DES MOINES, IA
Find internet providers in Des Moines, IA
Find internet offered in Des Moines, IA – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Shop and compare 12 internet providers for Des Moines, IA
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Des Moines, IA, your best bet is Metronet Holdings, covering ~79% of the city. Its world-class fiber tier reaches ~79% of the city and offers speeds up to 5,120 Mbps. Local results are more mixed, Google Fiber dominates Waveland (50311) at 89.6% and Beaverdale (50310) at 67.2%, while Metronet reaches 8.6% and 23.4% there, respectively. Across ZIPs 50301, 50302, 50303, 50304, and 50305, Google Fiber leads at 52.0%, with Metronet close behind at 46.0%. Sherman Hill (50309) tilts toward Mediacom Xtream at 56.3%, although fiber choices include CenturyLink at 9.0%, Quantum Fiber at 8.6%, and Metronet at 8.6%. In South of Grand and in student apartments near Drake University, Grand View University, or Mercy College of Health Sciences, building wiring can change the menu, with some addresses still stuck on older DSL or copper lines. If fiber or cable is not available, fixed wireless is worth checking, Verizon reaches 44% of the city at up to 300/20 Mbps, while T-Mobile reaches 26% and AT&T 16%, each at up to 100/20 Mbps. Coverage can change street by street, so confirm the exact address and the actual technology and speed offered before you commit.
Speed Score: Faster than 99% of all internet options in Iowa
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
Households with heavy streaming, gaming, remote work, or many connected devices will find Metronet Holdings an excellent choice, with fiber offering up to 5120 Mbps download and up to 5120 Mbps upload and a 99/100 Speed Score. Availability depends on your address, as this fiber plan covers 78.8% of Des Moines. Its score is above the city’s 74 average top speed score, making it a top-tier option for performance-focused households.
About Metronet Holdings
For households that need very fast internet for heavy streaming, gaming, and working from home, Metronet Holdings is an excellent option with fiber service offering up to 5120 Mbps both ways and a 99/100 Speed Score. Fiber reaches 78.8% of Des Moines, but availability is address-dependent, so check your exact address before counting on these top-tier speeds.
Available Plans
Fiber
Best plan here: Fiber Internet – up to 940 Mbps — faster than 90% of all internet options in Iowa
- Fiber Internet – up to 940 MbpsFiber940 MbpsDownload90Our score$75Per month
Source: CenturyLink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
CenturyLink is a top-tier option in Des Moines where its fiber service is available. The Fiber Internet plan offers up to 940 Mbps download and 940 Mbps upload for $75/mo, with a Speed Score of 90/100, above the city average of 74. That plan is available to 29.0% of the city, so check your address to confirm that CenturyLink’s fiber service reaches you.
About CenturyLink
CenturyLink is a strong choice for homes that can get its fiber service, but its best option is address-dependent. The fiber plan offers up to 940 Mbps both ways for $75/mo and has a Speed Score of 90/100, but it is available to 29.0% of Des Moines, so check your address before counting on it.
Available Plans
Copper
Fiber
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Copper
Best plan here: 8 Gig — faster than 99% of all internet options in Iowa
- 8 GigFiber8,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$150Per month
- 3 GigFiber3,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$100Per month
- 1 GigFiber1,000 MbpsDownload97Our score$70Per month
Source: Google Fiber official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
Households with heavy streaming, competitive gaming, remote work, or many connected devices are a strong fit for Google Fiber’s top-tier fiber service. Its 8 Gig plan offers up to 8,000 Mbps download and 8,000 Mbps upload for $150/mo, earning a 99/100 Speed Score above the city average of 74, while the 3 Gig and 1 Gig plans offer up to 3,000 Mbps download and upload and up to 1,000 Mbps download and upload, with scores of 98/100 and 97/100. Check your address first, since the 8 Gig plan is available to 22.4% of Des Moines.
About Google Fiber
Households with heavy streaming, gaming, large uploads, or several people working from home are a great fit for Google Fiber, whose fiber plans offer up to 8,000 Mbps both ways, with the 8 Gig plan scoring 99/100. The service is address-dependent and reaches 22.4% of Des Moines on that plan, so check your exact address to confirm availability, but where it is offered, it is an excellent high-performance option.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: Internet 300 — faster than 78% of all internet options in Iowa
- Internet 300$30/mo for the first 24 months, then $40/moCable300 MbpsDownload78Our score$30Per month
- Internet 300Fiber (delivered via coaxial cable)300 MbpsDownload78Our score$30Per month
Source: Mediacom Xtream official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
$30/mo for the first 24 months, then $40/mo, buys up to 300 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, making Internet 300 a solid cable option for typical streaming, work, and browsing. Its Speed Score of 78/100 is above the city average of 74, so it is a competitive choice in Des Moines. Mediacom lists the plan as both cable and fiber delivered via coaxial cable, so confirm which technology serves your specific address, although both versions show 96.2% availability and the same up to 300/20 Mbps speeds.
About Mediacom Xtream
At $30/mo for the first 24 months, then $40/mo, Mediacom Xtream gives you up to 300 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, a good-value tier for streaming, browsing, and video calls with a 78/100 Speed Score. The plan is available to 96.2% of Des Moines and is offered as cable or as fiber delivered via coaxial cable, so check your address to see which version you can order, since the fiber label does not mean a full fiber-to-the-home connection.
Available Plans
Cable
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 79% of all internet options in Iowa
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload79Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload78Our score$50Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
Households seeking above-average performance for streaming and multiple connected devices may find T-Mobile’s fixed-wireless All-In Home Internet a competitive fit, with up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 79/100, above the city average of 74. Fixed wireless can vary more than wired service, and this plan is available to 43.6% of Des Moines, so check your address; the Rely plan offers up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 78/100 for $50/mo promotional, then $60/mo.
About T-Mobile
Households with moderate internet needs can consider T-Mobile for adequate fixed wireless service, with up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo, or up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo. Both plans are available to 43.6% of Des Moines, so availability is address-dependent, and you should check for faster fiber or cable options first if your home has heavy streaming, gaming, or multiple simultaneous users.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 82% of all internet options in Iowa
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload82Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload78Our score$35Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service is designed for everyday streaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload. Its 82/100 Speed Score is above Des Moines’s 74 average, making it a competitive choice, although fixed wireless may be less consistent than wired service. 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a 78/100 score, and both plans show 71.4% availability in the city, so confirm that 5G service reaches your address before choosing.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service can handle streaming, video calls, and everyday household use, with plans offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, though it may be less consistent than fiber or cable. Both plans are available to 71.4% of Des Moines, so check your address for 5G Home Plus first, and compare any faster fiber or cable options before settling for the 5G Home plan’s up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Quantum Fiber 3 Gig — faster than 90% of all internet options in Iowa
- Quantum Fiber 3 Gig$35/mo promotional rate, then $100/moFiber3,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$35Per month
- Quantum Fiber 940 Mbps / 1 Gig$25/mo promotional rate, then $80/moFiber940 MbpsDownload90Our score$25Per month
- Simply Fiber Internet 200 MbpsFiber200 MbpsDownload81Our score$30Per month
Source: Quantum Fiber official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
Fiber is a top-tier option for streaming, gaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices because it offers low latency and matching upload and download performance. Quantum Fiber’s 940 Mbps / 1 Gig plan offers up to 940 Mbps download and 940 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 90/100, above Des Moines’ city average of 74. Availability is address-specific, and this plan reaches 33.3% of Des Moines, so verify that fiber service is offered at your address.
About Quantum Fiber
Fiber is an excellent choice for streaming, gaming, video calls, and working from home because it offers fast, consistent service with equally strong upload and download performance. Quantum Fiber offers up to 940 Mbps both ways and up to 200 Mbps both ways across 33.3% of Des Moines, while its up to 3000 Mbps plan is limited to 2.2%, so check your address to see which fiber option is available.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 73% of all internet options in Iowa
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload73Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload48Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload48Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
Satellite internet can support everyday browsing, streaming, and remote work, but its higher latency may feel less responsive for gaming and some video calls than wired service. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 73/100, about the same as Des Moines’s 74 average, and is available to 100.0% of the city. It is a practical choice where wired service is unavailable, but checking other options at your address is worthwhile if low latency matters.
About Starlink
Satellite service is available to 100.0% of Des Moines, and Starlink’s plan offering up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload can support most households, though satellite latency may be noticeable during gaming and video calls. The $85/mo plan offers up to 200 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload, while the $55/mo plan offers up to 100 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload, so check your address for fiber or cable first because those technologies are generally better for modern, latency-sensitive use, with Starlink serving as a practical fallback where faster wired options are unavailable.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
ICS Advanced Technologies
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price
Speed Score: Faster than 97% of all internet options in Iowa
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
Up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload can comfortably handle multiple 4K streams, gaming, video calls, and busy households, making this fiber plan a top-tier option with a 97/100 Speed Score. Availability is address-specific, and this tier is listed for 0.4% of Des Moines, so check your address to confirm it is offered.
About ICS Advanced Technologies
Fiber with up to 1000 Mbps both ways is an excellent choice for streaming, gaming, video calls, remote work, and many connected devices. That top tier reaches 0.4% of census blocks, so availability is highly address-dependent, and the slower options, down to up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload, may be adequate for basic browsing but not modern multi-device use, so check your address for the fastest plan first.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air — faster than 78% of all internet options in Iowa
- AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload78Our score$55Per month
Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
At a $55/mo promotional rate that becomes $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps down and 300 Mbps up, with a 78/100 Speed Score that is above the city average of 74. As a fixed wireless plan available to 53.4% of Des Moines, performance and availability can vary by address, so verify service before signing up.
About AT&T
At $55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo, AT&T Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 300 Mbps upload over 5G fixed wireless, making it a solid value for everyday streaming, video calls, and work, with a good 78/100 speed score. Because fixed wireless is generally less dependable than fiber or cable, and this plan is available to 53.4% of Des Moines, check your address and compare wired options before choosing it.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 63% of all internet options in Iowa
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload37Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload7Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload1Our score$39.99Per month
Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
At $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $119.99, HughesNet Fusion buys you up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its Speed Score is just 37/100, below Des Moines’s city average of 74. Because this is satellite service with higher latency and more limited real-world performance than wired technologies, consider checking other providers first at your address, even though Fusion is listed as available to 100.0% of Des Moines.
About HughesNet
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet’s Fusion plan buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, while the $49.99/mo Select and $39.99/mo Lite plans offer up to 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, or up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, respectively, making the lower tiers limited value for busy modern households. All three are satellite plans with Speed Scores of 37, 7, and 1 out of 100, so check your address for faster fiber or cable first; HughesNet is a fallback available to 100.0% of Des Moines, but satellite may not be enough for heavy streaming, gaming, or multiple simultaneous users.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 93% of all internet options in Iowa
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload7Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload1Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Des Moines
Viasat Inc is a limited-performance choice, so check what other providers are available at your address before signing up. Viasat Essentials is available to 100.0% of Des Moines and offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo, but its Speed Score is 7/100, below the city average of 74. Viasat Unleashed is slower at up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 1/100, and satellite service can have higher latency than wired alternatives.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat is mainly a fallback option in Des Moines, so check whether fiber or cable is available at your address before choosing it. Its best plan, Viasat Essentials, offers up to 55 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up for $69.99/mo, reaches 100.0% of the city, and has a 7/100 Speed Score, while Viasat Unleashed costs $99.99/mo for up to 34 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up with a 1/100 score, so satellite latency and modest speeds may not be enough for modern streaming, work, or gaming.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Des Moines
All 22 product lines from the 10 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 22 plans
- Mediacom XtreamInternet 300$30/mo for the first 24 months, then $40/mo300 MbpsDownload78Our score$30$40Per month~96.2%CoverageCable
- Mediacom XtreamInternet 300300 MbpsDownload78Our score$30Per month~96.2%CoverageFiber (delivered via coaxial cable)
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload73Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload82Our score$45$70Per month~71.4%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload78Our score$35$60Per month~71.4%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload48Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload48Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- AT&TAT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload78Our score$55$60Per month~53.4%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- HughesNetFusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo100 MbpsDownload37Our score$94.99$119.99Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload79Our score$70$80Per month~43.6%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Compare Des Moines providers head-to-head
See how Des Moines’s providers stack up against each other — speed, coverage, price, and who wins block by block.
Best Fit by Household Type in Des Moines
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Quantum Fiber 940 Mbps / 1 Gig at its $25/mo promotional starting rate; it reaches 33.3% of Des Moines.
The 940/940 Mbps fiber plan reaches 33.3% of Des Moines, matching shared high-bandwidth use.
Check first: Confirm Quantum Fiber availability at your exact address before ordering.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Check Metronet Holdings first for 5,120/5,120 Mbps fiber reaching approximately 79% of Des Moines.
Metronet's 5,120/5,120 Mbps fiber reaches approximately 79% of Des Moines.
Check first: Confirm the fiber footprint at your exact address; citywide coverage does not guarantee service.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Consider Google Fiber 8 Gig for 8,000/8,000 Mbps fiber reaching 22.4% of Des Moines.
Google Fiber reaches 67.2% in Beaverdale's ZIP 50310 with 8,000/8,000 Mbps fiber.
Check first: The 8 Gig plan's 22.4% city reach makes address-level confirmation essential.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Use Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps at its $55/mo promotional starting rate; it reaches 100% of Des Moines.
Its 100 Mbps plan reaches 100% of Des Moines, offering broad address coverage.
Check first: Confirm the quoted rate and plan availability for your exact address.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Des Moines
Sherman Hill
Mediacom Xtream is currently the strongest option for Shared households needing broad cable availability.
Mediacom Xtream reaches 56.3% of ZIP 50309 with 1,000/50 Mbps cable.
Waveland
Google Fiber is currently the strongest option for High-speed uploads and downloads.
Google Fiber reaches 89.6% of ZIP 50311 with 8,000/8,000 Mbps fiber.
Beaverdale
Google Fiber is currently the strongest option for Fast fiber for work, gaming, and streaming.
Google Fiber reaches 67.2% of ZIP 50310 with 8,000/8,000 Mbps fiber.
Des Moines Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Des Moines, IA?
Google Fiber is fastest at 8,000 Mbps symmetrical, with its 8 Gig plan reaching 22.4% of Des Moines. That is the city's highest listed speed, so confirm Google Fiber service at your address before ordering online.
Can I get fiber internet in Beaverdale?
Yes—Google Fiber reaches 67.2% and Metronet Holdings reaches 23.4% of ZIP 50310 (Beaverdale) with fiber service. Quantum Fiber adds 7.5%, but ZIP coverage is not a guarantee, so verify the exact address before ordering service.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Des Moines?
The cheapest option is Quantum Fiber Quantum Fiber 940 Mbps / 1 Gig at $25/mo, a promotional starting rate, for 940 Mbps, reaching 33.3% of Des Moines. Check your address, because this specific plan is not available citywide.
What internet speed do I need for a Des Moines household?
Start with 300 Mbps for a typical connected household; Mediacom Xtream's Internet 300 reaches 96.2% of Des Moines. For heavier simultaneous use, Quantum Fiber's 940 Mbps plan reaches 33.3%, while Google Fiber's 1 Gig plan reaches 22.5%.
Which internet provider covers Sherman Hill best?
In Sherman Hill's ZIP 50309, Mediacom Xtream leads listed coverage at 56.3%, ahead of CenturyLink at 9.0% and Quantum Fiber and Metronet Holdings at 8.6% each. That ZIP comparison helps narrow choices, but your exact Sherman Hill address still determines availability.
How We Analyze Internet in Des Moines
FCC Broadband Data
We use the FCC National Broadband Map, updated twice a year with provider-reported coverage at the census block level.
Speed Score
Our proprietary score weights technology type (fiber=100%, cable=85%, etc.) with download (70%) and upload (30%) speeds, ranked as a state percentile.
Coverage Calculation
Provider coverage shows what percentage of census blocks in Des Moines report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Des Moines
How We Calculate Speed Score
Our Speed Score is a state-level percentile ranking (0-100) that shows how a provider’s service compares to all other internet options available in your state.
The Formula:
We calculate a raw performance score using:
Technology Factor × (Download Speed × 70% + Upload Speed × 30%)
Technology Factors:
Not all connections are equal. We weight each technology based on real-world reliability and performance:
- Fiber: 100% – Fastest, most reliable technology
- Cable: 85% – High speeds, shared neighborhood bandwidth
- Fixed Wireless (Licensed): 70% – Dedicated spectrum, weather-dependent
- Copper/DSL: 65% – Distance-limited, aging infrastructure
- Fixed Wireless (Unlicensed): 60% – Shared spectrum, variable performance
- Satellite (LEO): 40% – Low-earth orbit (e.g., Starlink), higher latency
- Satellite (GEO): 15% – Geostationary orbit, significant latency
Percentile Ranking:
After calculating raw scores, we rank every service option in your state by geographic coverage (census blocks served). A score of 85 means this service performs better than 85% of all internet options available in your state.
Data Source: FCC National Broadband Map data, updated twice a year.
How We Calculate Capabilities
Estimated Capabilities predict how well each internet plan supports common household activities based on speed requirements and connection type.
Rating Scale:
- Excellent – Optimal performance, handles peak usage easily
- Good – Reliable performance with minimal issues
- Fair – Functional but may experience slowdowns during heavy use
- Poor – Not recommended; expect frequent buffering or lag
How We Rate Each Category:
Streaming
Based on download speed. 4K streaming requires 25+ Mbps per stream; HD requires 5+ Mbps. We account for multiple simultaneous streams.
Multi-device
Evaluates total bandwidth capacity divided by typical household device count (phones, tablets, smart TVs, computers). Fiber and cable handle many devices better than DSL or satellite.
Gaming
Considers both upload speed (for sending game data) and latency (ping time). Fiber and cable excel here; satellite connections struggle due to inherent signal delay.
Whole Home
Assesses whether the connection can reliably serve an entire household during peak evening hours. Factors in technology type (shared vs. dedicated bandwidth) and total speed capacity.
Note: Actual performance depends on your specific location, network congestion, and equipment quality.