Best Internet Providers in Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Best Internet Service Providers in Minneapolis

For residents of Minneapolis seeking reliable internet service, Xfinity emerges as a leading provider. Evaluated by FASTNET as a top choice for most households, Xfinity delivers comprehensive coverage across the city and a diverse range of plans. Whether you require high-speed internet for demanding activities such as gaming and streaming, or a budget-friendly option for daily online tasks, Xfinity’s extensive offerings cater to varied needs. The provider is also noted for its competitive pricing and dependable customer support, establishing Xfinity as a strong overall selection for internet in Minneapolis.

For Minneapolis consumers prioritizing fiber internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds, Quantum Fiber and USI present compelling alternatives. USI stands out as a favored option, recognized by Ookla as the fastest internet provider in the region, boasting speeds up to 10Gbps. (Disclosure: Ookla is a subsidiary of Ziff Davis, the parent company of FASTNET.)

Exploring budget-conscious internet options? Xfinity delivers the most affordable internet service in Minneapolis. Plans begin at $20 per month for speeds reaching 150Mbps, although it is important to note that prices may increase after the initial promotional year. For those requiring the most rapid internet speeds available, USI offers a 10-gigabit service for $195 monthly. Several other ISPs also provide gigabit and multi-gigabit speeds, ensuring choices for those who might find 10Gbps excessive or too costly.

Minneapolis Internet Providers: A Detailed Comparison

Source: FASTNET analysis of provider data.

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Additional Internet Providers Serving Minneapolis

• Hughesnet: A satellite internet option, Hughesnet provides service at speeds ranging from 50 to 100Mbps. This service is relatively expensive, with plans starting at $50 per month, requiring a two-year contract and additional equipment fees.
• Mediacom: Mediacom’s Xtream cable internet service reaches approximately one-fifth of Minneapolis addresses. Pricing spans from $15 to $65, with speeds from 100Mbps up to 1Gbps.
• T-Mobile Home Internet: Select Minneapolis locations may access T-Mobile’s home internet service. Plans are priced between $50 and $70 ($35 to $55 for qualifying mobile subscribers) and deliver speeds up to 415Mbps.
• Viasat: This satellite internet provider’s monthly costs begin at $130. Plan speeds vary from 25 to 150Mbps.

Affordable Internet Plans in Minneapolis

For Minneapolis residents prioritizing cost-effective internet service, Xfinity’s Connect plan at $20 (150Mbps) stands out. It’s important to note that this lower-cost plan requires a one-year service agreement. For only a $5 increase (for the initial two years), Xfinity also presents a 400Mbps plan option. Mediacom also offers a budget plan at $15 for 100Mbps, which conveniently includes equipment at no additional charge.

Exploring the Most Economical Internet Plan in Minneapolis

Source: FASTNET analysis of provider data.

Discovering Internet Deals and Promotions in Minneapolis

The most advantageous internet deals and promotions in Minneapolis are dynamic and depend on current discount offerings. Promotional periods are frequently brief; however, we diligently monitor for the latest available offers.

Minneapolis internet service providers, including Xfinity, may present reduced introductory rates or bundled streaming services for limited periods. Conversely, providers like Quantum Fiber often maintain consistent standard pricing throughout the year.

For a more comprehensive compilation of current promotions, consult our guide dedicated to the best internet deals.

Evaluating Broadband Speeds in Minneapolis

Despite its musical heritage, Minneapolis’ median internet speeds may underperform compared to other major cities. Ookla data suggests Minneapolis has a median download speed near 183Mbps and median upload speeds just above 53Mbps.

However, speeds approaching 1Gbps are accessible for consumers willing to invest more per month. Furthermore, for those seeking ultra-fast connectivity, USI provides a high-speed 10-gig plan at a premium price of $195. For the majority of Minneapolis residents prioritizing speed, Mediacom and Xfinity offer plans reaching up to 1,000Mbps and 2,000Mbps respectively.

Top-Tier High-Speed Internet Plans in Minneapolis

Source: FASTNET analysis of provider data.

Defining a Suitable Internet Speed

Most current internet plans can effectively manage basic online activities for productivity and communication. For activities like video conferencing, streaming media, or online gaming, a more robust internet connection will significantly enhance the user experience. Below is an overview of recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, based on FCC guidelines. It is important to remember that these figures are guidelines, and actual internet speed, service quality, and performance can vary depending on connection type, provider, and specific location.

• 0 to 5Mbps: Supports fundamental online tasks – web browsing, email, and standard definition video streaming.
• 5 to 40Mbps: Facilitates higher-quality video streaming and video conferencing.
• 40 to 100Mbps: Typically sufficient bandwidth for a single user engaging in modern remote work, video streaming, and online gaming.
• 100 to 500Mbps: Enables one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like video conferencing, streaming, and online gaming.
• 500 to 1,000Mbps: Accommodates three or more users concurrently performing high-bandwidth activities.

For more detailed information, refer to our guide on determining your optimal internet speed requirements.

FASTNET’s Methodology for Selecting Top Minneapolis Internet Providers

The internet service provider market is characterized by numerous providers with regional variations. Unlike consumer electronics, personal testing of every internet service provider in a given city is impractical. Therefore, our approach involves leveraging a proprietary database encompassing pricing, availability, and speed, drawing from historical ISP data, partner information, and mapping data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC.gov).

Moreover, we validate our data and ensure comprehensive coverage of ISPs in each area by consulting the FCC’s website. We also utilize provider websites to input local addresses and ascertain specific service options for residents. Customer satisfaction is evaluated using sources like the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. Given the dynamic nature of ISP plans and pricing, all information is verified for accuracy at the time of publication.

Our evaluation framework centers on three core inquiries:

• Does the provider offer access to adequately fast internet speeds?
• Do customers receive good value relative to the price?
• Are customers satisfied with the service provided?

The responses to these questions are often nuanced; however, providers demonstrating the strongest positive alignment across all three criteria are those we recommend. In identifying budget internet options, we prioritize plans with the lowest monthly costs, while also considering elements such as future price increases, equipment charges, and contract terms. Selecting the fastest internet services is a more direct process, focusing on advertised upload and download speeds, alongside real-world speed data from entities like Ookla and FCC reports.

For a more in-depth understanding of our evaluation process, please visit our page detailing how we test ISPs.

Final Thoughts on Minneapolis Internet Providers

While Minneapolis’ median internet speeds may not rank exceptionally high on national lists, diverse internet options are available throughout the city. For residents within USI’s service footprint, it is a highly recommended provider based on customer feedback. For most other residents, the choice will likely center on Xfinity or CenturyLink.

Frequently Asked Questions About Minneapolis Internet Providers (FAQs)

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