Internet Service Providers in Grand Forks
Located along the Red River of the North, the vibrant city of Grand Forks is the third largest in North Dakota. As with any metropolitan area, high-speed internet is a necessity for residents and businesses. Whether you just want to stay connected on social media or stream your favorite videos, TV shows, and sports games in HD all day, there’s an internet plan for you. Here’s a rundown of the internet service providers in Grand Forks.
Internet Providers Near Me in Grand Forks
Proximity is one of the most important considerations when selecting an internet service. It won’t matter how good the connection or speed is if it’s unavailable in your neighborhood. These are the major ISPs in Grand Forks:
- Midco
- Hughesnet
- Bluepeak
- T-Mobile
- CenturyLink
- Viasat
- Earthlink
Identify the best internet provider in your area by checking the company’s website to ensure their services are available in your zip code.
Cheapest Internet Providers in Grand Forks
Affordability is another crucial factor in selecting an ISP. You’ll want a plan you can pay for comfortably without compromising speed or reliability. The cheapest internet providers in Grand Forks are:
- T-Mobile: Existing customers can access home internet plans at $40 monthly. Bundled plans include 5G Wi-Fi Gateway devices and select TV streaming services.
- Midco: The Internet 250 plan connects up to eight devices simultaneously and can handle regular household demand. Pricing starts at $49.99 monthly.
- CenturyLink: The Simply Unlimited Internet plan costs $50, allowing multiple device connections and HD streaming.
- Viasat: Plans also start at $50 for satellite-powered internet with built-in WiFi and several bundling options.
Your internet cost is not just about the monthly bill amount. Several other factors impact how much you pay overall to stay online, including modem and router rentals, installation fees, and overage charges.
High-Speed Internet Options in Grand Forks
Speed and cost are often interdependent in internet service plans. The higher the upload and download rates, the more you’ll likely pay, so determine how much bandwidth you really need. The general rule of thumb is to allocate 20 Mbps to each device. You’ll also want a buffer for the occasional spike in demand or for when more users connect to the internet.
In terms of the fastest speeds, Midco, Earthlink and CenturyLink are the top internet service providers in Grand Forks. These are the region’s most prominent fiber internet companies offering bandwidth in the gigabit per second (Gbps) levels. Midco and Earthlink have internet speeds of up to 5 Gbps — fast enough to handle your household connectivity requirements.
How Good Is Internet in North Dakota?
The state ranks 26th based on internet coverage, speed and availability in 2024. Over 95% of residents have access to 100 Mbps broadband. However, fiber-optic service is still out of reach to nearly 50% of households.
Who Has the Best Home WiFi Service?
Most internet service providers offer plans that include wireless broadband devices to power WiFi in your home. Ultimately, it comes down to what ISP is available in your area, what speeds they offer and for how much.
What Is the Average Internet Speed in North Dakota?
According to Ookla rankings, North Dakota ranks 21st in regional speed testing with median download and upload speeds of 210 and 68 Mbps, respectively. This is still a far cry from states like Maryland and Virginia, which boast internet speeds of over 500 Mbps.
Find the Right ISP in Grand Forks
Choosing the perfect service provider involves many factors, from local availability to high-speed options. Whether moving or looking to change providers, use this guide to narrow your options and select the best internet service in Grand Forks for your needs.