Best Internet Providers in Ames, IA (2026)
Ames residents have 11 internet providers to choose from, including multiple fiber options ideal for the Iowa State University community and growing tech workforce.
Check availability or call: 1-855-634-3222 (Mediacom)
Quick Answer: Best Internet in Ames
Mediacom is the top cable pick for most Ames households with speeds up to 1 Gbps and 76% city coverage. CenturyLink and AT&T fiber offer the best symmetrical speeds for remote workers and gamers in their coverage areas.
- Best overall: Mediacom - cable up to 1 Gbps, 76% coverage
- Best fiber: CenturyLink - up to 940 Mbps, 60% coverage
- Best for students: T-Mobile 5G - $50/mo, no contract, quick setup
- Best expanding: AT&T Fiber - 55% coverage and growing
- 11 providers serve Ames' 65,000+ residents
Internet Providers in Ames, IA
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Call |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediacom | Cable | 1 Gbps | $30/mo | 6 TB | No | 1-855-634-3222 |
| CenturyLink | Fiber, DSL | 940 Mbps | $30/mo | None (fiber) | No | 1-855-512-4817 |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber, DSL | 5 Gbps | $55/mo | None (fiber) | No | 1-855-850-5977 |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $50/mo | None | No | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 940 Mbps | $50/mo | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Metronet | Fiber | 1 Gbps | $50/mo | None | No | Online only |
| Windstream | Fiber, DSL | 1 Gbps | $40/mo | None (fiber) | No | 1-855-463-4357 |
| Rise Broadband | Fixed Wireless | 250 Mbps | $35/mo | 250 GB | No | 1-877-910-6207 |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | $50/mo | 100-200 GB | No | 1-855-543-5405 |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | $70/mo | Unlimited* | 2 years | 1-855-463-9333 |
| Starlink | Satellite | 220 Mbps | $120/mo | Priority data | No | Online only |
Top Internet Providers in Ames Reviewed
Mediacom - Best Cable in Ames
Mediacom is the primary cable provider in Ames, covering about 76% of the city. It delivers reliable download speeds up to 1 Gbps with a generous 6 TB monthly data allowance that most households will never reach.
Plans: Internet 100 ($30/mo) | Internet 300 ($50/mo) | Internet 1 Gig ($70/mo)
Choose if: You want affordable cable with high data caps.
Avoid if: You need symmetrical upload speeds.
Call: 1-855-634-3222
CenturyLink - Best Fiber Value in Ames
CenturyLink offers fiber and DSL service to about 60% of Ames. The fiber plans feature a price-for-life guarantee, meaning your rate stays the same as long as you keep service. No contracts required.
Plans: DSL 20 Mbps ($30/mo) | Fiber 200 Mbps ($50/mo) | Fiber 940 Mbps ($70/mo)
Choose if: You want guaranteed pricing on fiber.
Avoid if: Only DSL is available at your address.
Call: 1-855-512-4817
AT&T Fiber - Best for Families in Ames
AT&T fiber reaches about 55% of Ames households with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps. All fiber plans include no data caps, no contracts and no equipment fees. Strong choice for multi-device households.
Plans: Fiber 300 ($55/mo) | Fiber 500 ($65/mo) | Fiber 1 Gbps ($80/mo)
Choose if: You need fast upload speeds for streaming or remote work.
Avoid if: Your budget is under $50/mo.
Call: 1-855-850-5977
T-Mobile 5G - Best for ISU Students
T-Mobile covers 82% of Ames with 5G home internet. No installation appointment needed - just plug in the gateway. Ideal for students and renters who need internet without a long-term commitment.
Plans: Home Internet 5G ($50/mo) | All-In ($55/mo with mobile line)
Choose if: You want contract-free internet with fast setup.
Avoid if: You need speeds consistently above 300 Mbps.
Call: 1-844-275-9311
Speed & Price Comparison in Ames
| Speed Tier | Mediacom | CenturyLink | AT&T | T-Mobile | Verizon Fios |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (25-100 Mbps) | $30/mo | $30/mo (DSL) | - | - | - |
| Mid (100-300 Mbps) | $50/mo | $50/mo | $55/mo | $50/mo | $50/mo |
| Fast (300-500 Mbps) | $60/mo | $60/mo | $65/mo | - | $75/mo |
| Gig (500+ Mbps) | $70/mo | $70/mo | $80/mo | - | $90/mo |
Which Speed Do You Need?
- 1-2 users, browsing & email: 25-50 Mbps
- 3-4 users, HD streaming: 100-300 Mbps
- 5+ users, 4K streaming & gaming: 500+ Mbps
- Remote work with video calls: 100+ Mbps with low latency
Internet Service in Ames, Iowa
Ames is home to Iowa State University and a population of about 65,000. The student population drives strong demand for high-speed internet, and providers have responded with competitive offerings. Multiple fiber providers now compete in the market, keeping prices lower than many similarly sized cities.
The ISU Research Park area and new residential developments near South Duff Avenue have seen significant fiber expansion from CenturyLink and Metronet over the past two years.
Coverage by Neighborhood
- Campustown/ISU area: Mediacom cable, CenturyLink fiber, T-Mobile 5G
- North Ames/Northridge: CenturyLink fiber, AT&T fiber, Mediacom
- South Ames/Duff Ave corridor: Mediacom, AT&T fiber, Metronet fiber
- West Ames/Somerset: CenturyLink, Mediacom, T-Mobile 5G
Nearby Cities
Internet Speed Requirements for Ames Households
The speed you need in Ames depends on how many people and devices use your connection simultaneously. A single person streaming video and browsing the web can get by with 50-100 Mbps. A household of 2-3 people with regular streaming and video calls should target 200-300 Mbps. Larger families with 4 or more heavy users benefit from 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps plans, especially when multiple people are streaming in 4K, gaming online, or working from home at the same time.
Upload speed matters just as much as download speed for Ames residents who work remotely. Video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Teams require at least 5 Mbps upload for stable HD video, and 10 Mbps or more for group calls with screen sharing. If multiple household members participate in video calls simultaneously, ensure your plan provides at least 20-25 Mbps upload speed. Fiber plans offer the best upload performance with symmetrical speeds.
How to Choose an Internet Provider in Ames
Start by checking which providers actually serve your specific address in Ames, as coverage can vary significantly even within the same city. Enter your address on each provider's website or use our comparison tool to see all available options. Compare the actual speeds offered at your address, not just the provider's maximum advertised speed, since availability of faster tiers depends on local infrastructure.
Beyond speed, compare the total monthly cost including equipment rental fees, installation charges, and price increases after promotional periods end. Providers in Ames, Iowa may offer different promotions depending on the season and competition in your area. Ask about no-contract options to maintain flexibility, and check whether a provider requires a credit check, as some offer prepaid alternatives. Reading recent customer reviews specific to Ames gives the most relevant picture of service quality and reliability in your neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions - Ames Internet
What is the fastest internet in Ames, IA?
Mediacom offers cable speeds up to 1 Gbps. CenturyLink fiber and Metronet fiber also deliver gigabit symmetrical speeds where available.
Who has the cheapest internet in Ames?
CenturyLink DSL starts at $30/mo. Mediacom's promotional rate begins at $30/mo for 100 Mbps. T-Mobile 5G is $50/mo with no caps.
Is fiber internet available in Ames, Iowa?
Yes. CenturyLink (60%), AT&T (55%), Verizon Fios (41%) and Metronet (32%) all offer fiber service in Ames.
What is the best internet for Iowa State University students?
Mediacom cable offers the widest coverage near campus. T-Mobile 5G is popular for no-contract flexibility and quick plug-in setup.
Can I get 5G home internet in Ames?
Yes. T-Mobile 5G covers about 82% of Ames with speeds averaging 100-245 Mbps. No installation or contract required.
Learn More About Internet in Iowa
Iowa Resources
- Best Internet Providers in Iowa
- Internet Providers in Des Moines, IA
- Internet Providers in Iowa City, IA
Provider Pages
Guides
Last updated: February 7, 2026
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