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Nextlink vs. CIS

Which is better where you live? Coverage, speed, price and customer ratings, side by side

Whether you’re researching Nextlink vs. CIS 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.

Which is better, Nextlink or CIS?

Faster
Cheaper to start
Better rated
Available to more people
Nextlink
Price: $40.00 - $90.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): 3 of 5 stars (18)

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CIS
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): No rating yet (0)

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Nextlink vs. CIS at a glance

Measure Nextlink CIS

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 Nextlink and CIS are available

Nextlink and CIS 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 | Nextlink Available | CIS Available | No Coverage

Nextlink currently offers internet service in 5,036 cities and 498 counties across 12 states, reaching approximately 11,613,400 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Dallas, TX; Fort Worth, TX; and Omaha, NE. By comparison, CIS serves 126,312 residents in 16 cities and 2 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Missoula, MT; Stevensville, MT; and Florence, MT.

Each provider’s own page has its full coverage map, county by county: Nextlink coverage map and CIS coverage map.

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

Nextlink vs. CIS Speeds and Technology

Nextlink and CIS 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, CIS offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 1,000 Mbps compared to Nextlink’s average speed of 527 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Nextlink’s premium Fiber service reaches 2.4% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, CIS’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.

Nextlink vs. CIS Plans and Prices

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

Nextlink Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Wireless 100$40.00100 MbpsNot listedFixed Wireless
Wireless 300$60.00300 MbpsNot listedFixed Wireless
Wireless 500$80.00500 MbpsNot listedFixed Wireless
Wireless 1000$90.001000 MbpsNot listedFixed Wireless

Sourced from pricing published on Nextlink's official website, last verified June 2026. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.

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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.

Nextlink vs. CIS Customer Ratings and Reviews

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

Nextlink Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 2.20 of 5 stars

(5)

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.29 of 5 stars

(14)

Nextlink has an overall rating of 3.00 out of 5, with a total of 19 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly lower than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Nextlink’s ratings, their Fixed Wireless service (74% of reviews) averages 3.29 / 5 stars, lower 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 Nextlink Internet Reviews page.

Nextlink vs. CIS Fees and 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.

CIS 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 CIS directly or reviewing their terms of service documentation.

Nextlink Service

Fee

Not Provided by Nextlink

CIS Service

Fee

Not Provided by CIS

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.

Nextlink vs. CIS Pros and Cons

Nextlink

Pros

    Cons

      CIS

      Pros

        Cons

          Nextlink vs. CIS Top Cities

          Nextlink serves 5,036 cities while CIS is available in 16 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

          Nextlink Cities

          Dallas, TX
          • Availability: 43.04%
          • Avg. Download Speed: 478 Mbps
          Fort Worth, TX
          • Availability: 93.63%
          • Avg. Download Speed: 508 Mbps
          Omaha, NE
          • Availability: 57.37%
          • Avg. Download Speed: 455 Mbps
          Wichita, KS
          • Availability: 82.18%
          • Avg. Download Speed: 753 Mbps
          Oklahoma City, OK
          • Availability: 26.93%
          • Avg. Download Speed: 488 Mbps

          Overlapping Cities

          CIS Cities

          Missoula, MT
          • Availability: 99.55%
          • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
          Stevensville, MT
          • Availability: 99.01%
          • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
          Florence, MT
          • Availability: 99.59%
          • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
          Lolo, MT
          • Availability: 99.78%
          • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
          Orchard Homes, MT
          • Availability: 99.70%
          • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps