Best Internet Providers in Lincoln, Nebraska for 2026
Compare the Best Internet Service Providers in Lincoln, NE
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Lincoln, Nebraska, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Lincoln, Nebraska, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 373.84 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 318.63 | Mbps |
| Latency | 11 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Lincoln, Nebraska, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 322.71 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 22.17 | Mbps |
| Latency | 58 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Lincoln, Nebraska, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 102.13 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 51.74 | Mbps |
| Latency | 38 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Lincoln, Nebraska, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | 73.61 | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | 24.71 | Mbps |
| Latency | 29 | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Lincoln, Nebraska, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Lincoln, Nebraska, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Lincoln, Nebraska, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Lincoln, Nebraska, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Lincoln, Nebraska, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Lincoln, Nebraska, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Lincoln, Nebraska, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Lincoln, Nebraska, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Lincoln, Nebraska, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Speedtest aggregates all of the millions of daily tests across our website and apps by users just like you. We’ve filtered those tests down to those taken in Lincoln, Nebraska, to give you a real sense of what performance is like across the top providers, and to help you make a more informed ISP decision.
| Download | - | Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Upload | - | Mbps |
| Latency | - | ms |
Not all plans are available in all areas. Provider plan, availability, and speed tier data provided by BroadbandNow.com. Speedtest real-world data is only present where sample size has reached significance within a region. Additionally, averages may include aggregated tests across multiple Internet Types (Fiber, DSL, Cable, etc.).
Lincoln isn’t your average college town. Sure, it’s home to the Cornhuskers, but it’s also quietly building a reputation as one of the Midwest’s most connected, livable cities. Between University of Nebraska students pulling all-nighters online, remote workers setting up shop downtown, and families streaming in new developments on the city’s edge, Lincoln’s digital traffic is buzzing.
This is a city that’s growing fast, not just in population, but in tech culture. Local businesses are running e-commerce sites, freelancers are logging in from cozy coffee shops on O Street, and gamers are turning basements into digital battle zones. And just like in any modern city, having fast, reliable internet here is the difference between getting things done and getting disconnected.
Luckily, Lincoln’s internet options have expanded over the years, offering everything from gigabit fiber to solid 5G wireless. The key is knowing which one can actually keep up with your online routine. And that’s where real data from real users in the area comes in handy.
How much speed do you really need? The answer depends on how much of your day lives online. If you’re a student streaming online classes, dabbling in solopreneurship, and staying connected to the latest X (Formerly known as Twitter) beef between your favorite celebs, 25 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload will do. But if you’re in a household where everyone’s doing their own thing between Netflix, gaming, and remote work, you might want to make you have at least 200–300 Mbps.
A Lincoln family in the Country Club neighborhood, for example, might have one person teaching virtual classes, another on video calls, and kids playing Fortnite — all while the fridge updates its app. That’s when gigabit or fiber-level speeds really earn their keep.
Fast upload speeds are crucial for remote professionals, content creators, and small business owners, and symmetrical upload and download speeds make sending files, backing up data, and streaming video infinitely smoother. And latency, which is basically how quickly your connection reacts, can make or break your gaming or video call quality. Aim for anything under 20 ms for the smoothest experience.
If you spend more time online than you do talking to your actual neighbors, don’t skimp on the speed.
What’s Coming Down the Pipeline?
Lincoln has been making quiet but steady moves to stay connected and future-ready.
- Public-Private Fiber Expansion — Southeast Nebraska (2025): A public-private partnership expanded fiber access to rural areas near Lincoln, including Jefferson and Gage counties, with support from the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program.
- ALLO Fiber + Lincoln Public Schools — Smart Schools Wi-Fi Expansion: ALLO partnered with Lincoln Public Schools to expand citywide Wi-Fi access for students, including infrastructure at Rotary Park and secure connectivity via Calix SmartTown.
- NTIA Digital Equity Capacity Grants: The NTIA awarded $100 million in Digital Equity Capacity Grants to seven states—including Nebraska—to support device access, digital literacy, and broadband affordability for underserved communities. Nebraska’s $6.5 million allocation is part of a statewide implementation effort that is actively ongoing through 2026.
All these efforts mean Lincoln’s internet future looks faster, broader, and more affordable; and that’s great news for a city that’s becoming increasingly digital.
How to Choose the Right Internet Plan in Lincoln
Choosing an internet plan in Lincoln comes down to what you actually do online. A student in Near South just streaming and studying will be fine with a mid-tier cable plan. A family running a house full of devices, however, or someone uploading large video files for clients, will want fiber.
Before signing up, check for data caps, equipment fees, and the fine print on promotional pricing. Fiber providers like Allo tend to keep pricing straightforward, while some cable companies hike rates after the first 12 months.
And don’t assume what works for your neighbor works for you — availability in Lincoln changes depending on where you live, so always plug in your exact address on each provider’s website.
How Much Speed Do I Need?
Download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 10 Mbps are widely considered fast enough to handle nearly any online activity. A quick guide to what speeds you need for different online activities is below, and you can read our full guide to internet speeds and performance for more information. Keep in mind that the numbers below are the bare minimum for one device at a time. If you’re trying to use multiple devices on a network at the same time, you’ll want higher speeds.
0–5 Mbps (Slow)
- Stream SD video
- Connect on Slack
- Use Microsoft Teams
- Write and read email
- Scroll social media
- General web browsing
5–20 Mbps (Better)
- Stream HD video at 1080p
20–40 Mbps (Solid)
- Stream 4K video
- Play games online
40–100 Mbps (Good)
- Stream HD games
100+ Mbps (Fast)
- Engage in multi-player gaming
- Download huge files
1+ Gbps (Very fast)
- Do anything you want on multiple devices
ISP Speeds in Lincoln, NE
Lincoln’s broadband game has gotten pretty strong in recent years. According to Speedtest Intelligence®, as of January 2026, the city reports median fixed broadband downloads of 339.81 Mbps, uploads near 171.53 Mbps, and latency around 6 ms. That’s enough power for most households, but if you want top-tier performance, here’s how local providers stack up:
Based on Speedtest data collected in the second half of 2025, here’s how the major providers compare:
- Allo Communications: Lincoln’s hometown hero and one of the most reliable fiber providers around, with 97% coverage. It delivers downloads averaging 373.84 Mbps, uploads at 318.63 Mbps, and latency around 11 ms. With symmetrical speeds and excellent local service, Allo is a favorite for residents and businesses alike.
- Spectrum: Available to 94% of the city, Spectrum averages downloads around 322.71 Mbps, uploads near 22.17 Mbps, and latency around 58 ms. It’s the most widely accessible option and perfect for streaming, browsing, and everyday tasks, though uploads can be slower compared to fiber.
- Windstream Kinetic: Expanding fiber coverage in and around Lincoln with 60% reach, Windstream offers up to 1 Gbps symmetrical speeds in select areas, with most users seeing 102.13 Mbps downloads, uploads at around 51.74 Mbps, and latency at about 38 ms. It’s especially common in suburban and outlying neighborhoods.
If you can get Allo or Windstream fiber in your neighborhood, that’s the move — especially if you care about upload speed or lag-free connectivity.
Lincoln Fixed Speeds
Download Mbps
Median download speed
Upload Mbps
Median upload speed
Latency ms
Median latency
To be added to this list for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 200 monthly unique user results. To be updated for mobile or fixed broadband, 75% of a city's monthly unique user totals over a 13-month period must have a minimum of 100 monthly unique user results.
An operator or ISP must account for 3% or more of total test samples in the market to be on this list. We display data if at least two operators or ISPs meet this threshold in a designated region or city.
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
Nebraska
Michigan
North Dakota
South Dakota
Home Internet in Lincoln
More locals than ever are telecommuting for jobs based in Omaha, Chicago, and even the coasts, all from homes near Holmes Lake or downtown lofts overlooking the Capitol.
For folks who like to keep things simple, Spectrum’s cable plans are reliable and easy to set up, and they offer plenty of speed for browsing, streaming, and online shopping. But if you’re part of the growing population that works from home or runs side hustles online, fiber is the way to go.
Imagine a small business owner in downtown Lincoln running an online boutique while uploading product videos, processing payments, and juggling email campaigns. Now, imagine them doing all that without slowing down the family’s streaming. That’s the kind of scenario where symmetrical speeds from Allo or Windstream make all the difference.
At the time of this writing, pricing starts around $30/month for basic cable plans and rises to $65–$90/month for gigabit fiber. Most providers offer introductory discounts that vanish after a year, so always check your long-term rate. Equipment rental and installation fees usually add another $10–$15 monthly.
What About Wireless and Satellite Options?
For anyone tired of cables, Lincoln’s wireless scene is solid. T-Mobile and Verizon both offer 5G home internet with 200–400 Mbps downloads, depending on how close you are to the nearest tower. Setup is painless; there’s no appointment, no drilling, just plug and play.
Satellite internet is still useful for rural residents in Lancaster County or anyone outside city limits. Starlink leads this category with 150–250 Mbps downloads, 20–40 Mbps uploads, and latency around 40–60 ms. It’s not ideal for gaming, but it’s a dependable option for video calls, streaming, or running a home office off the grid.
How we test the speed of ISPs
Speedtest is the definitive way to test the performance and quality of an internet connection. Millions of users like you use Speedtest.net and our Android and iOS apps every day to test internet performance (including bandwidth, latency, coverage, video metrics, and more) in real world situations. We then use rigorous scientific approaches to aggregate and anonymize those results to empower people like you with content like this so you can understand and optimize your internet experience.
The data found within has not been subjected to the rigorous Speedtest marketing claims and data methodology, and therefore cannot be used in commercial applications. Additionally, promised speeds and plans offered are always subject to change.
How to test your internet speed
Speedtest can help you test the speed and overall performance of your internet for free from any device. Click here to open a new page and take a Speedtest. You can then compare your results with what you’ve learned about internet performance near you. If you aren’t getting the results you expect, you can either use this guide to use your Speedtest results to talk to your internet provider or you can shop for a new provider.