Best Internet Providers in Winnebago County, IA
All 6 providers, ranked by coverage, speed and customer ratings
Find internet availability by address in Winnebago County, IA
Winnebago County has 6 internet service providers, they are sorted by coverage, available speed, and customer rating from our unbiased internet provider report. Cable, Fiber, Fixed Wireless, and DSL internet are available in the county. Reviews are grouped by provider and the type of service they offer, covering all 4 available internet technologies in Winnebago County.
Ranks compare Winnebago County with the 99 Iowa counties.
The Best Internet in Winnebago County, IA at a Glance
Winnebago County Internet Providers, Ranked by Coverage, Speed and Customer Ratings
WCTA Broadband
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
Mediacom
Connection
Customer Rating
Cable
Windstream
Connection
Customer Rating
Fiber
DSL
GigFire
Connection
Customer Rating
Fixed Wireless
Providers with less than 1% coverage in this county are excluded from the list. To see if one of these providers is available at your home, please use the address search above.
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 Winnebago County ratings may vary and are shown below.
Who is the Best Internet Provider in Winnebago County, IA?
T-Mobile Home Internet is the best internet provider in Winnebago County based on Iowa customer satisfaction ratings and reviews. Based on our extensive and unbiased survey, T-Mobile Home Internet had the best reviews at the local, state, and national levels versus all available providers in Winnebago County, making it a solid recommendation among providers with reviews. T-Mobile Home Internet is an option for 94.92% of the county.
Click here to get T-Mobile Home Internet
or call 1-833-601-2935
Which Providers are Available at my Home in Winnebago County?
Coverage changes block by block. Pick a provider and a technology to see where its service reaches: the darker the area, the larger the share of homes it covers. For your exact address, use the address search above.
Coverage map for each provider in Winnebago County
How Winnebago County Compares to the Rest of Iowa
Winnebago County's report card score is tied 55th of 99 and its connectivity index is tied 32nd of 99.
| Measure | Winnebago County | Rank among Iowa counties | Iowa | US | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISP Report Card inputs: what providers offer here | |||||
| Fiber availability | 96.5% | 16th of 99 | 84.3% | 71.5% | Worth County (100.0%) |
| Average top speed | 1,014 Mbps | 71st of 99 | 3,256 Mbps | 3,486 Mbps | Black Hawk County (7,750 Mbps) |
| Providers at a typical address | 4.3 | Tied 83rd of 99 | 6.8 | 7.1 | Dallas County (8.6) |
| Connectivity index inputs: how much households need and use the internet | |||||
| People per household | 2.2 | Tied 83rd of 99 | 2.4 | 2.7 | Davis County (2.9) |
| Workers who work from home | 8% | Tied 56th of 99 | 12% | 15% | Dallas County and Jefferson County (21%) |
| Homes with a computer, tablet or phone | 94% | Tied 34th of 99 | 95% | 96% | Dallas County and Story County (98%) |
| Homes with internet | 89% | Tied 29th of 99 | 89% | 91% | Bremer County and Buena Vista County and 3 more (93%) |
| Homes on fiber, cable or DSL | 74% | Tied 11th of 99 | 72% | 76% | Johnson County and Linn County (79%) |
| More about the households here | |||||
| Homes with a desktop or laptop | 72% | Tied 66th of 99 | 78% | 81% | Story County (90%) |
| Median household income | $67,581 | 75th of 99 | $82,468 | $93,246 | Dallas County ($117,487) |
| Residents in school (6th grade to college) | 16% | Tied 12th of 99 | 16% | 16% | Story County (36%) |
Fiber reaches 96.5% of homes in Winnebago County, against 84.3% across Iowa. Households in Winnebago County are smaller than the US average (2.2 people against 2.7); 8% of workers work from home (US 15%); and the median household income is $67,581 (US $93,246).
Our demographic data is sourced from the latest 5-year release of the American Community Survey by the US Census Bureau.
How Winnebago County Compares to Its Neighbors
Winnebago County has 6 neighbors, 2 of them in Minnesota. Among them, Worth County has the most homes with fiber (100.0%) and Kossuth County the fewest (56.7%); Winnebago County has 96.5%.
Map of Winnebago County and its neighbors by ISP Report Card grade
Hover over or tap a county for its numbers, and click through to its page.
Winnebago County and its neighbors
| County | People | Homes with fiber | Average top speed | Providers at a typical address | Report card | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winnebago County (this page) | 10,679 | 96.5% | 1,014 Mbps | 4.3 | C+ | 49/100 |
| Cerro Gordo County | 43,127 | 97.1% | 3,719 Mbps | 8.4 | A- | 45/100 |
| Freeborn County, MN | 30,895 | 91.5% | 3,236 Mbps | 7.9 | B+ | 41/100 |
| Kossuth County | 14,828 | 56.7% | 902 Mbps | 6.1 | C | 42/100 |
| Faribault County, MN | 13,921 | 96.1% | 1,241 Mbps | 5.4 | B- | 45/100 |
| Hancock County | 10,795 | 93.9% | 974 Mbps | 5.5 | C+ | 41/100 |
| Worth County | 7,443 | 100.0% | 1,198 Mbps | 4.4 | B- | 47/100 |
Internet in Winnebago County by City and ZIP Code
Fiber reaches from 93.1% of homes in Forest City to 99.9% in Buffalo Center; by ZIP code, from 93.9% in 50436 (Forest City) to 99.9% in 50424 (Buffalo Center). Each row links to that place’s page.
Cities and towns in Winnebago County
| City or town | People | Homes with fiber | Average top speed | Providers at a typical address | Report card | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest City | 5,129 | 93.1% | 1,030 Mbps | 5.5 | B- | 50/100 |
| Lake Mills | 2,855 | 99.9% | 1,000 Mbps | 3.6 | C+ | 45/100 |
| Buffalo Center | 1,248 | 99.9% | 1,000 Mbps | 3.7 | C+ | 51/100 |
| Thompson | 698 | 100.0% | 1,000 Mbps | 3 | C+ | 40/100 |
| Leland | 504 | 97.0% | 1,000 Mbps | 4.2 | C+ | 71/100 |
| Rake | 348 | 100.0% | 1,000 Mbps | 3 | C+ | 71/100 |
| Scarville | 339 | 100.0% | 1,000 Mbps | 3.1 | C+ | 47/100 |
ZIP codes in Winnebago County
| ZIP code | People | Homes with fiber | Average top speed | Providers at a typical address | Report card | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50436 (Forest City) | 5,820 | 93.9% | 1,026 Mbps | 5.2 | B- | 51/100 |
| 50450 (Lake Mills) | 2,903 | 99.9% | 1,000 Mbps | 3.6 | C+ | 46/100 |
| 50424 (Buffalo Center) | 1,393 | 99.9% | 996 Mbps | 3.6 | C+ | 51/100 |
| 50478 (Thompson) | 763 | 100.0% | 1,000 Mbps | 2.9 | C+ | 42/100 |
| 50453 (Leland) | 543 | 97.2% | 1,000 Mbps | 4.3 | C+ | 69/100 |
| 50473 (Scarville) | 242 | 100.0% | 1,000 Mbps | 2.9 | C+ | 48/100 |
| 50465 (Rake) | 188 | 100.0% | 1,000 Mbps | 3 | C+ | 71/100 |
Who is the Fastest Internet Provider in Winnebago County?
According to unbiased feedback from real internet customers, they reported being happiest with speeds provided by Windstream. On the other hand, based on data provided by the internet providers to the FCC, Mediacom and WCTA Broadband 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 Winnebago County
| Windstream | 2,000 |
|---|---|
| WCTA Broadband | 1,000 |
| GigFire | 1,000 |
| Mediacom | 1,000 |
| Verizon | 300 |
| Viasat | 100 |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | 100 |
| HughesNet | 25 |
How fast is your internet?
Test your connection here and see it next to the speeds providers advertise in Winnebago County. It takes about 20 seconds and, on a fast line, can move a few hundred MB of data.
Customer Ratings for Winnebago County Internet Providers
Based on 34 reviews from Iowa internet customers, T-Mobile Home Internet is the best internet service provider for Winnebago County residents. T-Mobile Home Internet was rated at an average of 4.40 out of 5 in our report for overall customer satisfaction. Verizon wins for second-place in Iowa, with 4.50 out of 5 stars and 64.8% coverage in Winnebago County.
At a national level, based on 1352 national reviews for any of the providers listed above, T-Mobile Home Internet is rated higher than any other provider, with a rating of 4.02 out of 5.
Local, State, and National Ratings for all Winnebago County Internet Providers
The table below shows average customer ratings from customers in Winnebago County, Iowa, and customers throughout the country.
| ISP / Tech Type | Winnebago County Overall | Iowa Overall | National Overall | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Home Internet |  (0) |  (5) | (342) | View Plans | ||
| Verizon | (0) | (4) | (816) | View Plans | ||
| Windstream | (0) | (3) |  (99) | View Plans | ||
| Mediacom | (0) | (22) | (93) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) | (0) |  (25) | View Plans | ||
| WCTA Broadband | (0) | (0) | (1) | View Plans | ||
| GigFire | (0) | (0) | (1) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (0) |  (12) | View Plans |
Customer Ratings for Internet Provider Speeds in Winnebago County
Based on data reported by Winnebago County ISPs to the FCC, the fastest speeds in the county are available through Mediacom and WCTA Broadband. These internet providers offer speeds up to 1,000 Mbps in Winnebago County. 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.
However, actual customers rated their satisfaction with internet speed highest with Windstream. This indicates Windstream reliably delivers speeds expected by the customer based on the plan they are paying for.
| ISP / Tech Type | Winnebago County Speed | Iowa Speed | National Speed | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windstream | (0) | (3) | (99) | View Plans | ||
| T-Mobile Home Internet | (0) | (5) | (342) | View Plans | ||
| Verizon | (0) | (4) | (816) | View Plans | ||
| Mediacom | (0) | (22) | (93) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) | (0) | (25) | View Plans | ||
| WCTA Broadband | (0) | (0) | (1) | View Plans | ||
| GigFire | (0) | (0) |  (1) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (0) | (12) | View Plans |
Who is the Cheapest Internet Provider in Winnebago County?
Of the providers in Winnebago County, customers rate T-Mobile Home Internet the best for price. Data comes from customers rating their satisfaction with pricing: in Winnebago County where enough of them have reviewed a provider, otherwise across Iowa or the country. This feedback is valuable because it considers price changes and whether the speeds paid for are worth it.
T-Mobile Home Internet is rated 4.00 out of 5 for price, which is higher than the average across all internet providers in the country. Verizon is rated second for affordability, with an average price rating of 3.75 out of 5.
The table below shows how customers in Winnebago County, Iowa, and the United States rated the affordability of their internet service.
Rated Affordability in Winnebago County
| ISP / Tech Type | Winnebago County Affordability | Iowa Affordability | National Affordability | For Service | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Home Internet | (0) | (5) | (342) | View Plans | ||
| Verizon | (0) | (4) | (816) | View Plans | ||
| Windstream | (0) | (3) | (99) | View Plans | ||
| Mediacom | (0) | (22) | (93) | View Plans | ||
| HughesNet | (0) | (0) | (25) | View Plans | ||
| WCTA Broadband | (0) | (0) | (1) | View Plans | ||
| GigFire | (0) | (0) | (1) | View Plans | ||
| Viasat | (0) | (0) | (12) | View Plans |
Fiber, 5G, Cable and DSL Internet in Winnebago County
Which Fiber Internet Providers are Available in Winnebago County?
WCTA Broadband Fiber in Winnebago County, IA
Availability:
96.5%
Customer Rating:
(1)
Avg. Download Speed
1,000 Mbps
WCTA Broadband offers Fiber service to 96.5% of Winnebago County homes. Across the county, WCTA Broadband Fiber is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Windstream Fiber in Winnebago County, IA
Availability:
1.8%
Customer Rating:
(40)
Avg. Download Speed
1,737 Mbps
Windstream offers Fiber service to 1.8% of Winnebago County homes. Across the county, Windstream Fiber has speeds up to 1,737 Mbps, with speeds from 1,000 Mpbs up to 2,000 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds are symmetrical, meaning they are exactly the same as download speeds for Windstream Fiber. Windstream Fiber is rated lower than other types of internet service available in Winnebago County from Windstream in terms of customer satisfaction.
Which Fixed Wireless and LTE Internet Providers are Available in Winnebago County?
T-Mobile Home Internet Fixed Wireless in Winnebago County, IA
Availability:
94.9%
Customer Rating:
(342)
Avg. Download Speed
90 Mbps
T-Mobile Home Internet offers Fixed Wireless service to 94.9% of Winnebago County homes. Across the county, T-Mobile Home Internet Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 90 Mbps, with speeds from 25 Mpbs up to 100 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 3.0 and as high as 20, with an average of 18 Mbps throughout the county.
GigFire Fixed Wireless in Winnebago County, IA
Availability:
86.4%
Customer Rating:
(1)
Avg. Download Speed
141 Mbps
GigFire offers Fixed Wireless service to 86.4% of Winnebago County homes. Across the county, GigFire Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 141 Mbps, with speeds from 100 Mpbs up to 150 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 20 and as high as 130, with an average of 109 Mbps throughout the county.
Verizon Fixed Wireless in Winnebago County, IA
Availability:
64.8%
Customer Rating:
(362)
Avg. Download Speed
204 Mbps
Verizon offers Fixed Wireless service to 64.8% of Winnebago County homes. Across the county, Verizon Fixed Wireless is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 204 Mbps, with speeds from 25 Mpbs up to 300 Mbps depending on the address. Upload speeds differ from download speeds, and are as low 6.0 and as high as 20, with an average of 15 Mbps throughout the county.
Which Cable Internet Providers are Available in Winnebago County?
Mediacom Cable in Winnebago County, IA
Availability:
45.0%
Customer Rating:
(82)
Avg. Download Speed
1,000 Mbps
Mediacom offers Cable service to 45.0% of Winnebago County homes. Across the county, Mediacom Cable is the only type of service available from the company, with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Which DSL Internet Providers are Available in Winnebago County?
Windstream DSL in Winnebago County, IA
Availability:
27.4%
Customer Rating:
(52)
Avg. Download Speed
81 Mbps
Windstream offers DSL service to 27.4% of Winnebago County homes. Across the county, Windstream DSL has speeds up to 81 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 20, with an average of 10 Mbps throughout the county. Windstream DSL is rated higher than other types of internet service available in Winnebago County from Windstream in terms of customer satisfaction.
Customer Reviews for Internet Service Providers in Iowa
Customer Reviews
Steve S.
ImOn Communications Fiber
November 04, 2026 Install was sloppy, wire hanging inside and outside. My main issue was the price kept increasing. The customer support took over a hour to speak to someone and then another hour of testing before they would isue replacement equipment.
ISPReports User
Metronet Fiber
October 14, 2026 great
Tim W
ImOn Communications Fiber
October 08, 2026 Poor signal strength intermittent speeds and I need the signal I pay for
Diane
Comelec Internet Services
September 01, 2026 Great so far. Brian Evans did a great job. Give him a 5
ISPReports User
Partner Communications Cooperative Fiber
July 01, 2026 awful. the key advantage of fiber technology is symmetrical upload and download speeds - fiber optic with pcctel is unreliable and awful. rarely have had symmetrical speeds with this service do NOT recommend pcctel
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Which ISP Should You Choose in Winnebago County?
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 Winnebago County is T-Mobile Home Internet.
- The fastest internet provider should be Mediacom and WCTA Broadband. Considering speed for the money and reliability in speeds, Windstream may be a better choice based on real-world local customer feedback.
- The most affordable internet provider in Winnebago County is T-Mobile Home Internet.
- WCTA Broadband, Viasat, and HughesNet has the broadest coverage in Winnebago County, available to 96.5% of homes, and is most likely to cover your home. To find out exactly what’s available at your home, please use our address search tool.