Are you a resident or business owner in Des Moines, Iowa, who’s searching for an internet provider that aligns with your budget and broadband needs? With this extensive Internet Buyer’s Guide, you will come across helpful information on various internet plans, deals, and pricing options available in Des Moines to narrow down your search.
Residential Internet Providers in Des Moines, IA
| Provider | Starting Price | Speed Range | Type Of Internet | Coverage Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediacom Cable | $19.99/mo. | 60-1000 Mbps | Cable | 98% Cable |
| CenturyLink | $50/mo. | 100-940 Mbps | DSL and Fiber | 97% DSL and Fiber |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | $50/mo. | 100 Mbps | Fixed Wireless | 3% Fixed Wireless |
| Viasat Internet | $49.99/mo. | 12-100 Mbps | Satellite | 100% Satellite |
| HughesNet | $39.99/mo. | 25 Mbps | Satellite | 100% Satellite |
The table above summarizes Des Moines internet providers with the greatest coverage locally.
Fastest Internet Providers in Des Moines, IA
| Provider | Maximum Speed | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mediacom Cable | 1000 Mbps | $19.99-79.99/mo. |
| CenturyLink | 940 Mbps | $50-65/mo. |
| Viasat Internet | 100 Mbps | $49.99-149.99/mo. |
| Rise Broadband | 50 Mbps | $34.95-64.95/mo. |
The providers above offer the fastest download speeds currently available to Des Moines residents.
What type of internet is available in Des Moines?
Internet types available in Des Moines are DSL, Cable, Fiber-Optic, Fixed Wireless, and Satellite.
- DSL: For residents in Des Moines who aren’t avid internet users, DSL is a great option as it’s cheaper than other broadband types. DSL provides an internet connection via copper telephone lines.
- Cable: One of the most common internet types in Des Moines is cable internet, which uses cables from TV networks to deliver data. Speeds are faster than DSL, which may prove convenient for more intermediate internet users.
- Fiber: Considered the fastest internet option, fiber can offer speeds up to 1000 Mbps. This is a great option for those who regularly browse, download, or stream.
- Fixed Wireless: Fixed wireless internet delivers broadband connection through radio airwaves. It’s typically used for “the last mile” like DSL and cable internet.
- Satellite: Satellite internet sends data from a dish installed on your roof or balcony to a satellite in space. It’s a wireless connection that is great for those living in rural areas without other options for internet.
Please bear in mind that not all Des Moines locations supply the internet types mentioned above, as some areas may only have access to one or two over the others.
How do I find the cheapest internet option in Des Moines?
Currently, there are 21 internet providers in Des Moines—7 residential providers and 14 business providers—that cover different download speeds and plan options. Mediacom Cable, Rise Broadband and CenturyLink offer some of the lowest-priced internet plans in Des Moines with speeds ranging from 10-1000 Mbps.
Cheapest internet in Des Moines
- Mediacom Cable—$19.99/mo. for up to 60 Mbps *
- Rise Broadband—$34.95/mo. for up to 25 Mbps *
- HughesNet—$39.99/mo. for up to 25 Mbps *
- Viasat Internet—$49.99/mo. for up to 12 Mbps *
- CenturyLink—$50/mo. for up to 100 Mbps *
How Much Internet Speed Do I Need In Des Moines?
Home to college students, families, and business owners, Des Moines is a progressively changing location that caters to economic growth. To keep up with the capital city lifestyle from a broadband perspective, Des Moines residents are more inclined to search for an internet plan with fast speeds at an affordable price. Some internet speeds are only accessible through a fiber network and, at times, on the higher pricing scale.
All in all, it’s important to note the amount and type of internet users in your household and the data used each month when searching for an internet plan that suits your budget and internet speed requirements. If you barely use the internet, then you won’t need speeds any higher than 50 Mbps. If you are an avid streamer or gamer, then you will need speeds of at least 100 Mbps for comfortable usage. Speeds up to 1000 Mbps are ideal for households with several power internet users.
Below are the recommended download speeds based on frequent internet activities and the residential providers in Des Moines that offer these speeds.
| Recommended Speeds | Type of Internet Activities | Internet Providers in Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| 25+ Mbps |
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| 100+ Mbps |
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| 1000+ Mbps |
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How do I find the fastest internet in Des Moines?
Recent records indicate that the providers that offer some of the fastest internet in Des Moines are Mediacom Cable and CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit. Both offer internet-only plans with download speeds up to 1000 Mbps.
Should I bundle TV or phone service in Des Moines?
There are plenty of internet providers in Des Moines that bundle internet plans with TV and/or phone services for a more well-rounded deal. Mediacom Cable is one of the providers that offers double and triple play bundles in Des Moines. It is always recommended for prospective customers to speak to a representative in order to understand which bundles suit your household size and digital endeavors.
Bundled Cable Plans and Pricing in Des Moines
| Internet Providers in Des Moines | Services | Price Range of Bundles |
|---|---|---|
| Mediacom Cable | Internet + Phone + TV | $29.99-89.99/mo. |
How can I compare the major internet providers in Des Moines?
When it comes to shopping for an internet provider in Des Moines, you’ll want to keep the following key points on your checklist for careful evaluation:
- Price: Consider your monthly budget when you choose your internet service and how that might affect your quality of life.
- Speed: Whether you run an insurance firm in downtown Des Moines or live in an apartment near Grand View University with three other roommates, you will need to think about how much speed your business or household may need.
- Data Caps: Data caps vary and your cap limitation should cater to the amount of data that you need per month.
- Contracts: If you’re a college student with a tight budget, then you may want to opt out of contracts to avoid early termination fees. For large households, contracts might be more affordable, especially when you pair your internet with TV and/or phone services.
What do I need to keep in mind when moving to Des Moines?
Des Moines is constantly changing and creating new projects to improve the capital city’s infrastructure. If you plan to move to Des Moines—whether as an incoming freshman at Drake University or a new restaurant owner in the downtown area—you may want to keep a few things in mind when it comes to signing up for new internet service.
Check with your current internet provider to see if they are available in the area of Des Moines that you’re moving to and if your plan is transferable. Should you choose to switch internet providers, you’ll need to prepare for early termination fees if you signed a contract.
The only time you’ll face early termination fees is when you sign a contract with your internet provider and decide to opt out before the completed term ends. Early termination fees from internet providers in Des Moines range from $0-400. In order to avoid cancellation fees and penalties, spend some time weighing your options before you commit to a contract. The rule of thumb is to research how to switch your internet provider before deciding to terminate your contract.
Most internet providers in Des Moines offer contract agreements for 0-2 years in length. Mediacom Cable and CenturyLink offer contract-free plans, but conditions may apply and the plans may be short-term.
Installation Fees in Des Moines
Internet providers typically offer self-installation and professional installation. In Des Moines, professional installation can range from $0 to depending on your internet provider and plan. If you’re a new customer, you will most likely encounter reduced or waived installation fees. Be sure to inquire or confirm the requirements for waiving installation fees with a representative.
How much data do you need for your home or business internet in Des Moines?
Whether you’re a student at Drake University or a sports enthusiast who live streams various competitions on the daily, you may want to choose an internet plan that has a large data cap or no data cap. Mediacom Cable and CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit offer internet plans with a 1 TB data cap. Providers like Viasat Internet and CenturyLink do not employ data caps with their plans.
What are the most-connected neighborhoods in Des Moines?
The most connected areas in Des Moines are East Village, Waukee, Norwoodville, Civic Center Historic District, and Park Street near the Des Moines River. Many neighborhoods have 2-3 internet providers with some of the most common being CenturyLink and Mediacom Cable. DSL, fiber, and cable have widespread coverage between these two top internet providers in Des Moines.
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
Internet Statistics for Des Moines, Iowa
Home to quintessential Midwesterners, the Iowan way of life in Des Moines stems from state fairs, hearty meals from diverse restaurants, prestigious universities, and insurance companies.
Ranked as the 21st most-connected city in the state of agriculture, the average download speed of Des Moines is 73.7 Mbps, which gives the capital city the lead over neighboring cities like ahead of Windsor Heights, Pleasant Hill, and Norwalk. Although most areas in Des Moines have 2-3 internet providers readily available, approximately 5,000 people still only have access to one or no wired internet. Despite this, sources indicate that Des Moines’ internet could improve, especially for students who populate the major colleges located throughout the city.
