9 Best Internet Providers in Wadena, IA
Find internet availability by address in Wadena, IA
Jump to: Best Internet Provider | Availability Maps | Customer Reviews | Wadena ISP Report Card | Business Internet in Wadena
| Wadena ISP Report Card | C | |
| Download Speed for Most Households | 591 Mbps | |
| Number of Internet Service Providers | 9 | |
| Real Wadena Customer Ratings | 0 |
This page reflects the most recent FCC update from January 06, 2026, based on the Broadband Data Collection as of June 30, 2025.
This page reflects the most recent FCC update from January 06, 2026, based on the Broadband Data Collection as of June 30, 2025.
Wadena has 9 internet service providers, they are sorted by coverage, available speed, and customer rating from our unbiased internet provider report. Fiber, DSL, and Fixed Wireless internet are available in the city. Reviews are grouped by provider and the type of service they offer, covering all 3 available internet technologies in Wadena.
▼
Wadena has 9 internet service providers, they are sorted by coverage, available speed, and customer rating from our unbiased internet provider report. Fiber, DSL, and Fixed Wireless internet are available in the city. Reviews are grouped by provider and the type of service they offer, covering all 3 available internet technologies in Wadena.
Compare Providers Ranked by Coverage, Speed, and Customer Ratings
Windstream
Connection
Customer Rating
DSL
Fixed Wireless
Alpine Communications
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
Hawkeye Telephone Company
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
US Cellular
Connection
Customer Rating
Fixed Wireless
Above are the top 4 providers in Wadena, IA for most people based on high speed internet coverage, speeds, and customer reviews. Click below to see all providers in your city.
Speed and technology may vary by address for all providers. Please note we may have a financial relationship with some of the providers above, which does not impact the customer ratings displayed. Customer ratings listed above are national ratings, local Wadena ratings may vary and are shown below.
Who is the Best Internet Provider in Wadena, IA?
Comelec Internet Services is the best internet provider in Wadena based on Iowa customer satisfaction ratings and reviews. Based on our extensive and unbiased survey, Comelec Internet Services had the best reviews at the local, state, and national levels versus all available providers in Wadena, making it a solid recommendation among providers with reviews. Unfortunately, Comelec Internet Services is an option for 7.76% of the city.
The chart and table below show average customer ratings from customers in Wadena, Iowa, and customers throughout the country.
Top Rated Internet Providers in Wadena
Local, State, and National Ratings for all Wadena Internet Providers
| ISP / Tech Type | Wadena Overall | Iowa Overall | National Overall | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comelec Internet Services | (0) | (2) | (3) | View Plans | ||
| US Cellular | (0) | (3) | (15) | View Plans | ||
| Windstream | (0) | (3) | (87) | View Plans | ||
| Nextlink | (0) | (1) | (14) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) | (1) | (18) | View Plans | ||
| GigFire | (0) | (0) | (1) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (0) | (11) | View Plans | ||
| Community Digital Networks | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans | ||
| Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans | ||
| Alpine Communications | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans | ||
| Hawkeye Telephone Company | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans |
Based on 10 reviews from Iowa internet customers, Comelec Internet Services is the best internet service provider for Wadena residents. Comelec Internet Services was rated at an average of 5.00 out of 5 in our report for overall customer satisfaction. Windstream wins for second-place in Iowa, with 4.33 out of 5 stars and 81.6% coverage in Wadena.
At a national level, based on 149 national reviews for any of the providers listed above, GigFire is rated higher than any other provider, with a rating of 3.00 out of 5.
Which Providers are Available at my Home in Wadena?
a different provider.

Internet Availability Key
Speeds and coverage vary within the city, and sometimes even from block to block. The map shows speeds per provider and where each provider is available.
Who is the Fastest Internet Provider in Wadena?
According to unbiased feedback from real internet customers in the city, they reported being happiest with speeds provided by Comelec Internet Services. On the other hand, based on data provided by the internet providers to the FCC, Hawkeye Telephone Company should have faster speeds at a local level. While we typically put more weight on real-world customer ratings, we display both satisfaction and technical maximum information for customers to decide for themselves.
Data Reported to FCC by ISPs: Average Maximum Available in Wadena
| ISP / Tech Type | Max Advertised Speed | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawkeye Telephone Company | 1,000 Mbps | ||
| Nextlink | 1,000 Mbps | ||
| Alpine Communications | 500 Mbps | ||
| Windstream | 200 Mbps | ||
| GigFire | 150 Mbps | ||
| Viasat | 100 Mbps | ||
| Comelec Internet Services | 50 Mbps | ||
| Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative | 25 Mbps | ||
| US Cellular | 25 Mbps | ||
| HughesNet | 25 Mbps | ||
| Community Digital Networks | 10 Mbps |
Customer Ratings for Internet Provider Speeds in Wadena
| ISP / Tech Type | Wadena Speed | Iowa Speed | National Speed | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comelec Internet Services | (0) | (2) | (3) | View Plans | ||
| Windstream | (0) | (3) | (87) | View Plans | ||
| US Cellular | (0) | (3) | (15) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) | (1) | (18) | View Plans | ||
| Nextlink | (0) | (1) | (14) | View Plans | ||
| GigFire | (0) | (0) | (1) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (0) | (11) | View Plans | ||
| Community Digital Networks | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans | ||
| Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans | ||
| Alpine Communications | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans | ||
| Hawkeye Telephone Company | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans |
Based on data reported by Wadena ISPs to the FCC, the fastest speeds in the city are available through Hawkeye Telephone Company. The company offers speeds up to 1,000 Mbps in Wadena. Therefore, the average customer can get up to 1,000 Mbps if they're willing to purchase the fastest subscription tier available at their homes.
Additionally, actual customers in the city rated their satisfaction with internet speed highest with Comelec Internet Services. This indicates Comelec Internet Services reliably delivers speeds expected by the customer based on the plan they are paying for.
Who is the Cheapest Internet Provider in Wadena?
Iowa customers rate Comelec Internet Services as the cheapest internet service provider in state. Data comes from customers in the state rating their satisfaction with pricing. This feedback is valuable because it considers price changes and whether the speeds paid for are worth it.
Comelec Internet Services received a local rating of 5.00 out of 5, which is higher than the average across all internet providers in the country. US Cellular is rated in second place for affordability by the company’s Wadena customers with an average price rating of 4.00 out of 5.
The chart and graph below show how customers in Wadena, Iowa, and the United States rated the affordability of their internet service.
Rated Affordability in Wadena
| ISP / Tech Type | Wadena Affordability | Iowa Affordability | National Affordability | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comelec Internet Services | (0) | (2) | (3) | View Plans | ||
| US Cellular | (0) | (3) | (15) | View Plans | ||
| Windstream | (0) | (3) | (87) | View Plans | ||
| Nextlink | (0) | (1) | (14) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) | (1) | (18) | View Plans | ||
| GigFire | (0) | (0) | (1) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (0) | (11) | View Plans | ||
| Community Digital Networks | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans | ||
| Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans | ||
| Alpine Communications | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans | ||
| Hawkeye Telephone Company | (0) | (0) | (0) | View Plans |
Wadena Internet Health Assessment
ISP Reports evaluates the technological infrastructure across the United States. This includes assessing a grade for ISP providers and infrastructure in the city and setting an index number for the digital connectivity of its residents. You can view the ISP Report Card and the Digital Connectivity Index for Wadena below, including the metrics used and how Wadena compares to the rest of Iowa and nation.
| Metric
(hover for details)
|
Wadena | Iowa | USA | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber Availability Percent The percentage of households in Wadena that have a Fiber internet connection available to their home. | 89.14% | 78.64% | 67.25% | ||
| Average Download SpeedThe maximum download speed most households can get on average. This is measured by availability in a block group and weighted by the population in that area. | 591 Mbps | 2,759 Mbps | 3,293 Mbps | ||
| Provider CountThe number of providers available for most people. This is a weighted average by block rather than a total for Wadena. | 3.5 | 7.3 | 6.8 |
| Average Household SizeA larger household size in a city indicates that there will be a greater need for bandwidth due to simultaneous usage, multiple devices, and network congestion. | 2.7 | 2.4 | 2.7 | ||
| Work From Home PercentA higher percent of the population working from home indicates bandwidth requirements being more widely needed rather than consolidated to commercial portions of the city. | 18% | 11% | 14% | ||
| Households with DevicesA higher percentage of households with computing devices in the home indicates a higher level of infrastructure needed to support those households. | 93% | 94% | 95% | ||
| Households with InternetA higher percentage of households with internet indicates a higher need for usage and connectivity in people’s daily lives. | 89% | 88% | 90% | ||
| Households with BroadbandA higher percentage of households with a broadband connection (defined as speeds above 25 Mbps) indicates heavier usage needs within these households. | 52% | 71% | 75% | ||
| Broadband Usage vs. AvailabilityThis measures what percentage of households who have a broadband connection to their home actually have an active subscription to that service. | 55% | 71% | 76% |
Our demographic data is sourced from the latest 5-year release of the American Community Survey by the US Census Bureau.
Wadena ISP Report Card & Digital Connectivity Index
The ISP Report Card in Wadena is C, which is worse than other cities. The local demand for broadband internet connectivity in Wadena is high with a score of 51 / 100 in our Digital Connectivity Index. This means that internet service providers operating in Wadena have done a average job meeting the needs of its residents.
The Wadena ISP Report Card evaluates the city on availability and speed metrics compared to other cities in the United States. ISP Infrastructure can vary greatly and on its own isn’t a perfect measure of what a city needs. Please see our ISP Report Card along with the Digital Connectivity Index above to evaluate how well the connectivity demand is met by the existing infrastructure.
89% of Wadena households have an internet connection despite having 97.78% availability. 52% of households have fiber, cable, or DSL, 23% have satellite, 0% are still on dial-up, and 1% of households have internet but don’t pay for a subscription because it’s subsidized by the Affordable Connectivity Program.
As you can see in the table above, while 52% of households have a broadband connection such as fiber, cable or DSL available to their home, 55% subscribe to it. A low number of Wadena residents are taking advantage of the available internet infrastructure.
For more details, please visit our ISP Report Card and Digital Connectivity Index pages.
How do Neighboring Cities Compare to Wadena?
- ISP Report Card: C
- Digital Connectivity Index: 53 / 100
- ISP Report Card: C
- Digital Connectivity Index: 18 / 100
- ISP Report Card: C+
- Digital Connectivity Index: 36 / 100
- ISP Report Card: B-
- Digital Connectivity Index: 38 / 100
- ISP Report Card: C+
- Digital Connectivity Index: 49 / 100
- ISP Report Card: C
- Digital Connectivity Index: 13 / 100
- ISP Report Card: C+
- Digital Connectivity Index: 45 / 100
- ISP Report Card: C
- Digital Connectivity Index: 31 / 100
- ISP Report Card: C+
- Digital Connectivity Index: 38 / 100
How Much Speed does a Wadena Household Need?
Higher speed is typically preferred, but that comes at a higher price. The average size of a household in Wadena is 2.7, which is larger than the Iowa average of 2.4 and larger than the national average of 2.7. Wadena's average household income is $67,751 which is about average for the Iowa average of $80,609 and about average for the national average of $90,606. Homes with more people living in them and with lower incomes tend to indicate a fairly average device usage pattern.
Wadena also has 8% of its population enrolled in school between the 6th grade and college level, this is lower than the Iowa average of 16%. Additionally, 18% of residents work from home, which is higher than the 11% of residents in Iowa who work from home. This and other factors you can see above show us that the community of Wadena has an average need for internet connectivity and speeds.
Compared to the rest of the country, Wadena households are about average when it comes to technological engagement. 93% of households have some sort of computing device, 89% have desktops or laptops in the home, and 88% have smartphones. To see what speeds you are currently getting, please visit our internet speed test tool.
Which Fiber Internet Providers are Available in Wadena?
Alpine Communications Fiber in Wadena, IA
Alpine Communications offers Fiber service to 80.3% of Wadena homes. Across the city, Alpine Communications Fiber is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 500 Mbps
Hawkeye Telephone Company Fiber in Wadena, IA
Hawkeye Telephone Company offers Fiber service to 8.9% of Wadena homes. Across the city, Hawkeye Telephone Company Fiber is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Which Cable Internet Providers are Available in Wadena?
According to the most recently submitted data by internet service providers to the FCC, there are currently no cable providers available in Wadena, IA.
Which DSL Internet Providers are Available in Wadena?
Windstream DSL in Wadena, IA
Windstream offers DSL service to 81.6% of Wadena homes. Across the city, Windstream DSL has speeds up to 103 Mbps, with speeds from 10 Mpbs up to 200 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 1.0 and as high as 52, with an average of 28 Mbps throughout the city. Windstream DSL is rated lower than other types of internet service available in Wadena from Windstream in terms of customer satisfaction.
Which Fixed Wireless and LTE Internet Providers are Available in Wadena?
US Cellular Fixed Wireless in Wadena, IA
US Cellular offers Fixed Wireless service to 96.5% of Wadena homes. Across the city, US Cellular Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 12 Mbps, with speeds from 10 Mpbs up to 25 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 1.0 and as high as 3.0, with an average of 1.2 Mbps throughout the city.
Nextlink Fixed Wireless in Wadena, IA
Nextlink offers Fixed Wireless service to 38.1% of Wadena homes. Across the city, Nextlink Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 722 Mbps, with speeds from 100 Mpbs up to 1,000 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 20 and as high as 1,000, with an average of 563 Mbps throughout the city.
GigFire Fixed Wireless in Wadena, IA
GigFire offers Fixed Wireless service to 11.3% of Wadena homes. Across the city, GigFire Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 141 Mbps, with speeds from 140 Mpbs up to 150 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 40 and as high as 130, with an average of 51 Mbps throughout the city.
Community Digital Networks Fixed Wireless in Wadena, IA
Community Digital Networks offers Fixed Wireless service to 9.3% of Wadena homes. Across the city, Community Digital Networks Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 10 Mbps
Comelec Internet Services Fixed Wireless in Wadena, IA
Comelec Internet Services offers Fixed Wireless service to 7.8% of Wadena homes. Across the city, Comelec Internet Services Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 50 Mbps
Windstream Fixed Wireless in Wadena, IA
Windstream offers Fixed Wireless service to 6.0% of Wadena homes. Across the city, Windstream Fixed Wireless has speeds up to 25 Mbps
Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative Fixed Wireless in Wadena, IA
Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative offers Fixed Wireless service to 5.3% of Wadena homes. Across the city, Allamakee-Clayton Electric Cooperative Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 25 Mbps
Which ISP Should You Choose in Wadena?
The right ISP for you depends upon your needs, but in general we can make the following suggestions:
- The best all-around internet service provider in Wadena is Comelec Internet Services.
- The fastest internet provider should be Hawkeye Telephone Company. Considering speed for the money and reliability in speeds, Comelec Internet Services may be a better choice based on real-world local customer feedback.
- The most affordable internet provider in Wadena is Comelec Internet Services.
- Viasat, US Cellular, and HughesNet has the broadest coverage in Wadena, and is most likely to cover your home. To find out exactly what's available at your home, please use our address search tool.
How does Wadena compare to other cities with a similar population?
To see how Wadena stacks up on the national level, it's useful to look at some other cities with similarly sized populations. Below you can see a list of these cities and how they compare to Wadena's C ISP Report Card and 51 / 100 Digital Connectivity Index.
- ISP Report Card: D-
- Digital Connectivity Index: 23 / 100
- ISP Report Card: C
- Digital Connectivity Index: 45 / 100
- ISP Report Card: C+
- Digital Connectivity Index: 73 / 100
- ISP Report Card: C-
- Digital Connectivity Index: 75 / 100
- ISP Report Card: B+
- Digital Connectivity Index: 68 / 100
- ISP Report Card: D+
- Digital Connectivity Index: 49 / 100
- ISP Report Card: C+
- Digital Connectivity Index: 32 / 100
- ISP Report Card: C
- Digital Connectivity Index: 60 / 100
- ISP Report Card: C+
- Digital Connectivity Index: 38 / 100
(1)
(1)