plan with a speed of 75Mbps, but it comes with a one-year contract. For just $15 more, you can get a 200Mbps plan without a contract.
Mediacom Xtream - Mediacom offers a plan within the $30 range for 100 Mbps but charges $13 a month for modem rental (unless you bring your own).
CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber - CenturyLink's fiber service starts at $50 for 500Mbps and has a $15 monthly equipment fee.
While Minnesota may not boast the highest median internet speeds, there are options for those seeking blazingly fast connections.
USI 10 Gig - USI offers an astounding 10-gig plan for $299, available for those within its coverage area.
Comcast Xfinity Gigabit Extra - Xfinity offers plans that reach up to 2,000Mbps, making it a strong contender for high-speed internet.
Mediacom Xtream - Mediacom's top-tier plan provides speeds of 1,000Mbps, suitable for those craving faster connections.
Minnesota's median download speed is estimated to be around 156.86Mbps, which, while not the fastest, still provides decent internet for most users. However, for those who require ultra-high speeds, providers like USI, Xfinity, and Mediacom have you covered.
So, Minnesota may not rank among the top cities for internet speeds, but there are viable options available for residents. Your choice of internet providers Minnesota will largely depend on your location and specific needs. Whether you prioritize affordability or need lightning-fast speeds, Minnesota has an option for you. Take the time to research the providers available in your area and select the one that best suits your requirements.