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TDS vs. Silver Star

Whether you’re researching TDS vs. Silver Star 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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Silver Star
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 10 - 1,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber, DSL, and fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): (0)

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TDS and Silver Star compete directly in approximately 0.08% of their service areas, with TDS covering 3,607,032 people nationwide and Silver Star serving 176,808. TDS primarily delivers internet through a fiber connection; Silver Star specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of TDS and Silver Star’s availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

TDS vs. Silver Star | 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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Silver Star Logo

Pros:

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

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • May require credit check for service activation
  • Coverage strength varies within service areas

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TDS vs. Silver Star | Availability

TDS and Silver Star 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 | Silver Star 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, Silver Star serves 176,808 residents in 51 cities and 9 counties in 2 states, with a presence in population centers such as Idaho Falls, ID; Rexburg, ID; and Boise, ID.

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..

Silver Star is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 26, Silver Star primarily serves urban areas, though still maintaining moderate rural availability.

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

TDS vs. Silver Star | Speeds & Technology

TDS and Silver Star 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. Silver Star relies on fiber technology, which comprises 96.2% of their network, with DSL available in 15.4% of their service locations.

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 Silver Star’s average speed of 927 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, Silver Star’s top-tier Fiber is available to 96.2% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

TDS vs. Silver Star | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for TDS and Silver Star, 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

Silver Star Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
30 MBPS$59.9930 MbpsNot listedDSL
100 MBPS$59.99100 MbpsNot listedFiber
50 MBPS$79.9950 MbpsNot listedDSL
200 MBPS$79.99200 MbpsNot listedFiber
300 MBPS$109.99300 MbpsNot listedFiber
500 MBPS$159.95500 MbpsNot listedFiber

Sourced from pricing published on Silver Star'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.

Silver Star 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. Silver Star | Customer Ratings & Reviews

Compare how real customers rate TDS and Silver Star 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. Silver Star | 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

Silver Star Service

Fee

Not Provided by Silver Star

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. Silver Star | Top Cities

TDS serves 1,945 cities while Silver Star is available in 51 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

Boise, ID
  • TDS Avg. Speed: 8,000 Mbps
  • Silver Star Avg. Speed: 744 Mbps
Meridian, ID
  • TDS Avg. Speed: 8,000 Mbps
  • Silver Star Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Garden City, ID
  • TDS Avg. Speed: 8,000 Mbps
  • Silver Star Avg. Speed: 334 Mbps

Silver Star Cities

Idaho Falls, ID
  • Availability: 70.05%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Rexburg, ID
  • Availability: 73.65%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Boise, ID
  • Availability: 3.72%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 887 Mbps
Meridian, ID
  • Availability: 10.89%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Jackson, WY
  • Availability: 71.01%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,000 Mbps