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TDS vs. Unwired

Whether you’re researching TDS vs. Unwired 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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Unwired
Price: $59.99 - $79.99 / mo.
Speed: 300 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless
Rating (Reviews): (1)

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TDS and Unwired compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with TDS covering 3,607,032 people nationwide and Unwired serving 3,588,120. TDS primarily delivers internet through a fiber connection; Unwired specializes in fixed wireless connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of TDS and Unwired's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

TDS vs. Unwired | 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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Unwired Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Up-front month-to-month pricing
  • No contracts required
  • Unlimited data

Cons:

  • Limited service availability
  • Limited plan variety
  • Limited fiber availability

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TDS vs. Unwired | Availability

TDS and Unwired 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 | Unwired 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, Unwired serves 3,588,120 residents in 103 cities and 9 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as San Francisco, CA; Oakland, CA; and Hayward, CA.

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..

Unwired is prominent in State with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 1, Unwired 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 Unwired at your location, use our address search tool:

TDS vs. Unwired | Speeds & Technology

TDS and Unwired 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. Unwired 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 Unwired's average speed of 300 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, TDS delivers faster speeds in 0.00% 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, Unwired'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. Unwired | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for TDS and Unwired, sourced directly from FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband labels to ensure transparency and accuracy. We've included both promotional and standard rates for each provider to give you a complete picture of what you'll pay over time. Plan availability and exact pricing may vary by location.

TDS Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Turbo Internet$49.9915 Mbps1 MbpsDSL
WarpX Internet$49.99100 Mbps20 MbpsDSL
Ultra 300 Internet$39.95 ($59.95 after 24 months)300 Mbps10 MbpsCable
Ultra 600 Internet$54.95 ($75.00 after 24 months)600 Mbps20 MbpsCable
1 Gig Fiber Internet$49.99 ($89.95 after 12 months)1000 Mbps1000 MbpsFiber
2 Gig Fiber Internet$69.99 ($165.00 after 24 months)2000 Mbps2000 MbpsFiber

Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.

TDS Plans

Unwired Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
100 Plan$59.99100 Mbps10 MbpsFixed Wireless
200 Plan$79.99200 Mbps20 MbpsFixed Wireless

Note: These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas.

Unwired 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. Unwired | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, TDS earns an overall rating of 3.18 / 5 stars from 28 customer reviews, while Unwired maintains a 1.00 / 5 rating from 1 reviews. TDS outperforms Unwired by 2.18 points in overall satisfaction. TDS's best-rated service is their fixed wireless offering at 4.00 / 5 stars, compared to Unwired's highest-rated service, , at 0.00 / 5 stars.

TDS Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.75 of 5 stars

12

Cable

Cable: 2.75 of 5 stars

12

DSL

DSL: 1.50 of 5 stars

2

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 4.00 of 5 stars

2

TDS has an overall rating of 3.18 out of 5, with a total of 28 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 (43% of reviews) averages 3.75 / 5 stars, lower than their overall company rating. This difference suggests that customers have notably different experiences with their various service types, an important consideration for customers evaluating different service options from this provider.

For detailed reviews, visit our TDS Internet Reviews page.

Unwired Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Cable

Cable: 1.00 of 5 stars

1

Unwired has an overall rating of 1.00 out of 5, with a total of 1 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them lower than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Unwired's ratings, their cable service (100% of reviews) averages 1.00 / 5 stars, equal to 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 Unwired Internet Reviews page.

TDS vs. Unwired | 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

Modem rental (optional)

10

Installation fee

$50

Unwired Service

Fee

Installation

$0

Equipment maintenance fee

10

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. Unwired | Top Cities

TDS serves 1,945 cities while Unwired is available in 103 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

TDS and Unwired don't compete in any cities.InfoWe still compare these non-competing providers because many of our users are researching internet options for different locations—whether for an upcoming move, a second home purchase, or simply to understand regional differences in internet service. This comparison helps you evaluate both providers based on the same criteria, giving you valuable insight regardless of where you currently live.

Unwired Cities

San Francisco, CA
  • Availability: 73.38%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 300 Mbps
Oakland, CA
  • Availability: 94.30%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 300 Mbps
Hayward, CA
  • Availability: 78.24%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 300 Mbps
Concord, CA
  • Availability: 99.12%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 300 Mbps
Berkeley, CA
  • Availability: 92.00%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 300 Mbps