Rochester, MN Internet
Internet Providers in Rochester, MN
Compare every internet provider in Rochester, MN: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedMetronet Holdings is the best overall, with fiber speeds up to 5,120/5,120 Mbps reaching about 56% of the city. Where it does not reach, CenturyLink is the safe fallback, mostly DSL, with an overall footprint of about 79% and its fastest common DSL tier reaching up to 100 Mbps in about 22% of the city.
In 55901, including Kutzky Park, Metronet reaches about 87%, while 55902 is similarly strong at about 80%, with KMTelecom fiber reaching about 7% there. Metronet also leads 55904, including Slatterly Park, at about 76%, and 55903 at about 85%, so those ZIPs have especially good fiber odds. In 55906, Metronet reaches about 80%, while Bevcomm fiber adds about 5%; Elton Hills is worth checking carefully because older copper or DSL infrastructure can still change the answer street by street. For students at the University of Minnesota Rochester or Rochester Community and Technical College, reliable service matters for Zoom, streaming, and gaming, and apartment buildings may have a different lineup than nearby homes. T-Mobile and Verizon are reasonable fixed-wireless alternatives where wired service falls short, but confirm the exact address before choosing.
Best Internet Providers in Rochester, MN
Speed Score: Faster than 98% of all internet options in Minnesota
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
Households with heavy streaming, gaming, remote work, or multiple connected devices should find Metronet Holdings an excellent choice, with its fiber plan offering up to 5,120 Mbps download and 5,120 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 98/100. Availability is address-dependent, and this plan reaches 56.0% of Rochester, so confirm that fiber service is offered at your location.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Metronet Holdings
Metronet Holdings is a strong fit for households that stream, work from home, game, or have many connected devices, thanks to its excellent fiber plan with up to 5120 Mbps both ways. This top-tier option is available in about 56% of Rochester’s census blocks, so check your address to confirm eligibility.
Available Plans
Fiber
Best plan here: Internet Gig 1 Gig — faster than 82% of all internet options in Minnesota
- Internet Gig 1 Gig$60/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable1,000 MbpsDownload82Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier 500 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable500 MbpsDownload80Our score$40Per month
- Internet 100$30/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable100 MbpsDownload23Our score$30Per month
Source: Spectrum official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
Spectrum’s headline Speed Score of 82/100 reflects Internet Gig, with up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, enough for busy households, 4K streaming, online gaming, and many connected devices. As a cable plan, it is a solid and reliable option, and its score is above Rochester’s city average of 62. Internet Gig is available to about 50% of the city, so confirm that this top-tier speed reaches your specific address before choosing it.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Spectrum
Up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload on Spectrum’s cable Internet Gig plan is excellent for streaming, gaming, large downloads, and busy households. Spectrum is a strong option where its cable service is available, but that plan reaches only about 50% of Rochester, so check your address first, especially since the lower-speed options may not meet heavier modern needs as comfortably.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: CenturyLink Internet 100 Mbps — slower than 77% of all internet options in Minnesota
Badge = fastest plan reaching at least 5% of the city. Fiber Internet (up to 940 Mbps) scores higher but reaches ~2%.
- Fiber Internet (up to 940 Mbps)Fiber940 MbpsDownload80Our score$75Per month
- CenturyLink Internet 100 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months (Paperless billing or prepay required; speed may not be available in your area)DSL100 MbpsDownload23Our score$55Per month
Source: CenturyLink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
CenturyLink is a limited-performance choice in Rochester compared with alternatives, with its headline Speed Score of 23/100 below the city average of 62. Its DSL plan offers up to 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload for $55 per month, with availability at about 22% of the city, so consider checking other providers first for stronger performance. CenturyLink also offers a top-tier fiber option with up to 940 Mbps both ways and a Speed Score of 80/100, but it reaches only about 2% of Rochester, making address-level availability essential.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About CenturyLink
CenturyLink is a good choice mainly for the small number of Rochester addresses that can get its fiber service, but most shoppers should check for faster alternatives first. Fiber offers up to 940 Mbps both ways for $75 per month, though it is available to only about 2% of the city, while the fallback DSL plan reaches about 22% and offers up to 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload for $55 per month, which may be adequate for basic use but limiting for busy modern households.
Available Plans
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Fiber
Fiber
HiawathaBroadbandCommunicationsInc
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price Not listed
Speed Score: Faster than 82% of all internet options in Minnesota
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
HiawathaBroadbandCommunicationsInc is a top-tier option where its fiber is available, with up to 1,000 Mbps symmetrical speeds and a Speed Score of 82/100. The fiber plan reaches about 8% of Rochester, so availability is address-dependent and should be confirmed before signing up.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About HiawathaBroadbandCommunicationsInc
HiawathaBroadbandCommunicationsInc is an excellent option for homes that can get its fiber service, offering up to 1000 Mbps both ways for fast streaming, video calls, and large downloads. This plan has a Speed Score of 82/100 but reaches only about 8% of Rochester, so availability is highly address-dependent and you should confirm your address qualifies before choosing it.
Available Plans
Fiber
Bevcomm
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price Not listed
Speed Score: Faster than 82% of all internet options in Minnesota
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
What you pay for Bevcomm can buy a top-tier option when its fiber plan is available: up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 82/100 compared with the city average of 62. That fiber plan reaches about 5% of Rochester, so availability at your specific address is important. Where only Bevcomm’s copper plans are available, up to 25/3 Mbps with a 7/100 score or up to 10/1 Mbps with a 1/100 score offers limited performance compared to alternatives, so consider checking other providers first.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Bevcomm
At the price quoted today, Bevcomm offers excellent value where its fiber is available, with up to 1000 Mbps both ways, but that top-tier option reaches only about 5% of Rochester’s census blocks. Availability is address-dependent, and elsewhere its copper plans top out at up to 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload, which are generally adequate only for basic browsing, so check for faster options first if fiber is not offered.
Available Plans
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Best plan here: Internet 300 — faster than 76% of all internet options in Minnesota
- Internet 300$30/mo for the first 24 months, then $40/moCable300 MbpsDownload76Our score$30Per month
- Mediacom Internet 100 Mbps$30/mo for 12 monthsCable100 MbpsDownload23Our score$30Per month
Source: Mediacom Xtream official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
At $30 per month, Internet 300 offers up to 300 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, making it a solid cable option with a Speed Score of 76/100, above Rochester’s city average of 62. The introductory price lasts 24 months before increasing to $40 per month, and this plan is available to 3% of the city. Mediacom Xtream’s other cable plan, Mediacom Internet 100 Mbps, reaches the same 3% of the city but provides up to 100 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload with a lower Speed Score of 23/100, so availability and plan choice depend on your address.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Mediacom Xtream
For $30 per month, Internet 300 offers good value with up to 300 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload for the first 24 months, then $40 per month, making it a solid cable option for most households. Availability is limited to certain addresses, and the alternative 100 Mbps plan costs the same for 12 months, so check your address for the faster option first since the lower speed may not be enough for busier modern households.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Cable
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
KMTelecom
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price Not listed
Speed Score: Faster than 82% of all internet options in Minnesota
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
Up to 1000 Mbps download and upload can comfortably support streaming, gaming, video calls, and many connected devices at once. KMTelecom’s fiber plan is a top-tier option, with a Speed Score of 82/100 and availability at about 5% of Rochester addresses, so the best technology may not reach your specific address. Where only the 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload copper plan is available, its Speed Score of 1/100 reflects limited performance compared to alternatives, so consider checking other providers first.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About KMTelecom
Up to 1000 Mbps both ways on fiber is an excellent option for streaming, video calls, gaming, and households with many connected devices. Fiber availability is address-dependent, and the fallback copper plan offers only up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload, which is generally limited to basic browsing, so check for fiber or another faster option before choosing KMTelecom.
Available Plans
Fiber
Copper
Nuvera Communications Inc
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Price Not listed
Speed Score: Faster than 82% of all internet options in Minnesota
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
Nuvera Communications Inc’s fiber plan offers up to 1000 Mbps both ways, enough for heavy streaming, gaming, video calls, and many connected devices. With a Speed Score of 82/100, it is an excellent, top-tier option, and this plan reaches about 3% of Rochester. Availability is address-dependent, and locations served only by its 30/3 Mbps or 10/1 Mbps copper plans face limited performance compared with alternatives, with scores of 14/100 and 1/100 respectively.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Nuvera Communications Inc
Up to 1000 Mbps both ways on fiber is excellent for streaming, gaming, video calls, and households with many connected devices. That strong option is address-dependent and reaches about 3% of census blocks, while the available copper plans of up to 30 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload are mainly suited to basic browsing, so check for fiber or another faster provider before choosing.
Available Plans
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Best plan here: Fiber 2G — faster than 94% of all internet options in Minnesota
- Fiber 2GFiber2,000 MbpsDownload94Our score$70Per month
- Fiber 1 GigFiber940 MbpsDownload80Our score$80Per month
- Fiber 500Fiber500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
Source: Quantum Fiber official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
Fiber is an excellent choice for streaming, gaming, video calls, and busy households, with Quantum Fiber 2G offering up to 2000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload for a top-tier Speed Score of 94/100, above the city average of 62. That plan is available to only about 0% of Rochester, so confirm fiber service at your address before relying on these speeds.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Quantum Fiber
Fiber offers excellent performance for streaming, gaming, video calls, and multiple users at once, with Quantum Fiber plans providing up to 2,000 Mbps download and 1,000 Mbps upload. Its Fiber 2G plan is available to about 0% of Rochester, while Fiber 1 Gig and Fiber 500 reach about 2%, so the faster technology is highly address-dependent and worth checking before choosing another provider.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Speed Score: Slower than 77% of all internet options in Minnesota
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
Frontier’s fastest plan offers up to 90 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, enough for basic streaming, video calls, and everyday browsing, but its Copper technology earns a Speed Score of 23/100. Available to about 0% of Rochester on this plan, it has limited performance compared with alternatives, so check what other providers offer at your specific address before choosing it.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Frontier
Frontier’s fastest local plan offers up to 90 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, enough for everyday browsing, video calls, and streaming for a small household, but it may struggle with several heavy users at once. Availability is address-dependent, and some locations only qualify for slower copper options, including up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload, so check for a faster alternative before choosing Frontier.
Available Plans
Copper
Copper
Copper
Best plan here: 5G Home — faster than 76% of all internet options in Minnesota
- 5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload76Our score$60Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it a good option for streaming, video calls, and everyday home use, though fixed wireless can be more variable than wired connections. Its Speed Score of 76/100 is above Rochester’s city average of 62 and is available to about 43% of the city, so confirm that this plan reaches your specific address before signing up.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, which is good for everyday browsing, streaming, video calls, and many households, though performance can vary more than cable or fiber. It is available to about 43% of Rochester and has a good 76/100 Speed Score, so it is worth checking your address, especially if faster fiber or cable options are not available nearby.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 80% of all internet options in Minnesota
- T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps$45/mo for 12 months, then $60/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45Per month
- T-Mobile All-In Home Internet 500 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months, then $70/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload80Our score$55Per month
- T-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps$35/mo for 12 months, then $50/mo (qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, and new Internet line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless400 MbpsDownload80Our score$35Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
Homes seeking affordable service for streaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices can consider T-Mobile Rely Home Internet, with up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload for $35 per month and a Speed Score of 80/100, above the city average of 62. It is fixed wireless, so performance can be more variable than wired service, and this plan is available to about 51% of Rochester addresses, making address-level eligibility essential.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a strong fit for households that want fast everyday internet, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and a Speed Score of 80/100. The best options are address-dependent and available to about 51% of Rochester, so check your address first, especially since fixed wireless can be less consistent than cable or fiber; qualifying customers also need a postpaid voice bundle.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Bug Tussel Wireless
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Plans range $55–$200 /mo *
Best plan here: Platinum 1000 — faster than 82% of all internet options in Minnesota
- Platinum 1000Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload82Our score$200Per month
- Platinum 750Fixed Wireless750 MbpsDownload80Our score$150Per month
- Platinum 500Fixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload80Our score$125Per month
- Platinum 250Fixed Wireless250 MbpsDownload76Our score$100Per month
- Platinum 100Fixed Wireless100 MbpsDownload23Our score$85Per month
- Platinum 75Fixed Wireless75 MbpsDownload21Our score$75Per month
- 50/16 MbpsFixed Wireless50 MbpsDownload17Our score$100Per month
- 30/10 MbpsFixed Wireless30 MbpsDownload14Our score$85Per month
- 20/6 MbpsFixed Wireless20 MbpsDownload7Our score$75Per month
- 15/5 MbpsFixed Wireless15 MbpsDownload7Our score$65Per month
- 10/3 MbpsFixed Wireless10 MbpsDownload1Our score$55Per month
Source: Bug Tussel Wireless official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
With a headline Speed Score of 82/100, Bug Tussel Wireless’s Platinum 1000 plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 200 Mbps upload, enough for large households, 4K streaming, gaming, and heavy uploads. Its score is above Rochester’s city average of 62, making it a competitive fixed wireless option, though performance can vary more than with wired connections. Platinum 1000 is available to about 51% of Rochester, so check your address before choosing it and compare other technologies available there.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Bug Tussel Wireless
Up to 1,000 Mbps download and 200 Mbps upload on Platinum 1000 can handle streaming, video calls, gaming, and busy households, making Bug Tussel Wireless a strong option where that service is available. Its fixed wireless network reaches 51.1% of Rochester, but performance and reliability can vary by address, so check for Platinum 1000 first; lower-tier plans, especially 50/16 Mbps or below, may be only adequate for modern multi-device use.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 80% of all internet options in Minnesota
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload80Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload61Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload23Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
Satellite internet can provide up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload through Starlink’s Residential Max plan, supporting streaming and multiple connected devices, though satellite latency can affect gaming and other real-time uses. The plan is available to 100.0% of Rochester and has a Speed Score of 80/100, above the city average of 62, making it a competitive option. Because wired technologies typically offer lower latency, check which connection types reach your specific address before choosing Starlink.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Starlink
Starlink uses satellite internet, so it can provide broad availability and up to 400 Mbps download speeds, but higher latency may affect gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities. Its Residential Max 400 Mbps plan is the strongest choice here at $130 per month and is available to about 100% of Rochester, though you should check address-specific fiber or cable options first because they generally offer a better day-to-day experience; Starlink is a useful fallback where those faster wired services are unavailable.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 77% of all internet options in Minnesota
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload23Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload17Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload7Our score$39.99Per month
Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
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, but its 23/100 Speed Score is below Rochester’s city average of 62. Fusion is available to 100.0% of Rochester, yet satellite’s latency and limited performance make it worth checking other providers at your address first, especially for streaming, gaming, or multiple users.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About HughesNet
At $39.99 to $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, HughesNet offers up to 25 to 100 Mbps download speeds, but satellite service has high latency and below-average performance, so the value is mainly for basic browsing and light use. All three plans are available to 100% of Rochester, yet you should check your address for faster fiber or cable options first, since HughesNet may not be sufficient for busy households, streaming, or frequent video calls.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 81% of all internet options in Minnesota
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload19Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload14Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Rochester
Viasat is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives in Rochester, with a headline Speed Score of 19/100 versus the city average of 62. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, with availability at 100% of the city, but satellite service can have higher latency and is worth comparing with other technologies available at your address. Viasat Unleashed is slower at up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, costs $99.99 per month, and has a Speed Score of 14/100.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is a nationwide fallback rather than a first choice for most households, since its satellite plans offer below-average performance. Viasat Essentials reaches 100% of Rochester with up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, while Viasat Unleashed costs $99.99 and offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, so check your address for faster fiber or cable service before choosing it.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Rochester
All 33 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 33 plans
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload80Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload61Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Bug Tussel WirelessPlatinum 10001,000 MbpsDownload82Our score$200Per month~51.1%CoverageFixed Wireless
- SpectrumInternet Gig 1 Gig$60/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)1,000 MbpsDownload82Our score$60Per month~50.4%CoverageCable
- T-MobileT-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps$35/mo for 12 months, then $50/mo (qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, and new Internet line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard400 MbpsDownload80Our score$35$50Per month~51.3%CoverageFixed Wireless
- T-MobileT-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps$45/mo for 12 months, then $60/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45$60Per month~51.3%CoverageFixed Wireless
- T-MobileT-Mobile All-In Home Internet 500 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months, then $70/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard500 MbpsDownload80Our score$55$70Per month~51.3%CoverageFixed Wireless
- Bug Tussel WirelessPlatinum 500500 MbpsDownload80Our score$125Per month~51.1%CoverageFixed Wireless
- Bug Tussel WirelessPlatinum 750750 MbpsDownload80Our score$150Per month~51.1%CoverageFixed Wireless
- SpectrumInternet Premier 500 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)500 MbpsDownload80Our score$40Per month~50.4%CoverageCable
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Best Fit by Household Type in Rochester
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Spectrum Internet 100 where available for 100 Mbps and the lowest $30 promotional starting rate.
Its 100 Mbps plan reaches about 50% of Rochester, including some shared-housing areas.
Check first: The $30 rate lasts 12 months for new customers and requires address-level availability.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Metronet Holdings fiber where available for symmetrical 5,120 Mbps service.
Metronet fiber reaches about 56% of Rochester and offers the city’s strongest work-from-home capacity.
Check first: Confirm the fiber footprint at your address because coverage is not citywide.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Metronet Holdings fiber where available for symmetrical 5,120 Mbps downloads and uploads.
Its fiber tier reaches about 56% of Rochester, supporting multiple high-bandwidth users.
Check first: Metronet has no published pricing, so verify monthly costs before ordering.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Use CenturyLink as the broadest non-satellite backup, with common DSL service up to 100 Mbps.
CenturyLink covers about 79% overall, while its 100 Mbps DSL tier reaches about 22%.
Check first: Confirm the exact DSL tier because faster service is much less widely available.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Rochester
Kutzky Park 55901
Metronet Holdings is currently the strongest option for Highest-capacity fiber.
Metronet reaches about 87% of ZIP 55901 with fiber up to 5,120 Mbps symmetrical.
Downtown Rochester 55902
Metronet Holdings is currently the strongest option for Downtown fiber access.
Metronet reaches about 80% of ZIP 55902, while KMTelecom reaches about 7% with fiber.
Slatterly Park 55904
Metronet Holdings is currently the strongest option for Broad fiber availability.
Metronet reaches about 76% of ZIP 55904, with Spectrum reaching about 12%.
ZIP 55903
Metronet Holdings is currently the strongest option for Fiber-first households.
Metronet reaches about 85% of ZIP 55903; Spectrum reaches about 12% and Quantum Fiber about 1%.
ZIP 55906
Metronet Holdings is currently the strongest option for Fast fiber coverage.
Metronet reaches about 80% of ZIP 55906, while Bevcomm reaches about 5% with fiber.
Internet providers near Rochester
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Rochester, check the neighboring market directly.
Rochester Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Rochester, MN?
Metronet Holdings is the best overall provider, offering fiber up to 5,120 Mbps symmetrically where available and reaching about 56% of Rochester. Its top tier is the fastest available at meaningful city scale, but eligibility must be checked at each address.
What is the fastest internet in Rochester, MN?
Metronet Holdings fiber is fastest, reaching about 56% of Rochester with symmetrical speeds up to 5,120 Mbps. No other provider’s faster listed tier reaches at least 5% of the city, so Metronet is the practical fastest-where-available choice.
Which internet provider covers the most of Rochester, MN?
CenturyLink has the largest non-satellite footprint at about 79% of Rochester, primarily through DSL service. Its fastest common DSL tier is 100 Mbps and reaches about 22%, so verify the available speed rather than assuming coverage includes faster service.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Rochester, MN?
Spectrum Internet 100 and Mediacom Xtream Internet 300 are tied at a $30-per-month promotional starting rate: Spectrum provides 100 Mbps and reaches about 50%, while Mediacom provides 300 Mbps and reaches about 3%. Spectrum’s offer lasts 12 months for new customers; Mediacom’s lasts 24 months, then $40.
Can I get fiber internet in Rochester?
Fiber reaches about 56% of Rochester through Metronet Holdings, whose available tier reaches 5,120 Mbps symmetrically. Other fiber footprints are smaller, including CenturyLink at about 2% for 940 Mbps and Quantum Fiber at about 2% for 940 Mbps, so check your exact address.
What internet speed do I need in Rochester?
A 100 Mbps plan reaches about 50% of Rochester through Spectrum and suits lighter households, while 5,120 Mbps Metronet fiber reaches about 56% for demanding use. Choose higher capacity when several residents stream, work remotely, upload files, or game simultaneously.
Which internet works best near Mayo Clinic campus?
Metronet Holdings reaches about 56% of Rochester with symmetrical fiber up to 5,120 Mbps, making it the strongest work-from-home option near Mayo Clinic campus where available. Address-level qualification remains essential because the citywide fiber footprint does not cover every location.
How We Analyze Internet in Rochester
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
A state-wide percentile of each plan’s maximum advertised download speed against every option filed with the FCC in the state, all technologies on one scale. It is not a measured speed test.
Coverage Calculation
Provider coverage shows what percentage of census blocks in Rochester report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Rochester
How We Calculate Speed Score
The Speed Score is a state-wide percentile from 0 to 100. It answers one question: of every internet option filed with the FCC in this state, across every technology, what share is slower than this plan’s maximum advertised download speed?
What goes in:
- The plan’s maximum advertised download speed, as the provider files it with the FCC and lists it for sale.
- Every other serviceable option in the state from the FCC Broadband Data Collection, counted by the census blocks it reaches.
Speed Score = share of the state’s filed options with a lower advertised download speed
A score of 85 means this plan’s advertised speed beats 85% of the options filed in the state. Fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless and satellite are all on the same scale, so a 1,000 Mbps plan scores the same whoever sells it.
What it is not: a measured speed test. It does not include latency, upload speed, reliability or congestion. Real throughput at an address varies with wiring, equipment and time of day.
How providers are ordered on this page: each provider’s tier scores are averaged across the census blocks it serves, then multiplied by the share of the city it reaches. Wired providers rank ahead of wireless-only ones, and satellite last, because their filings describe a signal footprint rather than a plant. The same rule sets the title and the 30-second verdict.
Data source: FCC National Broadband Map (Broadband Data Collection), republished roughly twice a year; provider plan lists checked monthly.
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.