Idaho Falls has come a long way in its internet connectivity. Just twenty years ago, the only viable options were slow dial-up connections or early forms of DSL internet with speeds under 10 Mbps. Today, residents have access to blazing fast gigabit fiber from multiple providers in many areas.
Let‘s look at the evolution of internet service providers (ISPs) in the Idaho Falls area and how competition has improved speed, reliability, and affordability for consumers over time.
The Early Days of Internet Access
In the late 1990s, local telephone company U.S. West (now CenturyLink) first started offering dial-up and early Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) internet access in Idaho Falls. Maximum speeds topped out at around 7 Mbps down and 1 Mbps up. Monthly prices ranged from $40-60 per month for unlimited data DSL plans.
Competition was almost non-existent, with U.S. West controlling over 80% of the local market. Without alternative options, consumers had to live with slower speeds, limited data allowances, frequent outages, and poor customer service.
The Rise of Cable Internet
In the early 2000s, cable TV provider Sparklight (formerly Cable One) expanded their coaxial cable network in the Idaho Falls area. This enabled them to offer cable internet access with maximum download speeds starting at around 15-25 Mbps for $50-70 per month.
While speeds were faster than DSL, reliability remained an issue in the early years. Outages were common whenever severe weather impacted the above-ground coaxial network. Data caps also limited usage for heavier bandwidth activities like video streaming.
Fiber Optics Bring Gigabit Speeds
The big leap forward came with the deployment of fiber optic internet connections in Idaho Falls starting in 2015. CenturyLink and Silver Star Communications raced to install underground fiber lines across the city.
With fiber, speeds of 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and even 1 Gbps became a reality for Idaho Falls residents. Prices also dropped significantly, with introductory offers as low as $65 per month available. Unlimited data allowances became standard.
Fiber brought huge performance benefits by maximizing speeds while also minimizing outages. It has become the gold standard for internet connectivity across Idaho Falls today.
The Entrance of Fixed Wireless & Satellite Providers
While fiber, cable, and DSL options covered most of Idaho Falls, providers also emerged to serve rural areas outside the city limits.
Fixed wireless providers like Rise Broadband use point-to-point radio links to deliver speeds reaching 50-100+ Mbps without laying cable or fiber lines. However, performance depends heavily on line-of-sight access from roof-mounted antennas.
Satellite internet from Viasat and HughesNet can reach any home with a view of the southern sky. But high latency and strict data caps impact performance, especially for streaming HD video content.
What the Future Holds
Many Idaho Falls neighborhoods now have access to multiple high-speed internet options, including fiber, cable, and fixed wireless. This competition pushes providers to increase speeds while holding down prices.
Emerging technologies like 5G cellular data networks and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet promise to bring low-latency, gigabit-class speeds to rural areas in the coming years.
With average internet speeds in Idaho Falls now exceeding 200 Mbps, the days of struggling with sluggish dial-up connections are long gone. The future remains bright for staying connected across the region!
Now that we‘ve seen the history, let‘s compare the key internet providers available to Idaho Falls residents as of 2023. We‘ll analyze speeds, availability, reliability, pricing, and more to see how they stack up.
CenturyLink
One of the largest telecom companies in the country, CenturyLink operates an extensive fiber optic and DSL network across Idaho Falls. Their gigabit fiber service is available to over 75% of households in the city.
Speeds: Up to 940 Mbps download / 940 Mbps upload
Availability: 75% fiber, 90% DSL
Reliability: Fiber is very reliable. DSL has more frequent issues.
Pricing: $65 and up per month
CenturyLink fiber is a top option for Idaho Falls residents needing maximum performance. But slower DSL speeds make their non-fiber plans less appealing, especially compared to cable.
Sparklight
With their cable TV roots, Sparklight leverages a combination fiber/coaxial network to offer fast internet across over 85% of Idaho Falls.
Speeds: Up to 940 Mbps download / 50 Mbps upload
Availability: 85% coverage
Reliability: Occasional weather-related issues
Pricing: $65 and up per month
While upload speeds are slower than fiber, Sparklight cable delivers excellent speeds at competitive prices. Just beware that data overage charges can add up quickly.
Silver Star Communications
A local cooperative provider, Silver Star continues to expand their fiber network across Idaho Falls, directly competing with CenturyLink for customers.
Speeds: Up to 1 Gbps download/upload
Availability: 25% coverage and growing
Reliability: Very reliable fiber network
Pricing: $55 and up per month
Silver Star‘s fast, reliable fiber service offers a great alternative to CenturyLink in neighborhoods where available. Their non-profit cooperative status helps keep prices low.
Viasat/HughesNet Satellite Internet
Satellite internet from Viasat and HughesNet can provide access in rural areas outside major providers’ service footprints. But performance lags far behind terrestrial options.
Speeds: Up to 100 Mbps down / 10 Mbps up
Availability: 100% coverage
Reliability: Sensitive to weather disruptions
Pricing: $80 per month and up
While satellite internet works everywhere, strict data caps, high latency, and weather issues make it a last resort option compared to fiber, cable, or wireless.
Rise Broadband Fixed Wireless
Leveraging point-to-point radio links, Rise Broadband can deliver speeds rivaling cable and fiber in rural areas not served by traditional wired networks.
Speeds: Up to 100 Mbps down/up
Availability: 90% coverage, line-of-sight dependent
Reliability: High, outside severe weather
Pricing: $70 per month and up
For rural premises lacking fiber or cable access, Rise Broadband is a great option if their towers have an unobstructed view. Performance can rival traditional networks.
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
A new offering using T-Mobile‘s growing 5G cellular data network, their home internet service promises to expand the reach of fast internet beyond wired footprints.
Speeds: 33 – 182 Mbps down/up
Availability: 50% coverage and growing
Reliability: Depends on 5G signal strength
Pricing: $50 per month
5G home internet is still in early stages, but holds promise for delivering fiber-like speeds wirelessly as networks expand. Lacking contracts provides flexibility.
When selecting an ISP, first check availability at your specific address, then compare speeds, data limits, and pricing to match with your household’s needs.
Fiber is Best for Performance
For residents needing maximum bandwidth for activities like 4K streaming, video calls, gaming, and managing smart home devices, fiber optic providers like CenturyLink and Silver Star offer the fastest speeds and highest data allowances. Make fiber your first choice if available in your neighborhood.
Cable Offers a Good Balance
Sparklight’s cable-based service can’t quite match fiber’s blazing gigabit uploads and downloads. But for most households’ needs, their affordable plans with speeds reaching nearly a gigabit down will provide an excellent online experience.
Fixed Wireless as a Rural Option
In outskirts and rural areas beyond fiber/cable buildouts, Rise Broadband’s fixed point-to-point wireless network offers speeds rivaling traditional networks. Just be sure their tower has clear line-of-sight from your roof.
Consider 5G and Satellite Only as Last Resorts
Newer options like T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet show promise where speeds remain unreliable today. Satellite internet is better avoided if wired or fixed wireless alternatives are available, due to restrictive data caps impacting performance.
Bundle TV & Phone to Save
Most Idaho Falls ISPs allow bundling TV and home phone service alongside internet access, which can add up to substantial savings compared to buying services separately. Just be careful about long contracts and early termination fees.
Don’t Pay for More Than You Need
A household with only basic web browsing and standard definition streaming needs doesn’t require an expensive gigabit plan. Balance your speed and data needs against pricing when comparing plans. Just leave room to grow.
Idaho Falls residents have come a long way from the days of slow dial-up internet access. Fiber networks from CenturyLink and Silver Star now deliver gigabit speeds across most of the city. Cable internet from Sparklight also provides an affordable high speed option.
Competition has brought faster performance and lower prices over time. Rural areas continue to lag but have options through fixed wireless and satellite providers. Emerging technologies promise better rural access in coming years.
When choosing an ISP, first check availability, then weigh factors like maximum speeds, reliability, data limits, and bundled services against monthly pricing to find the right fit. Prioritize fiber over cable over wireless where available.
With average download speeds now exceeding 200 Mbps across Idaho Falls, staying connected is easier than ever, no matter what your household’s online activities demand. The future remains bright when it comes to staying online across the region.
