FindBetterInternet

Bismarck, ND Internet

Internet Providers in Bismarck, ND

Compare every internet provider in Bismarck, ND: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.

Person using internet

The 30-Second Verdict

Updated
MidcoBest overall
Coverage56%Speed Score99
BEK Communications CooperativeBroad backup
Coverage48%Speed Score97
CenturyLink
Coverage46%Speed Score75
Quantum Fiber
Coverage2%Speed Score75
Verizon
Coverage35%Speed Score70
T-Mobile
Coverage58%Speed Score75

Midco is the best overall, with fiber speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps reaching about 8% of Bismarck, while its overall footprint is about 56%. Where Midco fiber does not reach, BEK Communications Cooperative is the safe fallback, mostly fiber with speeds up to 2,500/1,250 Mbps reaching about 48% of the city.

In ZIP 58502, Midco leads with its fiber reaching about 25%, while Promontory Point is more heavily cable-based, and Midco covers about 53% there. Southwood also favors Midco at about 45%, with BEK fiber reaching about 16%, while the Bismarck State College area has Midco fiber reaching about 23%. Students at Bismarck State College, University of Mary, and United Tribes Technical College should check apartment-level availability carefully, since older DSL or copper infrastructure can be a headache for Zoom, streaming, and gaming. Riverwood and Wachter’s can change street by street, so do not assume nearby coverage carries over. Bismarck doesn’t have a single dominant coverage provider, so in some areas satellite might be a real option. Verizon fixed wireless reaches about 28% with speeds up to 300/20 Mbps, while Starlink reaches the whole city with speeds up to 220/30 Mbps, so confirm the exact address before choosing.

Best Internet Providers in Bismarck, ND

Speeds up to 5,000 Mbps

Plans start at $39.99 /mo *


Coverage ~56% of city
Connection type Cable, Fiber
99

Speed Score: Faster than 99% of all internet options in North Dakota

SPEED SCORE

99

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.

Download 5,000 Mbps
Upload 5,000 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) Low

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

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Excellent

Gaming

Excellent

Whole home

Excellent

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Bismarck

Midco is a strong option in Bismarck, especially where its fiber service is available. Its fiber plan offers up to 5000 Mbps both ways with a Speed Score of 99/100, making it a top-tier option, though it reaches only about 8% of the city. Where fiber is unavailable, the cable plan offers up to 2000 Mbps download and 350 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 94/100, a solid and reliable choice, but the technology available depends 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 Midco

Midco is an excellent option for many Bismarck households, with fiber offering up to 5,000 Mbps both ways at about 8% of census blocks and cable offering up to 2,000 Mbps download and 350 Mbps upload at about 31%. Availability is address-dependent, so homes outside those areas may be limited to cable up to 1,000 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload, which is usable but less suitable for heavy uploads, large households, or demanding modern internet use.

Available Plans

94
Cable
2000 Mbps Download
350 Mbps Upload
Coverage 30.6% of city
75
Cable
1000 Mbps Download
50 Mbps Upload
Coverage 20.1% of city
99
Fiber
5000 Mbps Download
5000 Mbps Upload
Coverage 7.6% of city
75
Fiber
1000 Mbps Download
50 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.2% of city

Speeds up to 2,500 Mbps

Price Not listed Check your address →


Coverage ~48% of city
Connection type Fiber
97

Speed Score: Faster than 97% of all internet options in North Dakota

SPEED SCORE

97

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.

Download 2,500 Mbps
Upload 1,250 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) Low

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

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Excellent

Gaming

Excellent

Whole home

Excellent

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Bismarck

BEK Communications Cooperative is a top-tier option in Bismarck, with fiber offering up to 2500 Mbps download and 1250 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 97/100, well above the city average of 52. Fiber is available to 47.5% of the city, so check your address to confirm this high-performance connection reaches you.

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 BEK Communications Cooperative

BEK Communications Cooperative is an excellent option for demanding internet use at addresses it serves with fiber. Its fiber plan offers up to 2500 Mbps download and 1250 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 97/100, and is available across about 48% of Bismarck census blocks, so check your address to confirm availability.

Available Plans

97
Fiber
2500 Mbps Download
1250 Mbps Upload
Coverage 47.5% of city

Speeds up to 940 Mbps

Plans range $50–$80 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~2% of city
Connection type Fiber
75

Best plan here: Fiber 1 Gig — faster than 75% of all internet options in North Dakota

  • Fiber 1 GigFiber940 MbpsDownload75Our score$80Per month
  • Fiber 500Fiber500 MbpsDownload75Our score$50Per month

Source: Quantum Fiber official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

75

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.

Download 940 Mbps
Upload 500 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) Low

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

Streaming

Excellent

Multi-device

Excellent

Gaming

Excellent

Whole home

Excellent

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Bismarck

Fiber provides low-latency performance for streaming, gaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices, with Quantum Fiber plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and upload on Fiber 500 or up to 940 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload on Fiber 1 Gig. Both plans have a 75/100 Speed Score, above Bismarck’s city average of 52, but availability is address-dependent and each reaches about 1% of the city.

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 provides excellent performance for streaming, video calls, gaming, and busy households, with Quantum Fiber offering up to 940 Mbps down and 500 Mbps up for $80 per month or a symmetrical 500 Mbps plan for $50 per month. Both plans have a good 75/100 Speed Score, but each is available to only about 1% of Bismarck, so check your address carefully because this strong fiber option is highly location-dependent.

Available Plans

22
Fiber
100 Mbps Download
100 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.7% of city
75
Fiber
1000 Mbps Download
1000 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.5% of city
75
Fiber
940 Mbps Download
940 Mbps Upload
Coverage 0.4% of city

Speeds up to 300 Mbps

Plans range $60 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 1 plans →


Coverage ~35% of city
Connection type 5G Fixed Wireless
70

Best plan here: 5G Home — faster than 70% of all internet options in North Dakota

  • 5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload70Our score$60Per month

Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

70

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.

Download 300 Mbps
Upload 75 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) Medium

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

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Bismarck

Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless connection can support everyday streaming, video calls, and home work with up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload speeds, though performance may vary more than with wired service. Its 5G Home plan scores 70/100, above the city average of 52, but availability and signal quality depend on your specific address, so confirm service 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 a good fit for streaming, video calls, and everyday online use, though performance can vary with wireless conditions. The plan is available to about 35% of Bismarck and costs $60 per month for 12 months with Auto Pay and a qualifying postpaid unlimited mobile plan, so check your address carefully and compare fiber or cable options first if they are available.

Available Plans

70
Licensed Fixed Wireless
300 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 28.4% of city
13
Licensed Fixed Wireless
50 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 6.5% of city

Speeds up to 500 Mbps

Plans range $35–$55 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 3 plans →


Coverage ~58% of cityfastest plan shown reaches ~35%
Connection type Fixed Wireless
75

Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 75% of all internet options in North Dakota

  • 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 MbpsDownload75Our 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 MbpsDownload75Our 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 MbpsDownload75Our score$35Per month

Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

75

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.

Download 500 Mbps
Upload 60 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) Medium

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

Streaming

Good

Multi-device

Adequate

Gaming

Adequate

Whole home

Good

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Bismarck

T-Mobile suits budget-conscious households with everyday streaming, browsing, and work needs, with the Rely Home Internet plan offering up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload for $35 per month before the rate increases. Its fixed wireless service has a 75/100 Speed Score, above Bismarck’s city average of 52, making it a competitive option, though performance can vary more than wired internet. The plans are available to about 35% of Bismarck, so check your address to confirm availability and whether T-Mobile’s service meets your household’s needs.

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 practical fit for households that want good everyday performance for streaming, video calls, and browsing at a reasonable price, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and a good 75/100 Speed Score. The faster 500 Mbps and 400 Mbps options are available to about 35% of Bismarck, so check your address carefully, since fixed wireless can be less consistent than cable or fiber and may not meet heavier modern needs as reliably.

Available Plans

9
Licensed Fixed Wireless
25 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 19.2% of city
22
Licensed Fixed Wireless
100 Mbps Download
20 Mbps Upload
Coverage 16.0% of city

Speeds up to 10 Mbps

Price Not listed Check your address →


Coverage ~2% of city
Connection type Fixed Wireless
1

Speed Score: Slower than 99% of all internet options in North Dakota

SPEED SCORE

1

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.

Download 10 Mbps
Upload 1 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) Medium

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

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Bismarck

Up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload is suited to basic browsing, email, and light streaming, but it may struggle with multiple users or demanding online activities. Standing Rock Telecom’s Licensed Fixed Wireless plan has a Speed Score of 1/100 and reaches 1.6% of Bismarck, so its performance is limited compared with alternatives, making it worth checking what else is available at 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 Standing Rock Telecom

With up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload, Standing Rock Telecom’s licensed fixed wireless service is mainly suited to basic browsing, email, and light streaming, not busy households or demanding online work. Its fixed wireless coverage reaches about 2% of Bismarck, so check your address for availability and see whether a faster provider is offered before choosing it.

Available Plans

1
Licensed Fixed Wireless
10 Mbps Download
1 Mbps Upload
Coverage 1.6% of city

Speeds up to 100 Mbps

Plans range $39.99–$94.99 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 3 plans →


Coverage ~100% of city
Connection type Satellite
22

Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 78% of all internet options in North Dakota

  • Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload22Our score$94.99Per month
  • Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload13Our score$49.99Per month
  • Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload9Our score$39.99Per month

Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

22

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.

Download 100 Mbps
Upload 5 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) High

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

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Bismarck

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 22/100 Speed Score is below Bismarck’s city average of 52. Fusion is available to 100.0% of Bismarck, but satellite’s higher latency and limited performance make it worth checking other providers available at your address 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 HughesNet

At $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, HughesNet’s Fusion plan buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its satellite technology and 22/100 Speed Score make that a modest value for the price. Select costs $49.99 per month for the first 12 months for up to 50 Mbps, while Lite costs $39.99 for up to 25 Mbps, so check for faster fiber or cable options at your address before choosing HughesNet, especially for streaming, gaming, or multiple users.

Available Plans

22
Gso Satellite
100 Mbps Download
5 Mbps Upload
Coverage 100.0% of city

Speeds up to 55 Mbps

Plans range $69.99–$99.99 /mo * Refreshed Sep 15, 2026See all 2 plans →


Coverage ~90% of city
Connection type Satellite
21

Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 79% of all internet options in North Dakota

  • Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload21Our score$69.99Per month
  • Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload13Our score$99.99Per month

Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address

SPEED SCORE

21

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.

Download 55 Mbps
Upload 4 Mbps
Typical latency (by technology) High

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

Streaming

Poor

Multi-device

Poor

Gaming

Poor

Whole home

Poor

THE TAKEAWAY

Our recommendation for Bismarck

Viasat is a limited-performance choice in Bismarck because its satellite service has a Speed Score of 21/100, below the city average of 52. Viasat Essentials is the stronger option, offering up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month across 89.9% of the city, but satellite’s higher latency and slower performance make it worth checking other providers available at your address 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 Viasat Inc

Viasat Inc is mainly an adequate fallback, so check whether faster internet is available at your address first. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, with a below-average Speed Score of 21/100 and availability to about 90% of Bismarck, while the slower Viasat Unleashed plan costs $99.99 per month and offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload. Satellite service can be limiting for modern needs, so faster cable or fiber options may be a better choice where available.

Available Plans

13
Gso Satellite
50 Mbps Download
3 Mbps Upload
Coverage 60.6% of city
1
Gso Satellite
10 Mbps Download
1 Mbps Upload
Coverage 29.2% of city

Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Bismarck

All 16 product lines from the 7 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.

Showing 10 of 16 plans

  • StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload75Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload48Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • 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 MbpsDownload75Our score$35$50Per month~35.2%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 MbpsDownload75Our score$45$60Per month~35.2%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 MbpsDownload75Our score$55$70Per month~35.2%CoverageFixed Wireless
  • Verizon5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)300 MbpsDownload70Our score$60Per month~34.9%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
  • StarlinkResidential 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload22Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • HughesNetFusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo100 MbpsDownload22Our score$94.99$119.99Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
  • Viasat IncViasat Essentials55 MbpsDownload21Our score$69.99Per month~89.9%CoverageSatellite
  • HughesNetSelect$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/mo50 MbpsDownload13Our score$49.99$74.99Per month~100%CoverageSatellite

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 Bismarck

Best Fit

Students & Roommates

Choose T-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps for $35/mo promotional pricing with required bundle conditions.

The plan reaches about 35% of Bismarck and supports multiple connected users at 400 Mbps.

Check first: Confirm eligibility because availability is address-specific and the promotional rate has qualifying requirements.

Best Fit

Remote Workers

Choose Midco fiber where available for symmetrical speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps.

Midco’s fiber tier reaches about 8% of Bismarck, offering strong upload capacity for video meetings.

Check first: Midco fiber is not citywide; verify the address rather than relying on overall coverage.

Best Fit

Gamers & Streamers

Choose Midco fiber where available, with 5,000/5,000 Mbps reaching about 8% of Bismarck.

Symmetrical fiber supports heavy streaming and uploads, while Midco is Bismarck’s best overall provider.

Check first: The fastest Midco tier covers only about 8%, so confirm fiber service at your address.

Best Fit

Rural & Edge-of-City Homes

Use Starlink when wired providers do not reach your address; its plans are available everywhere.

Starlink’s $55/mo promotional starting plan delivers 100 Mbps and is available everywhere in Bismarck.

Check first: The $55/mo price is a promotional starting rate; compare wired availability before choosing satellite.

Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Bismarck

Downtown Bismarck 58501

Midco is currently the strongest option for Fast fiber and cable choices.

Midco reaches about 41% with 1,000 Mbps cable and about 23% with 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber in Downtown Bismarck.

Promontory Point 58503

Midco is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.

Midco reaches about 53% with 2,000 Mbps cable, while BEK fiber reaches about 19% in Promontory Point.

Southwood 58504

Midco is currently the strongest option for Cable-heavy household coverage.

Midco reaches about 45% with 2,000 Mbps cable and about 10% with 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber in Southwood.

ZIP 58502

Midco is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable service.

Midco reaches about 52% with 2,000 Mbps cable and about 25% with 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber in ZIP 58502.

ZIP 58506

Midco is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable service.

Midco reaches about 52% with 2,000 Mbps cable and about 25% with 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber in ZIP 58506.

Bismarck Internet FAQs

Who is the best internet provider in Bismarck, ND?

Midco is the best overall provider, with fiber up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps reaching about 8% of Bismarck. That fastest tier is available only where Midco fiber reaches an address; Midco’s overall footprint across technologies is about 56%, so verify service type and address eligibility.

What is the fastest internet in Bismarck, ND?

Midco’s 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber is the fastest internet tier in Bismarck, reaching about 8% of the city. No other provider has a faster qualifying tier reaching at least 5% of Bismarck, so check whether Midco fiber serves your address.

Which internet provider covers the most of Bismarck, ND?

T-Mobile covers the most of Bismarck, reaching about 58% of the city, the widest footprint of any wired or fixed-wireless provider. Satellite from Starlink and HughesNet reaches every address but with higher latency.

What is the cheapest internet plan in Bismarck, ND?

T-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps is the cheapest plan at a promotional starting rate of $35/mo for 400 Mbps, reaching about 35% of Bismarck. The offer requires a qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, new Internet line, and bundle, with the promotion lasting 12 months.

Can I get fiber internet in Bismarck?

Four listed providers offer fiber in Bismarck: Midco, BEK Communications Cooperative, CenturyLink, and Quantum Fiber. BEK’s 2,500/1,250 Mbps fiber reaches about 48%, while Midco’s 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 8%, so fiber availability and speed depend on the address.

What internet speed do I need in Bismarck?

Bismarck plans range from 25 Mbps satellite service to 5,000/5,000 Mbps Midco fiber, depending on address. A 100 Mbps plan can suit lighter households, while roommates, remote workers, and streamers should check faster cable or fiber tiers where available.

What internet options are available in Downtown Bismarck?

Downtown Bismarck has Midco cable reaching about 41% at 1,000 Mbps and Midco fiber reaching about 23% at 5,000/5,000 Mbps. BEK fiber reaches about 7% there, so Midco is the strongest local option while address-level verification remains essential.

How We Analyze Internet in Bismarck

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 Bismarck report service availability from each provider.

Data Coverage for Bismarck

ZIP Codes Analyzed:
58501585025850358504585055850658507
Census Tracts: 20 tracts
Census Blocks: 3,202 blocks analyzed

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.