Fixed Wireless Solutions
April 4, 2025

Best 5G Home Internet in Minnesota: What You Should Know

Explore the top 5G home internet options in Minnesota, featuring details on providers, pros, cons, and more.

If you live in Minnesota, getting fast internet used to mean calling the local cable company and hoping they’d run a line to your street. Not anymore. With 5G and fixed wireless options expanding across the state, you’ve got more choices—and less hassle.

These services don’t need cables. They use wireless signals from towers to deliver internet straight to your home. Setup usually takes minutes. No drilling, no long-term contracts. [1]

But not all providers are equal. Some have better coverage. Others offer faster speeds or better prices. And in rural areas, your options might look very different than in the cities.

This guide breaks down the top internet providers in Minnesota that use 5G or fixed wireless. We’ll cover speeds, prices, strengths, and where they actually work—without the sales talk.

Let’s start with the best option for underserved areas: Cliq Mobile.

Cliq Mobile: Best for Underserved Areas

If you live in a rural town, the woods, or just a hard-to-reach corner of Minnesota, Cliq Mobile’s fixed wireless service is worth a look. It delivers high-speed internet using wireless signals from nearby towers. No underground cables. No installation headaches. Plug it in, and you’re online.

Why it works:

  • Uses 5G towers to deliver internet without wires.
  • Fast enough for streaming, video calls, and online work.
  • Easy setup—just plug in a modem/router.
  • No long-term contracts or hidden fees.

What you should know:

  • Speed depends on your distance from a base station.
  • Storms or trees might interfere with the signal.
  • Not available everywhere—check your address first.

Cliq Mobile is best for households that can’t get fiber or cable. It gives fast internet to places most big providers overlook. It’s not perfect—but it’s better than nothing, and in most cases, it’s a solid connection.

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet

T-Mobile covers about 85% of Minnesota, so if you’re in or near a town, you likely qualify. Setup is fast. Plug the router into the wall, find a good window, and you’re good to go.

What to expect:

  • Speeds range from 133 Mbps to over 400 Mbps.
  • $50/month on average, sometimes lower with deals.
  • No data caps or contracts.
  • Runs multiple devices at once.

What’s not great:

  • Upload speeds are slower than downloads.
  • Lag during gaming or busy hours is possible.

This is a solid pick for casual browsing, streaming, and schoolwork. Not the best for gamers or upload-heavy tasks like livestreaming, but fine for most families.

Verizon 5G Home Internet

Verizon’s fixed wireless service offers fast speeds when the signal’s strong—but it’s not consistent. Coverage across Minnesota hits about 65%, so it depends heavily on where you live.

What it offers:

  • Speeds from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, depending on signal.
  • Starting at $25/month for Verizon phone customers.
  • Free equipment, no contracts.
  • Easy plug-and-play setup.

Where it falls short:

  • Signal drops in rural or tower-sparse areas.
  • You might not hit the highest speeds advertised.

If you’re near a Verizon tower, this is a powerful option. But check your address first. It’s best for city or suburban areas, not remote cabins.

AT&T Internet Air

AT&T Internet Air is like Verizon and T-Mobile but not quite as fast. Still, it gets the job done for everyday use—streaming shows, Zoom calls, and scrolling social media.

Here’s what it does:

  • Speeds between 90 and 300 Mbps.
  • About $55/month with AutoPay.
  • No contract, no installation.
  • Set up takes minutes.

Weak points:

  • Uploads aren’t very fast.
  • Not ideal for gamers or big file uploads.

AT&T’s wireless setup is best for people who don’t need max speeds but want steady, simple internet. Good for everyday households, not heavy users.

Quantum Fiber

Quantum Fiber isn’t wireless, but we’re including it for folks who want speed over convenience. If fiber’s available in your area, it’s one of the best internet options—fast, stable, and reliable.

Why it’s good:

  • Symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps.
  • Starts at $65/month.
  • Unlimited data, no contract.
  • Great for uploads, streaming, remote work.

Downsides:

  • Availability is limited outside metro areas.
  • Install might take longer than wireless options.

Fiber is the gold standard for internet. If you can get Quantum, it’s worth considering—especially for large households or work-from-home setups.

USI Fiber Internet (Twin Cities Area)

USI is local. It focuses on Minneapolis and a few surrounding areas. If you’re lucky enough to be in its service zone, it delivers some of the fastest and most consistent speeds in the state.

What makes it different:

  • Speeds up to 942 Mbps—upload and download.
  • No data caps or contracts.
  • Real customer support (not bots).
  • Local crews and community support.

Limitations:

  • Only available in parts of the Twin Cities.
  • Starts at $75/month—more expensive than most.

This is one of the few providers where support actually answers the phone. Best for folks who value quality and can afford a little extra each month.

US Cellular

US Cellular isn’t as widespread, but it does offer fixed wireless internet in some rural parts of Minnesota. It’s similar to T-Mobile and Verizon, but with less coverage.

Here’s the deal:

  • $55/month.
  • Basic wireless modem setup.
  • No cables or contracts.

Why it’s limited:

  • Smaller footprint.
  • Speeds vary a lot by location.

If you already use US Cellular for your phone and live in their coverage area, it’s worth looking into. Otherwise, more established options might give you more value.

Satellite Internet: HughesNet and Viasat

Satellite internet is still an option if nothing else works. It’s slow, expensive, and has high latency—but it covers nearly every corner of Minnesota.

What to expect:

  • Speeds from 25 to 150 Mbps.
  • Starting around $50/month.
  • Available everywhere, even deep in the woods.

The tradeoffs:

  • High lag—bad for gaming.
  • Weather impacts performance.
  • Data limits can be tight.

Only go with satellite if you’ve tried everything else. It’s the last resort, but in the middle of nowhere, it beats no internet at all.

Which 5G or Fixed Wireless Provider Is Best in Minnesota?

Here’s a simple breakdown by need:

Best Overall for Underserved Areas:

  • Cliq Mobile – Fast, affordable, easy to set up. A real lifeline for rural homes.

Best for Suburbs and Small Towns:

  • T-Mobile 5G Home Internet – Good mix of speed, price, and availability.

Best for High Speeds (If You’re Lucky):

  • Verizon 5G Home Internet – Great when the signal’s strong.

Best for Budget Fiber (Where Available):

  • Quantum Fiber – No data caps, fast uploads and downloads.

Best for Customer Support and Local Focus:

  • USI Fiber – Top-notch speeds with a local team behind it.

Last Resort (Anywhere in MN):

  • Satellite Internet – Use only if fixed wireless or fiber aren’t options.

Final Thoughts

Minnesota has more internet options than you might think, even outside major cities. The key is figuring out what’s available at your exact address—coverage maps only tell part of the story.

Start with Cliq Mobile if you’re in a rural area. If that’s not an option, check for T-Mobile or Verizon. And if you’re in a metro area, jump on fiber if it’s offered.

No fancy lingo, no hype—just the facts to help you stay connected.

FAQ

What is 5G home internet in Minnesota and how does it compare to other options?

5G home internet in Minnesota uses the same network that powers mobile phones to deliver internet to your home. Unlike cable or fiber, it doesn't require physical lines to your house. Wireless internet options in Minnesota now include 5G home internet from major providers, which often offers faster speeds than older fixed wireless internet. 

When comparing high-speed internet options, 5G typically offers good download speeds but may have higher latency than fiber. Many 5G plans include unlimited data, making them comparable to some cable internet providers in Minnesota.

How do T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, Verizon 5G Home Internet, and AT&T Internet Air compare?

These three major carriers offer different 5G home internet experiences. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet usually provides download speeds of 33-182 Mbps, while Verizon 5G Home Internet may reach higher speeds in some areas. AT&T Internet Air is newer to the Minnesota market. 

All three feature plug-and-play installation, which means you can set up your service without a technician visit. Each provider offers somewhat different pricing structures, with promotional offers often available for new customers. Customer reviews for T-Mobile 5G and Verizon 5G mention reliability as a key factor in satisfaction.

What should I know about service availability and 5G coverage in Minneapolis?

5G coverage in Minneapolis is generally strong, with good service availability in most urban areas. However, coverage can vary significantly by neighborhood. The best 5G providers in Minnesota have different coverage maps, so it's worth checking each one for your specific address. 

Minneapolis internet providers include both wireless and wired options. In some areas, especially downtown, you might have access to multiple 5G networks alongside fiber and cable options. Rural areas outside the Twin Cities may have more limited choices, highlighting the urban vs rural internet access divide in Minnesota.

How do fiber internet providers in Minnesota compare to 5G home internet?

Fiber internet providers in Minnesota, like Quantum Fiber Minnesota and US Internet Minnesota, typically offer faster and more reliable connections than 5G. The key advantage of fiber is symmetrical speeds, meaning upload speeds match download speeds—unlike 5G and cable. Fiber also has lower latency, which is important for gaming and video calls. 

However, fiber has limited availability compared to wireless options. While fiber often has competitive pricing, 5G home internet can be more affordable in some cases, especially when considering installation fees for ISPs and equipment rental fees.

What speeds can I expect from 5G home internet compared to cable and fiber?

When comparing internet speed, 5G home internet typically offers download speeds ranging from 100-300 Mbps, though this varies by location and provider. Cable internet providers in Minnesota often advertise speeds of 100-1000 Mbps, while fiber can deliver multi-gigabit service options in select areas. 

For most families, 5G speeds are sufficient for streaming quality on 5G is generally good for multiple HD streams. However, competitive gamers may notice differences in gaming performance on 5G due to higher latency compared to fiber. The fastest internet in Minnesota remains fiber, but 5G is catching up with technology advancements. [2]

What are the costs associated with different home internet plans in Minnesota?

Pricing for T-Mobile Home Internet starts around $50/month, with pricing for Verizon Home Internet and pricing for AT&T Internet Air in similar ranges. Most 5G providers offer simple pricing without long-term contracts vs no contracts with cable providers. Many providers offer promotional discounts for new customers, which can significantly reduce costs for the first year. 

The average costs of broadband services in Minnesota range from $45-$80 monthly depending on speed and provider. When comparing affordability, consider both the monthly fee and additional costs like equipment rental fees ISPs may charge. Best internet deals in Minnesota often include bundled services.

How reliable are 5G home internet connections compared to wired options?

The reliability of wireless connections has improved dramatically with 5G technology, but can still be affected by factors like weather and network congestion. Speed fluctuations in broadband are more common with wireless solutions than with wired options. 

User experience with ISPs varies, with customer satisfaction ratings for ISPs showing that fiber generally ranks highest for reliability, followed by cable, then wireless. However, many customers report that 5G home internet provides consistent enough performance for everyday use. For critical applications, fiber remains the gold standard for reliability, while 5G offers flexibility and ease of setup.

What equipment do I need for 5G home internet and how is it installed?

5G home internet uses a gateway device that receives the cellular signal and creates your home Wi-Fi network. The installation process for T-Mobile 5G and installation process for Verizon 5G are similar—both feature plug-and-play installation. 

This means you'll receive a gateway device that you simply plug in and activate through an app. You don't need an existing phone line or cable connection. For optimal performance, place the gateway near a window facing the direction of the nearest cell tower. Home Wi-Fi solutions in Minnesota may include mesh networks for larger homes, which work well with 5G internet gateways.

How does 5G home internet handle data usage and are there any limitations?

Most 5G home internet plans in Minnesota offer unlimited data plans, which is great for households that stream a lot of content or work from home. However, during times of network congestion, you might experience slower speeds if you've used a lot of data that month. 

This differs from data caps fiber vs cable often impose. For a digital lifestyle with 5G, unlimited data means you can stream, game, and video chat without worrying about overage charges. Smart home compatibility with 5G is excellent, allowing you to connect numerous devices. Check provider policies on network management during peak usage times.

What does the future of home internet in MN look like with 5G and other technologies?

Market trends in home internet point to continued growth in wireless options alongside fiber expansion. The future of home internet in MN will likely include faster 5G speeds as technology advances, with potential for home connectivity solutions that combine multiple technologies. Competition among ISPs in MN is increasing, which typically leads to better service and pricing for consumers. 

Consumer preferences for broadband are shifting toward no-contract options with simple pricing. As 5G technology matures, expect improvements in latency and reliability. Both wireless and wired providers are investing in network upgrades to meet growing demand for high-bandwidth applications.

References

  1. https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/definition/fixed-wireless
  2. https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/fiber-vs-5g-home-internet

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