Internet Providers in Rolla, MO: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Options
Rolla, Missouri, is a vibrant city known for its small-town charm, and technological advancements, and is the home of the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). Whether you're a student, a professional, or a resident, having reliable internet service is essential in today’s connected world. Rolla offers a wide range of internet service providers (ISPs), and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This article will guide you through the top internet providers in Rolla, MO, their services, pricing, and what sets them apart.
Best Internet Providers in Rolla, MO
Fiber internet comes out top on the recommended list when looking for the finest internet in Rolla, MO. Should it be within your reach, Socket Telecom provides strong fiber options with astonishing rates of up to 1 Gbps. For those living in its service region, this is a top pick even if its coverage is only 9.7%.
For homes without a fiber choice, cable internet provides a consistent substitute. Strong attention should be paid to Sparklight as it covers 76.2% of the city and offers cable connections with 1 Gbps. This balances cost and speed such that most inhabitants would find it to be a great match.
Apart from these wired choices, Rolla is starting to see some wireless choices surface. Though it covers 10.2% and delivers speeds up to 25 Mbps, AT&T Internet Air offers 5G internet services to some of the city. Although not the quickest, if you fall within its service range and need the adaptability of a wireless option, it is worth looking at.
At 92.4%, Brightspeed has the most comprehensive coverage among those thinking about DSL; speeds up to 80 Mbps. Although it's not as quick as fiber or cable, for many Rolla houses it's a dependable choice as it offers extensive coverage across the area.
Fastest Internet Providers in Rolla, MO
1. Brightspeed
• Max Download Speed:Up to 940 Mbps
• Connection Type: Fiber
• Availability: Significant coverage in Rolla
• Starting Price: $39.95/month
• Notes: Offers reliable fiber internet with no annual contracts and unlimited data.
2. Socket Telecom
• Max Download Speed: Up to 1,000 Mbps
• Connection Type: Fiber
• Availability: Expanding coverage in the area
• Starting Price: Not specified; competitive pricing for various packages
• Notes: Local provider focused on high-speed fiber internet, with ongoing expansions to increase availability.
3. Spectrum
• Max Download Speed: Up to 1,000 Mbps
• Connection Type: Cable
• Availability: Covers most areas in Rolla
• Starting Price: $70/month
• Notes: Known for no data caps and reliable service.
4. Mediacom (Xtream)
• Max Download Speed: Up to 1,000 Mbps
• Connection Type: Cable
• Availability: Approximately 95% of homes
• Starting Price: $19.99/month (for the first year)
• Notes: Offers competitive pricing and wide coverage.
5. AT&T Fiber
• Max Download Speed: Up to 5,000 Mbps
• Connection Type: Fiber
• Availability: Limited but expanding in Rolla
• Starting Price: $55/month
• Notes: Provides high-speed fiber internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds.
1. Fidelity Communications
Fidelity Communications is a popular choice for internet service in Rolla. Known for its cable internet, Fidelity provides high-speed connectivity suitable for both residential and business users.
• Speeds and Pricing: Fidelity offers speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, depending on your needs. Plans typically start around $50 per month, with promotional offers available for new customers.
• Features: With no data caps on most plans, Fidelity is an excellent choice for heavy internet users. It also offers bundles that include TV and phone services.
• Pros: High reliability, fast speeds, and local customer service.
• Cons: Limited availability in the rural outskirts of Rolla.
2. AT&T
AT&T is another major player in the Rolla internet market, offering both DSL and fiber internet options. While fiber is the fastest and most reliable, DSL is available in areas where fiber hasn’t been rolled out yet.
• Speeds and Pricing: AT&T Fiber plans feature blazing speeds up to 5 Gbps, starting at $55 per month for basic plans. DSL plans are more affordable but slower, with speeds up to 100 Mbps.
• Features: AT&T’s fiber internet is perfect for streaming, gaming, and handling multiple devices. The company also offers seamless bundling with its mobile and TV services.
• Pros: Wide availability, reliable fiber speeds, and excellent customer support.
• Cons: Fiber internet may not be available in all neighborhoods.
3. Spectrum
Spectrum is a well-known ISP that serves Rolla and its surrounding areas. It’s a great option for those who prioritize speed and reliability without worrying about data limits.
• Speeds and Pricing: Spectrum offers plans starting at 300 Mbps, with options going up to 1 Gbps. Prices generally start at $49.99 per month for new customers.
• Features: All Spectrum plans come with unlimited data, a free modem, and access to nationwide Wi-Fi hotspots.
• Pros: No contracts, fast speeds, and excellent value for families or individuals with high internet usage.
• Cons: Prices can increase after the promotional period ends.
4. CenturyLink
CenturyLink is a trusted ISP in Rolla, offering DSL and fiber internet services. While its fiber options are limited in coverage, its DSL service is widely available, making it a viable choice for those in rural parts of the city.
• Speeds and Pricing: Fiber plans offer speeds up to 940 Mbps, while DSL plans range from 20 to 100 Mbps. Prices start at $50 per month for most plans.
• Features: CenturyLink’s Price for Life plan ensures that your monthly rate won’t increase over time, providing peace of mind for long-term customers.
• Pros: Affordable pricing, no contracts, and reliable service.
• Cons: Fiber is not available in all areas, and DSL speeds can be slower compared to cable or fiber.
5. HughesNet
For residents and businesses in more remote areas of Rolla, where traditional wired internet options are unavailable, HughesNet is a leading satellite internet provider. While not as fast as fiber or cable, it’s a solid choice for those living outside city limits.
• Speeds and Pricing: HughesNet plans offer speeds of up to 25 Mbps, with prices starting at $49.99 per month.
• Features: All plans include 50 GB of "Bonus Zone" data that can be used during off-peak hours (2 a.m. to 8 a.m.).
• Pros: Available virtually anywhere, making it ideal for rural areas.
• Cons: High latency, lower speeds compared to cable or fiber, and data limits.
6. Viasat
Another satellite internet option in Rolla is Viasat, which provides faster speeds than HughesNet and more flexible data options. It’s a great choice for rural customers who need higher bandwidth than HughesNet can offer.
• Speeds and Pricing: Viasat plans start at 12 Mbps and can go up to 100 Mbps, depending on your location. Prices start at around $69.99 per month.
• Features: Viasat offers higher speed tiers and more generous data allowances compared to HughesNet.
• Pros: Broad rural coverage and fast speeds for satellite internet.
• Cons: Expensive compared to other options, with potential for data throttling after reaching data caps.
Choosing the Right Internet Provider in Rolla, MO
When selecting an internet provider in Rolla, it’s important to consider your specific needs:
1. Speed Requirements: If you’re streaming 4K video, gaming, or working from home, you’ll need higher speeds (at least 100 Mbps). Fiber or cable providers like AT&T, Spectrum, or Fidelity are your best bets.
2. Availability: If you live in a rural area, satellite providers like HughesNet or Viasat may be your only option.
3. Budget: DSL and satellite internet tend to be more affordable upfront, but fiber and cable offer better long-term value due to higher speeds and reliability.
4. Bundles: Many ISPs offer discounts if you bundle internet with TV or phone services.
Final Thoughts
Rolla, MO, has a wide array of internet providers to suit every need and budget. Whether you’re a student looking for fast speeds to support your studies, a family streaming multiple devices, or a rural resident needing basic connectivity, there’s an option for you. Providers like Fidelity, AT&T, Spectrum, CenturyLink, HughesNet, and Viasat all bring unique advantages to the table.
Before making a decision, be sure to compare plans, read customer reviews, and assess your household’s internet usage. With the right provider, you can enjoy seamless connectivity and make the most of what Rolla has to offer.