Best Internet Providers in Des Moines, IA
Compare 13 internet providers serving 214,133 Des Moines residents. Iowa's capital city boasts exceptional broadband competition with fiber from CenturyLink, Metronet, Google Fiber, and AT&T.
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Mediacom 1-855-634-3222Quick Answer: Best Internet in Des Moines
Mediacom is the best overall provider in Des Moines with 84% cable coverage and speeds up to 1 Gbps. CenturyLink Fiber covers 81% with symmetrical speeds and stable price-for-life rates. Metronet Fiber, Google Fiber, and AT&T add even more fiber competition. T-Mobile 5G provides a contract-free wireless option at $40-50/month.
Key Takeaways
- Best for coverage: Mediacom cable at 84% and CenturyLink Fiber at 81%
- Best for speed: AT&T Fiber up to 5 Gbps symmetrical
- Best value: CenturyLink Fiber at $30/mo with price-for-life
- Best for renters: T-Mobile 5G at $40/mo with no contract
- 4 fiber providers: CenturyLink, AT&T, Metronet, Google Fiber
- 13 providers: One of Iowa's most competitive markets
Des Moines Internet Providers Comparison
Verified provider data for Des Moines as of February 2026 based on FCC broadband records.
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Call Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediacom | Cable | 1 Gbps | $30/mo | Limited | 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 | 5G Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $40/mo | None | No | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Verizon Fios / 5G | Fiber / 5G | 1 Gbps | $35/mo* | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Windstream | Fiber / DSL | 1 Gbps | $40/mo | None (Fiber) | No | 1-855-463-4357 |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | $39.99/mo | Limited | 2-year | 1-855-543-5405 |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | $39.99/mo | Unlimited** | No | 1-855-463-9333 |
| Starlink | LEO Satellite | 250 Mbps | $120/mo | Soft cap | No | Online only |
*Verizon with mobile bundle. **Viasat Unleashed plan. Metronet, Google Fiber, and Rise Broadband also serve parts of Des Moines.
Des Moines Internet Providers: Detailed Reviews
Mediacom Internet in Des Moines
84% CoverageMediacom is the dominant cable provider in Des Moines with the widest wired coverage at 84% of city addresses. Plans range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, suitable for households of all sizes. Data caps apply but are generous at 1-6 TB depending on plan tier. Mediacom offers both introductory and regular pricing, with promotional rates available for new customers. A free modem is included with most plans.
- Access 100: 100 Mbps - $30/mo
- Xtream 300: 300 Mbps - $50/mo
- Xtream 1 Gig: 1 Gbps - $80/mo
Choose Mediacom If:
- You want the widest cable coverage in Des Moines
- You need speeds up to 1 Gbps via cable
Avoid Mediacom If:
- Data caps are a deal-breaker (CenturyLink Fiber has none)
CenturyLink Fiber in Des Moines
81% CoverageCenturyLink Fiber offers some of the best value in Des Moines with a price-for-life guarantee starting at $30/month for 200 Mbps. The rate you sign up at is the rate you keep for as long as you have service. No data caps, no annual contracts, and symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps. Coverage spans 81% of the city, making CenturyLink one of the top fiber choices in Iowa and a strong competitor to Mediacom cable.
Choose CenturyLink If:
- You want stable, predictable pricing that won't increase
- Fiber is available at your address
Avoid CenturyLink If:
- Only DSL is available (much slower speeds)
AT&T Fiber in Des Moines
57% CoverageAT&T Fiber serves 57% of Des Moines with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps. No data caps on fiber plans. AT&T offers the fastest residential speeds in the city, ideal for power users and remote workers in the insurance and tech sectors.
Choose AT&T If:
- You need multi-gig symmetrical speeds
- No data caps matter to your household
Avoid AT&T If:
- CenturyLink Fiber is available and you want a lower price
Des Moines Internet Speeds and Prices
| Speed Tier | Mediacom | CenturyLink | AT&T Fiber | T-Mobile 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100-300 Mbps | $30-50/mo | $30/mo | $55/mo | $40-50/mo |
| 500 Mbps | $60/mo | $50/mo | $65/mo | - |
| 1 Gbps | $80/mo | $65/mo | $80/mo | - |
| 2 Gbps+ | - | - | $110/mo | - |
Learn more: How much speed do you need? | Fiber vs Cable
Internet Service in Des Moines: Local Overview
- Population: 214,133
- CBSA: 19780 (Des Moines-West Des Moines)
- Fiber providers: CenturyLink, AT&T, Metronet, Google Fiber, Windstream
- Cable provider: Mediacom
- 5G providers: T-Mobile, Verizon
Des Moines has become one of the most competitive broadband markets in the Midwest. As Iowa's capital and insurance industry hub, the city attracts significant telecom investment. CenturyLink's fiber network covers most of the city, while newer entrants like Metronet and Google Fiber are expanding rapidly. Mediacom cable provides the incumbent wired service.
The tech sector centered around the East Village and downtown corridor demands high-speed connectivity. Suburban areas like West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Johnston benefit from spillover infrastructure investment. With 13 providers competing, Des Moines residents enjoy some of the best broadband competition in Iowa.
Internet by Des Moines Neighborhood
- Downtown/East Village: CenturyLink Fiber and Mediacom cable
- Beaverdale: CenturyLink and Mediacom strong coverage
- South Side: Mediacom cable and AT&T Fiber available
- Urbandale/Clive: Multiple fiber and cable options
Frequently Asked Questions About Des Moines Internet
What is the best internet provider in Des Moines?
Mediacom has the widest coverage at 84%. CenturyLink Fiber offers the best value with price-for-life at $30/month starting.
Is fiber available in Des Moines?
Yes. CenturyLink covers 81%, AT&T covers 57%, Metronet covers 41%, and Google Fiber covers 16% of the city.
How much does internet cost in Des Moines?
Prices range from $30/month for CenturyLink or Mediacom to $180/month for AT&T 5 Gbps. Most pay $50-80/month.
Is Google Fiber available in Des Moines?
Yes. Google Fiber is expanding into Des Moines, currently covering about 16% of addresses. Coverage is actively growing.
Is 5G home internet available in Des Moines?
Yes. T-Mobile covers 71% at $40-50/month. Verizon 5G Home covers about 33%.
Is Mediacom or CenturyLink better in Des Moines?
CenturyLink Fiber is better for stable pricing and symmetrical speeds. Mediacom offers wider cable coverage. Check both at your address.
About the Author
Last Updated: February 7, 2026
Our team regularly reviews and updates this guide to ensure accuracy.
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InternetProviders.ai is committed to providing accurate, unbiased information to help you choose the right internet service. Some providers listed on this page are partners who compensate us when you sign up through our links or phone numbers. This compensation may affect provider order but does not influence our ratings or recommendations. Our editorial team independently researches each provider. See our editorial guidelines and how we make money.