Cheap Internet in Ames, Iowa - Most Affordable Plans (February 2026)
Cheapest internet in Ames: Windstream Kinetic Internet at $27/mo for 50 Mbps (DSL/Fiber). Call 1-855-463-4357 to sign up today. Ames is a college town home to Iowa State University, where student budgets make affordable internet a priority, and the average internet bill here is approximately $63/mo -- below the national average of $75.
Balancing speed, reliability, and price is the key to finding the right internet plan for your household. In Ames, Iowa, 12 providers offer budget-friendly internet plans with promotional rates starting as low as $27/mo. With a population of 65,060, the local market is competitive enough that most households can find reliable service under $50 per month.
Most Affordable Internet Plans in Ames
The table below compares the cheapest plan from each provider available in the area, sorted by promotional price from lowest to highest.
| Provider | Plan | Speed | Promo Price | Regular Price | Type | Contract | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windstream | Kinetic Internet | 50 Mbps | $27/mo* | $50/mo | DSL/Fiber | No | View Plans | 1-855-463-4357 |
| CenturyLink | Simply Unlimited | 100 Mbps | $30/mo* | $50/mo | Fiber/DSL | No | View Plans | 1-855-512-4817 |
| Mediacom | Access Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | $30/mo* | $60/mo | Cable | No | View Plans | 1-855-634-3222 |
| Metronet | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | $30/mo* | $50/mo | Fiber | No | View Plans |
| Rise Broadband | 25 Mbps | 25 Mbps | $30/mo* | $45/mo | Fixed Wireless | No | View Plans | 1-877-910-6207 |
| AT&T Internet | Internet 100 | 100 Mbps | $35/mo* | $55/mo | Fiber/DSL | No | View Plans | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Verizon Fios | Fios 300 | 300 Mbps | $40/mo* | $50/mo | Fiber | No | View Plans | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G Home | 85-300 Mbps | $45/mo* | $60/mo | 5G | No | View Plans |
| T-Mobile | 5G Home Internet | 72-245 Mbps | $50/mo* | $50/mo | 5G | No | View Plans | 1-844-275-9311 |
| HughesNet | Select | 50 Mbps | $50/mo* | $65/mo | Satellite | No | View Plans | 1-855-543-5405 |
| Viasat | Unleashed 100 | 100 Mbps | $70/mo* | $100/mo | Satellite | 24 mo | View Plans | 1-855-463-9333 |
| Starlink | Residential | 50-200 Mbps | $120/mo* | $120/mo | Satellite | No | View Plans |
*Promotional prices for new customers. Taxes and fees may apply. Prices as of February 2026.
Windstream - Budget Plans in Ames
Windstream delivers fiber-optic service to approximately 16% of Ames, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds that are ideal for remote work and video conferencing.
- Kinetic Internet: 50 Mbps for $27/mo (regular $50/mo) -- DSL/Fiber, No contract
- Kinetic Internet Plus: 200 Mbps for $37/mo (regular $57/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Call 1-855-463-4357 to check Windstream availability and current promotions in Ames.
Compare all Windstream plans in Ames →
CenturyLink - Budget Plans in Ames
CenturyLink delivers fiber-optic service to approximately 60% of Ames, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds that are ideal for remote work and video conferencing.
- Simply Unlimited: 100 Mbps for $30/mo (regular $50/mo) -- Fiber/DSL, No contract
- Fiber Gigabit: 940 Mbps for $65/mo (regular $65/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Call 1-855-512-4817 to check CenturyLink availability and current promotions in Ames.
Compare all CenturyLink plans in Ames →
Mediacom - Budget Plans in Ames
Mediacom serves about 76% of Ames via its cable network, providing a solid balance of speed and affordability for everyday internet use.
- Access Internet 100: 100 Mbps for $30/mo (regular $60/mo) -- Cable, No contract
- Xtream Internet 300: 300 Mbps for $40/mo (regular $80/mo) -- Cable, No contract
Call 1-855-634-3222 to check Mediacom availability and current promotions in Ames.
Compare all Mediacom plans in Ames →
Metronet - Budget Plans in Ames
Metronet delivers fiber-optic service to approximately 32% of Ames, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds that are ideal for remote work and video conferencing.
- 100 Mbps: 100 Mbps for $30/mo (regular $50/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
- 200 Mbps: 200 Mbps for $40/mo (regular $60/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Compare all Metronet plans in Ames →
Rise Broadband - Budget Plans in Ames
Rise Broadband delivers fiber-optic service to approximately 25% of Ames, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds that are ideal for remote work and video conferencing.
- 25 Mbps: 25 Mbps for $30/mo (regular $45/mo) -- Fixed Wireless, No contract
- 50 Mbps: 50 Mbps for $40/mo (regular $55/mo) -- Fixed Wireless, No contract
Call 1-877-910-6207 to check Rise Broadband availability and current promotions in Ames.
Compare all Rise Broadband plans in Ames →
AT&T Internet - Budget Plans in Ames
AT&T Internet delivers fiber-optic service to approximately 54% of Ames, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds that are ideal for remote work and video conferencing.
- Internet 100: 100 Mbps for $35/mo (regular $55/mo) -- Fiber/DSL, No contract
- Internet 300: 300 Mbps for $45/mo (regular $65/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Call 1-855-850-5977 to check AT&T Internet availability and current promotions in Ames.
Compare all AT&T Internet plans in Ames →
Verizon Fios - Budget Plans in Ames
Verizon Fios delivers fiber-optic service to approximately 40% of Ames, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds that are ideal for remote work and video conferencing.
- Fios 300: 300 Mbps for $40/mo (regular $50/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
- Fios 500: 500 Mbps for $60/mo (regular $70/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Call 1-855-387-1456 to check Verizon Fios availability and current promotions in Ames.
Compare all Verizon Fios plans in Ames →
Verizon 5G Home - Budget Plans in Ames
Verizon 5G Home provides 5G fixed wireless coverage to roughly 40% of Ames, with no data caps and no annual contracts required.
- 5G Home: 85-300 Mbps for $45/mo (regular $60/mo) -- 5G, No contract
- 5G Home Plus: 300-1000 Mbps for $65/mo (regular $80/mo) -- 5G, No contract
T-Mobile - Budget Plans in Ames
T-Mobile provides 5G fixed wireless coverage to roughly 82% of Ames, with no data caps and no annual contracts required.
- 5G Home Internet: 72-245 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $50/mo) -- 5G, No contract
Call 1-844-275-9311 to check T-Mobile availability and current promotions in Ames.
HughesNet - Budget Plans in Ames
HughesNet provides satellite internet with 100% coverage across Ames, serving as a backup option for households outside the reach of wired or wireless networks.
- Select: 50 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $65/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
- Elite: 100 Mbps for $65/mo (regular $85/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Call 1-855-543-5405 to check HughesNet availability and current promotions in Ames.
Viasat - Budget Plans in Ames
Viasat provides satellite internet with 100% coverage across Ames, serving as a backup option for households outside the reach of wired or wireless networks.
- Unleashed 100: 100 Mbps for $70/mo (regular $100/mo) -- Satellite, 24 mo contract
- Unleashed 150: 150 Mbps for $100/mo (regular $130/mo) -- Satellite, 24 mo contract
Call 1-855-463-9333 to check Viasat availability and current promotions in Ames.
Starlink - Budget Plans in Ames
Starlink provides satellite internet with 100% coverage across Ames, serving as a backup option for households outside the reach of wired or wireless networks.
- Residential: 50-200 Mbps for $120/mo (regular $120/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Internet Costs in Ames: Local Market Overview
Ames, known as a vibrant college town, has a cost of living index of 91 (national average = 100). The median household income is approximately $37,600, and the average monthly internet bill in the area is around $63. This makes affordable internet essential for many households managing tight budgets.
With 12 internet providers serving the Ames metro area, competition helps keep prices in check. Households looking for the most affordable option should prioritize wired connections (fiber or cable) over satellite, which tends to carry higher monthly costs and data restrictions. Residents in Ames can often find plans under $40/mo during promotional periods from providers like Windstream and CenturyLink.
Low-Income Internet Programs in Ames
Several programs can help Ames residents reduce their internet costs significantly. If your household income qualifies, these options can bring your bill below $20 per month.
- FCC Lifeline Program: Provides up to $9.25/mo discount on internet or phone service for households at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Iowa residents can apply through the National Verifier.
- Mediacom Connect2Compete: 25 Mbps for $9.95/mo for eligible households with school-age children. Call 1-855-634-3222 to check eligibility.
- AT&T Access: Plans starting at $30/mo for households participating in SNAP or with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Call 1-855-850-5977 for eligibility info.
- State and Local Assistance: Check with Iowa state agencies and Ames community organizations for additional digital inclusion programs and subsidized internet access initiatives.
How to Lower Your Internet Bill in Ames
Even if you are already on one of the cheaper plans in Ames, there are strategies to reduce your monthly costs further. Here are five proven ways to save.
Bundle services strategically
Some providers offer discounts when you add mobile service to your internet plan. T-Mobile gives $5-$15 off home internet for existing wireless customers, and Xfinity offers similar bundle savings.
Negotiate with your current provider
Call your provider's retention department when your promotional rate expires. Mention competitor offers and ask for a loyalty discount -- many providers will match or beat rival pricing to keep you as a customer.
Switch during promotional seasons
Providers often run their deepest discounts in January, back-to-school season (August-September), and Black Friday. Timing your switch can lock in a lower rate.
Downgrade your speed tier
If you live alone or have a small household, you may not need the fastest plan available. A 100-200 Mbps connection handles streaming, video calls, and gaming for most users.
Ask about autopay and paperless billing discounts
Many ISPs offer $5-$10 off your monthly bill when you enroll in autopay with a bank account or credit card and opt for paperless statements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Internet in Ames
What is the cheapest internet plan available in Ames, IA?
The cheapest internet plan in Ames is Windstream Kinetic Internet at $27/mo for 50 Mbps. This promotional rate is available to new customers. The next most affordable option is CenturyLink at $30/mo.
Can I get internet for under $30 a month in Ames?
Yes, several providers in Ames offer promotional rates under $30/mo for new customers. Low-income programs such as the FCC Lifeline Program can reduce your bill by up to $9.25/mo, and provider-specific discount programs are available to qualifying households.
Which internet provider has the best value for the price in Ames?
For the best speed-per-dollar value in Ames, look at providers offering fiber or cable service. Windstream offers 50 Mbps for $27/mo, while CenturyLink provides 100 Mbps for $30/mo. Fiber plans typically deliver the best long-term value with symmetrical speeds and no data caps.
Are there no-contract internet plans in Ames?
Yes, most providers in Ames now offer no-contract plans. Windstream, CenturyLink, and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet all provide service without requiring a long-term commitment, giving you the flexibility to switch providers if a better deal becomes available.
How much does the average household in Ames pay for internet?
The average monthly internet bill in Ames, IA is approximately $63, which is below the national average of about $75/mo. By choosing a promotional rate or low-income program, you could pay significantly less than this average.
What is the fastest cheap internet option in Ames?
Among budget-friendly plans under $50/mo in Ames, fiber providers typically offer the fastest speeds. Plans like Windstream Kinetic Internet (50 Mbps) and CenturyLink Simply Unlimited (100 Mbps) deliver strong performance at introductory prices.
Related Resources
- Internet Providers in Ames, IA
- Windstream Plans and Pricing
- CenturyLink Plans and Pricing
- Mediacom Plans and Pricing
- Metronet Plans and Pricing
- Internet Providers in Iowa
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1-855-981-6281Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning InternetProviders.ai may earn a commission if you click through and sign up for a plan. This does not affect our editorial independence or the prices you pay. Our recommendations are based on objective research and analysis. All pricing is accurate as of February 2026 and is subject to change. Availability varies by address within Ames.