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Mediacom vs. QualStar Communications

Whether you’re researching Mediacom vs. QualStar Communications internet service at your current address, comparing internet options for potential locations, or just researching alternatives, this detailed comparison will help you understand which provider best suits you.

Mediacom
Price: $14.99 - $140.00 / mo.
Speed: 25 - 2,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable, fixed wireless, and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (84)

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QualStar Communications
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 50 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (0)

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Mediacom and QualStar Communications compete directly in approximately 1.34% of their service areas, with Mediacom covering 6,874,112 people nationwide and QualStar Communications serving 908,533. Mediacom primarily delivers internet through a cable connection; QualStar Communications specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Mediacom and QualStar Communications’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees

Mediacom vs. QualStar Communications | Pros & Cons

Mediacom Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Offers discounted intro pricing
  • Wide range of plan options
  • Unlimited data

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited fiber availability
  • Customers report dissatisfaction with pricing

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QualStar Communications Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Primarily fiber-based network
  • Compatible with standard Wi-Fi devices
  • Multiple payment options available

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited fiber availability
  • Performance depends on local infrastructure

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Mediacom vs. QualStar Communications | Availability

Mediacom and QualStar Communications have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.

Both Providers Available | Mediacom Available | QualStar Communications Available | No Coverage

Mediacom currently offers internet service in 2,270 cities and 407 counties across 22 states, reaching approximately 6,874,112 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Des Moines, IA; Minneapolis, MN; and Springfield, MO. By comparison, QualStar Communications serves 908,533 residents in 437 cities and 36 counties in 3 states, with a presence in population centers such as Toledo, OH; Fort Wayne, IN; and Findlay, OH.

Mediacom has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 32 indicates they primarily serves urban areas, though still maintaining moderate rural availability..

QualStar Communications is prominent in the East North Central region with service to 437 cities and 271 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 50, QualStar Communications offers a balanced distribution of coverage across urban and rural areas.

Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Mediacom and QualStar Communications at your location, use our address search tool:

Mediacom vs. QualStar Communications | Speeds & Technology

Mediacom and QualStar Communications utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

Across their service areas, Mediacom primarily delivers internet through cable, available to 97.7% of their customers. They also offer fiber to less than 1% of their coverage area. QualStar Communications relies on fiber technology, which comprises 1.6% of their network, with fixed wireless available in 100.0% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Mediacom offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 987 Mbps compared to QualStar Communications’s average speed of 414 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Mediacom delivers faster speeds in 98.54% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 1.46%, and slower speeds in 0.00%.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Mediacom’s premium Fiber service reaches 0.6% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, QualStar Communications’s top-tier Fiber is available to 1.6% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Mediacom vs. QualStar Communications | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Mediacom, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table. Unfortunately, QualStar Communications has not complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data, limiting transparency and the ability for consumers to make direct comparisons.

If you represent QualStar Communications, getting listed is simple: publish your machine-readable broadband label file, or send your current plan lineup through our contact page, and your plans will appear here shortly after verification.

Mediacom Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Xtream Connect$29.99100 Mbps20 MbpsCable
Internet 300$30.00300 MbpsNot listedCable
Internet 1 Gig$50.001000 MbpsNot listedCable
Internet 2 Gig$70.002000 MbpsNot listedCable

Compiled from current advertised pricing across industry sources, last verified June 2026. Typical speeds shown are the advertised tier speeds. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.

Mediacom Plans

Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.

Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.

Mediacom vs. QualStar Communications | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Mediacom and QualStar Communications based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

Mediacom Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.71 of 5 stars

(7)

Cable

Cable: 2.99 of 5 stars

(75)

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.25 of 5 stars

(4)

Mediacom has an overall rating of 3.06 out of 5, with a total of 86 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Mediacom’s ratings, their Cable service (87% of reviews) averages 2.99 / 5 stars, higher than their overall company rating. This similarity suggests that customers tend to have consistent experiences across their different service offerings, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our Mediacom Internet Reviews page.

Mediacom vs. QualStar Communications | Fees & Details

Beyond advertised monthly rates, additional fees and service details significantly impact your total internet costs. The tables below outline equipment charges, installation fees, contract terms, data caps, and other important factors to consider when comparing these providers. Understanding these details helps you avoid unexpected costs and choose the plan that offers the best overall value.

QualStar Communications has not provided standardized fee information through their FCC broadband label data. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess their true service costs beyond advertised rates. For current fee information, we recommend contacting QualStar Communications directly or reviewing their terms of service documentation.

Mediacom Service

Fee

Not Provided by Mediacom

QualStar Communications Service

Fee

Not Provided by QualStar Communications

Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.

When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.

Mediacom vs. QualStar Communications | Top Cities

Mediacom serves 2,270 cities while QualStar Communications is available in 437 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

Mediacom Cities

Des Moines, IA
  • Availability: 89.89%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,001 Mbps
Minneapolis, MN
  • Availability: 6.26%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,014 Mbps
Springfield, MO
  • Availability: 95.65%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Columbus, GA
  • Availability: 81.97%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Availability: 98.79%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Auburn, IN
  • Mediacom Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • QualStar Communications Avg. Speed: 500 Mbps
Angola, IN
  • Mediacom Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • QualStar Communications Avg. Speed: 442 Mbps
Decatur, IN
  • Mediacom Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • QualStar Communications Avg. Speed: 335 Mbps
Garrett, IN
  • Mediacom Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • QualStar Communications Avg. Speed: 500 Mbps
Fort Wayne, IN
  • Mediacom Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • QualStar Communications Avg. Speed: 500 Mbps

QualStar Communications Cities

Toledo, OH
  • Availability: 25.34%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 368 Mbps
Fort Wayne, IN
  • Availability: 32.08%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 500 Mbps
Findlay, OH
  • Availability: 96.73%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 489 Mbps
Lima, OH
  • Availability: 55.11%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 499 Mbps
Bowling Green, OH
  • Availability: 88.31%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 496 Mbps