Internet and telecommunications options in Idaho: Major internet providers: CenturyLink, Sparklight. Availability: urban vs rural areas vary. Internet types: DSL, cable, fiber, satellite. Verizon and AT&T lead cellular networks. Idaho rural broadband improvements ongoing. Public Wi-Fi: libraries, cafes, universities. Internet speed: consider your needs. TV streaming services widely accessible. Check bundle deals: internet, TV, phone. Local tech support availability varies.
Major internet providers: CenturyLink, Sparklight.
Sparklight stands out as the best overall internet provider in Idaho, providing extensive high-speed coverage and attractive low introductory rates. This provider offers contract-free plans with no hard data caps, making it a preferred choice for many residents seeking reliable internet service. While CenturyLink is also available in the state, its service areas are limited, and it does not match the widespread coverage and competitive pricing of Sparklight, making Sparklight a leading contender for internet services in Idaho.
Availability: urban vs rural areas vary.
In Idaho, Broadband availability significantly varies between urban and rural areas, with 98% of urban areas having broadband service (25 Mbps downstream, 3 Mbps upstream) compared to only 68% of rural areas. Many rural areas, including Native American reservations, have no or very limited broadband options. To explore more about this division and efforts to improve it, visit the Mapping Broadband Competition In Idaho article from the Institute For Local Self-Reliance. This disparity emphasizes the digital divide and highlights the need for strategic planning and investment to enhance connectivity in under-served regions.
Internet types: DSL, cable, fiber, satellite.
In Idaho, residents have a range of internet options to choose from. DSL services are available from providers like CenturyLink, offering speeds up to 940 Mbps. For those interested in cable internet, Sparklight and Spectrum deliver impressive speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. Fiber internet enthusiasts can turn to Ziply Fiber and Quantum Fiber, which offer remarkable speeds up to 50,000 Mbps. Rural areas are well-serviced by satellite internet providers such as Viasat, HughesNet, and Starlink, offering speeds up to 100 Mbps. Notably, Sparklight is recognized for its widespread availability and competitive pricing, while Ziply Fiber is applauded for providing the fastest and most affordable fiber plans, though its availability is somewhat limited.
Verizon and AT&T lead cellular networks.
In Idaho, Verizon and AT&T are among the leading cellular networks, with Verizon offering strong 4G LTE and 3G coverage, and AT&T providing reliable coverage across both urban and rural areas. Interestingly, AT&T is sometimes noted to have the most extensive coverage in the state. For more information about the best phone coverage, you can visit the Really website.
Idaho rural broadband improvements ongoing.
Idaho is undergoing significant rural broadband improvements with the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board awarding $120 million to finance 18 broadband projects, aiming to connect over 30,000 homes and businesses to high-speed internet. Projects include the Latah County Dark Fiber Network, Madison County's FyberCom Fiber Initiative, and Idaho County's Orofino to Grangeville Fiber Optic Conduit Project, among others. For detailed information about these initiatives, you can visit the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board website, where the comprehensive plans and impacts of these projects are outlined.
Public Wi-Fi: libraries, cafes, universities.
In Idaho, public Wi-Fi is widely available at public libraries, with a map provided by the Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICfL) that details library names, addresses, phone numbers, Wi-Fi names (SSID), availability, and whether passwords are required, including access in library parking lots. Additionally, public Wi-Fi can be found at various cafes such as Moxie Java in Kuna and Evan's Brothers Coffee in Coeur d'Alene, providing alternative study and internet access spots. Universities and school districts, like the College of Idaho and Caldwell School District, also offer Wi-Fi access, including extended coverage in parking lots to support community needs.
Internet speed: consider your needs.
To determine the appropriate internet speed for your needs in Idaho, consider the number of users and the types of activities. For general browsing and email, 1 Mbps is sufficient, but for streaming, online learning, and working from home, at least 25 Mbps is recommended. For multiple users and heavy activities like 4K streaming and gaming, speeds of 500 Mbps or higher are necessary. For more detailed information, refer to the Consumer's Guide to Internet Speed for tailored advice.
TV streaming services widely accessible.
In Idaho, widely accessible TV and internet services include T-Mobile Home Internet, available across a significant portion of the state, and TDS Telecom. TDS Telecom offers high-speed internet along with comprehensive all-HD TV packages and phone services in numerous areas. Their integrated TV service, TDS TV+, provides users with access to live TV, streaming apps, and On Demand content. For more detailed information, visit the CableTV website to explore their offerings.
Check bundle deals: internet, TV, phone.
TDS in Idaho offers bundle deals that include high-speed internet with speeds up to 1Gbps, all-HD TV packages with various channels and streaming apps, and digital phone service with unlimited local and long-distance calling, along with advanced calling features, all with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support. Bundling these services can provide significant savings and a comprehensive telecommunications package. For more details, visit the TDS Telecom website to explore these options and find the right package for your needs.
Local tech support availability varies.
Local tech support availability in Idaho varies, with providers like Sparklight, Quantum Fiber, and Ziply Fiber offering different levels of support. Some areas may rely on external IT services for additional technical assistance. For more detailed information, you can explore the Best Internet Providers in Idaho page on CNET.