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#1 Recommended Plan
1. AT&T 
Speeds Up To300 MbpsIn rare cases, if your usage is contributing to congestion on the network, AT&T will greatly reduce your speed for a min. of 30 min.Connection: 5G InternetAvailability: 75.9%Why AT&T? AT&T Internet Air makes buying internet easy for customers by offering one plan with straightforward pricing and reliable 5G speeds. -
2. Quantum Fiber 
Speeds Up To8 GbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: FiberAvailability: 35.5%LIMITED TIME OFFERGet 1 Gig Internet for $45/mo for a limited time!New customers only. Limited availability. Service and rate in select locations only. Bank account payment required. Taxes and fees apply. Includes Price for Life. 360 WiFi and other equipment lease charges, discounts, taxes, and fees are excluded from Price for Life offer and rate may be increased. See full details. -
3. Viasat 
Speeds Up To150 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: SatelliteAvailability: 100% -
4. T-Mobile 
Speeds Up To2 GbpsNot available in all areas. Return each device undamaged or fee may apply. AutoPay discount requires bank account or debit card, otherwise $5 more/line/mo. May not be reflected on first bill. See Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at https://fiber.t-mobile.com/legal/terms.Connection: FiberAvailability: 57.2% -
5. Mint Mobile 
Download Speeds:133 Mbps - 415 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: 5G InternetAvailability: 50% -
6. Verizon 
Speeds Up To300 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: 5G InternetAvailability: 47.8% -
7. Mediacom 
Speeds Up To1 GbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: CableAvailability: 99% -
8. CenturyLink 
Speeds Up To940 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: DSL, FiberAvailability: 59.2% -
9. XNET WiFi 
Speeds Up To2 GbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: Fixed WirelessAvailability: 50.5% -
Google Fiber 
Speeds Up To8 GbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: FiberAvailability: 23.9% -
11. Metronet 
Speeds Up To5.12 GbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: FiberAvailability: 82.2% -
Rise Broadband 
Speeds Up To50 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: Fixed WirelessAvailability: 2.5% -
13. UScellular 
Speeds Up To100 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: Fixed WirelessAvailability: 95.4% -
14. Starlink 
Speeds Up To350 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: SatelliteAvailability: 100% -
15. Hughesnet 
Speeds Up To100 MbpsNot all internet speeds available in all areas.Connection: SatelliteAvailability: 100%
Internet Providers in Des Moines, IA
Refine your search for better results:
Popular Des Moines Internet Deals
| Provider | Featured deal | |
|---|---|---|
| Quantum Fiber | Get 1 Gig Internet for $45/mo for a limited time! |
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| Viasat | Get $30 off for your first 3 months! Price shown includes promotion; Get $30/mo. off for the first 3 months. For new customers only. You must mention this offer when ordering service to receive the discount. |
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| Verizon | Get a 43" Class QF QLED Samsung TV or Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 5G on us! |
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| CenturyLink | Subscribe to the CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit plan for a free premium modem and free installation! |
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| XNET WiFi | Get unlimited data and Wi-Fi that works anywhere with XNET WiFi! |
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Des Moines Home Internet Providers
| Provider | Plans starting at | Speeds up to | Connections | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rise Broadband | $25/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 50 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fixed Wireless |
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| Metronet | $29.95/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 5.12 Gbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fiber |
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| Mint Mobile | $30/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 133 Mbps - 415 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | 5G Internet |
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| Mediacom | $30/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 1 Gbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Cable |
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| Verizon | $35/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 300 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | 5G Internet |
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| Hughesnet | $39.99/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 100 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Satellite |
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| Quantum Fiber | $45/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 8 Gbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fiber |
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| Starlink | $49/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 350 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Satellite |
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| CenturyLink | $50/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 940 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | DSL, Fiber |
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| UScellular | $50/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 100 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fixed Wireless |
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| AT&T | $65/mo Price is per month, plus taxes. Price after discounts: $13/mo w/elig wireless svc. and $5/mo w/elig Autopay & Paperless bill. Discounts start w/in 2 bills. | 300 Mbps In rare cases, if your usage is contributing to congestion on the network, AT&T will greatly reduce your speed for a min. of 30 min. | 5G Internet |
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| XNET WiFi | $65/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 2 Gbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fixed Wireless |
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| Viasat | $69.99/mo Price shown includes promotion; Get $30/mo. off for first 3 months. For new customers only. You must mention this offer when ordering service to receive the discount. | 150 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Satellite |
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| Google Fiber | $70/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 8 Gbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fiber |
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| T-Mobile | $75/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 2 Gbps Not available in all areas. Return each device undamaged or fee may apply. AutoPay discount requires bank account or debit card, otherwise $5 more/line/mo. May not be reflected on first bill. See Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at https://fiber.t-mobile.com/legal/terms. | Fiber |
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Best Internet Providers in Des Moines, IA
The best connection type for home internet is fiber-optic internet, and Des Moines has several fiber providers. The most widely available is Metronet, which serves about 82.2% of Des Moines and offers speeds up to 5 Gbps. Also worth noting is Quantum Fiber, which is available only to about a third of Des Moines residents but popular among those who can get it. Google Fiber also offers fiber to a small portion of Des Moines.
Fiber coverage in Des Moines may be a bit spotty with these major providers, but getting cable internet is relatively easy. Virtually all of Des Moines is served by Mediacom's Xtream, a cable internet provider that can deliver speeds up to 1 Gbps. Xtream is a sub-brand of Mediacom, which is a larger internet service company.
| Provider | Why they're great | Who they're great for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Easy installation | Customers who want to skip the technician and get online in minutes will love the simple plug-and-play setup provided by AT&T Internet Air. |
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| Quantum Fiber | Fastest provider | Large households and power users who need high-capacity speeds for activities like 4K streaming will find an excellent choice in Quantum Fiber. |
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| Mediacom | Generous sign-up perks | Mediacom is a perfect fit for new customers wanting to maximize their first-year savings by taking advantage of valuable promotional offers. |
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| CenturyLink | Unlimited data plans | CenturyLink is perfect for households that want the freedom to stream and download without constantly checking strict monthly data limits. |
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| Google Fiber | Symmetrical fiber speeds | Google Fiber is a premier tool for content creators and remote professionals who rely on matching upload and download speeds. |
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Des Moines Cheapest Internet Plans
Securing a deal in Des Moines is simple with Rise Broadband, which offers plans starting at $25 per month. Still, our top fiber pick, Metronet, remains highly competitive at $29.95 per month for symmetrical speeds. If you want a traditional cable connection, Mediacom is another affordable option from $30 per month.
| Provider | Plan name | Price | Speeds up to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rise Broadband | 100 Mbps Internet + Unlimited Data | $25/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 100 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. |
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| Metronet | 150 Mbps Internet | $29.95/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 150 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. |
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| Mint Mobile | 3-month w/ Mint Phone Plan | $30/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 415 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. |
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| Mediacom | Internet 300 | $30/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 300 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. |
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| Verizon | Verizon Home Internet Lite | $35/mo Prices may vary depending on the plan. | 25 Mbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. |
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Fastest Internet Providers in Des Moines, IA
For the fastest internet in Des Moines, Quantum Fiber offers incredible symmetrical speeds reaching up to 8 Gbps. Google Fiber matches this performance for customers in its network footprint. Alternatively, Metronet combines fast connectivity with broad availability, covering 82.2% of the city and supplying connections up to 5 Gbps.
| Provider | Speeds up to | Connection type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantum Fiber | 8 Gbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fiber |
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| Google Fiber | 8 Gbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fiber |
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| Metronet | 5.12 Gbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fiber |
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| T-Mobile | 2 Gbps Not available in all areas. Return each device undamaged or fee may apply. AutoPay discount requires bank account or debit card, otherwise $5 more/line/mo. May not be reflected on first bill. See Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at https://fiber.t-mobile.com/legal/terms. | Fiber |
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| XNET WiFi | 2 Gbps Not all internet speeds available in all areas. | Fixed Wireless |
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Compare Top Providers in Your Area
- AT&T Internet vs. Mediacom
- AT&T Internet vs. CenturyLink
- AT&T Internet vs. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- AT&T Internet vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet
- CenturyLink vs. Mediacom
- CenturyLink vs. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- CenturyLink vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Hughesnet vs. Rise Broadband
- Hughesnet vs. Viasat Internet
- Hughesnet vs. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Hughesnet vs. Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Starlink vs. Viasat Internet
Check Your Current Speed
What's a Good Internet Speed?
| Internet speed | Appropriate for | Providers in your area offering this speed | Availability in your area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Mbps |
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100% |
| 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) |
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99% |
Internet Availability in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines residents have access to several wired internet providers, which offer a range of speeds and availability in select neighborhoods. One of the most predominant providers in Des Moines is Mediacom, which covers 99.0% of the city. Several pockets of downtown don't fall under Mediacom's coverage. However, residents living in West Des Moines — specifically Sherman Hill and Woodland Heights — have access to the provider. Most public locations, such as MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and the Iowa State Capitol, are outside of Mediacom's cable internet coverage.
Another provider in the city is Metronet, though it offers fiber internet instead of cable. It covers 82.2% of Des Moines and has the strongest presence in North of Grand, which is west of downtown Des Moines.
Quantum Fiber is a viable alternative fiber internet provider, though its availability is far more limited than Metronet's. Its coverage is scattered throughout Des Moines, with the greatest availability west and north of Drake University. It does overlap with Metronet, but its coverage is still less than the other provider.
If you're one of the few residents living within Google Fiber's coverage zones, then you'll have access to speeds up to 8 Gbps. Its availability is very limited in scope — farther west of Des Moines in neighborhoods along the I-235 freeway. Even if you don't live in these neighborhoods, Des Moines has plenty of fiber internet providers to choose from.
| Connection type | Provider with most coverage | Des Moines availability | Starting price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Satellite | Hughesnet | 100% | $39.99/mo |
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| Cable | Mediacom | 99% | $30/mo |
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| Fixed Wireless | UScellular | 95.4% | $50/mo |
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| Fiber | Metronet | 82.2% | $29.95/mo |
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| 5G Internet | AT&T Internet Air | 75.9% | $65/mo |
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| DSL | CenturyLink | 59.2% | $55/mo |
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Des Moines Internet Stats
| Average internet monthly cost | Available speed ranges | Available price range | Available connection types |
|---|---|---|---|
| $67.62 | 12 Mbps - 8 Gbps | $25/mo - $165/mo | 5G Internet, Cable, DSL, Fiber, Fixed Wireless, Satellite |
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Fastest Speed
Quantum FiberFiber
Up to 8 GIG$150/mo*Taxes & fees extra and subj. to change. See disclaimer for details. Restrictions apply. See offer details
360 WiFi included | No one-time installation fee-
Download Speeds up to 8 Gbps
Show Details -
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Best Value
AT&T Internet Air5G Internet
Internet Air$65/mo*Price is per month, plus taxes. Not available in all areas. Price after discounts: 20% w/elig wireless and $5/mo with AutoPay. Discount applied w/in 2 bills. See offer details
$100 Visa Reward Card | Save 20% with Eligible AT&T Wireless Plan-
Download Speeds up to 300 Mbps
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Perfect speeds for most families
Show Details -
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Lowest Price
MetronetFiber
150 Mbps Internet$29.95/mo*Taxes & fees extra and subj. to change. See disclaimer for details. Restrictions apply. See offer details
Eero router included-
Download Speeds up to 150 Mbps
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Up to 5 devices connected at once
Show Details -
Internet Coverage Map and Store Locations for Des Moines, Iowa
Methodology
Our provider rankings rely on a rigorous, data-driven framework evaluating over 100 million rows of FCC data to bring transparency to local internet options. We track 8,000+ active plans from 2,000+ providers to cut through marketing jargon. We weigh technical factors against real-world experiences to match you with the best connections actually available at your address:
- Tested Technology: We utilize a fiber-first ranking system, prioritizing high-performance, structurally sound technologies (like fiber and cable) over slower legacy connections.
- Realistic Coverage: We filter out "ghost ISPs" with near-zero availability and actively flag providers that only cover a fraction of neighborhoods, ensuring you don't waste time on unavailable options.
- Transparent Pricing: We track base rates and downgrade providers that rely on hidden fees or sudden price hikes, exposing the true long-term cost beyond initial marketing promotions.
- Verified Speeds: We look beyond deceptive "up to" marketing claims to evaluate the actual download and upload speeds delivered, prioritizing the balanced, symmetrical performance necessary for seamless video calls and heavy streaming.
- User-Driven Personalization: We don't just look at the tech; we look at what people actually prefer. By analyzing millions of local connections, user reviews on downtime, and validated J.D. Power scores, we tailor our rankings to highlight the providers proven to satisfy users in your area.
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Data valid as of 03/19/2026