Best DSL Internet Providers in Des Moines, Iowa (2026)

CenturyLink provides the most widely available DSL service in Des Moines, reaching about 80.9% of addresses. DSL plans in Des Moines typically offer speeds between 15-100 Mbps starting at roughly $37-55/month without data caps.

For Des Moines, Iowa residents seeking reliable internet without the need for new cable or fiber installation, DSL internet offers a proven alternative. The city's 214,133 residents have access to 3 DSL providers that deliver broadband speeds using the existing copper telephone network. CenturyLink currently provides the widest DSL footprint, covering roughly 80.9% of Des Moines.

DSL Internet Providers in Des Moines: Comparison Table

Provider	Max Speed	Starting Price	Coverage	Phone
CenturyLink	Up to 100 Mbps	$50/mo	80.9%	1-855-512-4817
AT&T Internet	100 Mbps	$55/mo	56.6%	1-855-850-5977
Windstream	25 Mbps	$37/mo	5.6%	1-855-463-4357

DSL Internet Providers Serving Des Moines, IA

Below we break down every DSL internet provider available in Des Moines, IA, with plan details and coverage information.

CenturyLink DSL Internet in Des Moines

With 80.9% area coverage in Des Moines, CenturyLink provides DSL service over the local copper loop network.

Subscribers to CenturyLink DSL in Des Moines receive a dedicated connection that is not shared with neighbors, unlike cable internet. This can result in more consistent speeds during peak evening hours when network congestion is highest.

Simply Unlimited Internet: Up to 100 Mbps download for $50/mo (VDSL2 technology)
DSL 40: 40 Mbps download for $50/mo (VDSL2 technology)

View CenturyLink DSL plans for Des Moines →

Call 1-855-512-4817 to check CenturyLink DSL availability at your Des Moines address.

AT&T Internet DSL Internet in Des Moines

In Des Moines, AT&T Internet reaches roughly 56.6% of households with its DSL internet service.

AT&T Internet DSL service in Des Moines uses a combination of ADSL2+ and VDSL2 equipment depending on proximity to the serving central office. Homes within 5,000 feet of a DSLAM can typically receive VDSL2 speeds, while those further away connect via ADSL2+.

Internet 100: 100 Mbps download for $55/mo (VDSL2/IPBB technology)
Internet 25: 25 Mbps download for $55/mo (ADSL2+ technology)

View AT&T Internet DSL plans for Des Moines →

Call 1-855-850-5977 to check AT&T Internet DSL availability at your Des Moines address.

Windstream DSL Internet in Des Moines

Windstream serves an estimated 5.6% of Des Moines addresses with DSL-based broadband connectivity.

Windstream continues to maintain its DSL infrastructure in Des Moines, serving areas where fiber-optic upgrades have not yet arrived. Many residential neighborhoods in the Midwest still rely on DSL as their primary wired broadband option.

Kinetic 25: 25 Mbps download for $37/mo (ADSL2+ technology)
Kinetic 50: 50 Mbps download for $47/mo (VDSL2 technology)
Kinetic 100: 100 Mbps download for $57/mo (VDSL2 technology)

View Windstream DSL plans for Des Moines →

Call 1-855-463-4357 to check Windstream DSL availability at your Des Moines address.

While T-Mobile does not offer DSL in Des Moines, it provides alternative internet service. Call 1-844-275-9311 to learn about T-Mobile plans.

HughesNet serves Des Moines with Satellite technology. Call 1-855-543-5405 to learn about HughesNet plans.

Consider Mediacom as an alternative to DSL in Des Moines if coverage is available. Call 1-855-634-3222 to learn about Mediacom plans.

DSL Technology Explained for Des Moines Residents

Digital Subscriber Line internet in Des Moines works by transmitting data over copper telephone cables using frequencies above the voice band. This allows simultaneous phone calls and internet usage on the same line without interference. Two variants are common in the Iowa market: ADSL (Asymmetric DSL), which allocates more bandwidth to downloads than uploads, and VDSL2, which supports symmetrical or near-symmetrical speeds at shorter distances from the provider's equipment.

Throughout Des Moines, the distance between your home and the closest DSLAM is the single biggest factor affecting your DSL speed. A DSLAM is a specialized piece of networking equipment, often housed in a roadside cabinet or inside a telephone central office. In the Midwest region, telephone companies have deployed additional DSLAMs over the years to improve speeds in high-demand areas. If your Des Moines address is within 3,000 feet of a DSLAM, you may qualify for VDSL2 speeds of 50-100 Mbps. At 10,000 feet or more, expect ADSL speeds in the 5-15 Mbps range.

The condition of the copper loop matters significantly for DSL performance in Des Moines. Signal loss increases with older wiring, corroded connections, and the presence of bridge taps, which are unterminated wire segments left from old telephone installations. Having a technician evaluate and clean up your copper line can sometimes result in measurable speed improvements.

DSL plans in Des Moines commonly include unlimited data, a feature that sets them apart from many satellite and fixed wireless alternatives. This makes DSL a practical option for remote workers, students attending virtual classes, and families who stream content throughout the day. Phone line bundling options are also available from several DSL providers in Des Moines, offering potential savings for households that want both internet and landline telephone service.

Choosing the Right DSL Internet Plan in Des Moines

When comparing DSL plans in Des Moines, Iowa, the first step is verifying service availability at your specific address. DSL coverage depends on copper infrastructure, and not every provider reaches every neighborhood. Enter your Des Moines address or ZIP code 50309 on each provider's website, or call their sales line to confirm exact availability and speed options for your location.

Speed needs should guide your plan selection. A single user who primarily browses the web, checks email, and occasionally streams video in standard definition can manage comfortably with 15-25 Mbps ADSL service. Households with multiple connected devices, HD or 4K streaming habits, and work-from-home requirements should aim for a VDSL2 plan offering 50-100 Mbps if available at their Des Moines address.

Examine the total monthly cost, not just the headline price. Factor in equipment rental or purchase costs for the DSL modem, any one-time installation fees, and whether the quoted price is a promotional rate that increases after an introductory period. Several DSL providers in Des Moines offer promotional pricing for the first year, which can double in the second year of a two-year contract.

Data usage policies, contract terms, and bundling options should also influence your choice. Most DSL plans in Des Moines include unlimited data, but verify this before committing. Month-to-month plans provide flexibility, while contract plans sometimes offer lower rates. If you use a home phone, bundling DSL with phone service can lower your overall bill for both services.

Des Moines DSL Internet: Local Market Overview

The Des Moines, Iowa broadband market features 13 total internet providers, of which 3 offer DSL service. With a population of 214,133, Des Moines represents a significant market in the Midwest region. DSL remains competitive here particularly in neighborhoods where fiber has not yet been deployed and cable service may be limited to certain developments.

Local housing stock influences DSL performance across Des Moines. Older homes with original copper telephone wiring may experience somewhat lower speeds due to aging infrastructure, while newer constructions often have cleaner internal wiring that supports better signal quality. If you are purchasing a home in Des Moines, asking about the age and condition of the telephone wiring can help predict your DSL experience.

Many Des Moines residents use DSL as a backup internet connection alongside a primary cable or fiber service. The low cost and dedicated nature of DSL make it an economical redundancy option for remote workers who cannot afford downtime. Business users in the Des Moines area also leverage DSL for point-of-sale systems and security cameras that benefit from a stable, always-on connection separate from their main network.

Frequently Asked Questions About DSL Internet in Des Moines

Do DSL internet plans in Des Moines have data caps?

Most DSL internet plans available in Des Moines do not include monthly data caps. Unlike satellite and some mobile broadband services, DSL providers in Iowa generally offer unlimited data usage on residential plans, making them suitable for streaming, remote work, and everyday browsing.

How reliable is DSL internet in Des Moines?

DSL internet in Des Moines is generally reliable because each subscriber has a dedicated copper connection to the DSLAM. Outages are typically caused by physical line damage or central office equipment issues rather than network congestion. Older copper wiring may be more susceptible to weather-related signal degradation, but modern DSL equipment handles most conditions well.

Can I bundle DSL internet with phone service in Des Moines?

Yes, most DSL providers in Des Moines offer bundles that include both internet and home phone service over the same copper telephone line. Bundling typically saves $5-20 per month compared to purchasing each service separately. Ask your provider about current bundle pricing when you call.

What equipment do I need for DSL internet in Des Moines?

To use DSL internet in Des Moines, you need a DSL modem (or combination modem-router gateway) and DSL line filters for any phone jacks in use. Most providers include a modem with service, either for a monthly rental fee or included at no extra charge. A separate Wi-Fi router may be needed if the provided modem does not include wireless capability.

Is DSL internet fast enough for streaming in Des Moines?

DSL internet in Des Moines can support streaming depending on your speed tier. VDSL2 plans at 50-100 Mbps handle HD and 4K streaming on multiple devices comfortably. Even ADSL plans at 15-25 Mbps can support HD streaming on one or two devices simultaneously. For best results, connect your streaming device via ethernet when possible.

What DSL speeds are available in Des Moines?

DSL speeds in Des Moines typically range from 15 Mbps (ADSL) to 100 Mbps (VDSL2). Your actual speed depends on the distance between your home and the nearest DSLAM. Homes within 3,000-5,000 feet of a DSLAM may qualify for VDSL2 speeds, while more distant locations will receive ADSL speeds.

Related Internet Resources for Des Moines

InternetProviders.ai independently reviews DSL internet options in Des Moines, Iowa. This page contains affiliate links to provider sign-up pages. We may receive compensation for referrals, but this never influences our coverage analysis or provider rankings for the Des Moines area.

About the Author: This guide was produced by the InternetProviders.ai research team, which analyzes internet availability data for communities nationwide. Our Des Moines DSL coverage information draws from FCC filings, provider data, and local infrastructure records as of February 2026.