One of the greatest cities in the Midwest, Des Moines is an enormous gathering hub for the residents, visitors, and businesses of Iowa. Reliable internet connection is a major priority for most people in the city who reside and work in a buzzy metropolis. DSL, cable, satellite, and fiber internet service options are available throughout Des Moines city.
Home to classic Midwesterners, the Iowan lifestyle in Des Moines originates from nutritious meals from various restaurants, state fairs, reputable universities, and insurance firms. In the state of agriculture, the city is ranked as the 24th most connected city with average download speeds of up to 54.8 Mbps. That gives Des Moines a lead over other neighboring cities like Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, and Windsor Heights.
If you are also a resident of Des Moines, Iowa, looking for an internet provider that perfectly fits your broadband and budget needs, here is a complete guide to help you narrow down your options!
Internet Providers in Des Moines, Iowa
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There are four major internet providers offering services in Des Moines, Iowa. These are Mediacom, CenturyLink, Viasat, and HughesNet.
Mediacom Des Moines Iowa provides cable internet service to almost the entire city, delivering a maximum download speed of 1,000 Mbps. CenturyLink offers DSL and fiber connection with up to 940 Mbps of download speed with availability in most areas of Des Moines.
Among satellite internet providers, HughesNet. Provides coverage to every nook and cranny of the city and delivers up to 25 Mbps of broadband speeds. Viasat Internet is also widely available in Des Moines and offers speeds up to 100 Mbps. The satellite technology gives more location flexibility making it a suitable choice for rural regions just outside Des Moines limits.
Residential Internet Providers in Des Moines, Iowa
Here is a list of residential internet providers available in Des Moines along with their coverage, maximum speeds, and starting prices.
| Residential Internet Providers | Internet Type | Coverage | Max Download Speeds | Starting Price* |
| CenturyLink | DSL | 94.1% | 100 Mbps | $49/mo. (Price for life) |
| Fiber | 43.7% | 940 Mbps | $65/mo. (Price for life) | |
| Rise Broadband | Fixed Wireless | 93.8% | 50 Mbps | $29.95/mo. for 12 months |
| Viasat Internet | Satellite | 100% | 100 Mbps | $49.99/mo. for 3 month |
| HughesNet. | Satellite | 100% | 25 Mbps | $49.99/mo. for 6 months |
| NexGen | Fiber | 100% | 10 Mbps | Unlisted |
| DSL | 29.2% | 3 Mbps | Unlisted | |
| Mediacom | Cable | 97.8% | 1,000 Mbps | $19.99/mo. for 12 months |
*excluding taxes, equipment fees, and other surcharges.
Best Providers in Des Moines Based on Your Internet Needs
Depending on your internet usage, below are the recommended download speeds and the providers offering these speeds in Des Moines.
| Internet Usage | Required Download Speeds | Providers in Des Moines, Iowa |
| Web browsing (basic) Video streaming on a single device Online gaming with minimum lags Suitable for light internet users Best for households with 1 to 2 people |
Up to 25 Mbps | CenturyLink
Viasat Internet Rise Broadband HughesNet |
| Competitive online gaming
Heavy video streaming Video chat (High-resolution) Online gaming without lags Suitable for smart homes Best for households with 4 people |
Up to 100 Mbps | Mediacom Cable
CenturyLink Viasat Internet Rise Broadband |
| 4K video streaming on multiple devices Download up to 30 GB game within 5 minutes Suitable for home offices Best for households with up to 4 power internet users |
Up to 1,000 Mbps | Mediacom Cable
CenturyLink |
Take Away
So, which internet service provider in Des Moines is the best for you? It all depends on your internet usage and budget. Here are our recommendations:
- Best provider overall — Mediacom
- Best for blazing-fast speeds — Mediacom
- Best pricing — CenturyLink
- Best for online gaming — CenturyLink Fiber
- Best in terms of availability — HughesNet.
Lastly, don’t forget to first explore different providers available in your area so you could compare and choose the one that best fits your internet needs and requirements.
