1. Xfinity (Comcast)
Overview: Xfinity offers cable internet service and is one of the most widely available internet providers in Minnesota. They offer speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 2,000 Mbps depending on the plan, with availability across many urban and suburban areas.
Customer Reviews:
- Pros: Customers appreciate the reliable speeds, wide availability, and consistent performance.
- Cons: Customer service is often cited as a pain point, with some complaints about long wait times and difficulty resolving technical issues.
Pros:
- Fast speeds up to 2 Gbps in some areas.
- Wide coverage across urban and suburban regions.
- Various plan options catering to different needs (from light browsing to heavy gaming or streaming).
Cons:
- Customer service and technical support have mixed reviews.
- Prices are often higher than some other providers, especially for higher speeds.
- Equipment rental fees are extra if you don’t have your own modem.
2. CenturyLink
Overview: CenturyLink offers fiber-optic internet in select areas of Minnesota. They have a straightforward pricing structure, offering symmetrical speeds (equal upload and download speeds). While their fiber optic service offers up to 1,000 Mbps, their DSL service can be slower in more rural areas.
Customer Reviews:
- Pros: Customers highlight CenturyLink’s transparent pricing, fiber-optic service in specific areas, and the value for the price.
- Cons: DSL speeds are much slower, especially in rural areas, and there can be some installation delays.
Pros:
- Fiber-optic speeds available (up to 1,000 Mbps in some areas).
- Simple, no-contract pricing with no data caps.
- Great option for people working from home due to symmetrical upload/download speeds.
Cons:
- Fiber-optic service is not available everywhere.
- DSL service is much slower, especially in rural areas.
- Customer service can be hit or miss in some regions.
3. Frontier Communications
Overview: Frontier Communications offers both DSL and fiber-optic internet options. While their fiber-optic service provides high speeds (up to 1 Gbps), it’s not available everywhere in Minnesota, so some rural customers will only have access to DSL speeds.
Customer Reviews:
- Pros: Customers praise the competitive pricing and fast fiber internet in available areas.
- Cons: DSL speeds can be inconsistent in rural locations, and some users have reported issues with installation or service reliability.
Pros:
- Competitive pricing, especially for fiber service.
- No data caps on most plans.
- Reliable fiber-optic internet where available.
Cons:
- Limited availability for fiber-optic plans (mainly in urban areas).
- Customer service has some negative reviews, particularly with installation and technical support.
- DSL speeds are slower and less reliable in some areas.
4. Mediacom
Overview: Mediacom offers cable internet with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps in some areas of Minnesota. Their plans are generally affordable and available in both urban and rural areas, although coverage may vary depending on the region.
Customer Reviews:
- Pros: Positive feedback for pricing, solid speeds, and availability in both urban and rural locations.
- Cons: Some customers complain about slow speeds during peak hours and inconsistent customer service experiences.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing with various plan options.
- Wide availability, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
- High-speed options up to 1 Gbps.
Cons:
- Speeds can slow down during peak usage hours.
- Customer service issues, including long hold times and inconsistent responses.
- Higher prices for higher-tier plans.
5. T-Mobile Home Internet
Overview: T-Mobile Home Internet has expanded its 5G home internet service into many areas of Minnesota. It offers reliable, affordable service with no annual contracts and an easy-to-install setup process. However, availability is still limited to certain areas with strong 5G coverage.
Customer Reviews:
- Pros: Customers love the simplicity, affordable pricing, and flexible contract-free options.
- Cons: 5G service may not be available everywhere, and performance can vary depending on your proximity to a T-Mobile tower.
Pros:
- No contracts and a simple, flat-rate pricing model.
- Affordable plans, starting at $50 per month.
- 5G speeds can be quite fast in areas with good coverage.
- Easy self-installation.
Cons:
- Limited availability based on 5G coverage.
- Speeds and performance can fluctuate in areas with weaker coverage.
- Not ideal for those who need ultra-fast speeds for heavy usage (e.g., gaming or large file downloads).
6. HughesNet (Satellite)
Overview: For rural areas where fiber or cable isn’t available, HughesNet offers satellite internet. While it doesn’t provide the fastest speeds (up to 25 Mbps), it’s one of the few options for people living in remote locations of Minnesota.
Customer Reviews:
- Pros: Customers in remote areas appreciate having internet access where no other providers are available.
- Cons: Speeds can be slow, especially for streaming or gaming, and the service is subject to data caps.
Pros:
- Available in remote areas with no access to fiber or cable.
- Easy-to-install satellite equipment.
- 25 Mbps speeds, which can be suitable for basic internet browsing and light usage.
Cons:
- High latency and slow speeds for streaming or gaming.
- Data caps and overage charges.
- Weather conditions can impact service quality.
7. Google Fiber (in select areas)
Overview: While Google Fiber is not yet widely available in Minnesota, it’s one of the fastest and most reliable internet options in areas where it operates. It provides speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps with no data caps.
Customer Reviews:
- Pros: Customers rave about the ultra-fast speeds, reliability, and transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Cons: Limited availability to only a few areas in Minnesota, mostly around Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Pros:
- Gigabit speeds up to 2,000 Mbps.
- Transparent pricing with no data caps or hidden fees.
- Excellent customer service and reliable internet.
Cons:
- Limited availability, currently restricted to a few cities in Minnesota.
- Higher prices compared to other providers in the area.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the fastest speeds, Xfinity and Google Fiber are great choices (if available). For more rural areas, HughesNet or CenturyLink’s DSL service may be the only viable options, though they come with some speed limitations. T-Mobile Home Internet and Mediacom provide affordable alternatives with decent speeds but might have some limitations in coverage or service consistency.
Each provider has its unique set of strengths, so make sure to check for availability in your area and match your needs (speed, price, and reliability) with what the provider offers.
