Compare 50010 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.
Internet providers in 50010
Internet providers in your area
50010 internet providers
| Provider | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CenturyLink | $50.00 ** | 10 - 940 Mbps | DSL | 73% |
| CenturyLink | $50.00 ** | 10 - 940 Mbps | Fiber-optic | 1.630% |
| Mediacom | $19.99 | 100 - 1,000 Mbps | Cable | 99% |
ICS Advanced Technologies  | - | - | Wired | 18% |
| ICS Advanced Technologies | - | - | DSL | 14% |
| Minerva Valley Telephone Company | $75.00 | 50 - 500 Mbps | DSL | 3.260% |
| Central Iowa Broadband | $75.00 | 50 - 1,000 Mbps | Fiber-optic | 2.420% |
| Independent Networks | $50.00 | 10 - 100 Mbps | DSL | 1.430% |
| Independent Networks | $50.00 | 10 - 100 Mbps | Fiber-optic | 1.430% |
| Rockwell Cooperative Telephone Association | $49.95 | 5 - 50 Mbps | DSL | 1.430% |
| Rockwell Cooperative Telephone Association | $49.95 | 5 - 50 Mbps | Fiber-optic | 1.430% |
| Woolstock Mutual Telephone Association | $45.00 | 10 - 25 Mbps | DSL | 1.430% |
| ICS Advanced Technologies | - | - | Fiber-optic | 0.030% |
| HughesNet | $64.99 | 25 - 25 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
| Viasat | $69.99 | 12 - 150 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
| Rise Broadband | $29.95 | 25 - 250 Mbps | Wireless | 99% |
| Breeze Broadband Communications | - | - | Wireless | 68% |
| ICS Advanced Technologies | - | - | Wireless | 15% |
| Woolstock Mutual Telephone Association | $45.00 | 10 - 25 Mbps | Wireless | 1.430% |
*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.
Need help?50010 internet service at a glance
Broadband availability
15686
people have access to broadband internet of any type
1 provider - 99.74%
2 providers - 96.89%
3 providers - 17.75%
4+ providers - 1.78%
Source: FCC
At 98%, broadband coverage in the 50010 ZIP code 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 50010 ZIP will have access to cable, which covers 97% of households. 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 30% of those living in the 50010 ZIP code.
There are 12 internet providers serving the 50010 area, and 96.89% of households will have internet options from more than one provider. Among 12 internet providers in 50010, prices start at $19.99 and available download speeds reach up to 1,000 Mbps.
Results from real users
Average internet speeds in Ames
| Provider | Download speed | Upload speed | Internet type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rise Broadband | 67 Mbps | 25 Mbps | Wireless |
| Mediacom | 112 Mbps | 17 Mbps | Cable |
| CenturyLink | 74 Mbps | 52 Mbps | DSL |
| ICS Advanced Technologies | 108 Mbps | 74 Mbps | Wired |
*Data sourced from M-LAB speed tests taken by real users in Ames.
Top high-speed internet providers in 50010
The largest internet providers serving the 50010 ZIP code are CenturyLink, Mediacom, and HughesNet bringing DSL, cable, and satellite options to the area.
DSL internet from CenturyLink is available to most in the 50010 ZIP code, covering 73% 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 residents in the 50010 ZIP code.
CenturyLink DSL internet
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*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 most households in the 50010 ZIP code, covering 73% of the area.
DSL internet from CenturyLink uses telephone lines 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, $52.99.
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, $1.61.
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 50010 ZIP code. These download speeds are available to 73% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Ames's providers, 136 Mbps.
Mediacom cable internet
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*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 the 50010 ZIP code, covering 99% of the area.
Mediacom’s cable network is likely to offer faster speeds than DSL or satellite service, but 50010 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, $52.99.
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, $1.61.
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 50010 ZIP code. These download speeds are available to 99% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Ames's providers, 136 Mbps.
HughesNet satellite internet
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*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 the 50010 ZIP code, covering 100% of the area.
HughesNet satellite internet offers reliable connection throughout the 50010 ZIP 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, $52.99.
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, $1.61.
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 50010 ZIP code. These download speeds are available to 100% of the area, and are much slower than the average max speeds from all Ames's providers, 136 Mbps.
Internet providers in 50010 frequently asked questions
Mediacom is the fastest internet provider in the 50010 ZIP code with download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. These speeds are available to 99% of households in 50010. The next fastest internet provider in the 50010 ZIP code is Central Iowa Broadband, offering download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps to 2.420% of the area.
Mediacom offers the cheapest internet in the 50010 ZIP with service starting at $19.99/mo. This is significantly less than the average starting price for internet in Ames, $52.99.
Central Iowa Broadband is the largest fiber-optic internet service provider serving the 50010 ZIP code, covering 2.420% of the city. CenturyLink also offers fiber internet in 50010 and is available to 1.630% of households.
Select internet providers including AT&T, Spectrum and Xfinity have thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots that customers can connect to at no extra cost. If your internet provider does not offer free Wi-Fi hotspots, you can find free public Wi-Fi at your local library or many restaurants and cafes. Consider these tips for using public Wi-Fi safely.
Cable internet will nearly always offer faster speeds than DSL, but typically at a higher price point. So if you’re shopping for cheap internet plans, DSL may be your better option but if you want speed, consider cable internet.
Using your own router is a good way to cut internet costs without having to downgrade your internet plan. You can also try negotiating for a lower price with your current provider, or switch to another internet provider to take advantage of introductory pricing and special promotions.
*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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