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What is the best internet provider in Wisconsin?
CNET’s top choice for the best internet provider in Wisconsin is Spectrum, thanks to the cable provider’s widespread coverage throughout the state and solid speeds. But if Spectrum isn’t available, AT&T Fiber and T-Mobile Home Internet are great alternatives. AT&T Fiber brings fast multi-gig speeds and competitively priced plans, while T-Mobile Home Internet keeps things hassle-free with no contracts or data caps.
If budget is your main concern, Frontier Fiber offers plans starting at just $30 per month. TDS Telecom also delivers an excellent value with a 600Mbps fiber plan for just $40 per month in select areas. Speed enthusiasts, on the other hand, will want to check out TDS Fiber’s lightning-fast 8,000Mbps plan where available or AT&T Fiber’s 5,000Mbps option. Availability for both plans, however, is limited. For those in rural areas, DSL and local ISPs with fixed wireless or fiber services can provide the best connectivity options.
Best internet in Wisconsin
Wisconsin internet providers compared
| Provider | Internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment costs | Data cap | Contract | CNET review score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Fiber Read full review |
Fiber | $55-$245 | 300-5,000Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
| AT&T Internet Air Read full review |
Fixed wireless | $60 | 768Kbps-100Mbps | None | 1.5TB (no data cap for 100Mbps plan) | None | 7.4 |
| Frontier Fiber Read full review |
Fiber | $30-$90 | 200-5,000Mbps | None | None | None | 6.3 |
| Spectrum Read full review |
Cable | $25-$70 | 50-1,000Mbps | Free modem; $10 router (optional) | None | None | 7.2 |
| TDS Telecom DSL | DSL | $30 | 100Mbps | $12 | 500GB during peak hours | None | N/A |
| TDS Telecom Fiber | Fiber | $40-$295 | 600-1,000Mbps | $12 (optional) | None | None | N/A |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$55 with eligible mobile plans) | 87-415Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$45 for eligible wireless customers) | 50-1,000Mbps | None | None | None | 7.2 |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Rural internet options in Wisconsin
- Bertram Internet: Bertram covers a large area of eastern Wisconsin with fixed wireless, making it an option for rural residents who don’t have a good wired connection available. Here’s how fixed wireless compares to other internet connection types. With Bertram, contracts are optional. You can choose a three-year contract or pay a $60 installation fee and skip the contract. Pricing starts at $48 per month for 250Mbps speeds and 500Mbps and 1,000Mbps plans priced at $70 and $100, respectively. There are no data caps.
- Bug Tussel: Bug Tussel offers fixed wireless alongside some fiber across much of Wisconsin, except for the state’s northwestern corner. The service isn’t cheap, but it may be one of the few options for some rural homes. Wireless plans run $35 for 5Mbps up to $120 for 100Mbps. Bug Tussel has fiber projects in Iowa, Kewaunee, Calumet, Waushara, Fond du Lac, Marathon, Jackson, Forest and Oconto counties. Fiber plans start at $50 per month for 200Mbps and go up to $120 monthly for 2,000Mbps. There are no contracts or data caps.
- Edge Broadband: Edge covers Walworth County and surrounding areas with fixed wireless and fiber. The ISP doesn’t advertise wireless pricing, but fiber starts at $55 per month for 50Mbps and goes up to $85 for 1,000Mbps. There are no data caps.
- UPNetWI: UPNetWI reaches into south-central Wisconsin with fixed wireless and fiber. Like with many fixed wireless plans in Wisconsin, the service is pricey. UPNetWI’s wireless plans run from $68 per month for 20Mbps up to $152 for 100Mbps service. That includes a router. Fiber runs $55 monthly for 300Mbps to $95 for 1,000Mbps downloads with 400Mbps uploads. You’ll find fiber in Sun Prairie, Bristol, Windsor, Hampden and Pleasant Springs. Installation fees start at $250.
- Satellite internet: Starlink, Viasat and Hughesnet are competitors in the satellite internet arena. Compare prices, speeds and contracts when choosing between them. Starlink may have an edge based on its potential for faster speeds and lack of a contract requirement. Starlink’s $349 up-front equipment cost is the biggest hurdle, but you get a 30-day trial period to test the service.
Internet breakdown by city in Wisconsin
It’s hard to cover the broadband options of a state like Wisconsin and give individual cities the attention they deserve. That’s why we also compile lists of the best internet providers in US cities, including Wisconsin ones. We tackle details such as internet connection types, maximum speeds, cheapest providers and more. Check back later if you don’t find the city you’re looking for below. We’re working to add more locations every week.
Cheap internet options in Wisconsin
Expect to pay around $50 monthly for many internet plans in Wisconsin. TDS Telecom offers some nice introductory fiber deals, but pricing varies. Depending on your location, you may find the 300Mbps plan starting at either $30 or $40 per month. That pricing stays good for the first two years. Equipment rental is optional. Spectrum is one of the most widely available providers in the state. Its cable plans start at $30 monthly for 100Mbps downloads.
If you’re a Verizon or T-Mobile phone customer, check into 5G home internet service. Both companies offer a discounted bundle deal where you pair your internet with an eligible mobile plan. For T-Mobile, home internet is as low as $35 per month. With Verizon, you can get your home internet for as low as $35 monthly.
What’s the cheapest internet plan in Wisconsin?
| Plan | Starting monthly price | Max download speed (Mbps) | Monthly equipment fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| TDS Telecom Fiber | $40 | 600Mbps | $12 (optional) |
| TDS Telecom DSL | $30 | 50Mbps | $12 |
| Frontier Fiber Read full review |
$30 | 200Mbps | None |
| Spectrum Internet Premier Read full review |
$50 | 500Mbps | Free modem; $10 router (optional) |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review |
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 318Mbps | None |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review |
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plans) | 300Mbps | None |
| AT&T Fiber Read full review |
$55 | 300Mbps | None |
| AT&T Internet Read full review |
$60 | 100Mbps | None |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s best internet deals and top promotions depend on what discounts are available during a given time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Wisconsin internet providers, such as Spectrum or Frontier, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Others, including AT&T Fiber and Verizon 5G Home Internet, tend to run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
How fast is Wisconsin broadband?
Wisconsin landed in the bottom half of a recent Ookla ranking of download speeds for the 50 states (and Washington, D.C.). The Badger State had a 27th place showing with a median fixed internet download speed of 201Mbps. Spectrum checked in as the state’s fastest provider. For comparison, top-ranked Florida logged a median download speed of 240Mbps. Your personal speed test results may vary considerably based on your type of internet, network congestion and the equipment you’re using. Ookla’s rankings are useful for understanding how a state performs compared to others. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Wisconsin isn’t in the basement but has room to improve, particularly in rural areas.
Fastest internet plans in Wisconsin
| Plan | Starting price | Max download speeds | Max upload speeds | Data cap | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TDS Telecom 8Gig | $295 | 8,000Mbps | 8,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| AT&T Fiber 5000 Read full review |
$245 | 5,000Mbps | 5,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Frontier Fiber 5 Gig Read full review |
$90 | 5,000Mbps | 5,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| TDS Telecom 5Gig | $180 | 5,000Mbps | 5,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| AT&T Fiber 2000 Read full review |
$145 | 2,000Mbps | 2,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Frontier Fiber 2 Gig Read full review |
$65 | 2,000Mbps | 2,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| TDS Telecom 2Gig | $110 | 2,000Mbps | 2,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| AT&T Fiber 1000 Read full review |
$80 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Frontier fiber 1 Gig Read full review |
$50 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| TDS Telecom 1Gig | $50 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
| Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review |
$70 | 1,000Mbps | 35Mbps | None | Cable |
| Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read full review |
$70 ($45 with qualifying Verizon 5G mobile plans) | 1,000Mbps | 75Mbps | None | Fixed wireless |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a good internet speed?
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
- 0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video.
- 5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
- 40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming.
- 100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.
How CNET chose the best internet providers in Wisconsin
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. What’s our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there: We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
- Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
- Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
- Are customers happy with their service?
While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
What’s the final word on internet providers in Wisconsin?
Spectrum is a serviceable ISP for most residents in Wisconsin. Its cable network doesn’t have the symmetrical-speed glamor of fiber, but you can get downloads up to 1,000Mbps, and it’s widely available across the state. The introductory deals are good but be prepared for price hikes later on. There is fiber to be found in the Badger State from the likes of AT&T, TDS, Frontier and smaller local or regional ISPs like Bug Tussel. Fast uploads are a nice perk of fiber. TDS has affordable plans, and AT&T has straightforward terms. Look for fiber at your address and compare it with Spectrum’s deals when deciding on an ISP. If it’s down to DSL or Spectrum, give weight to Spectrum’s cable speeds.
Internet providers in Wisconsin FAQs
Is fiber internet available in Wisconsin?
Fiber internet can be found scattered about Wisconsin, primarily in the more populated areas where you’ll come across options from TDS Telecom, Frontier or AT&T Fiber. Residents of some small towns may be able to get fiber from a regional ISP like Bug Tussel.
What is the cheapest internet provider in Wisconsin?
If you live in TDS Telecom’s coverage area, you may find DSL or fiber plans starting as low as $30 per month. Frontier Fiber offers the second cheapest plans at $30 per month. Otherwise, Spectrum, T-Mobile and Verizon have plans starting at $50 per month.
Which internet provider in Wisconsin offers the fastest plan?
TDS Telecom offers speeds up to 8,000Mbps in some parts of its fiber footprint, although some areas may max out at a gig or two. If you’re not in a TDS fiber area, look for 5,000Mbps plans from AT&T Fiber or Frontier Fiber.
What internet provider has the best coverage in Wisconsin?
The FCC National Broadband Map points to TDS Telecom as having the widest coverage (excluding satellite ISPs) across Wisconsin. That coverage is a combination of DSL, fiber and wireless internet. For a purely wired ISP, look for Spectrum’s cable service.
