Internet Buyer's Guide for Omaha, Nebraska
Last Updated: July 05, 2020
Known for its rich pioneer history, global conservation efforts, and growing economy thanks to its many Fortune 500 Headquarters, Omaha, Nebraska is a bustling, highly connected city. Omaha has a wide variety of internet plans, deals, and pricing options available for the residential and business markets. Look no further than this all-inclusive Internet Buyer’s Guide for a comprehensive look at the best internet providers in Omaha.
Residential Internet Providers in Omaha, NE
| Provider |
Starting Price |
Speed Range |
Type Of Internet |
Coverage Availability |
| Cox Communications |
$29.99/mo. |
10-940 Mbps |
Cable |
98% Cable |
| CenturyLink |
$49/mo. |
20-940 Mbps |
DSL, Fiber |
79% DSL, 30% Fiber |
| Viasat Internet (formerly Exede) |
$50/mo. |
12-100 Mbps |
Satellite |
100% Satellite |
| HughesNet |
$59.99/mo. |
25 Mbps |
Satellite |
100% Satellite |
The table above summarizes Omaha internet providers with the greatest coverage locally.
Fastest Internet Providers in Omaha, NE
| Provider |
Maximum Speed |
Price Range |
| CenturyLink |
940 Mbps |
$49-65/mo. |
| Cox Communications |
940 Mbps |
$29.99-99.99/mo. |
| Viasat Internet (formerly Exede) |
100 Mbps |
$50-150/mo. |
| Rise Broadband |
50 Mbps |
$29.95-59.99/mo. |
The providers above offer the fastest download speeds currently available to Omaha residents.
What type of internet is available in Omaha?
Internet types available in Omaha are DSL, Cable, Fiber, Fixed Wireless, and Satellite. If you are not familiar with what each one of these entails, below are key explanations.
- DSL: DSL has widespread coverage in Omaha and uses existing copper telephone lines to deliver cost-effective internet service. Its speeds are slower on average than cable and fiber internet so it’s best for light internet users.
- Cable: Using the same lines as cable television, cable internet is the most common broadband connection in Omaha. Cable internet is often bundled with television and/or home phone services.
- Fiber: Fiber is ideal for online gamers or those that work-from-home and require fast internet speeds. Fiber is not as widely available in Omaha as cable or DSL, but it is the fastest connection type on the market.
- Fixed Wireless: Fixed wireless internet uses wireless communication devices to deliver internet to your home through radio airwaves.
- Satellite: Covering 100 percent of the Omaha area, satellite is a great option for residents without many choices for internet. A satellite dish is installed on your roof to establish an internet connection.
Keep in mind that each type of internet has varying coverage availability throughout Omaha, so it’s likely that not all of these options will be available in your neighborhood.
How do I find the cheapest internet option in Omaha?
Cox Communications, Future Technologies and CenturyLink are currently the largest internet providers in Omaha. They each offer low-cost alternatives. In total, there are 24 internet providers in Omaha—8 offer residential services and 16 offer business services. Internet plans for residential customers have speeds ranging from 3-1000 Mbps.
Cheapest internet in Omaha
-
Rise Broadband—
$29.95/mo.
for up to 25 Mbps
*
-
Cox Communications—
$29.99/mo.
for up to 10 Mbps
*
-
CenturyLink—
$49/mo.
for up to 20 Mbps
*
-
Viasat Internet (formerly Exede)—
$50/mo.
for up to 12 Mbps
*
-
HughesNet—
$59.99/mo.
for up to 25 Mbps
*
* Price is per month before fees for length of contract. Price may be a promotion and is not guaranteed. Review final price and terms before choosing an internet provider.
How Much Internet Speed Do I Need In Omaha?
Omaha is a Midwestern city with a lot of urban amenities, but it is small enough for a hometown appeal. Many people find it a great place to raise a family. Depending on your household and internet needs, your internet speed requirements will vary. Like most users, Omaha residents are looking for fast internet service at an affordable price, but it is necessary to look at all of your options because a higher price does not necessarily mean higher speeds. Depending on your area, you may have different plans and prices available.
If you simply use the internet to browse the web, check emails, and stream videos on one device, you are considered a light internet user and would need speeds of at least speeds 25 Mbps or higher. If you play a lot of online games, have several people using the internet at once, or work from home, you should consider download speeds of at least 100 Mbps. Too much internet speed is a waste of money; too little speed can leave you frustrated.
Below are the recommended download speeds based on frequent internet activities and the residential providers in Omaha that offer these speeds.
| Recommended Speeds |
Type of Internet Activities |
Internet Providers in Omaha |
| 25+ Mbps |
- Basic web browsing
- Stream video on one device
- Low lag online gaming
- Ideal for 1-2 person household of light internet users
|
- CenturyLink
- Cox Communications
- Rise Broadband
- Viasat Internet (formerly Exede)
- HughesNet
- Future Technologies
|
| 100+ Mbps |
- Competitive gaming
- Heavy streaming
- High-resolution video chat
- No lag online gaming
- Appropriate for smart homes
- Ideal for 4+ household
|
- CenturyLink
- Cox Communications
- Rise Broadband
- Viasat Internet (formerly Exede)
|
| 1000+ Mbps |
- Stream 4K video on multiple devices (i.e. Load Netflix show in HD in 5 seconds or download a 30 GB game in less than 5 minutes)
- Gigabit performance
- Ideal for home offices
- Ideal for 4+ household of power internet users
|
- CenturyLink
- Cox Communications
|
Should I bundle TV or phone service in Omaha?
Cox Communications offers bundled deals in Omaha. Bundles offer one price for cable TV, internet, and/or phone service. Each provider offers unique benefits for bundling services and, depending on your residential or business needs, this may be an advantage. If you only need internet service, standalone internet plans are also available.
Bundled Cable Plans and Pricing in Omaha
| Internet Providers in Omaha |
Services |
Price Range of Bundles |
| Cox Communications |
Internet + Phone + TV |
$54.99-179.99/mo. |
How can I compare the major internet providers in Omaha?
There are many factors to consider when shopping for internet providers in Omaha. To find the one that is best for you, think about your purposes for using the internet and your budget. Then, check out the providers in your area and consider the following categories.
- Price: Consider how much you’re comfortable paying for internet every month. Whether you work for the Union Pacific Railroad or you’re a family of four living in Papillion, it’s important to set your budget.
- Speed: The amount of speed you need will depend on how you use the internet and how many people will be online at once. If you’re a restaurant or business owner in the metropolitan area of Omaha, higher speeds may be the ideal choice.
- Data Caps: Some plans will offer unlimited data while others will have data caps with extra fees for additional usage.
- Contracts: Many providers in Omaha require you to sign a contract to lock in a price, often for 1-2 years in length. Depending on your plans for staying in Omaha, consider whether you would be better off with a month-to-month or long-term contract.
What do I need to keep in mind when moving to Omaha?
Home to Conagra, Union Pacific Railroad, Kiewit Corporate, Mutual of Omaha, and Warren Buffett, Omaha is filled with various industries. If you are planning on moving to the city to work in one of the aforementioned industries or for the family-friendly, hometown feel, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing an internet provider.
If you enjoy the internet service from your current provider, check to see if they also service your new home. Give your provider a call to check if your current plan is transferable to your next home. If not, be prepared for early termination fees.
If you signed a contract with your current provider and you need to break it early, there may be an early termination fee (ETF). Early termination fees in Omaha can cost anywhere between $0-400, depending on your chosen plan and provider. For example, Cox Communications has 1-2-year contracts for internet plans and bundles with ETFs ranging from $120- $240. HughesNet has a 2-year term with a $400 ETF.
Most internet providers in Omaha have contracts with agreements ranging from 1-2 years. Viasat offers contract-free plans for a fee, while other providers may have month-to-month rates. Make sure you read your contract before signing up for the service so that you don’t encounter unexpected fees.
Installation Fees in Omaha
Installation costs in Omaha vary depending on provider and property details. Self-installation may also be an option with certain providers and plans, which is usually cheaper than professional installation. On the other hand, some providers in Omaha may require you to pay for professional installation.
How much data do you need for your home or business internet in Omaha?
If you work at home, stream movies or sporting events, or participate in online gaming, you will need to find a provider with unlimited data or a large data cap. Internet providers in Omaha offering plans with no data caps include Viasat Internet (formerly Exede) and Future Technologies. Cox Communications and CenturyLink offer plans that have data caps of 1 TB or higher.
What are the most-connected neighborhoods in Omaha?
Omaha is the 29th most connected city in Nebraska and has two major universities: Creighton and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The areas around these campuses have 4-5 different choices for consumer internet access.
Most neighborhoods in Omaha have access to cable and DSL with at least 2-3 internet providers available. For example, The Old Market, Conagra Drive, and Harney Street have 2-3 providers available. In general, most residents choose from Future Technologies, CenturyLink and Cox Communications for service.