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Verizon vs. TDS

Whether you’re researching Verizon vs. TDS 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.

Verizon
Price: $49.99 - $89.99 / mo.
Speed: 30 - 2,048 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (723)

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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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Verizon and TDS compete directly in approximately 0.87% of their service areas, with Verizon covering 222,700,974 people nationwide and TDS serving 3,607,032. Verizon primarily delivers internet through a fiber connection; TDS specializes in fiber connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Verizon and TDS's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

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

Verizon vs. TDS | Pros & Cons

Verizon Logo

Pros:

  • Fast upload speeds
  • Widespread national availability
  • Up-front month-to-month pricing
  • Wide range of plan options

Cons:

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

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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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Verizon vs. TDS | Availability

Verizon and TDS 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 | Verizon Available | TDS Available | No Coverage

Verizon currently offers internet service in 33,555 cities and 2,719 counties across 50 states, reaching approximately 222,700,974 residents. Their service area includes major markets like New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Chicago, IL. By comparison, TDS serves 3,607,032 residents in 1,945 cities and 301 counties in 31 states, with a presence in population centers such as Madison, WI; Nashville, TN; and Charlotte, NC.

Verizon has particularly strong coverage nationwide, where they serve 0 cities and 0 zip codes. Their Rural Coverage Ratio of 12 indicates they focuses heavily on urban areas, with limited service available in rural communities..

TDS is prominent in nationwide with service to 0 cities and 0 zip codes. With a Rural Coverage Ratio of 33, TDS 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 Verizon and TDS at your location, use our address search tool:

Verizon vs. TDS | Speeds & Technology

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

Across their service areas, Verizon primarily delivers internet through fiber, available to 18.5% of their customers. They also offer fixed wireless to 89.2% of their coverage area. TDS relies on fiber technology, which comprises 63.0% of their network, with DSL available in 27.2% 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 Verizon's average speed of 559 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, TDS delivers faster speeds in 9.94% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.34%, and slower speeds in 89.72%.

The availability of each provider's fastest technology varies significantly by location. Verizon's premium Fiber service reaches 18.5% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, TDS's top-tier Fiber is available to 63.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Verizon vs. TDS | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Verizon and TDS, 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.

Verizon Internet Plans & Pricing

PlanMonthly PriceTypical Download SpeedTypical Upload SpeedConnection Type
Fios 300$49.99300 Mbps300 MbpsFiber
5G Home Internet$50.0085-300 Mbps10-20 MbpsFixed Wireless
5G Home Internet Plus$70.00300-1000 Mbps25-75 MbpsFixed Wireless
Fios 500$74.99500 Mbps500 MbpsFiber
Fios 1 Gig$89.99940 Mbps880 MbpsFiber

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

Verizon Plans

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

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.

Verizon vs. TDS | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, Verizon earns an overall rating of 3.78 / 5 stars from 723 customer reviews, while TDS maintains a 3.18 / 5 rating from 28 reviews. Verizon outperforms TDS by 0.60 points in overall satisfaction. Verizon's best-rated service is their fiber offering at 3.90 / 5 stars, compared to TDS's highest-rated service, fixed wireless, at 4.00 / 5 stars.

Verizon Ratings & Reviews

Connection

Customer Rating

Fiber

Fiber: 3.90 of 5 stars

397

Cable

Cable: 3.67 of 5 stars

6

DSL

DSL: 3.27 of 5 stars

98

Fixed Wireless

Fixed Wireless: 3.75 of 5 stars

170

Verizon has an overall rating of 3.78 out of 5, with a total of 723 reviews and ratings across the United States. Their overall satisfaction score places them slightly higher than other internet providers nationwide.

Looking deeper into Verizon's ratings, their fiber service (55% of reviews) averages 3.90 / 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 Verizon Internet Reviews page.

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.

Verizon vs. TDS | 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.

Verizon Service

Fee

Setup

$99

TDS Service

Fee

Modem rental (optional)

10

Installation fee

$50

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.

Verizon vs. TDS | Top Cities

Verizon serves 33,555 cities while TDS is available in 1,945 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.

Verizon Cities

New York, NY
  • Availability: 94.99%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,633 Mbps
Los Angeles, CA
  • Availability: 78.32%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 465 Mbps
Chicago, IL
  • Availability: 69.81%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 421 Mbps
Dallas, TX
  • Availability: 78.51%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 371 Mbps
Philadelphia, PA
  • Availability: 92.90%
  • Avg. Download Speed: 1,473 Mbps

Overlapping Cities

Madison, WI
  • Verizon Avg. Speed: 367 Mbps
  • TDS Avg. Speed: 2,853 Mbps
Charlotte, NC
  • Verizon Avg. Speed: 334 Mbps
  • TDS Avg. Speed: 2,576 Mbps
Nashville, TN
  • Verizon Avg. Speed: 343 Mbps
  • TDS Avg. Speed: 1,437 Mbps
Bend, OR
  • Verizon Avg. Speed: 300 Mbps
  • TDS Avg. Speed: 1,000 Mbps
Knoxville, TN
  • Verizon Avg. Speed: 324 Mbps
  • TDS Avg. Speed: 1,015 Mbps

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