Best Internet Providers in Iowa

Q: Does where you live affect your Internet speed?

Where you live can absolutely impact your Internet speed . Depending on how near you are to your network’s closest infrastructure (data center or cell tower), the speed may be impacted. If you live in a rural area , you’ll have less access to high-speed Internet connections like cable, fiber optic, and DSL. You may then have to use satellite Internet, in which transmission times are slower to the satellites in space, decreasing your Internet speed. The types of walls you have (brick, concrete, metal) may also make the signal weaker. Most importantly, if there are many households in your neighborhood connected to the same network , your speeds may decrease. This is especially true during times of the day when most people are at home (evenings).

Home United States Internet Service Providers US The Best Internet Providers in Iowa

Best telecom companies internet Internet and television Iowa telecom

Last updated on: August 23, 2022

There are various internet providers in Iowa, and it’s not always easy to find the right one. These providers offer different package deals on the internet, telephone connectivity, and television streaming services depending on each user’s needs, expectations, and online activity. There are different speeds available for each use, which is determined by the actual internet usage as well as the number of devices connected.

Read this guide to better understand the internet and TV technologies available in US

Where available, there are advanced services offered by service providers that have fiber-optic networks and satellite enhanced connections. With the customer’s needs coming first, user satisfaction is the top priority for each user’s package deals. Flexibility, choice, and adaptability are what set apart each service provider. To help you find the best internet provider in Iowa, keep reading.

MovingWaldo's list of the Best Internet Service Providers in Iowa

These reviews are not sponsored, we independently reviewed all the companies we recommend. Clicking on a link may earn us a commission. Learn more.

COX

18664569944

Services offered

Internet: COX’s fastest internet speed goes up to 940 Mbps and is sold at a very affordable price. While they do primarily focus on cable internet, their internet is known as having a very reliable connection for streaming and video calling.

Television: COX Contour TV provides the channels that users love, even live streams and on-demand shows. There is also a voice remote that helps users find their favourite shows faster. One added advantage of COX Contour TV is that you get to build your cable bundle. Users get to filter services, browse which bundles they prefer and find a plan that fits into their family’s needs and expectations.

Home Phone: COX Voice guarantees crystal-clear phone calls. Users also enjoy features such as robocall blocking, caller ID, speed dial and simultaneous ring. With Bundle Cox Voice, there are also added benefits such as unlimited calling to over 30 countries.

Internet connection type

Why COX is recommended by our expert

COX provides cable internet, digital phone services, TV and much more. They focus on on making homes ”smarter” by creative innovative digital solutions for homes. COX’s internet is known as one of the best for streaming which is excellent for gamers and heavy internet users.

HughesNet

18447372700

Services offered

Internet: HughesNet is a global leader in the supply of broadband satellite technology which is excellent for people living in rural areas. They are known for their services for their residential and commercial internet services. There are various consumer and business plans that are affordable, depending on a user’s specific requirements and needs. While satellite internet is considered to be slow, HughesNet has some of the fastest speeds.

Television: By using satellite TV, users get to keep data usage low and have unlimited access to their choice of television content. Because HughesNet does not offer satellite TV services, there are options for connecting through DISH and DirecTV providers.

Home Phone: HughesNet Voice offers affordable prices for users seeking home phone services. They also include a two-year price lock guarantee, which comes with a set-up and activation service included. They are known for their unlimited local and nationwide calling and potential savings on the user’s equipment when they request a bundle for phone service with the internet.

Internet connection type

Why HughesNet is recommended by our expert

HughesNet is a company that offers fast and reliable satellite internet to regions where cable and DSL providers cannot reach. They deliver fast speeds at affordable prices to their customers. HughesNet is powered by EchoStar XIX, the highest capacity broadband satellite in the world. This is the number one choice for satellite internet in the United States. Through this, HughesNet is able to supply many households and small businesses from coast to coast.

Viasat

18664480940

Services offered

Internet: Viasat is a leader when it comes to satellite internet. They provide fast, reliable and affordable internet in rural areas. Viasat even has a 2 year price-lock guarantee with no hidden fees.

Television: Viasat offers a quality video-viewing experience to their users. Clients can combine Viasat internet with DISH TV to save money. Home television features include remote finders, 2k recording hours, smart DVR, access to over 80 thousand on-demand titles so much more. Users are able to integrate all their apps into one remote control, for example, Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video.

Home Phone: Viasat Voice offers home phone services at affordable rates. New customers receive a reduced rate on their Voice service for the first 6 months if they choose to bundle it with Viasat Internet. There is also an offer for $10 off Voice when bundled with the internet, at only $29.99 per month. Set up is quite simple, with unlimited local and long-distance calling benefits to all 50 states and Canada. There are several other popular features included too.

Internet connection type

Why Viasat is recommended by our expert

Viasat operates across the United States, especially in rural areas where satellite internet is the only option. It provides high-speed satellite internet services and offers secure networking systems. Their internet is so good that they are known for providing internet services to in-flight passengers. Their satellite connectivity allows them to serve remote areas with ease.

CenturyLink

18666420444

Services offered

Internet: CenturyLink offers high quality fiber internet that include a wide range of available speeds. CenturyLink is also expanding its Fiber Gigabit internet connectivity that can deliver internet speeds up to 940 Mbps in given areas. Plus, one can also connect multiple devices with the super-fast in-home WiFi.

Television: CenturyLink partners with leading satellite connectivity companies for live TV. This also includes on-demand streaming services. CenturyLink even has a DVR and voice remote, as well as a variety of features such as recording options. One can also choose to watch and stream shows on their smart device of choice.

Home Phone: CenturyLink’s home phone plans ensure that users receive reliable landline phone services with clear and crisp connections. They also offer local, long-distance and other services such as VoIP home phone plans that meet each user’s needs and requirements. Each package comes with features such as call waiting, call waiting ID, caller ID, 3-way calling, call forwarding, anonymous call rejection, call return, speed call and busy redial, all depending on the region.

Internet connection type

Why CenturyLink is recommended by our expert

Established in 1968, CenturyLink offers high-speed internet services, home phones and TV services to residential customers. They also have package deals for small businesses. CenturyLink’s other communication services include local and long-distance voice services, and cloud hosting.

Mediacom

12129124200

Services offered

Internet: Mediacom provides internet services at competitive prices. The different plan options have speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps if the user needs such. Mediacom gives back to their community by initiating programs that provide internet to rural communities and the less fortunate.

Television: Mediacom offers services such as Cable TV and streaming services in more than 22 states in the US and over 1,500 communities in the Midwest. Users enjoy impressive channel lineups for every family, including kids’ channels. There are also add-ons such as on-demand content and sports.

Home Phone: Mediacom’s home phone plans include unlimited nationwide calling and numerous calling features such as caller ID, robocall blocking and call back features. Home phones with Mediacom are known for their clear and crisp quality and solid connection.

Internet connection type

Why Mediacom is recommended by our expert

Mediacom was founded in 1995 and is known for their competitive internet prices. They are also ranked among the leading cable operators that are focused on providing services to small cities and towns. Mediacom also have low-cost plans via their Connect2Compete program for customers who cannot afford normal rates.

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Verification process

CTRC verification

We verify that the Internet service providers (ISPs) listed are recognized by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

Availability verification

We verify the availability of Internet plans at your address. We offer search by postal code from our Telecom Module.

Regular audits and updates

We audit ISPs websites regularly to display the most updated packages available on the market.

Promotions and deals

We verify new promotions and, in some instances, have the ability to negotiate exclusive offers on your behalf that are available to you by following links from our website.

CTRC verification

We verify that the Internet service providers (ISPs) listed are recognized by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

Availability verification

We verify the availability of Internet plans at your address. We offer search by postal code from our Telecom Module.

Regular audits and updates

We audit ISPs websites regularly to display the most updated packages available on the market.

Promotions and deals

We verify new promotions and, in some instances, have the ability to negotiate exclusive offers on your behalf that are available to you by following links from our website.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of Internet connections?

The main types of Internet connections in Canada are DSL, Cable, Fiber optic, Fixed wireless, and Satellite. Note that you may not always be able to choose your type of Internet connection due to your location and your home’s infrastructure. However, if you live in an urban area where there are many to select from, refer to the chart below to determine which one is best for you!

Type of connection	How it works and who it’s good for
DSL	DSL Internet uses phone lines to transmit signals. As most buildings have phone lines, you won’t need to worry about a complex installation process. DSL speeds can usually reach a maximum of 100 Mbps and are suitable for the typical household.
Cable	Cable Internet uses cable lines that are also used for cable TV. As most buildings have cable lines, you won’t need to worry about a complex installation process. Cable Internet speeds can reach as high as 1000 Mbps, making it useful for mild to heavy Internet users. Cable Internet is typically more expensive than DSL Internet.
Fiber optic	Fiber optic Internet uses tiny cables made of glass or plastic to transmit signals at nearly the speed of light. It is the connection that can offer the fastest speeds of up to 2000 Mbps. As fiber optic Internet is recent, installation and monthly plans can get quite costly. It is useful for heavy Internet users that require ultra-fast speeds.
Fixed wireless	Fixed wireless Internet uses radio signals to transmit data. It is useful for remote rural residents and requires an antenna to be installed on your roof. It is known to be more expensive than satellite Internet, yet faster and with less latency (lag/delay).
Satellite	Satellite Internet uses satellite dishes to transmit data to and from satellites in space. It is also convenient for remote rural residents and is known to be slower than fixed wireless Internet due to the long distance between the satellite and space.

What Internet speed do I need?

Determining what Internet speed you require for your household can be tricky. You may be wondering the following questions. Is 50 Mbps fast enough? What is a good Internet speed?

The chart below will help you know what’s best based on your lifestyle and type of household.

Before doing this, you may want to test your Internet speed.

Internet speed

Good for what

Good for who

5 – 10 Mbps

• Checking emails

• Browsing

• Listening to music

• Minimal Internet users

• People living alone

10 – 40 Mbps

• Online assignments

• Social media

• Netflix

• YouTube

• IPTV

• Students

• Casual Internet users

• Children and teens

40 – 100 Mbps

• Video calls

• Netflix

• Working from home

• Online classes

• People working from home

• Students

• Families (4 people)

100 – 500 Mbps

• Video calls

• Gaming

• Streaming

• Gamers

• Streamers

• Big families (5+ people)

500 – 1000 Mbps

• Heavy gaming

• Streaming

• Commercial Internet

• Heavy gamers

• Heavy streamers

• Businesses

Note that the type of mobile device you use (whether it is newer or not) along with the type of connection (Cable, DSL, Fiber, Satellite, Wireless) may impact the Wi-Fi speed.

Does where you live affect your Internet speed?

Where you live can absolutely impact your Internet speed. Depending on how near you are to your network’s closest infrastructure (data center or cell tower), the speed may be impacted.

If you live in a rural area, you’ll have less access to high-speed Internet connections like cable, fiber optic, and DSL. You may then have to use satellite Internet, in which transmission times are slower to the satellites in space, decreasing your Internet speed.

The types of walls you have (brick, concrete, metal) may also make the signal weaker.

Most importantly, if there are many households in your neighborhood connected to the same network, your speeds may decrease. This is especially true during times of the day when most people are at home (evenings).

Do I need unlimited Internet?

Whether you require unlimited Internet is going to depend on a few factors, such as the number of people in your household and the way you use the Internet.

In Canada, the average home data usage was 394.4 GB downloaded monthly in 2022.

Working from home

Casual browsing

(Social media, emails)

Streaming services (Netflix, IPTV…)

Gaming

8 GB – 20 GB /daily

30 GB – 50 GB /hr

1 – 3 GB /hr

40 GB – 300 GB /hr

If you live alone and only use the Internet for basic activities like browsing the web, sending emails or going on social media, an unlimited Internet plan would not be convenient for you budget wise.

Unlimited Internet would be more advantageous for families who connect many devices at the same time or gamers who stream a lot. Activities like gaming or video conferencing do not require a lot of data on their own. Yet, if multiple people are trying to download at the same time, or they are being used for many hours daily, a lot of GB will be used up.

Can I use my own modem or router?

Many Internet providers across Canada allow you to use your own modem or router for some of their plans. Yet, whether you should do so or not will depend on what your needs are long term.

Router and modem rental fees are either included in the price or cost between $10 – $15 each per month.

It is common for people who are looking for a better Internet connection or want to save money to buy their own modem and/or router. The advantage is that it lowers your monthly bill since you are not renting the devices from your provider. Another advantage is that if your provider’s modem and router are of basic quality, buying your own can allow you to have a better connection.

It is uncommon for people who do not require a high-speed Internet connection to buy their own router and modem. Technically, the ones you rent from the provider should be the most compatible if you’re in need of lower speeds (5 – 40 Mbps).

In addition, the advantage of renting a router and a modem is that it comes with the technical support and all the upgrades. If you buy your own, the company won’t be responsible for any technical issues or if the router or modem breaks. However, if you rent them from your provider, you get additional services.

(*HighSpeedInternet)

Can I cancel my Internet service at any time?

The CRTC mandates that all Internet services in Canada can be cancelled at any time. However, there may be an early cancellation fee, depending on the terms of your contract.

The early cancellation fee will depend on the type of service provided, but it should not exceed the value of the device subsidy. In addition, the early cancellation fee should be lowered each month to attain $0 at the end of the contract period. Meaning that the closer you are to the end of the contract period, the lower the early cancellation fee should be.

Important: If you are renting any devices from the provider like modems or routers, look at what the terms and conditions are to return them. Fees may be applied to these as well.

How can I apply for low-income Internet in Canada?

The Connecting families project is a governmental initiative to bring high speed Internet services to low-income families and seniors. With this project, low-income families will benefit from 50/10 Mbps Internet for $20 a month. In total, 14 Internet service providers have partnered with the government for this project, including big names like Bell, Roger, Videotron and TELUS.

Only the people who are eligible will automatically receive a letter from the government with the access code. You cannot apply yourself. If you did not receive the letter, you cannot access this benefit. You can, however, contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada for more information.

Once you have received the letter with the code, you can sign up for the service on the Connecting Families online portal.

Households eligible for this program include families and low-income seniors who already receive the maximum amount of government assistance (Canada Child Benefit and Guaranteed Income supplement, respectively).

Does the CRTC regulate Internet in Canada?

The CRTC or Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission is the administrative tribunal that regulates and supervises the telecommunications services in Canada on behalf of the public.

The CRTC does indeed regulate Internet in Canada. Their roles include providing broadcasting licenses to providers in Canada as well as international ones who offer services to Canadians.

They also regulate by making sure the companies are in compliance with the regulations. The CRTC makes ownership decisions, approves tariffs and encourages competition to ensure a healthy market where Canadians have a choice between a variety of providers and services.

They collaborate with the public to provide information, but also to gather information from telecommunications users. They hold discussions, forums, and hearings to hear what the Canadians think of the services in order to make the right decisions.

Looking for answers related to our services or platform? Visit our general FAQ page to learn more.

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.

Jasmine Mainguy-Seers

The expert

Jasmine is MovingWaldo’s top moving concierge. She has been in and out of millions of moves in the past 4 years. Among other things, Jasmine audits the internet service providers websites weekly and compiles her best discoveries and exclusive deals. Before signing off to a 12-month internet plan, do your due diligence or let Jasmine do it for you.

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MovingWaldo's list of the Best Internet Service Providers in Iowa

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Why COX is recommended by our expert

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Why HughesNet is recommended by our expert

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Why Viasat is recommended by our expert

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Why CenturyLink is recommended by our expert

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Why Mediacom is recommended by our expert

Verification process

CTRC verification

Availability verification

Regular audits and updates

Promotions and deals

Frequently asked questions

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