Which is better, Wave Internet or STE?

STE is faster where you can get it, but Wave Internet reaches 45 times as many people, so at most addresses Wave Internet is the one on offer. Where both are offered (about 12,303 people), STE has the faster top speed for 99% of homes.

FasterSTEFaster for 99% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startToo close to callWe do not list plans for both yet.

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

Available to more peopleWave Internet548,138 people in 1 state, vs 12,303 in 1 state.

Wave Internet
Price: $30.00 - $175.00 / mo.
Speed: 100 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (0)
View Plans

STE
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 10 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber and DSL
Rating (Reviews): (0)
View Plans

Wave Internet vs. STE at a glance

Measure	Wave Internet	STE
Available to	548,138 people in 1 state	12,303 people in 1 state
Main technology	Fixed wireless 100%	Fiber 92%, DSL 35%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	1,000 Mbps	1,000 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	5,000 Mbps	Not listed
Starting price	$30 a month	Not listed
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$720 (300 Mbps plan)	Not listed
Customer rating	No reviews yet	No reviews yet
Rated for speed	No reviews yet	No reviews yet
Rated for price	No reviews yet	No reviews yet
Where both are offered	About 12,303 people (100% of STE's area); STE is faster for 99% 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 Wave Internet and STE are available

Wave Internet and STE 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.

Wave Internet currently offers internet service in 379 cities and 19 counties across 1 state, reaching approximately 548,138 residents. Their service area includes major markets like St. Louis, MO; Jefferson City, MO; and Rolla, MO. By comparison, STE serves 13,171 residents in 28 cities and 6 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Steelville, MO; Houston, MO; and Viburnum, MO.

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

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

Wave Internet vs. STE Speeds and Technology

Wave Internet and STE 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, STE offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 873 Mbps compared to Wave Internet’s average speed of 101 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Wave Internet’s premium Fiber service reaches 0.1% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, STE’s top-tier Fiber is available to 87.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Wave Internet vs. STE Plans and Prices

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

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.

Wave Internet vs. STE Customer Ratings and Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, Wave Internet earns an overall rating of / 5 stars from customer reviews, while STE maintains a / 5 rating from reviews. outperforms by points in overall satisfaction. Wave Internet’s best-rated service is their offering at / 5 stars, compared to STE’s highest-rated service, , at / 5 stars.

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.

Wave Internet vs. STE Pros and Cons

Wave Internet

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

Pros

• Available to more people: 548,138 in 1 state, vs 12,303.

Cons

STE

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

Pros

• Faster where both are offered: the faster top speed for 99% of those homes.
• Mostly fiber: 92% of the homes it serves, vs 0.1% for Wave Internet.

Cons

Wave Internet vs. STE Top Cities

Wave Internet serves 379 cities while STE is available in 28 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.