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Internet providers in Columbus, MN

Columbus City Map

Internet providers in your area

Columbus, MN internet providers

Provider
Xfinity $29.99 50 - 3,000 MbpsCable16%
CenturyLink $50.00 ** 10 - 940 MbpsDSL96%
Midcontinent Communications $50.00 10 - 1,000 MbpsCable83%
HughesNet $64.99 25 - 25 MbpsSatellite100%
Viasat $69.99 12 - 150 MbpsSatellite100%
Shop providers Need help? Call: (844) 512-2720

Columbus internet service at a glance

At 88%, broadband coverage in Columbus is comparable to the rest of Minnesota - 97%, and comparable to broadband coverage across the U.S. - 95%.

The vast majority of those living in the Columbus area will have access to cable, which covers 88% of Columbus residents. No DSL or fiber-optic providers are currently available in Columbus, but satellite or fixed-wireless providers may offer broadband options in your area.

There are six internet providers serving the Columbus area, and 83.33% of households will have internet options from more than one provider. Among Columbus's six internet providers, prices start at $29.99 and available download speeds reach up to 3,000 Mbps.

Top high-speed internet providers in Columbus

The largest internet providers in Columbus are Xfinity, CenturyLink, and Midcontinent Communications bringing cable and DSL options to Columbus.

Cable internet from Xfinity is available to many Columbus residents, covering 16% of households. Many will also have the option of DSL from CenturyLink, which covers 96% of the area. Columbus’s third most-available internet provider, Midcontinent Communications, offers cable to around 83% of Columbus residents.

Xfinity cable internet

Provider
Xfinity
Starting price*
$29.99/mo.
Max download speed

3,000 Mbps

Max upload speed

25 Mbps

Average availability

16%

Cable from Xfinity offers broadband to a limited number of households in Columbus covering 16% of the area.

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

Internet prices for Xfinity start at $29.99/mo.*, which is significantly lower than the average starting price for internet in Columbus, $52.99.

Xfinity customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 50 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $0.60 per Mbps, lower than the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Columbus, $2.52.

For those who value internet speed as much as cost, Xfinity offers download speeds up to 3,000 Mbps and upload speeds up to 25 Mbps in Columbus. These download speeds are available to 16% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Columbus's providers, 284 Mbps.

Check availability Call us: (844) 512-2720

CenturyLink DSL internet

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

940 Mbps

Max upload speed

40 Mbps

Average availability

96%

DSL from CenturyLink offers broadband to nearly all households in Columbus covering 96% of the area.

DSL internet from CenturyLink uses telephone lines in Columbus 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 Columbus, $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, higher than the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Columbus, $2.52.

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 Columbus. These download speeds are available to 96% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Columbus's providers, 284 Mbps.

Check availability Call us: (844) 512-2720

Midcontinent Communications cable internet

Provider

Midcontinent Communications

Starting price*
$50/mo.
Max download speed

1,000 Mbps

Max upload speed

20 Mbps

Average availability

83%

Cable from Midcontinent Communications offers broadband to nearly all households in Columbus covering 83% of the area.

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

Internet prices for Midcontinent Communications start at $50/mo.*, which is about the same as the average starting price for internet in Columbus, $52.99.

Midcontinent Communications customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 10 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $5.00 per Mbps, higher than the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in Columbus, $2.52.

For those who value internet speed as much as cost, Midcontinent Communications offers download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps and upload speeds up to 20 Mbps in Columbus. These download speeds are available to 83% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all Columbus's providers, 284 Mbps.

Check availability Call us: (844) 512-2720

Internet coverage for rural areas

If you live in the heart of Columbus, you’ll likely have options from DSL and cable internet providers. For those in rural areas or just outside Columbus, however, satellite or fixed wireless internet may be the best internet option.

Satellite internet from HughesNet and Viasat offers 100% availability in Columbus and surrounding areas. HughesNet starting prices are significantly higher than average in Columbus at $64.99/mo. for speeds up to 25 Mbps. Viasat starting prices are significantly higher than average in Columbus at $69.99/mo. for speeds up to 150 Mbps. Satellite internet is a less appealing option for many Columbus residents, however, as service typically comes with high latency and low data allowances.

Internet provider frequently asked questions

Xfinity is the fastest internet provider in Columbus with download speeds up to 3,000 Mbps. These speeds are available to 16% of households in Columbus. The next fastest internet provider in Columbus is Midcontinent Communications, offering download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps to 83% of the area.

Xfinity offers the cheapest internet in Columbus with plans starting at $29.99/mo. This is significantly less than the average starting price for internet in Columbus, $52.99.

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.

If you suspect your slow speeds are the result of your internet provider throttling your connection, the easiest way to determine if you’re being throttled is to perform two speed tests. Run the first test on your regular network, then run the second one on a VPN. If the two speeds are drastically different (and the VPN test was higher), your internet provider may be throttling your speeds.

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.

Internet deals such as speed upgrades, promotional pricing, equipment perks and free installation are available from many internet providers. Bundling internet with TV and home phone is also a popular way to get a deal on internet.