Best Internet Providers in Meridian, Idaho

What is the best internet provider in Meridian?

CNET recommends Quantum Fiber as the best internet service provider in Meridian, Idaho, thanks to its extensive and reliable fiber optic coverage. With a commitment to speed and customer satisfaction, Quantum Fiber offers impressive fiber internet speeds, featuring symmetrical upload and download rates that can reach up to 500 Mbps and, in some areas, 940 Mbps. These upload and download rates are highly suitable for households that require it for streaming, gaming, and particularly remote work. Quantum’s pricing is also pretty straightforward, and customers won’t face unexpected price hikes over time.

If you’re looking for options outside of Quantum, CNET also recommends TDS Telecom. However, customers must be aware that TDS Telecom is less available in Meridian overall. That said, if your address is serviceable for TDS, you’ll have access to the cheapest internet in Meridian at just $35 per month for 300Mbps. Alternatively, if you’re looking for speed? TDS Telecom also offers the fastest, up to 2,000Mbps, for $165 monthly.

For customers not looking for fiber internet — or that it isn’t available in your area — CNET indicates you look to Sparklight for high-speed internet in Meridian. While it doesn’t have the speeds of TDS, this cable internet provider isn’t one to turn your nose up at. It has decent enough speed, competitive pricing, and simple service terms, and is widely available throughout the Meridian area, giving it an edge against competitors.

Last but not least, if you’re looking for fixed wireless internet, there are some good options available at your place. Rise Broadband and T-Mobile Home Internet are solid picks, but if you want the best speed and value in Meridian, Verizon 5G Home Internet is definitely the way to go. Even so, be sure to check out all your options before making a decision.

Best internet in Meridian, Idaho

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

How to find internet deals and promotions in Meridian

The best internet deals and the top promotions in Meridian depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers. 

Meridian internet providers, such as Sparklight and T-Mobile Home Internet, may offer lower introductory pricing or other incentives for a limited time. Many providers, including Quantum Fiber and TDS Telecom, run the same standard pricing year-round. 

For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data.

What’s a good internet speed?

Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you’re looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you’ll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here’s an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.

For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.

• 0 to 5Mbps allows you to tackle the basics: browsing the internet, sending and receiving email and streaming low-quality video.
• 5 to 40Mbps gives you higher-quality video streaming and videoconferencing.
• 40 to 100Mbps should give one user sufficient bandwidth to satisfy the demands of modern telecommuting, video streaming and online gaming. 
• 100 to 500Mbps allows one to two users to simultaneously engage in high-bandwidth activities like videoconferencing, streaming and online gaming. 
• 500 to 1,000Mbps allows three or more users to engage in high-bandwidth activities at the same time.

How CNET chose the best internet providers in Meridian, Idaho

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. What’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.

It doesn’t end there: We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP’s service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:

1. Does the provider offer access to reasonably fast internet speeds?
2. Do customers get decent value for what they’re paying?
3. Are customers happy with their service?

While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers that come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, though we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)

To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.

Internet providers in Meridian, Idaho, FAQs