Best DSL Internet Providers in Minneapolis, Minnesota (2026)
CenturyLink is the top DSL provider in Minneapolis, serving 75.4% of residents. Local DSL plans range from 15 Mbps to 100 Mbps with pricing starting near $37-55/month, delivered over dedicated copper phone lines.
For the 429,954 people living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, DSL internet is an option worth considering, especially for addresses not yet reached by fiber. This mid-size city in the Midwest region has 3 active DSL providers, with CenturyLink providing the widest coverage at 75.4% of the local service area.
DSL Internet Providers in Minneapolis: Comparison Table
| Provider | Max Speed | Starting Price | Coverage | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CenturyLink | Up to 100 Mbps | $50/mo | 75.4% | 1-855-512-4817 |
| AT&T Internet | 100 Mbps | $55/mo | 62.3% | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Frontier Fiber | 25 Mbps | $39.99/mo | 6.7% | 1-855-981-6281 |
DSL Internet Providers Serving Minneapolis, MN
We have compiled in-depth profiles for each DSL provider in Minneapolis, Minnesota, so you can compare options side by side.
CenturyLink DSL Internet in Minneapolis
With 75.4% area coverage in Minneapolis, CenturyLink provides DSL service over the local copper loop network.
Subscribers to CenturyLink DSL in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis →
Call 1-855-512-4817 to check CenturyLink DSL availability at your Minneapolis address.
AT&T Internet DSL Internet in Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, AT&T Internet reaches roughly 62.3% of households with its DSL internet service.
AT&T Internet DSL service in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis →
Call 1-855-850-5977 to check AT&T Internet DSL availability at your Minneapolis address.
Frontier Fiber DSL Internet in Minneapolis
Frontier Fiber serves an estimated 6.7% of Minneapolis addresses with DSL-based broadband connectivity.
Frontier Fiber continues to maintain its DSL infrastructure in Minneapolis, 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.
- Simply Internet: 25 Mbps download for $39.99/mo (ADSL2+ technology)
- Essential Internet: 50 Mbps download for $49.99/mo (VDSL2 technology)
View Frontier Fiber DSL plans for Minneapolis →
Call 1-855-981-6281 to check Frontier Fiber DSL availability at your Minneapolis address.
Spectrum serves Minneapolis with Cable technology. Call 1-844-481-5997 to learn about Spectrum plans.
Consider Xfinity as an alternative to DSL in Minneapolis if coverage is available. Call 1-844-963-0138 to learn about Xfinity plans.
For a non-DSL option in Minneapolis, T-Mobile offers service via 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile. Call 1-844-275-9311 to learn about T-Mobile plans.
DSL Technology Explained for Minneapolis Residents
Digital Subscriber Line internet in Minneapolis 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 Minnesota 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 Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, offering potential savings for households that want both internet and landline telephone service.
Choosing the Right DSL Internet Plan in Minneapolis
When comparing DSL plans in Minneapolis, Minnesota, 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 Minneapolis address or ZIP code 55401 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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.
DSL Availability Across Minneapolis Neighborhoods
DSL internet coverage in Minneapolis, MN varies by neighborhood based on the copper telephone network layout. Areas closer to the city's telephone central offices and remote DSLAMs generally receive higher DSL speeds. With 429,954 residents spread across the mid-size city's footprint, the experience differs significantly between dense urban blocks and more spread-out suburban communities.
In the Minneapolis internet market, DSL competes with 9 other technology types including cable, fiber, 5G home internet, and satellite. DSL's key advantages in this competitive landscape include no data caps on most plans, a dedicated (non-shared) connection, and broad availability through existing phone lines. These features make DSL especially valuable in Minneapolis neighborhoods still waiting for next-generation broadband deployment.
For renters in Minneapolis who may move frequently, DSL offers the convenience of using standard telephone wiring already present in virtually every apartment and house. Installation is often simpler and faster than cable or fiber, with many providers able to activate DSL service remotely or with a self-installation kit. This ease of setup makes DSL a practical choice for the mobile population in Minneapolis's Midwest market.
Frequently Asked Questions About DSL Internet in Minneapolis
What equipment do I need for DSL internet in Minneapolis?
To use DSL internet in Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis?
DSL internet in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis?
DSL speeds in Minneapolis 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.
Do I need a phone line for DSL in Minneapolis?
DSL in Minneapolis runs over copper telephone wiring, but most providers offer standalone DSL service that does not require active phone service. The copper pair is used for data only, with a splitter separating voice and internet frequencies. You can add phone service as a bundle, but it is not required for DSL internet.
How does DSL internet compare to cable in Minneapolis?
DSL in Minneapolis typically offers lower maximum speeds than cable (up to 100 Mbps vs. 1+ Gbps for cable), but provides a dedicated connection that does not slow down during peak usage hours. Cable internet shares bandwidth among homes on the same node, which can cause congestion. DSL also frequently costs less per month than comparable cable plans.
Can I get DSL internet in rural areas near Minneapolis?
DSL availability in areas surrounding Minneapolis depends on the copper telephone network's reach. Many suburban and semi-rural communities near Minneapolis have DSL access, though speeds may be lower due to longer copper loops. Very remote locations far from any DSLAM may be outside DSL range and would need satellite or fixed wireless alternatives.
Related Internet Resources for Minneapolis
- Internet Providers in Minneapolis, MN
- Cheap Internet in Minneapolis
- Fiber Internet in Minneapolis
- Cable Internet in Minneapolis
- Internet Providers in Minnesota
- DSL vs Cable Internet Comparison
- Internet Speed Guide
InternetProviders.ai independently reviews DSL internet options in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Minneapolis area.