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What is the best internet provider in Prior Lake?
There is no end to internet providers in Prior Lake, but Metronet remains CNET’s top pick for best internet provider. It has fast fibre coverage and competitively priced plans. Elsewhere, Mediacom is giving it tough competition with some of the fastest internet in the region with 1,000 Mbps deals for $90 per month. It even has some of the cheapest internet plans in the region with a 250 Mbps plan for just $20 per month.
In addition to Metronet, Lumen Technologies (CenturyLink, Quantum Fiber) and local ISP Nuvera Communications offer fiber optic internet in Prior Lake. However, both largely use DSL-based networks in the area and may have lower maximum speeds than what is available from other providers and connection types.
As for other connection types, Mediacom is Prior Lake’s primary cable internet provider, covering over 97% of the city with speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. Wireless internet is also available through Verizon 5G Home Internet and T-Mobile Home Internet in parts of Prior Lake. Both ISPs are worth considering for their low prices and hassle-free service, but overall value will vary depending on the speeds you can get.
Best internet in Prior Lake, Minnesota
Internet Providers in Prior Lake, Minnesota Compared
| Supplier | internet technology | Monthly price range | Speed range | Monthly equipment costs | Data limit | Contract | CNET Review Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CenturyLink Read the full review | DSL | $55 | 20-100 Mbps | $15 (optional) | No | No | 6.7 |
| Mediacom Read the full review | Cable | $20-$65 | 250-1,000 Mbps | $14 | 350-3,000 GB | No | 6.4 |
| Metro network Read the full review | Fiber | $50-$90 | 100-1,000 Mbps | None, $13 monthly tech fee | No | No | 6.9 |
| Nuvera Communications | DSL, fiber optic | $35-$60 | 30-100 Mbps DSL, 100-1,000 Mbps fiber | $10 plus $7 or $12 WiFi fee (optional) | No | No | n/a |
| Quantum fiber | Fiber | $50-$75 | 500-940 Mbps | No | No | No | 6.7 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review | Fixed wireless connection | $50 ($40 with qualifying mobile plans) | 72-245 Mbps | No | No | No | 7.4 |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read the full review | Fixed wireless connection | $50-$70 ($35-$45 for eligible Verizon Wireless customers) | 50-300 Mbps | No | No | No | 7.2 |
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Source: CNET analysis of carrier data.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Prior Lake?
| Plan | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Monthly equipment costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metronet 100 Mbps Read the full review | $50 | 100 Mbps | None, $13 monthly tech fee |
| Mediacom Prime Internet 250 Read the full review | $20 | 250 Mbps | $14 |
| Nuvera Essential | $35 | 30 Mbps | $10 plus $7 or $12 WiFi fee (optional) |
| Quantum fiber | $50 | 500 Mbps | No |
| T-Mobile Home Internet Read the full review | $50 ($40 with qualifying mobile plans) | 245 Mbps | No |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet Read the full review | $50 ($35 with qualifying mobile plans) | 300 Mbps | No |
| Nuvera 100Mbps | $60 | 100 Mbps | $10 plus $7 or $12 WiFi fee (optional) |
| CenturyLink Internet Read the full review | $55 | 20-100 Mbps | $15 (optional) |
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Source: CNET analysis of carrier data.
How to find internet deals and promotions in Prior Lake
The best internet deals and top promotions in Prior Lake depend on what discounts are available at any given time. Most deals are short-lived, but we regularly check for the latest offers.
Internet providers in Prior Lake, such as Metronet, may offer lower introductory prices or streaming add-ons for a limited time. However, many providers, including Nuvera Communications and Quantum Fiber, maintain the same standard prices year-round.
For a more comprehensive overview of all promotions, check out our guide to the best online deals.
Fastest internet plans in Prior Lake
| Plan | Starting price | Maximum download speed | Maximum upload speed | Data limit | Connection type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediacom Prime Internet Gig Read the full review | $65 | 1,000 Mbps | 50 Mbps | No | Cable |
| Metronet 1Gbps Read the full review | $90 | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | No | Fiber |
| Nuvera 1 Gig | $100 | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | No | Fiber |
| Verizon 5G Home Plus Internet Read the full review | $70 ($45 with qualifying mobile plans) | 300 Mbps | 75 Mbps | No | Fixed wireless connection |
| Quantum fiber | €75 | 940 Mbps | 940 Mbps | No | Fiber |
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Source: CNET analysis of carrier data.
What is a good internet speed?
Most internet plans now can handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that’s suitable for video conferencing, streaming video, or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s a look at the recommended minimum download speeds for different applications, according to the FCCPlease note that these are guidelines only and that Internet speed, service, and performance vary by connection type, provider, and address.
For more information, check out our guide to how much internet speed you really need.
- With 0 to 5 Mbps you can perform basic tasks: surfing the web, sending and receiving email, and streaming low-quality videos.
- 5 to 40 Mbps gives you higher quality video streaming and video conferencing.
- 40 to 100 Mbps should be enough bandwidth for one person to meet the demands of modern teleworking, video streaming, and online gaming.
- With 100 to 500 Mbps, one or two people can simultaneously participate in high-bandwidth activities such as video conferencing, streaming, and online gaming.
- With 500 to 1,000 Mbps, three or more people can participate in high-bandwidth activities simultaneously.
How CNET Picked the Best Internet Providers in Prior Lake
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router, or kitchen utensil, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So how do we approach this? We start by examining pricing, availability, and speed information based on our own historical ISP data, the providers’ websites, and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
But it doesn’t stop there. We go to the FCC website to check our data and make sure we account for every ISP that offers service in an area. We also enter local addresses into provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and JD Power to evaluate how satisfied customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and pricing are subject to frequent change; all information provided is accurate at the time of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask ourselves three main questions:
- Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
- Do customers get value for their money?
- Are customers satisfied with their service?
While the answers to these questions are often multi-layered and complex, the providers that come closest to “yes” to all three questions are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fees, though we also consider things like price increases, equipment costs, and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively simple. We look at advertised upload and download speeds, and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla And FCC Reports.
If you would like to take a more detailed look at our process, please visit our How We Test ISPs page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internet Providers in Prior Lake
What is the best internet provider in Prior Lake?
Metronet is the best internet provider in Prior Lake thanks to its local fiber coverage, selection of competitively priced plans, and simple terms of service that include unlimited data and no contracts. Metronet also received the highest CNET Review score (6.9 out of 10) of all wired ISPs in the Prior Lake area, including Mediacom (6.4) and CenturyLink/Quantum Fiber (6.7).
Is fiber optic internet available in Prior Lake?
According to the most recent FCC DataLess than half (approximately 62%) of homes in Prior Lake are eligible for fiber internet. Metronet is the largest fiber internet provider in Prior Lake, covering approximately 30% of homes. Nuvera Communications and Quantum Fiber also provide fiber internet service in parts of Prior Lake.
Who is the cheapest internet provider in Prior Lake?
Mediacom has the lowest starting price of all the major Prior Lake ISPs at $20 per month for speeds up to 250Mbps. Starting rates for Nuvera and Mediacom are only slightly higher at $35 and $50 per month for speeds up to 30Mbps and 100Mbps, respectively. All three providers have mandatory equipment or service fees that add $10 to $14 or more to your monthly bill.
While it doesn’t have the lowest standard introductory rate, T-Mobile Home Internet may be the cheapest internet option in Prior Lake. Qualifying Magenta Max customers can get $10 off the cost of home internet, and all customers can enjoy free equipment and a price guarantee for as long as they keep their service.
Which internet provider in Prior Lake offers the fastest plan?
Metronet, Nuvera, Quantum Fiber and Mediacom all offer gigabit plans in Prior Lake with speeds of up to 940 or 1,000 Mbps. Mediacom has the lowest prices for gig service, starting at $65 per month, Quantum Fiber ($75), Metronet ($90) and Nuvera ($100).
Fiber optic internet connections (Metronet, Nuvera, Quantum Fiber) can deliver symmetrical upload and download speeds. Cable internet often has considerably lower upload speeds, ranging from 10 to 50 Mbps, in the case of Mediacom.
