Editorial note: This post may contain links to internet offers and services from which Allconnect receives a commission. Broadband partners and the associated compensation do not influence our editorial decisions. Read more about our advertising policy.
***Monthly Fee reflects the applied $5 savings for ACHⓘ enrollment. Enroll before the 2nd billing cycle for continued savings. Service plans require a 24-month commitment. Equipment Lease or Purchase fees extra.
South Dakota is often known as “the land of infinite variety.” From the rugged natural beauty of the Badlands to the sprawling prairies and glacial lakes that dominate the eastern part of the state, there’s much to explore in the Mount Rushmore State.
One of the most sparsely populated states in the U.S., South Dakota is home to over 900,000 people. So much open territory can make home internet options a little harder to come by. Still, residents in South Dakota’s cities and rural towns have a handful of strong options to choose from.
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.
Best internet providers in South Dakota
South Dakota is home to a number of well-known internet providers, with options for fiber, cable, fixed wireless and satellite internet among the most popular. Depending on where you live, you may have access to multi-gigabit fiber internet, 5G fixed wireless or gigabit cable service. The most widely available high-speed South Dakota internet providers include Quantum Fiber/CenturyLink, T-Mobile and Midco.
Explore the following table to find out more about the top internet providers in South Dakota, including pricing, speed and availability.
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
***Limited availability. Service and rate in select locations only. Paperless billing required. Taxes and fees apply. Rate excludes CTL Fee not to exceed $1.50/mo./line.
Methodology
We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2025. 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.
Internet technology in South Dakota
When choosing a home Wi-Fi plan in South Dakota, it’s important to understand your different connection options. Each type of internet technology has its pros and cons.
Satellite internet is available throughout South Dakota, but its connection speeds are much slower than other options. Fiber and cable connections are available to a little over half of the state, and both offer gigabit connectivity. However, fiber internet provides much faster upload speeds if you need lag-free Wi-Fi for online gaming. Fixed wireless is also an increasingly popular choice, though it’s only available to about a fourth of South Dakota residents.
Connection type
Starting price*
Speeds up to
Availability
Satellite
$49.99–$120/mo.
250 Mbps
100%
Cable
$19.99–$54.99/mo.
1,000 Mbps
56%
Fixed wireless
$35**–$70/mo.
1,000 Mbps
24%
Fiber
$29–$249/mo.
5,000 Mbps
54%
Disclaimers
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.
**When bundled with a qualifying mobile plan.
Top South Dakota cities
As in any other state, the options for home internet vary from city to city in South Dakota. For instance, Midco is a popular internet provider in Sioux Falls, but its fiber and cable plans aren’t widely available outside major cities in the state. Be sure to shop for home internet based on your address rather than just a general search of provider availability in your area.
Cheap internet options in South Dakota
South Dakota internet providers offer several cheap home Wi-Fi plans to help consumers keep costs down. For instance, Midco and Medicom offer starting prices under $30/mo., and you can get slightly faster speeds for an affordable price by bundling internet with other services through providers like T-Mobile and Verizon. Whichever provider you choose, you can keep the cost of home internet at or below the national average of $40 to $80/mo.
Fast internet options in South Dakota
If you’re willing to spend more, South Dakota internet can be fast enough to cover even the most demanding Wi-Fi users. Providers like Bluepeak and Midco offer symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 5 GB in some areas. Even if you don’t have access to the fastest internet plans, several South Dakota providers offer gigabit download speeds — more than enough for most online gaming, 4K streaming or videoconferencing.
Not sure just how fast you need your home Wi-Fi connection to go? Check out our internet speed guide to calculate your speed needs.
Rural internet options in South Dakota
Wide swaths of South Dakota are sparsely populated, leaving many rural customers outside the range of the fastest internet options. However, satellite internet signals reach the entire state, offering download speeds of up to 250 Mbps in some rural areas. You’ll need to install a satellite dish on your property to begin service with providers like Hughesnet, Viasat and Starlink.
South Dakota internet FAQs
Does South Dakota have good internet?
Overall, South Dakota’s internet performance is on the slow side. The median download speed for the state is 195 Mbps, well below the national median of 265 Mbps. Still, users in cities like Sioux Falls, Pierre and Rapid City can tap into much faster connection speeds.
Is Spectrum internet available in South Dakota?
Major cable providers like Spectrum, Xfinity and Cox are not available in South Dakota. However, Mediacom, Midco and Bluepeak offer cable internet in various parts of the state.
How do I know if a provider is serviceable for me in South Dakota?
Use the FCC’s National Broadband Map to search for internet options by state and city, or you can search specific providers to find out where they have service throughout the country. You can also enter your address on this page to explore plans available in your location.
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.
Luke Daugherty is a freelance writer, editor, and former operations manager. His work covers a wide range of topics, including streaming and internet tech, green energy, and personal finance. His work, bylined and ghostwritten, has appeared in The Balance, CNET, CIO Magazine, Entrepreneur, and more.
Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.
