Best Internet Providers in Grand Forks, ND (2026)
Grand Forks residents have 6 internet providers offering fiber, DSL, 5G, and satellite service to a population of approximately 59,200.
Find your provider: 1-855-512-4817
Quick Answer: Best Internet in Grand Forks
CenturyLink is the primary wired provider in Grand Forks, covering 58% of the city with fiber and DSL. AT&T Fiber provides an alternative with symmetrical gigabit speeds at 51% coverage. T-Mobile 5G and satellite providers fill in gaps.
- Best wired: CenturyLink -- Fiber + DSL, 58% coverage
- Best fiber: AT&T Fiber -- up to 5 Gbps, 51% coverage
- Best wireless: T-Mobile 5G -- $50/mo, no contract, 36% coverage
- Best for UND students: CenturyLink Fiber or T-Mobile 5G
- Best rural backup: Starlink -- 100% availability
Grand Forks Internet Providers at a Glance
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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, Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $50/mo | None | No | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G | 1 Gbps | $60/mo | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | $50/mo | Yes | Yes | 1-855-543-5405 |
| Starlink | Satellite | 220 Mbps | $120/mo | Priority data | No | Online only |
Top Grand Forks Internet Providers Reviewed
CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber)
CenturyLink provides the widest wired coverage in Grand Forks at 58%, offering both DSL and fiber service. Fiber plans deliver symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps with no data caps, while DSL fills in where fiber has not yet reached.
Plans: DSL ($30/mo, 20-100 Mbps) | Fiber 200 ($40/mo) | Fiber 500 ($50/mo) | Fiber 940 ($65/mo)
Choose if: You want local reliability and price-lock guarantees. Avoid if: You need speeds above 1 Gbps.
Call: 1-855-512-4817
AT&T Fiber
AT&T Fiber covers 51% of Grand Forks with symmetrical speeds from 300 Mbps to 5 Gbps. All fiber plans include unlimited data and no annual contracts, making it the premium speed option in the city.
Plans: Fiber 300 ($55/mo) | Fiber 500 ($65/mo) | Fiber 1000 ($80/mo) | Fiber 2000 ($150/mo)
Choose if: You want the fastest available speeds. Avoid if: You live outside the 51% fiber footprint.
Call: 1-855-850-5977
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
T-Mobile reaches 36% of Grand Forks with 5G and fixed wireless home internet. The $50/mo plan requires no contract, has no data caps, and is ideal for students and renters needing quick setup without installation appointments.
Plans: Home Internet ($50/mo, 50-245 Mbps typical)
Choose if: You rent near UND campus and want hassle-free internet. Avoid if: You need guaranteed high speeds for competitive gaming.
Call: 1-844-275-9311
Speed and Price Comparison
| Speed Tier | CenturyLink | AT&T Fiber | T-Mobile 5G | Verizon 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-100 Mbps | $30/mo | -- | $50/mo | -- |
| 200-300 Mbps | $40/mo | $55/mo | -- | $60/mo |
| 500 Mbps | $50/mo | $65/mo | -- | -- |
| 940 Mbps - 1 Gbps | $65/mo | $80/mo | -- | $80/mo |
Speed recommendations: Single user or student (50-100 Mbps), couple (200 Mbps), family of 3-4 (300-500 Mbps), power users (940 Mbps+).
Internet Service in Grand Forks: Local Insights
Grand Forks is home to the University of North Dakota and roughly 59,200 residents. The city is the commercial hub of the greater Red River Valley region, and broadband infrastructure has improved with CenturyLink's Quantum Fiber expansion through the core of the city.
Harsh North Dakota winters can cause occasional outages on overhead lines. Fiber customers generally experience fewer weather-related disruptions than those on older DSL or fixed wireless connections.
Neighborhood Coverage Guide
- University District: CenturyLink Fiber + AT&T DSL widely available
- Downtown Grand Forks: CenturyLink Fiber, T-Mobile 5G
- South End / Columbia Mall area: AT&T Fiber and CenturyLink both available
- West Grand Forks (32nd Ave S): Expanding fiber buildout
Nearby Cities
Internet Speed Requirements for Grand Forks Households
The speed you need in Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
Start by checking which providers actually serve your specific address in Grand Forks, 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 Grand Forks, North Dakota 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 Grand Forks gives the most relevant picture of service quality and reliability in your neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best internet provider in Grand Forks, ND?
CenturyLink is the top choice with fiber and DSL coverage reaching 58%. AT&T Internet provides an alternative with 51% coverage and speeds up to 5 Gbps.
Is fiber internet available in Grand Forks?
Yes. CenturyLink offers fiber in parts of Grand Forks, and AT&T Fiber covers about 51%. Verizon 5G Home is expanding to roughly 28% of the area.
What are the cheapest internet plans in Grand Forks?
CenturyLink DSL starts around $30/mo. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is $50/mo with no contract. AT&T Fiber starts at $55/mo.
Does Grand Forks have 5G home internet?
Yes. T-Mobile covers about 36% with 5G and fixed wireless. Verizon 5G Home is available to approximately 28% of households.
What internet speed do I need for UND online classes?
For video conferencing and streaming lectures, 50-100 Mbps is sufficient. Shared households with multiple students should target 200+ Mbps.
Related Resources
North Dakota Internet Guides
- Best Internet Providers in North Dakota
- Fargo, ND Internet Providers
- Bismarck, ND Internet Providers
Provider Pages
Helpful Guides
Last updated: February 7, 2026.
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