Internet providers in Lincoln, NE
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Cheapest fiber plans
Best internet and cable TV bundles
Prices from
$49.99
per month
Speeds up to
1,000
Mbps
for 12 mos with Auto Pay.
Good for light internet use
Why trust our broadband experts
Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.
Lincoln, NE, has more internet provider options available than many other big cities. Lincoln residents not only get a larger variety of companies to choose from, but they also benefit from lower costs due to the competition among Lincoln internet providers. The average starting price for internet in Lincoln is $54/mo. for around 200 Mbps.
We’ll dive deeper into the top internet service providers (ISPs) in Lincoln and compare plans, pricing, pros and cons and more.
Best internet providers in Lincoln, NE
- Allo Fiber: Local fiber provider
- Kinetic by Windstream: Cheapest fiber plans
- Nextlink Internet: Most available fixed wireless
- Spectrum: Best internet and cable TV bundles
- UScellular: Cheap internet and mobile bundles
- T-Mobile 5G: Good for light internet use
Lincoln internet comparison
The following ISPs are listed from most to least availability in Lincoln, NE.
Provider | Starting price range* | Download speed range | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Allo Fiber | $76–$105/mo. | 500–1,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Kinetic by Windstream | $39.99–$69.99/om. | 100–1,000 Mbps | DSL, fiber |
Nextlink Internet | $60–$100/mo. | 50–500 Mbps | Fixed wireless |
Spectrum | $39.99–$59.99/mo. | 300–1,000 Mbps | Cable |
UScellular | $49.99/mo. | up to 300 Mbps | 5G |
T-Mobile 5G | $60/mo. | 72–245 Mbps | 5G |
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.
How to choose the right internet plan in Lincoln
When shopping for internet service providers in Lincoln, NE, choose a good internet speed based on your online activities and the number of devices you connect to Wi-Fi. You don’t need to settle for slow internet speeds in Lincoln because there are multiple fast and affordable internet deals, as well as reduced-cost internet options for low-income households. Use these basic guidelines to help choose the best plan:
- Light internet use (browsing, checking email, occasional streaming) with less than five devices can use 100 Mbps or less.
- Medium internet use (regular streaming, video calls, social media and networking) with up to 15 devices should get an internet plan with 300–500 Mbps.
- Heavy internet use (constant streaming and gaming, uploading content and remote work) with 20 or more devices will do best with a 1 GB internet plan.
- For large or small companies, business internet is available from Allo Fiber, Spectrum, Kinetic by Windstream and other Lincoln ISPs.
Lincoln internet provider reviews
Here, we break down the details and fees for home Wi-Fi packages from the best internet providers in Lincoln, NE.
Allo Fiber – Local fiber provider
Allo Fiber is a regional provider in Nebraska, Colorado and Arizona. The company’s fiber internet plans have tons of perks and very few drawbacks. Pricing is simple, with only two plans to choose from in Lincoln:
- 500 Mbps for $76.
- 1 GB for $105/mo.
Pricing varies by area, so the rates could be different if you live outside of Lincoln. Allo Fiber also has a 2.3 GB plan in some areas, but it is not currently available in Lincoln.
Installation and the modem and router are free — plus plans have no contracts or early termination fees (ETFs). Prices with Allo Fiber are consistent, with “no expiration dates” cited on their website, although this doesn’t necessarily mean that rates won’t ever increase. Allo also offers a $360 toward termination fees if you switch from another internet company.
Pros
99% availability in Lincoln.
No installation or equipment fees.
Cons
More expensive than other providers.
Kinetic by Windstream – Cheapest fiber plans
It’s unusual for an area to have two fiber internet services with a large coverage footprint like Lincoln does. Kinetic by Windstream has 96% coverage in the city, but unlike Allo Fiber, not all of Windstream’s connections are fiber. Some areas have DSL connections, making it very important to check your address and verify what type of internet technology and speed is available in your area.
Internet plans with Kinetic by Windstream start at $39.99/mo., regardless of whether your home gets 10 Mbps DSL service or 300 Mbps fiber lines. The 1 GB plan also costs $39.99/mo., but only for the first three months. The rate then increases to $69.99/mo. for the next 21 months.
Pros
No data cap or contracts.
$100 Kinetic Reward Prepaid Mastercard.
Cons
$60 activation fee.
1 GB price increases after 3 months.
Overall score: 3.8 out of 5.
Read our full Kinetic by Windstream review.
Nextlink Internet – Most available fixed wireless
Fixed wireless internet with Nextlink Internet is affordable and provides unlimited data. Overall, Nextlink is a good choice for light to medium internet use, especially in rural areas where the only other ISPs are satellite providers with data limits and slower speeds.
The four plan tiers all include one month free:
- $60/mo. for 50 Mbps
- $70/mo. for 100 Mbps
- $80/mo. for 300 Mbps
- $100/mo. for 500 Mbps
Equipment is included; however, Nextlink does specify that if you are further than four miles from the nearest fixed wireless tower, long-range equipment is necessary. This upgraded equipment may cost extra and impact your internet speed.
Pros
95% coverage in Lincoln, NE.
Free installation.
Cons
Speeds vary based on location.
Max speed is 500 Mbps.
Spectrum – Best internet and cable TV bundles
Spectrum is Lincoln’s most available cable internet, with 94% coverage. All plans include a $100 Visa Rewards Card and unlimited data. Setting up the internet yourself is an option, but you will still be charged the $30 activation fee, or you can opt for professional installation for $65.
Cable internet does not have symmetrical upload speeds like fiber internet, so Spectrum upload speeds are 10–35 Mbps. Additionally, this ISP charges $7/mo. for the Wi-Fi router (the modem is free). Buy your own router to avoid the fee and save $168 over the first two years. Spectrum also has TV and internet packages with local, On Demand, regional sports or Spanish network options.
The three Spectrum internet plans are:
- $39.99/mo. for 300 Mbps for 24 months (standard rate $79.99)
- $59.99/mo. for 500 Mbps for 24 months (standard rate $99.99)
- $39.99/mo. for 1 GB for 24 months (standard rate $119.99)
Pros
Cheap 1 GB price.
Bundle discounts when adding TV or Mobile.
Two-year price guarantees.
Cons
$7/mo. for Wi-Fi.
Slower upload speeds.
$30 activation fee.
Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.
Read our full Spectrum review.
UScellular – Cheap internet and mobile bundles
UScellular has a 5G network that provides home internet and wireless service in Lincoln, NE. The standard plan is $49.99/mo., or $29.99/mo. if you bundle with a UScellular mobile plan. UScellular is good for basic web browsing and email but not for constant streaming because the internet plans have data limits.
US cellular equipment is $350 upfront, or you can pay in 36 monthly installments ($9.72/mo.) or bring your own compatible device. A monthly equipment credit is included with some plans, making the equipment free. Still, if you end your service before the equipment is paid off, you may owe a balance.
Pros
Affordable plans.
Good internet and wireless bundle deals.
Cons
Data limits.
Expensive equipment.
T-Mobile 5G – Good for light internet use
T-Mobile home Wi-Fi is a 5G internet service with 73% Lincoln-area coverage. T-Mobile 5G is good for light internet use because the maximum download speed is 245 Mbps. Your actual speed can vary depending on your location, time of day and T-Mobile network congestion.
Standalone internet is $60/mo., or $40–$50/mo. when you bundle with T-Mobile wireless. T-Mobile has unlimited data, no contracts and free equipment. The only additional fee is the $35 device activation charge. Prepaid internet is available with their sister company, Metro by T-Mobile.
Pros
No equipment rental cost.
Offers NetflixTM and Apple TV+ with some bundles.
Get $10–$20 when bundling with Mobile.
Cons
$35 connection fee.
Takes two days to get online.
Max speed is 245 Mbps.
Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.
Read our full T-Mobile 5G review.
Cheap internet in Lincoln, NE
Lincoln internet providers have several cheap internet deals and plenty of signup perks for new customers searching for high-speed Wi-Fi. Cheap internet starts at $39.99/mo. in Lincoln, NE. Due to increased market competition in the city, you will find internet deals in Lincoln that you won’t find anywhere else. For example, Spectrum Internet is $39.99/mo. for 300 Mbps and also $39.99 for the 1 GB plan. This low price for 1 GB internet is extremely rare, and the deal is guaranteed for 24 months.
Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Spectrum Internet | $39.99/mo. | 300 Mbps | Cable |
Spectrum Internet Gig | $39.99/mo | 1 GB | Cable |
Kinetic by Windstream | $39.99/mo. | 10–1,000 Mbps | DSL, fiber |
Fastest internet in Lincoln, NE
Gigabit internet in Lincoln, NE, is available from three providers: Spectrum, Kinetic by Windstream and Allo Fiber. Spectrum is the best deal since the $39.99/mo. price is guaranteed for two years.
Kinetic by Windstream has a three-month introductory rate of $39.99 before it increases to $69.99/mo. for the remainder of the two-year price guarantee. However, Kinetic by Windstream is a fiber connection with symmetrical upload and download speeds and provides a secure direct connection that virtually eliminates buffering. The value of having fiber internet connection vs. Spectrum’s cable technology could be worth the additional $30/mo. depending on what activities you do online.
Plan | Price* | Download speed | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|
Spectrum Internet | $39.99/mo. | 1 GB | Cable |
Kinetic by Windstream | $39.99/mo. | 1 GB | Fiber |
Allo Fiber 1 Gig | $105/mo. | 1 GB | Fiber |
Lincoln internet technology
Internet service providers in Lincoln use various technology types throughout the area. Find out more about technology availability in Lincoln.
- Best for urban and suburban areas: Allo Fiber and Kinetic by Windstream have fiber-optic networks, while Spectrum is the sole cable provider.
- Best for suburbs and rural areas: Windstream has DSL connections for rural internet in the outer suburbs and rural areas of Lincoln. Fixed wireless and 5G are available from three ISPs, and satellite internet is also offered from a trio of providers (Hughesnet, Viasat and Starlink).
Which internet technology is best for you? The best-performing internet connections are fiber and cable due to the consistency and speed of the technologies. Fixed wireless and 5G are also strong performers, but speeds can fluctuate during busy times of the day when more people are online. Rural areas usually have fewer internet options, like DSL or satellite internet. While bad weather won’t cause your DSL Wi-Fi to stop working like it can with satellite internet, both internet technologies are generally slower overall.
Here are the more pros and cons of each technology type:
Technology type | Pros | Cons | Lincoln availability* |
---|---|---|---|
Fiber | Best internet connection | Expensive | 99% |
Cable | Fast plans | Slow upload speeds | 93% |
5G/fixed wireless | Easy to set up | Variable speeds | 85% |
Satellite | Available anywhere | Data limits | 100% |
DSL | Rural availability | Slow download speeds | 57% |
Lincoln internet FAQs
How much is internet in Lincoln, NE?
Internet in Lincoln costs $54 on average for the base plan with the top six ISPs. The average price of a 1 GB plan in Lincoln is around $60/mo.
Is fiber internet widely available in Lincoln, NE?
Yes. Fiber internet is available virtually everywhere in Lincoln. This widespread availability of fiber-optic internet in Lincoln is unusual, as most cities have fiber availability of 90% or less.
Can you get free internet in Lincoln, NE?
Reduced-price or free Internet for low-income households is available to qualifying individuals in Lincoln, NE.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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