Best Internet Providers in Dubuque, IA (2026)
Dubuque has 9 internet providers. Mediacom and CenturyLink lead with cable and fiber coverage across most of the city.
1-855-634-3222 - Call to check Mediacom availability
Quick Answer: Best Internet in Dubuque
Mediacom is the top choice for speed in Dubuque with 80.8% cable coverage and plans up to 1 Gbps. CenturyLink Fiber offers the best value with no data caps and symmetrical speeds at 65.2% availability.
- Best for speed: Mediacom — cable, up to 1 Gbps, 80.8% coverage
- Best fiber: CenturyLink — no data caps, symmetrical speeds
- Best wireless: T-Mobile 5G — $50/mo, 66.5% coverage
- Best backup: Verizon 5G Home — 27.1% coverage, no contract
Dubuque Internet Providers Comparison
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediacom | Cable | 1 Gbps | $50/mo | Varies | None | 1-855-634-3222 |
| CenturyLink | Fiber, DSL | 940 Mbps | $30/mo | None | None | 1-855-512-4817 |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber, DSL | 5 Gbps | $55/mo | None | None | 1-855-850-5977 |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $50/mo | None | None | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 300 Mbps | $50/mo | None | None | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Windstream | Fiber, DSL | 1 Gbps | $40/mo | None | None | 1-855-463-4357 |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | $50/mo | 100 GB | None | 1-855-543-5405 |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | $70/mo | Varies | 24 mo | 1-855-463-9333 |
| Starlink | Satellite | 220 Mbps | $120/mo | None | None | Online only |
Top Internet Providers in Dubuque
Mediacom — Fastest Cable in Dubuque
Mediacom is the primary cable provider covering 80.8% of Dubuque. Plans range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, though monthly data caps apply to all tiers.
- Internet 100: 100 Mbps — $50/mo
- Internet 300: 300 Mbps — $70/mo
- Internet 1 Gig: 1 Gbps — $80/mo
Choose if: You need the fastest download speeds in Dubuque.
Avoid if: You use large amounts of data and hit caps regularly.
Call: 1-855-634-3222
CenturyLink — Best Fiber Value in Dubuque
CenturyLink serves 65.2% of Dubuque with fiber and DSL. Fiber plans feature no data caps, no contracts, and price-lock guarantees for the life of service.
- Simply Unlimited: 100 Mbps — $30/mo
- Fiber 500: 500 Mbps — $50/mo
- Fiber Gigabit: 940 Mbps — $65/mo
Choose if: You want no data caps and locked-in pricing.
Avoid if: Your address only qualifies for slow DSL speeds.
Call: 1-855-512-4817
T-Mobile 5G — Best Wireless Alternative
T-Mobile covers 66.5% of Dubuque with 5G fixed wireless at a flat $50/mo. No data caps, no contracts, and quick self-installation included.
- Home Internet: up to 245 Mbps — $50/mo
Choose if: You want simple pricing without a wired connection.
Avoid if: You need speeds above 300 Mbps consistently.
Call: 1-844-275-9311
Speed and Price Comparison in Dubuque
| Speed Tier | Mediacom | CenturyLink | AT&T | T-Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Mbps | $50/mo | $30/mo | — | $50/mo |
| 300 Mbps | $70/mo | — | $55/mo | — |
| 500 Mbps | — | $50/mo | $65/mo | — |
| 1 Gbps | $80/mo | $65/mo | $80/mo | — |
Speed Recommendations
- 1-2 users, browsing: 100 Mbps
- 3-5 users, streaming: 300-500 Mbps
- 5+ users, heavy use: 500 Mbps-1 Gbps
Internet in Dubuque: Local Insights
Dubuque is a city of about 59,667 residents along the Mississippi River in eastern Iowa. The market is anchored by Mediacom cable and CenturyLink fiber, giving most households at least two wired high-speed options.
AT&T has been expanding fiber in newer developments along the western corridors. T-Mobile 5G adds a strong wireless option, and residents on the bluffs may find Starlink useful where wired coverage thins out.
Neighborhood Coverage Guide
- Downtown/Port of Dubuque: Mediacom and CenturyLink Fiber available
- West End/Asbury: Best CenturyLink fiber and AT&T coverage
- North End: Mediacom primary, T-Mobile 5G strong signal
- Key West area: AT&T Fiber expanding, Mediacom available
Nearby Cities
Internet Speed Requirements for Dubuque Households
The speed you need in Dubuque 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 Dubuque 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 Dubuque
Start by checking which providers actually serve your specific address in Dubuque, 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 Dubuque, 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 Dubuque gives the most relevant picture of service quality and reliability in your neighborhood.
Internet Equipment Options in Dubuque
Most internet providers in Dubuque offer the option to rent a modem and WiFi router for $10-15 per month or use your own compatible equipment. Purchasing your own modem and router costs $140-250 upfront but saves $120-180 annually in rental fees, paying for itself within 12-18 months. Check your provider's compatible equipment list before purchasing to ensure the modem supports your plan speed and technology type.
For homes in Dubuque larger than 1,500 square feet or with multiple floors, a mesh WiFi system provides better coverage than a single router. Mesh systems like Google Nest WiFi, Eero, and TP-Link Deco use multiple access points to blanket your home with consistent signal. If your home has coaxial wiring from previous cable TV service, a MoCA adapter can create a wired backbone between access points for even better performance without running new Ethernet cables.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest internet in Dubuque, IA?
Mediacom offers cable speeds up to 1 Gbps covering 80.8%. CenturyLink provides fiber speeds up to 940 Mbps.
Who is the cheapest provider in Dubuque?
CenturyLink starts at $30/mo for 100 Mbps. T-Mobile 5G starts at $50/mo with no data caps or contract.
Is fiber available in Dubuque, IA?
CenturyLink offers fiber to 65.2%, AT&T Fiber covers 41.1%, and Windstream serves 9.8% of Dubuque.
Does Mediacom have data caps in Dubuque?
Yes. Mediacom enforces data caps from 400 GB to 6 TB depending on plan. Overages cost $10 per 50 GB.
Can I get 5G home internet in Dubuque?
T-Mobile 5G covers 66.5% and Verizon 5G Home covers 27.1% at $50/mo with no contracts.
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Guides
Last updated: February 7, 2026
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