Cheap Internet in Rock Island, Illinois - Most Affordable Plans (February 2026)
Cheapest internet in Rock Island: Mediacom Access Internet 60 at $20/mo for 60 Mbps (Cable). Call 1-844-455-2014 to sign up today. Rock Island is a growing community in Illinois with living costs above the national average, and the average internet bill here is approximately $80/mo. Below, we break down every budget-friendly option available to help you choose.
With 8 internet providers serving Rock Island, Illinois (population 38,620), competition keeps pricing accessible for most budgets. Residents searching for wallet-friendly connectivity have several budget options to choose from. The lowest promotional rate starts at $20/mo from Mediacom, with several other providers offering plans under $50.
Low-Cost Internet Options in Rock Island, IL
This comparison shows the entry-level plan from every provider in your area. Plans are ranked by their current promotional rate.
| Provider | Plan | Speed | Promo Price | Regular Price | Type | Contract | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediacom | Access Internet 60 | 60 Mbps | $20/mo* | $40/mo | Cable | No | View Plans | 1-844-455-2014 |
| Metronet | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | $30/mo* | $50/mo | Fiber | No | View Plans |
| CenturyLink | Simply Unlimited | 100 Mbps | $30/mo* | $50/mo | Fiber/DSL | No | View Plans | 1-855-860-3413 |
| Verizon Fios | Fios 300 | 300 Mbps | $40/mo* | $50/mo | Fiber | No | View Plans | 1-855-387-1456 |
| HughesNet | Select | 50 Mbps | $50/mo* | $65/mo | Satellite | No | View Plans | 1-855-543-5405 |
| T-Mobile | 5G Home Internet | 72-245 Mbps | $50/mo* | $50/mo | 5G | No | View Plans | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Viasat | Unleashed 100 | 100 Mbps | $70/mo* | $100/mo | Satellite | 24-month | View Plans |
| Starlink | Residential | 50-200 Mbps | $120/mo* | $120/mo | Satellite | No | View Plans |
*Promotional prices for new customers. Taxes and fees may apply. Prices as of February 2026.
Mediacom in Rock Island: Low-Cost Plan Options
Mediacom's cable infrastructure covers about 85.5% of Rock Island, delivering dependable speeds that work well for streaming, browsing, and video calls.
- Access Internet 60: 60 Mbps for $20/mo (regular $40/mo) -- Cable, No contract
- Xtream Internet 100: 100 Mbps for $30/mo (regular $50/mo) -- Cable, No contract
Reach Mediacom at 1-844-455-2014 to learn about promotions and availability in Rock Island.
View all Mediacom deals for Rock Island →
Rock Island Metronet Plans Starting at $30/mo
Metronet operates a growing fiber network across 56.7% of Rock Island, providing speeds that scale well beyond what cable and DSL can offer.
- 100 Mbps: 100 Mbps for $30/mo (regular $50/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
- 500 Mbps: 500 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $70/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Compare all Metronet plans in Rock Island →
CenturyLink - Affordable Options in Rock Island, IL
For the 35.6% of Rock Island in CenturyLink's coverage area, fiber and DSL options provide reliable connectivity for households of all sizes.
- Simply Unlimited: 100 Mbps for $30/mo (regular $50/mo) -- Fiber/DSL, No contract
- Fiber Internet: 200 Mbps for $40/mo (regular $55/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Ready to sign up? Call CenturyLink at 1-855-860-3413 for the latest deals in Rock Island.
See full CenturyLink plan details and pricing →
Budget-Friendly Verizon Fios Plans in Rock Island
Verizon Fios operates a growing fiber network across 25.5% of Rock Island, providing speeds that scale well beyond what cable and DSL can offer.
- Fios 300: 300 Mbps for $40/mo (regular $50/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
- Fios 500: 500 Mbps for $60/mo (regular $70/mo) -- Fiber, No contract
Contact Verizon Fios at 1-855-387-1456 to see which plans are available at your Rock Island address.
Check Verizon Fios availability in Rock Island →
HughesNet Internet Deals in Rock Island
HughesNet satellite covers 100% of Rock Island, making it available virtually everywhere -- though speeds and latency do not match wired alternatives.
- Select: 50 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $65/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
- Elite: 100 Mbps for $65/mo (regular $85/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Reach HughesNet at 1-855-543-5405 to learn about promotions and availability in Rock Island.
View all HughesNet deals for Rock Island →
Save with T-Mobile in Rock Island
T-Mobile's 5G fixed wireless service reaches about 66.5% of Rock Island and is especially attractive to renters and anyone who wants a simple, contract-free setup.
- 5G Home Internet: 72-245 Mbps for $50/mo (regular $50/mo) -- 5G, No contract
Call 1-844-275-9311 to check T-Mobile availability and current promotions in Rock Island.
Compare all T-Mobile plans in Rock Island →
Viasat Plans Under $105/mo in Rock Island
Viasat satellite covers 100% of Rock Island, making it available virtually everywhere -- though speeds and latency do not match wired alternatives.
- Unleashed 100: 100 Mbps for $70/mo (regular $100/mo) -- Satellite, 24-month
- Unleashed 200: 200 Mbps for $100/mo (regular $130/mo) -- Satellite, 24-month
See full Viasat plan details and pricing →
Starlink - Low-Price Plans for Rock Island
Starlink satellite covers 100% of Rock Island, making it available virtually everywhere -- though speeds and latency do not match wired alternatives.
- Residential: 50-200 Mbps for $120/mo (regular $120/mo) -- Satellite, No contract
Check Starlink availability in Rock Island →
Internet Costs in Rock Island: Local Market Overview
Knowing how your city compares to state and national averages can help you negotiate a better rate.
At a cost of living index of 102, Rock Island sits above the national average for overall expenses. With a median household income of $68,000 and average internet bills of $80/mo, residents benefit from a competitive broadband market that keeps pricing in check.
The presence of 8 providers in Rock Island creates healthy competition that benefits consumers. Fiber and cable plans generally offer the best value, while satellite should be reserved as a last resort. Promotional pricing from Mediacom and Metronet frequently brings monthly costs below $40.
Income-Based Internet Discounts in Rock Island, IL
Don't overlook these income-based discount programs available in Rock Island. They can reduce your internet bill to a fraction of standard rates.
- FCC Lifeline Program: Provides up to $9.25/mo discount on internet or phone service for households at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Illinois residents can apply through the National Verifier.
- Mediacom Connect2Compete: 25 Mbps for $9.95/mo for households with students eligible for free/reduced lunch. Call 1-844-455-2014 for details.
- CenturyLink Lifeline: Discounted internet service for qualifying households. Call 1-855-860-3413 for details.
- Verizon Forward: Discounted internet for qualifying low-income households starting at $20/mo. Call 1-855-387-1456 for details.
- State and Local Assistance: Check with Illinois state agencies and Rock Island community organizations for additional digital inclusion programs and subsidized internet access initiatives.
Money-Saving Tips for Internet in Rock Island
Here are five proven strategies that Rock Island residents use to keep their internet bills as low as possible.
Ask about autopay and paperless billing discounts
Many ISPs offer $5-$10 off your monthly bill when you enroll in autopay with a bank account or credit card and opt for paperless statements.
Audit your actual speed needs
Run a speed test during peak hours. If you are consistently using less than half your plan speed, you could downgrade to a cheaper tier without any noticeable performance difference.
Use your own modem and router
Renting equipment from your ISP typically costs $10-$15 per month. Purchasing a compatible modem and router can pay for itself within 6-8 months and save you over $100 annually.
Watch for hidden fees
Installation fees, activation charges, and equipment rental costs can add $20-$40 to your first few bills. Ask about self-install options and fee waivers before signing up.
Check if you qualify for low-income programs
Government programs like the Lifeline Program and provider-specific options such as Mediacom discounts offer reduced rates to qualifying households in Rock Island.
Common Questions About Affordable Internet in Rock Island
Where can I find the cheapest internet in Rock Island?
In Rock Island, the most affordable internet starts at $20/mo from Mediacom (Access Internet 60, 60 Mbps). Metronet is another budget option at $30/mo.
What options exist for internet under $50/mo in Rock Island, IL?
Multiple providers offer plans under $50/mo in Rock Island. Mediacom starts at $20/mo for new customers. Low-income programs from providers like Mediacom and the FCC Lifeline program can reduce costs even further for qualifying households.
Which Rock Island internet provider delivers the best overall value?
For the best speed-per-dollar value in Rock Island, look at providers offering fiber or cable service. Mediacom offers 60 Mbps for $20/mo, while Metronet provides 100 Mbps for $30/mo. When evaluating value, consider both the promotional and regular price -- providers with smaller price jumps after the promo period offer better sustained value.
Are there month-to-month internet plans in Rock Island?
Contract-free internet is widely available in Rock Island. Providers including Mediacom, Metronet and CenturyLink let you sign up on a month-to-month basis with no cancellation fees.
How much is the average internet subscription in Rock Island?
Most Rock Island households spend approximately $80/mo on internet, putting the area near the $75 national average. Savvy shoppers who take advantage of promotional pricing can pay $30-$50 less than average.
What is the fastest low-cost internet available in Rock Island, IL?
Among budget-friendly plans under $50/mo in Rock Island, fiber providers typically offer the fastest speeds. Plans like Mediacom Access Internet 60 (60 Mbps) and Metronet 100 Mbps (100 Mbps) deliver strong performance at introductory prices.
Related Resources
Continue your research with these helpful resources for Rock Island internet shoppers.
- Internet Providers in Rock Island, IL
- Mediacom Plans and Pricing
- Metronet Plans and Pricing
- CenturyLink Plans and Pricing
- Internet Providers in Illinois
- Cheapest Internet Plans Nationwide
Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions from some of the provider links on this page. Our recommendations are not influenced by compensation arrangements, and all plans are evaluated independently. Prices listed are current as of February 2026. Actual availability and pricing may differ by address within Rock Island.