Compare 50014 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 50014
Internet providers in your area
50014 internet providers
| Provider | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CenturyLink | $50.00 ** | 10 - 940 Mbps | DSL | 89% |
| CenturyLink | $50.00 ** | 10 - 940 Mbps | Fiber-optic | 24% |
Windstream  | $19.99 | 200 - 2,000 Mbps | DSL | 6.040% |
| Windstream | $75.00 | 200 - 2,000 Mbps | Fiber-optic | 1.030% |
| Mediacom | $19.99 | 100 - 1,000 Mbps | Cable | 99% |
| ICS Advanced Technologies | - | - | Wired | 45% |
| ICS Advanced Technologies | - | - | DSL | 27% |
| Minerva Valley Telephone Company | $75.00 | 50 - 500 Mbps | DSL | 3.120% |
| ICS Advanced Technologies | - | - | Fiber-optic | 2.410% |
| Woolstock Mutual Telephone Association | $45.00 | 10 - 25 Mbps | DSL | 1.840% |
| Central Iowa Broadband | $75.00 | 50 - 1,000 Mbps | Fiber-optic | 1.640% |
| HughesNet | $64.99 | 25 - 25 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
| Viasat | $69.99 | 12 - 150 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
| Rise Broadband | $29.95 | 25 - 250 Mbps | Wireless | 96% |
| Breeze Broadband Communications | - | - | Wireless | 35% |
| ICS Advanced Technologies | - | - | Wireless | 13% |
| Woolstock Mutual Telephone Association | $45.00 | 10 - 25 Mbps | Wireless | 1.840% |
*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?50014 internet service at a glance
Broadband availability
20678
people have access to broadband internet of any type
1 provider - 99.49%
2 providers - 98.62%
3 providers - 47.72%
4+ providers - 3.12%
Source: FCC
At 99%, broadband coverage in the 50014 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 50014 ZIP will have access to cable, which covers 98% of households. Fiber-optic internet is also an option for many, offering service to 93% of the area. DSL is less available but still a popular internet option for roughly 35% of those living in the 50014 ZIP code.
There are 11 internet providers serving the 50014 area, and 98.62% of households will have internet options from more than one provider. Among 11 internet providers in 50014, prices start at $19.99 and available download speeds reach up to 2,000 Mbps.
Results from real users
Average internet speeds in Ames
| Provider | Download speed | Upload speed | Internet type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mediacom | 92 Mbps | 15 Mbps | Cable |
| Rise Broadband | 19 Mbps | 4 Mbps | Wireless |
| CenturyLink | 122 Mbps | 49 Mbps | DSL |
| ICS Advanced Technologies | 115 Mbps | 70 Mbps | Wired |
| Windstream | 118 Mbps | 74 Mbps | DSL |
*Data sourced from M-LAB speed tests taken by real users in Ames.
Top high-speed internet providers in 50014
The largest internet providers serving the 50014 ZIP code are CenturyLink and Mediacom bringing DSL, fiber-optic, and cable options to the area.
DSL internet from CenturyLink is available to nearly all in the 50014 ZIP code, covering 89% of households. Some will also have the option of fiber-optic from CenturyLink, which covers 24% of the area. Ames’s third most-available internet provider, Mediacom, offers cable to around 99% of residents in the 50014 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 nearly all households in the 50014 ZIP code, covering 89% 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, $53.74.
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, $0.69.
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 50014 ZIP code. These download speeds are available to 89% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Ames's providers, 248 Mbps.
CenturyLink fiber-optic 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.
Fiber-optic from CenturyLink offers broadband to some, but not many households in the 50014 ZIP code, covering 24% of the area.
Fiber-optic service from CenturyLink is popular for its fast download and upload speeds, even during peak usage times, but may be less available throughout 50014 ZIP code than other internet types.
Internet prices for CenturyLink start at $50/mo.*, which is about the same as the average starting price for internet in Ames, $53.74.
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, $0.69.
For those who value internet speed as much as cost, CenturyLink offers download speeds up to 940 Mbps and upload speeds up to 1,000 Mbps in 50014 ZIP code. These download speeds are available to 24% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Ames's providers, 248 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 50014 ZIP code, covering 99% of the area.
Mediacom’s cable network is likely to offer faster speeds than DSL or satellite service, but 50014 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, $53.74.
Mediacom customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 100 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $0.20 per Mbps, about the same as the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Ames, $0.69.
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 50014 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, 248 Mbps.
Internet coverage for rural areas
If you have limited cable, DSL and fiber-optic internet options in the 50014 ZIP code, satellite and fixed wireless providers may be available.
Satellite internet from HughesNet and Viasat offers 100% availability in 50014 and the greater Ames area. HughesNet starting prices are significantly higher than average in Ames at $64.99/mo. for speeds up to 25 Mbps. Viasat starting prices are significantly higher than average in Ames at $69.99/mo. for speeds up to 150 Mbps. Satellite internet is a less appealing option for many in the 50014 ZIP, however, as service typically comes with high latency and low data allowances.
Fixed wireless is another popular internet option for those in rural areas. Those living in or just outside of Ames may have access to fixed wireless internet service from HughesNet, with plans starting at $64.99 and available download speeds up to 25 Mbps. Fixed wireless service is less likely to come with the high latency of satellite internet, but monthly data limits can still be an issue compared to Ames cable, DSL, and fiber-optic internet providers.
Internet providers in 50014 frequently asked questions
Windstream is the fastest internet provider in the 50014 ZIP code with download speeds up to 2,000 Mbps. These speeds are available to 6.040% of households in 50014. The next fastest internet provider in the 50014 ZIP code is Windstream, offering download speeds up to 2,000 Mbps to 1.030% of the area.
Mediacom offers the cheapest internet in the 50014 ZIP with service starting at $19.99/mo. This is significantly less than the average starting price for internet in Ames, $53.74.
CenturyLink is the largest fiber-optic internet service provider serving the 50014 ZIP code, covering 24% of the city. ICS Advanced Technologies also offers fiber internet in 50014 and is available to 2.410% of households.
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.
Wi-Fi connects your device to a router, but that router needs to be connected to the internet for your device to also be connected to the internet. You need an internet service provider to get Wi-Fi.
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.
*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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