Reliable and fast internet access is essential for Wisconsin residents to work, learn, access entertainment, and stay connected. With so many options to choose from, selecting the right internet service provider (ISP) can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide ranks the 10 best internet providers in Wisconsin based on speed, reliability, coverage, and affordability.
How We Ranked The Top Internet Providers in Wisconsin
We analyzed Wisconsin‘s major residential internet providers across several key criteria to compile our rankings:
Internet Speeds: We compared download/upload speeds across speed tiers from 25 Mbps up to 1 Gbps. Faster speeds allow for smooth streaming, gaming, large downloads, and connecting multiple devices.
Reliability and Performance: Based on consumer reports and studies, we factored in network reliability and consistent speeds during peak usage times. This ensures speed and connectivity when you need it.
Coverage: Providers that have widespread coverage with varied internet types (DSL, cable, fiber, satellite) ranked higher as they can reach more Wisconsin residents.
Customer Satisfaction: Highly rated customer support, ease of setup, clarity of contracts and fees factored into these rankings.
Affordability: We compared monthly costs across speed tiers, contracts, and fees to find providers offering competitive pricing. Bundling options with TV and phone services can provide more value.
Without further ado, here are the 10 best internet providers in Wisconsin:
1. Spectrum
Spectrum offers cable internet across most of Wisconsin with widespread coverage. Speeds range from 200 Mbps to 1 Gbps based on your location, with typical download speeds hitting 400 Mbps for most users.
Speed:
- Offers speeds up to 1 Gbps, starting at 200 Mbps
- No data caps so you can use as much data as you want
Reliability:
- Uses reliable DOCSIS 3.1 cable technology
- Consistent speeds for streaming, gaming, and peak usage
Coverage Area:
- 90% coverage across Wisconsin
Pricing:
- Introductory offer for $49.99 per month for 12 months, regular price $74.99/month
- No contracts so you can cancel anytime
With fast speeds, reliable service, and affordable pricing, Spectrum tops our list as the overall best value for internet in Wisconsin. The lack of contracts provides flexibility if you want to switch providers down the road.
2. AT&T Internet
AT&T leverages DSL and fiber-optic technology to provide internet service across Wisconsin. Speeds range from 25 Mbps up to 1 Gbps depending on if DSL or fiber connections are available in your neighborhood.
Speed:
- Offers max speeds up to 1 Gbps with fiber
- Typical speeds reach 25-100 Mbps for most DSL subscribers
Reliability:
- Proven reliable technology
- DSL speeds can be less consistent compared to cable and fiber
Coverage Area:
- 68% coverage across Wisconsin
Pricing:
- $55 per month for speeds up to 100 Mbps
- Discounts for bundling TV and phone service
While AT&T can’t match the widespread availability of Spectrum, they are competitive on speed and pricing. Check availability in your area to see if you can get faster AT&T fiber optic speeds.
3. Frontier
Frontier Communications offers both fiber and DSL internet in select areas of Wisconsin. Max speeds reach up to 940 Mbps with fiber and 25 Mbps for DSL subs. Reliability is hit and miss according to customer reviews.
Speed:
- Offers max speeds up to 940 Mbps with fiber where available
- Typical DSL speeds of 6-25 Mbps
Reliability:
- Mixed reviews on reliability depending on location
- Congestion during peak hours can slow speeds
Coverage Area:
- Approximately 60% coverage in Wisconsin
Pricing:
- Plans from $35-$60 per month
- Cost vary by exact speed tier
While Frontier can provide blazing fast fiber internet in certain neighborhoods, inconsistent reliability holds them back in our Wisconsin internet provider rankings. Check availability in your area for better speeds and performance.
4. Viasat
Viasat provides satellite internet access across the entire state of Wisconsin. This makes them a great option for rural residents outside the range of cable/DSL connectivity. Speeds range from 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
Speed:
- Plans range from 12-100 Mbps
- Enough speed for browsing, streaming, etc
Reliability:
- Satellite reliability varies with weather conditions
- Avoid for online gaming/video streaming
Coverage Area:
- 100% satellite coverage across Wisconsin
Pricing:
- Plans from $70-150 per month
- Equipment fees around $300
While satellite internet can‘t compete with faster cable and fiber, Viasat brings welcome connectivity to remote parts of Wisconsin. Just be aware that heavy rain or snow can interrupt satellite signals.
5. HughesNet
Similarly to Viasat, HughesNet relies on satellites to deliver internet across Wisconsin and remote areas lacking cable/DSL infrastructure. HughesNet offers speeds from 25 Mbps up to 50 Mbps.
Speed:
- Satellite speeds from 25-50 Mbps
Reliability:
- Service reliability varies with weather disruptions
- Avoid for data-intensive applications
Coverage Area:
- 100% satellite coverage across Wisconsin
Pricing:
- Plans ranging $60 to $150 monthly
- Equipment fees around $300
HughesNet comes in just behind Viasat in the satellite internet category for Wisconsin providers. Their Gen5 service advertises 50 Mbps speeds but real-world performance is often lacking in speed and reliability.
6. TDS
TDS provides DSL and fiber internet services across parts of Wisconsin, leveraging phone and fiber lines. Speeds range from 25 Mbps up to 1 Gbps depending on your location and access to TDS fiber optics.
Speed:
- Offers speeds up to 1 Gbps with fiber
- Average DSL speeds of 25 Mbps
Reliability:
- Good reliability with both DSL and fiber networks
Coverage Area:
- 40% coverage in Wisconsin
Pricing:
- Plans from $35 to $60 per month
- Bundling with TV or phone can save money
TDS edges out Frontier for the #6 spot thanks to good customer service and fewer complaints about reliability and congestion issues. Check availability in your neighborhood for better speeds.
7. Spectrum Mobile
Spectrum Mobile offers mobile internet across most of Wisconsin by pairing Spectrum WiFi hotspots with Verizon‘s strong cellular network. This combo provides users with the best coverage and speeds available.
Speed:
- Leverages Spectrum’s 400 Mbps network
- Verizon towers offer the fastest mobile speeds
Reliability:
- Reliable service when tapping into WiFi or cellular
Coverage Area:
- Covers 90% of Wisconsin via WiFi and cellular signal
Pricing:
- $29.99/month for 20 GB data
- $14.99/GB for added data
Spectrum edges out the Verizon network directly by allowing customers to tap into over 500,000 nationwide WiFi hotspots at no extra cost. This helps keep mobile data usage and costs down compared to standard cellular plans.
8. Xfinity
Comcast Xfinity relies on cable lines to provide broadband internet service to select areas of Wisconsin. Download speeds range from 25 Mbps and up to 1 Gbps for gigabit subscribers. Availability is scattered compared to other top providers.
Speed:
- Offers gigabit fiber speeds up to 1 Gbps
- Typical plans 100-200 Mbps
Reliability:
- Good reliability with modern cable network
Coverage Area:
- Around 50% coverage in Wisconsin
Pricing:
- Plans range $30 to $100 per month
- Equipment, install, activation fees
While fast where available, Xfinity comes up short compared to Spectrum and TDS regarding statewide coverage in Wisconsin. Check availability in your area to see if you can get faster gigabit speeds.
9. Bertram
Bertram Communications offers wireless broadband and fixed wireless internet access to select areas of Wisconsin. Speeds range from 10 Mbps to 65 Mbps depending on signal strength and location. They advertise strong customer service.
Speed:
- Fixed wireless speeds from 10-65 Mbps
Reliability:
- Good reliability compared to satellite
- Can suffer degradation from weather
Coverage Area:
- Spotty availability across Wisconsin
Pricing:
- Plans ranging $40 to $80 per month
Bertram provides welcome connectivity to some rural areas in Wisconsin lacking reliable DSL and cable access. Just know that heavy rain or snow may interrupt service temporarily.
10. Cellcom
Cellcom offers mobile broadband and fixed wireless internet for rural residents across parts of Wisconsin. This regional provider lets customers tap into over 50,000 nationwide Wi-Fi hotspots to enhance coverage. Speeds average 10-25 Mbps.
Speed:
- Fixed wireless and mobile speeds 10-25 Mbps
Reliability:
- Good reliability leveraging WiFi hotspots
- Cell tower access suffers in remote areas
Coverage Area:
- Regional fixed wireless and mobile coverage
Pricing:
- Plans from $60 to $85 monthly
- No contracts
For remote Wisconsin residents lacking wired connectivity, Cellcom brings functional speeds and expanded hotspot coverage. Just expect slower speeds than urban providers.
Compare Internet Providers in Wisconsin
| Provider | Speed (Mbps) | Contracts | Connection Type | Avg Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | 200-1000 | No contract | Cable | $65 |
| AT&T | 25-1000 | 1-2 years | DSL/Fiber | $55 |
| Frontier | 50-940 | 1 year | DSL/Fiber | $50 |
| Viasat | 12-100 | 2 years | Satellite | $100 |
| HughesNet | 25-50 | 2 years | Satellite | $60 |
| TDS | 25-1000 | No contract | DSL/Fiber | $50 |
| Spectrum Mobile | Varies by location | No contract | Cellular/WiFi | $30 |
| Xfinity | 25-1000 | 1-2 years | Cable | $40 |
| Bertram | 10-65 | No contract | Fixed Wireless | $60 |
| Cellcom | 10-25 | No contract | Fixed Wireless | $60 |
What To Consider When Choosing an Internet Provider in Wisconsin
With so many internet providers and options to pick from, it helps to evaluate a few key factors that align with your needs:
1. Internet Speeds – Faster internet speeds allow for smooth streaming, gaming, video calls and operating multiple devices. Make sure your provider offers speeds fast enough to handle peak usage.
2. Reliability & Uptime – Check provider reviews to ensure consistent speeds during evenings when most people are online. Frequent downtime will really slow you down.
3. Connection Type – Weigh the pros and cons of cable vs DSL vs fiber vs satellite connections where available. This impacts speeds and reliability.
4. Cost & Contracts – Compare monthly pricing, equipment rental fees, contract terms and early termination fees before choosing a long-term provider.
Using these criteria and our guide above of the top 10 providers, Wisconsin residents can zero in on the best internet provider for their needs. Connectivity is too important not to get right, so conduct thorough research before purchasing home internet service. Reliable and fast internet access will make daily life much smoother as you work from home, stream movies, play games, video chat and use smart home devices.
Frequently Asked Questions about Internet Providers in Wisconsin
What type of internet connections are available in Wisconsin?
Major broadband connections available include:
- Cable internet from providers like Spectrum, Xfinity and Charter
- DSL lines from phone companies like AT&T, Frontier and CenturyLink
- Fiber optic networks with faster speeds up to 1 Gbps
- Fixed wireless and satellite coverage for rural areas
What speed of internet service do I need?
Internet speeds to meet these common needs:
- 25 Mbps – Email, basic web browsing
- 100 Mbps – Streaming HD movies/TV shows
- 200+ Mbps – Multi-device households, downloading large files
- 500+ Mbps – Gaming online, streaming 4K video
Faster is typically better to allow for multiple connected devices using high-bandwidth applications simultaneously.
How can I get the best deal on home internet service?
Some tips for finding good internet deals:
- Ask about promotional pricing for the first 12 months of service
- Inquire about new customer offers not advertised openly
- See if you can negotiate a lower rate if you pay bills on time
- Bundle TV, phone and internet service together for bigger combined savings
- Avoid contracts so you aren‘t locked into higher long term pricing
What should I consider regarding installation?
Key installation considerations:
- Will a technician come onsite for an installation appointment?
- Are there installation fees, equipment fees or activation fees?
- Will I need to return equipment if I cancel service someday?
Understanding any upfront installation costs allows you to accurately compare pricing between providers.
Reliable home internet access is vital for Wisconsin residents, and yet selecting an internet provider can feel overwhelming. Let this guide of the top 10 ISPs across speed, coverage and value simplify your decision. We outlined the major factors to weigh as you evaluate providers available in your neighborhood. Armed with this advice and comparisons, securing fast and dependable internet service has never been easier. You’ll gain peace of mind knowing your connectivity can handle work video calls, streaming your favorite shows, gaming online and operating multiple devices smoothly.
