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While broadband technology keeps improving, Americans still aren’t satisfied with the speeds they’re getting. Here’s how you can improve yours. Read more
Internet providers in Waterloo, IA
Shop the best Waterloo internet providers. Compare internet plan pricing and speeds from cable, DSL and fiber-optic providers in your area.
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Waterloo, IA internet providers
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| Provider | ||||
| CenturyLink | $65 | 12 - 1,000 Mbps | Fiber-optic | 0.237% |
| CenturyLink | $45 | 12 - 100 Mbps | DSL | 72% |
| Mediacom | $29.99 | 60 - 1,000 Mbps | Cable | 100% |
| Farmers Cooperative Telephone Company-Dysart | - | - | Fiber-optic | 1.767% |
| Farmers Cooperative Telephone Company-Dysart | - | - | DSL | 1.767% |
| HughesNet | $59.99 | 25 - 25 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
| Viasat | $50 | 12 - 25 Mbps | Satellite | 100% |
| Rise Broadband | $39.95 | 5 - 15 Mbps | Wireless | 99% |
| Eastlight LC | - | - | Wireless | 89% |
*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 Jun 1, 2020.
Need help?Waterloo internet service at a glance
At 100%, broadband coverage in Waterloo 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 Waterloo area will have access to cable, which covers 100% of Waterloo residents. DSL internet is also an option for many, offering service to 95% of the area. Fiber-optic is less available but still a popular internet option for roughly 2.570% of those living in Waterloo.
There are seven internet providers serving the Waterloo area, and 94.46% of households will have internet options from more than one provider. Among Waterloo's seven internet providers, prices start at $29.99 and available download speeds reach up to 1,000 Mbps.
Top high-speed internet providers in Waterloo
The largest internet providers in Waterloo are CenturyLink, Mediacom, and HughesNet bringing DSL, cable, and satellite options to Waterloo.
DSL internet from CenturyLink is available to most Waterloo residents, covering 72% of households. Many will also have the option of cable from Mediacom, which covers 100% of the area. Waterloo’s third most-available internet provider, HughesNet, offers satellite to around 100% of Waterloo residents.
CenturyLink DSL internet
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*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. Speeds may vary. As of Jun 1, 2020.
DSL from CenturyLink offers broadband to most households in Waterloo covering 72% of the area.
DSL internet from CenturyLink uses telephone lines in Waterloo 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 $45/mo.*, which is about the same as the average starting price for internet in Waterloo, $44.99.
CenturyLink customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 12 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $3.75 per Mbps, higher than the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Waterloo, $1.80.
For those who value internet speed as much as cost, CenturyLink offers download speeds up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds up to 40 Mbps in Waterloo. These download speeds are available to 72% of the area, and are much slower than the average max speeds from all Waterloo's providers, 433 Mbps.
Mediacom cable internet
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*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. Speeds may vary. As of Jun 1, 2020.
Cable from Mediacom offers broadband to all households in Waterloo covering 100% of the area.
Mediacom’s cable network is likely to offer faster speeds than DSL or satellite service, but Waterloo residents in densely populated areas may experience slowed speeds during peak usage times.
Internet prices for Mediacom start at $29.99/mo.*, which is significantly lower than the average starting price for internet in Waterloo, $44.99.
Mediacom customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 60 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $0.50 per Mbps, lower than the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Waterloo, $1.80.
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 Waterloo. These download speeds are available to 100% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Waterloo's providers, 433 Mbps.
HughesNet satellite internet
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*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. Speeds may vary. As of Jun 1, 2020.
Satellite from HughesNet offers broadband to all households in Waterloo covering 100% of the area.
HughesNet satellite internet offers reliable connection in areas of Waterloo 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 $59.99/mo.*, which is significantly higher than the average starting price for internet in Waterloo, $44.99.
HughesNet customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 25 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $2.40 per Mbps, about the same as the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Waterloo, $1.80.
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 Waterloo. These download speeds are available to 100% of the area, and are much slower than the average max speeds from all Waterloo's providers, 433 Mbps.
Internet provider frequently asked questions
What’s the fastest internet provider in Waterloo?
CenturyLink is the fastest internet provider in Waterloo with download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. These speeds are available to 0.237% of households in Waterloo. The next fastest internet provider in Waterloo is Mediacom, offering download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps to 100% of the area.
What’s the cheapest internet provider in Waterloo?
Mediacom offers the cheapest internet in Waterloo with plans starting at $29.99/mo. This is significantly less than the average starting price for internet in Waterloo, $44.99.
Is fiber internet available in Waterloo?
Farmers Cooperative Telephone Company-Dysart is the largest fiber-optic internet service provider in Waterloo, covering 1.767% of the city. CenturyLink also offers fiber internet in Waterloo and is available to 0.237% of households.
How much speed do I need for streaming?
Each video streaming service has varying recommended speeds, but speeds up to 10 Mbps will often handle streaming on one device. For HD and 4K streaming, consider faster speeds of at least 25 Mbps to reduce buffering and maintain optimal picture quality.
Do I need a new modem for fiber internet?
Yes. Fiber-optic internet is a completely different technology than DSL or cable internet, and therefore requires a different type of modem. In many cases, you can get the required modem from your internet provider at no extra cost.
How do I change internet providers?
Learn the penalty, if any, of canceling service with your current provider. Find other internet providers in your area and compare plans and pricing. Choose the internet provider and plan that best meets your needs. Order your new services and get your installation/activation date. Call your current internet provider and cancel service by the activation date of your new service.
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