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TDS vs. Live Wire Networks

Whether you’re researching TDS vs. Live Wire Networks 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.

TDS
Price: $49.99 - $165.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 8,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber, DSL, and cable
Rating (Reviews): (28)

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Live Wire Networks
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 250 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): (0)

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TDS and Live Wire Networks compete directly in approximately 0.87% of their service areas, with TDS covering 3,607,032 people nationwide and Live Wire Networks serving 914,300. TDS primarily delivers internet through a fiber connection; Live Wire Networks specializes in fixed wireless connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of TDS and Live Wire Networks’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

TDS vs. Live Wire Networks | Pros & Cons

TDS Logo

Pros:

  • Multi-gig speeds available
  • Offers discounted intro pricing
  • Wide range of plan options
  • Extensive fiber network

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Installation fees apply
  • Contracts required for best pricing

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Live Wire Networks Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Compatible with standard Wi-Fi devices
  • Connects multiple devices simultaneously
  • Works with smart home devices

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited fiber availability
  • Coverage strength varies within service areas

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TDS vs. Live Wire Networks | Availability

TDS and Live Wire Networks 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 | TDS Available | Live Wire Networks Available | No Coverage

TDS currently offers internet service in 1,945 cities and 301 counties across 31 states, reaching approximately 3,607,032 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Madison, WI; Nashville, TN; and Charlotte, NC. By comparison, Live Wire Networks serves 914,300 residents in 41 cities and 5 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Denver, CO; Boulder, CO; and Arvada, CO.

TDS has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 33 indicates they primarily serves urban areas, though still maintaining moderate rural availability..

Live Wire Networks is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 1, Live Wire Networks focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities.

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

TDS vs. Live Wire Networks | Speeds & Technology

TDS and Live Wire Networks utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

Across their service areas, TDS primarily delivers internet through fiber, available to 63.0% of their customers. They also offer DSL to 27.2% of their coverage area. Live Wire Networks relies on fixed wireless technology, which comprises 100.0% of their network, this is the only connection type they offer.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, TDS offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 3,169 Mbps compared to Live Wire Networks’s average speed of 250 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, TDS delivers faster speeds in 100.00% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 0.00%.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. TDS’s premium Fiber service reaches 63.0% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Live Wire Networks’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.

TDS vs. Live Wire Networks | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for TDS and Live Wire Networks, 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.

TDS Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
100M Fiber Internet$74.99100 Mbps100 MbpsFiber
300M Fiber Internet$74.99300 Mbps300 MbpsFiber
1 Gig Fiber Internet$74.991000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber
2 Gig Fiber Internet$94.992000 Mbps2000 MbpsFiber
5 Gig Fiber Internet$124.995000 Mbps5000 MbpsFiber
8 Gig Fiber Internet$224.998000 Mbps8000 MbpsFiber

Sourced directly from TDS's FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband label data, 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.

TDS Plans

Live Wire Networks Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
FastLink 25-50M$25.0050 MbpsNot listedFixed Wireless
FastLink+ 50-75M$35.0075 MbpsNot listedFixed Wireless

Sourced from pricing published on Live Wire Networks's official website. 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.

Live Wire Networks 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.

TDS vs. Live Wire Networks | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate TDS and Live Wire Networks based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

TDS Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.53 of 5 stars

(15)

Cable

Cable: 2.75 of 5 stars

(12)

DSL

DSL: 3.20 of 5 stars

(5)

TDS has an overall rating of 3.19 out of 5, with a total of 32 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them about on par with other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into TDS’s ratings, their Fiber service (47% of reviews) averages 3.53 / 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 TDS Internet Reviews page.

TDS vs. Live Wire Networks | 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.

TDS Service

Fee

Not Provided by TDS

Live Wire Networks Service

Fee

Not Provided by Live Wire Networks

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.

TDS vs. Live Wire Networks | Top Cities

TDS serves 1,945 cities while Live Wire Networks is available in 41 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

TDS Cities

Madison, WI
  • Availability: 42.69%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 2,496 Mbps
Nashville, TN
  • Availability: 6.49%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,345 Mbps
Charlotte, NC
  • Availability: 4.86%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 2,704 Mbps
Bend, OR
  • Availability: 95.20%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Boise, ID
  • Availability: 14.29%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 8,000 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Denver, CO
  • TDS Avg. Speed: 893 Mbps
  • Live Wire Networks Avg. Speed: 250 Mbps
Arvada, CO
  • TDS Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • Live Wire Networks Avg. Speed: 250 Mbps
Fairmount, CO
  • TDS Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • Live Wire Networks Avg. Speed: 250 Mbps
Golden, CO
  • TDS Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
  • Live Wire Networks Avg. Speed: 250 Mbps

Live Wire Networks Cities

Denver, CO
  • Availability: 24.69%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 250 Mbps
Boulder, CO
  • Availability: 90.32%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 250 Mbps
Arvada, CO
  • Availability: 41.53%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 250 Mbps
Westminster, CO
  • Availability: 38.73%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 250 Mbps
Aurora, CO
  • Availability: 7.32%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 250 Mbps