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Internet providers in Ames, IA

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Ames, IA internet providers

Provider
CenturyLink $50.00 ** 10 - 940 MbpsDSL80%
CenturyLink $50.00 ** 10 - 940 MbpsFiber-optic9.970%
Windstream - 200 - 2,000 MbpsDSL2.704%
Windstream - 200 - 2,000 MbpsFiber-optic0.385%
Mediacom $19.99 100 - 1,000 MbpsCable99%

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of Sep 23, 2022.

**Speeds/pricing may vary. Service is not available everywhere.

Shop providers Need help? Call: (844) 512-2720

Ames internet service at a glance

  • Fastest advertised download speeds

    2000 Mbps

    Provider: Windstream

    Source: FCC

  • Broadband availability

    59037

    people have access to broadband internet of any type

    1 provider - 99.32%

    2 providers - 96.12%

    3 providers - 29.02%

    4+ providers - 1.78%

    Source: FCC

  • Most available internet technology

    Cable - 99%

    DSL - 33%

    Fiber - 95%

    Source: FCC

At 100%, broadband coverage in Ames is comparable to the rest of Iowa - 96%, and comparable to broadband coverage across the U.S. - 95%.

The vast majority of those living in the Ames area will have access to cable, which covers 99% of Ames residents. Fiber-optic internet is also an option for many, offering service to 95% of the area. DSL is less available but still a popular internet option for roughly 33% of those living in Ames.

There are 10 internet providers serving the Ames area, and 96.12% of households will have internet options from more than one provider. Among Ames's 10 internet providers, prices start at $19.99 and available download speeds reach up to 2,000 Mbps.

Results from real users

Average internet speeds in Ames

ProviderDownload speedUpload speedInternet type
Mediacom 104 Mbps 16 Mbps Cable
ICS Advanced Technologies 113 Mbps 71 Mbps Wired
Windstream 85 Mbps 41 Mbps DSL
Rise Broadband 30 Mbps 10 Mbps Wireless
CenturyLink 96 Mbps 50 Mbps DSL

*Data sourced from M-LAB speed tests taken by real users in Ames.

Compare Ames internet speeds to the national average

  • Download Speeds

    Ames – 125 Mbps

    IA – 100 Mbps

    U.S. – 123 Mbps

  • Upload Speeds

    Ames – 69 Mbps

    IA – 47 Mbps

    U.S. – 44 Mbps

*Data sourced from M-LAB speed tests taken by real users in Ames.

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Top high-speed internet providers in Ames

The largest internet providers in Ames are CenturyLink, Mediacom, and HughesNet bringing DSL, cable, and satellite options to Ames.

DSL internet from CenturyLink is available to most Ames residents, covering 80% of households. Many will also have the option of cable from Mediacom, which covers 99% of the area. Ames’s third most-available internet provider, HughesNet, offers satellite to around 100% of Ames residents.

CenturyLink DSL internet

Provider
CenturyLink
Starting price*
$50/mo.
Max download speed

940 Mbps

Max upload speed

40 Mbps

Average availability

80%

*Wireless speeds may vary. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of Sep 23, 2022.

DSL from CenturyLink offers broadband to nearly all households in Ames covering 80% of the area.

DSL internet from CenturyLink uses telephone lines in Ames to deliver service, which often leads to lower prices and higher availability, though download speeds are likely to be slower than cable or fiber-optic internet.

Internet prices for CenturyLink start at $50/mo.*, which is about the same as the average starting price for internet in Ames, $50.70.

CenturyLink customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 10 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $5.00 per Mbps, significantly higher than the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Ames, $1.41.

For those who value internet speed as much as cost, CenturyLink offers download speeds up to 940 Mbps and upload speeds up to 40 Mbps in Ames. These download speeds are available to 80% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Ames's providers, 311 Mbps.

Check availability Call us: (844) 512-2720

Mediacom cable internet

Provider
Mediacom
Starting price*
$19.99/mo.
Max download speed

1,000 Mbps

Max upload speed

50 Mbps

Average availability

99%

*Wireless speeds may vary. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of Sep 23, 2022.

Cable from Mediacom offers broadband to all households in Ames covering 99% of the area.

Mediacom’s cable network is likely to offer faster speeds than DSL or satellite service, but Ames residents in densely populated areas may experience slowed speeds during peak usage times.

Internet prices for Mediacom start at $19.99/mo.*, which is significantly lower than the average starting price for internet in Ames, $50.70.

Mediacom customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 100 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $0.20 per Mbps, lower than the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Ames, $1.41.

For those who value internet speed as much as cost, Mediacom offers download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps and upload speeds up to 50 Mbps in Ames. These download speeds are available to 99% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Ames's providers, 311 Mbps.

Check availability Call us: (844) 512-2720

HughesNet satellite internet

Provider
HughesNet
Starting price*
$64.99/mo.
Max download speed

25 Mbps

Max upload speed

3 Mbps

Average availability

100%

*Wireless speeds may vary. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of Sep 23, 2022.

Satellite from HughesNet offers broadband to all households in Ames covering 100% of the area.

HughesNet satellite internet offers reliable connection in areas of Ames where other internet types may not be available, but service is likely to come with low monthly data allowances and high latency, making streaming binges and real-time online gaming impractical.

Internet prices for HughesNet start at $64.99/mo.*, which is significantly higher than the average starting price for internet in Ames, $50.70.

HughesNet customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 25 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $2.60 per Mbps, higher than the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Ames, $1.41.

For those who value internet speed as much as cost, HughesNet offers download speeds up to 25 Mbps and upload speeds up to 3 Mbps in Ames. These download speeds are available to 100% of the area, and are much slower than the average max speeds from all Ames's providers, 311 Mbps.

Check availability Call us: (844) 512-2720

Internet provider frequently asked questions

Windstream is the fastest internet provider in Ames with download speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. These speeds are available to 2.704% of households in Ames. The next fastest internet provider in Ames is Windstream, offering download speeds up to 2,000 Mbps to 0.385% of the area.

Mediacom offers the cheapest internet in Ames with plans starting at $19.99/mo. This is significantly less than the average starting price for internet in Ames, $50.70.

CenturyLink is the largest fiber-optic internet service provider in Ames, covering 9.970% of the city. ICS Advanced Technologies also offers fiber internet in Ames and is available to 1.222% of households.

Resetting your router and optimizing your router settings can give you an instant speed boost. Consider Wi-Fi extenders if your signal is weaker in certain areas of your home. Also, be sure to check your Wi-Fi network to see if there are any unknown devices or users connected that could be slowing your network.

No matter where you live, your address is likely serviceable for satellite internet from providers such as HughesNet and Viasat. You will probably also have the option of at least one cable provider, such as Cox, Spectrum and Xfinity, and DSL providers such as Frontier and Verizon. Roughly a third of households will be eligible for fiber internet from AT&T, CenturyLink, Windstream or other providers.

Monthly costs for internet can range from $20 to $60, depending on which providers are available in your area. Added fees for Wi-Fi service and equipment can add to that cost, but your internet provider may give you the option to use your own router, which can lower the monthly internet cost.

*GIG: Limited time offer; subject to change; valid to qualified residential customers who have not subscribed to any services within the previous 30 days and who have no outstanding obligation to Charter. Spectrum Internet® Gig promotion price is $89.99/mo; standard rates apply after yr. 1. Taxes, fees and surcharges extra and subject to change during and after the promotional period; installation/network activation, equipment and additional services are extra. General Terms: INTERNET: Speed based on wired connection and may vary by address. Wireless speeds may vary. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. Enter your address to determine availability. ©2022 Charter Communications.

Speed based on wired connection. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit spectrum.net/modem

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