Which is better, Midco or Lightbeam Internet?

Midco is faster and available to more people. Where both are offered (about 6,426 people), Midco has the faster top speed for 100% of homes.

FasterMidcoTop speed 5,000 Mbps vs 50 Mbps; faster for 100% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startToo close to callBoth start at about the same price: $30 and $29.95 a month.

Better ratedToo close to callToo few reviews to compare yet (36 and 0).

Available to more peopleMidco2.4 million people in 5 states, vs 6,426 in 1 state.

Midco
Price: $30.00 - $99.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Cable, fixed wireless, and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (36)
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Lightbeam Internet
Price: $29.95 - $69.95 / mo.
Speed: 50 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): (0)
View Plans

Midco vs. Lightbeam Internet at a glance

Measure	Midco	Lightbeam Internet
Available to	2.4 million people in 5 states	6,426 people in 1 state
Main technology	Cable 63%, fixed wireless 33%, fiber 16%	Fixed wireless 100%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	5,000 Mbps	50 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	2,000 Mbps down, 200 Mbps up	100 Mbps down, 20 Mbps up
Starting price	$30 a month	$29.95 a month
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$720 (100 Mbps plan)	$719 (5 Mbps plan)
Customer rating	3.5 of 5 (36 reviews)	No reviews yet
Rated for speed	3.9 of 5	No reviews yet
Rated for price	2.9 of 5	No reviews yet
Where both are offered	About 6,426 people (100% of Lightbeam Internet's area); Midco is faster for 100% of them

Coverage and top speeds: FCC filings; plans and prices: our pricing table; ratings: verified customer reviews on ISP Reports. Check your address for what is offered at your home.

Where Midco and Lightbeam Internet are available

Midco and Lightbeam Internet 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.

Midco currently offers internet service in 1,104 cities and 149 counties across 5 states, reaching approximately 2,495,613 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Minneapolis, MN; Sioux Falls, SD; and Fargo, ND. By comparison, Lightbeam Internet serves 6,426 residents in 13 cities and 3 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Olivia, MN; Renville, MN; and Bird Island, MN.

Each provider’s own page has its full coverage map, county by county: Midco coverage map and Lightbeam Internet coverage map.

Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether Midco, Lightbeam Internet or both are offered at your home.

Midco vs. Lightbeam Internet Speeds and Technology

Midco and Lightbeam Internet utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Midco offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,664 Mbps compared to Lightbeam Internet’s average speed of 50 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Midco’s premium Fiber service reaches 15.5% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Lightbeam Internet’s top-tier fixed wireless is available to 100.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Midco vs. Lightbeam Internet Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Midco and Lightbeam Internet, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table.

Provider representatives can send plan or pricing updates through our contact page; verified changes publish shortly after review.

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.

Midco vs. Lightbeam Internet Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Midco and Lightbeam Internet based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

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.

Midco vs. Lightbeam Internet Pros and Cons

Midco

From 21 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Reliable connection: praised in 8 of 21 written reviews (4 report outages). "They rarely have outages. If they do it is fixed in a timely manner."
• Helpful customer service: praised in 5 of 21 written reviews. "they have always been helpful"

Cons

• Expensive for what you get: a complaint in 11 of 21 written reviews. "a lot more expensive than other providers"

Lightbeam Internet

No written reviews yet; these lines come from our data.

Pros

Cons

Midco vs. Lightbeam Internet Top Cities

Midco serves 1,104 cities while Lightbeam Internet is available in 13 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.