Best Internet Providers in Kootenai, ID
Compare 7 internet providers serving 171,362 Kootenai County residents. Fiber, 5G, and satellite options available in North Idaho's fastest-growing region.
Call to check availability:
T-Mobile 5G 1-844-275-9311Quick Answer: Best Internet in Kootenai
Ziply Fiber is the best internet provider in Kootenai where available, offering fiber speeds up to 5 Gbps with no data caps. Coverage reaches about 30% of the area and is expanding. T-Mobile 5G covers 48% of residents at $40-50/month with no contract. For rural properties outside fiber and 5G range, Starlink satellite delivers up to 250 Mbps anywhere in the county.
- Best wired: Ziply Fiber up to 5 Gbps (30% coverage)
- Best wireless: T-Mobile 5G at $40-50/mo (48% coverage)
- Best rural: Starlink satellite, 250 Mbps anywhere
- Budget satellite: HughesNet or Viasat from $39.99/mo
- 7 providers: Growing options for North Idaho
Kootenai Internet Providers Comparison
Verified February 2026. Coverage based on FCC data. Kootenai County's rural geography means coverage varies significantly by location.
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Call Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile 5G | 5G / Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $40-50/mo | None | No | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Ziply Fiber | Fiber | 5 Gbps | $20/mo | None | No | 1-866-947-5988 |
| Verizon Fios / 5G | Fiber / 5G | 1 Gbps | $35/mo** | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| 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.
Top Kootenai Providers: Detailed Reviews
Ziply Fiber in Kootenai
30% CoverageZiply Fiber is aggressively expanding across North Idaho, bringing symmetrical fiber speeds to Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, and Hayden. Plans start at $20/month for 300 Mbps with no contracts and no data caps. The 5 Gbps tier at $300/month targets power users and home offices.
Choose If:
Fiber is available at your address and you want the fastest speeds in North Idaho.Avoid If:
Your property is outside Ziply's current fiber footprint.T-Mobile 5G Home Internet in Kootenai
48% CoverageT-Mobile provides the widest non-satellite coverage in Kootenai County. At $40-50/month with no contract and no data caps, it bridges the gap for residents waiting for fiber expansion. Speeds typically range from 50-245 Mbps depending on tower proximity.
Choose If:
You need a reliable connection without a long-term commitment.Avoid If:
You live in a remote canyon area with weak cell signal.Starlink in Kootenai
100% AvailableStarlink is the go-to for rural Kootenai properties where wired and cellular options fall short. LEO satellite technology delivers 50-250 Mbps with lower latency than traditional satellite. The $599 equipment fee and $120/month price are steep, but nothing else reaches truly remote locations.
Choose If:
You live outside fiber and 5G coverage areas and need broadband speeds.Avoid If:
You have access to Ziply Fiber or strong T-Mobile 5G signal.Viasat in Kootenai
100% AvailableViasat offers a more affordable satellite option at $39.99/month. Speeds reach up to 150 Mbps on the Unleashed plan. Higher latency than Starlink, but the lower monthly cost appeals to budget-conscious rural households.
Choose If:
You want affordable satellite internet without Starlink's equipment cost.Avoid If:
You need low latency for video calls or gaming.HughesNet in Kootenai
100% AvailableHughesNet provides traditional satellite internet across all of Kootenai County starting at $39.99/month. Speeds reach 100 Mbps with a 2-year contract. A dependable fallback for addresses where other options are unavailable or unreliable.
Choose If:
You need a proven satellite provider with nationwide coverage.Avoid If:
You have access to Ziply Fiber, T-Mobile 5G, or Starlink.Kootenai Speed and Price Comparison
| Speed Tier | Ziply Fiber | T-Mobile 5G | Starlink | Viasat | HughesNet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Mbps | - | $40-50/mo | - | $39.99/mo | $39.99/mo |
| 300 Mbps | $20/mo | - | $120/mo | - | - |
| 1 Gbps | $60/mo | - | - | - | - |
| 2 Gbps | $80/mo | - | - | - | - |
| 5 Gbps | $300/mo | - | - | - | - |
See our guide on how much speed you need.
Internet in Kootenai: Local Overview
- Population: 171,362 (county)
- CBSA: 41760 (Spokane-Spokane Valley)
- Fiber: Ziply Fiber, Verizon Fios (limited)
- Wireless: T-Mobile 5G, Verizon 5G
- Satellite: Starlink, Viasat, HughesNet
Kootenai County is one of Idaho's fastest-growing areas, with Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls attracting remote workers from higher-cost West Coast markets. Ziply Fiber's ongoing buildout is transforming broadband access in urban areas, while T-Mobile's expanding 5G network fills suburban gaps.
Rural properties along Highway 95 north of Hayden and areas east toward the Coeur d'Alene National Forest rely heavily on satellite. Starlink has been particularly popular among acreage properties where cable infrastructure is cost-prohibitive to extend.
Nearby Cities
Kootenai Internet FAQ
What is the best internet in Kootenai?
Ziply Fiber where available (30% coverage). T-Mobile 5G is the best wireless option (48%). Starlink for rural properties.
Is fiber expanding in Kootenai County?
Yes. Ziply Fiber is actively building out fiber in Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, and Hayden with ongoing expansion.
What internet works in rural Kootenai?
Starlink (250 Mbps, $120/mo), Viasat (150 Mbps, $39.99/mo), and HughesNet (100 Mbps, $39.99/mo) cover all areas.
How much does internet cost in Kootenai?
From $20/month (Ziply Fiber 300 Mbps) to $120/month (Starlink). T-Mobile runs $40-50/month.
Is T-Mobile 5G reliable in Kootenai County?
In urban and suburban areas near Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls, yes. Remote areas may have weaker signal.
About the Author
Last Updated: February 7, 2026
Provider availability and pricing verified quarterly using FCC data and direct provider confirmation.
Editorial Disclosure
InternetProviders.ai is committed to providing accurate, unbiased information. Some providers listed are partners who compensate us when you sign up through our links or phone numbers. This may affect display 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.
Internet Speed Requirements for Kootenai Households
The speed you need in Kootenai 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 Kootenai 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 Kootenai
Start by checking which providers actually serve your specific address in Kootenai, 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 Kootenai, Idaho 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 Kootenai gives the most relevant picture of service quality and reliability in your neighborhood.