Internet Providers in Bend, Oregon

Finding the Best Internet in Bend: Options for Every Home & Business

Updated 3/13/25

Bend has plenty of great internet options, but where you live can impact what’s available. Some areas have access to high-speed fiber and cable, while others rely on wireless or satellite connections. No matter your location, there’s a reliable internet provider that fits your needs—whether you're streaming, working from home, gaming, or just browsing.

Everyone’s internet needs are different, and this guide covers all the options. From fast fiber for city dwellers to wireless and satellite solutions for rural homes, we break down the best providers in Bend so you can find the right fit.

Table of Contents

    Best Internet Providers in Bend, Oregon

    Bend offers a variety of high-speed internet options, from fiber and cable to wireless and satellite services. Whether you need a reliable home connection, business internet, or rural broadband, there are plenty of choices to keep you connected. Here’s a look at the top internet providers in Bend and what they offer.

    Local & Regional Internet Providers

    Webformix

    Website: Webformix
    A locally owned wireless internet provider, Webformix specializes in serving Bend and the surrounding rural areas. Their fixed wireless service is great for those outside city limits looking for an alternative to traditional broadband.

    • No contracts or data caps, making it a flexible option.

    • Great for remote work, streaming, and casual browsing.

    • Locally operated, so customer service is more personal.

    BendTel Inc.

    Website: BendTel
    A business-focused internet provider, BendTel offers fiber-optic and VoIP services for companies needing fast, reliable connections.

    • Best for businesses, with high-speed fiber plans.

    • Offers phone and internet bundles for commercial customers.

    • Locally operated, providing fast tech support.

    Yellowknife Wireless Company

    Website: Yellowknife Wireless
    If you're in Tumalo or rural parts of Central Oregon, Yellowknife Wireless is one of the best options. They offer fixed wireless internet, which means you don’t need a traditional cable or fiber connection.

    • Great for rural areas outside Bend.

    • Local customer service, so you’ll always talk to someone from Bend.

    • Consistent speeds for home and small business users.

    High Desert Broadband

    Website: High Desert Broadband
    High Desert Broadband is a Central Oregon-based provider focused on bringing reliable internet to more remote locations.

    • Designed for off-grid and rural customers.

    • Fixed wireless service for homes that don’t have access to fiber or cable.

    • Locally operated, with hands-on customer support.

    PrineTIME Internet Solutions

    Website: PrineTIME Internet Solutions
    A regional provider serving Bend and surrounding areas, PrineTIME offers wireless and broadband services.

    • Great for rural homes and businesses.

    • Offers affordable pricing with no contracts.

    • Locally owned and focused on Central Oregon customers.

    National Internet Providers in Bend

    TDS (BendBroadband)

    Website: TDS
    TDS acquired BendBroadband, making it one of the largest cable and fiber internet providers in Bend. They offer a mix of fiber, cable, and phone services.

    • High-speed fiber and cable internet for homes and businesses.

    • TV and phone bundles available.

    • One of the fastest speeds in Bend, depending on location.

    CenturyLink

    Website: CenturyLink
    CenturyLink provides fiber and DSL internet in Bend, making it a widely available choice for residential customers.

    • Fiber internet available in some areas, offering gigabit speeds.

    • DSL service is available for homes without fiber access.

    • Competitive pricing, with no long-term contracts required.

    Mobile Home Internet Providers

    If you're looking for home internet without traditional cable or fiber, mobile providers offer 5G home internet options in Bend.

    T-Mobile Home Internet

    Website: T-Mobile Home Internet
    T-Mobile’s 5G home internet service is a great alternative to traditional broadband.

    • Fast, wireless home internet using 5G technology.

    • No installation required—just plug in the router and go.

    • Affordable, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees.

    Verizon 5G Home Internet

    Website: Verizon 5G Home
    Verizon’s 5G home internet provides a wireless alternative to traditional broadband.

    • Fast speeds in certain Bend neighborhoods.

    • Unlimited data with no contracts.

    • Simple plug-and-play setup.

    Satellite Internet Options for Rural Homes

    For homes in remote areas without traditional internet options, satellite internet is often the best choice.

    Starlink

    Website: Starlink
    Starlink, operated by SpaceX, provides high-speed satellite internet that works even in the most remote locations.

    • Fast speeds compared to traditional satellite internet.

    • Works virtually anywhere, including rural areas of Central Oregon.

    • No long-term contracts, but requires upfront equipment costs.

    bend internet cafe

    What to consider when looking to get an internet service provider in Bend, OR?

    When choosing an internet provider in Bend, Oregon, one unique factor to consider is the city’s mix of urban and rural areas. While providers like TDS Telecom and BendBroadband excel in urban coverage with high-speed fiber and cable options, more remote parts of Bend may require alternative solutions such as Starlink's satellite internet. This diversity means residents need to carefully assess their location and connectivity needs. For those living in rural outskirts or areas with limited wired infrastructure, the ability to access consistent speeds through satellite services or fixed wireless options can be a game-changer. Additionally, Bend's growing community of remote workers should prioritize providers offering reliable upload speeds and low latency to support video conferencing and large file uploads seamlessly.

    Service Area Comparison

    Understanding which providers serve specific areas in Bend ensures you're selecting the most reliable option for your location. Here's an overview of the major players and their coverage:

    • TDS Telecom
      Visit TDS Telecom

      • Coverage: Extensive coverage across Bend with both fiber-optic and cable options.

      • Key Features: Offers high-speed fiber internet and supports residential and business services.

    • CenturyLink
      Visit CenturyLink

      • Coverage: Covers a large portion of Bend with DSL and expanding fiber networks.

      • Key Features: Known for no-contract options and competitive pricing.

    • BendBroadband
      Visit BendBroadband

      • Coverage: Serves most neighborhoods in Bend with reliable cable internet.

      • Key Features: Combines internet services with TV and phone bundles for added convenience.

    • Satellite Providers (HughesNet and Viasat)
      Visit HughesNet | Visit Viasat

      • Coverage: Available throughout Bend, particularly useful in rural and remote areas.

      • Key Features: Ideal for areas without cable or fiber options, though speeds may vary.

    Speed and Performance Metrics

    Internet speed and reliability are crucial for streaming, gaming, remote work, and general browsing. Here’s how the main providers compare:

    • TDS Telecom
      Visit TDS Telecom

      • Speeds: Up to 1,000 Mbps with fiber plans.

      • Reliability: Known for consistent high-speed performance, particularly with fiber.

    • CenturyLink
      Visit CenturyLink

      • Speeds: Ranges from 100 Mbps to 940 Mbps, depending on the plan and location.

      • Reliability: Fiber plans offer excellent performance, though DSL speeds may vary.

    • BendBroadband
      Visit BendBroadband

      • Speeds: Vary based on the plan, with options suitable for most households.

      • Reliability: Offers a stable connection, particularly for cable internet users.

    • Satellite Providers (HughesNet and Viasat)
      Visit HughesNet | Visit Viasat

      • Speeds: Typically between 12 Mbps and 150 Mbps, depending on the provider and plan.

      • Reliability: While available almost everywhere, higher latency can impact activities like gaming.

    Customer Reviews

    Understanding what others say about internet providers in Bend can help you make an informed choice. Here are insights based on customer feedback:

    • TDS Telecom
      Visit TDS Telecom

      • Praise: Recognized for its high-speed fiber services and excellent customer support.

      • Concerns: Limited availability in some areas of Bend.

    • CenturyLink
      Visit CenturyLink

      • Praise: Affordable pricing and reliable speeds on fiber plans.

      • Concerns: Some variability in DSL performance, especially in rural areas.

    • BendBroadband
      Visit BendBroadband

      • Praise: Offers good customer service and reliable connections for most users.

      • Concerns: Occasional reports of speed fluctuations during peak hours.

    • Satellite Providers (HughesNet and Viasat)
      Visit HughesNet | Visit Viasat

      • Praise: Lifesaver for rural residents without other internet options.

      • Concerns: High latency and limited data caps can be challenging for heavy internet users.

    Installation and Equipment Details

    Getting set up with the right equipment and installation can ensure seamless internet performance:

    • TDS Telecom
      Visit TDS Telecom

      • Process: Professional installation with an option for self-installation on select plans.

      • Equipment: Modem/router provided, with upgrades available for advanced features.

    • CenturyLink
      Visit CenturyLink

      • Process: Offers both self-installation kits and professional setup.

      • Equipment: Equipment is available for purchase or rent, depending on the plan.

    • BendBroadband
      Visit BendBroadband

      • Process: Installation includes a thorough setup of modems and connections.

      • Equipment: High-quality modems and Wi-Fi routers are provided for most plans.

    • Satellite Providers (HughesNet and Viasat)
      Visit HughesNet | Visit Viasat

      • Process: Requires professional installation due to the complexity of satellite dish setup.

      • Equipment: Satellite dishes and modems are provided, often with an installation fee.

    Tips for Choosing a Provider

    Choosing the right internet provider can feel overwhelming, but these tips can simplify the process:

    1. Evaluate Your Needs: Determine the speed and bandwidth requirements for your household activities, like streaming, gaming, or remote work.

    2. Compare Plans: Use the comparison table to find a provider that meets your budget and performance needs.

    3. Check Availability: Ensure the provider serves your specific location in Bend.

    4. Ask About Contracts: Look for no-contract options if flexibility is important to you.

    5. Read Reviews: Customer testimonials can offer valuable insights into a provider’s reliability and service quality.

    Internet Speeds in Bend, Oregon: What to Expect and Why It Matters

    When choosing an internet provider in Bend, Oregon, understanding typical speeds and what they mean for your daily activities is essential. Internet speed determines how quickly data is transferred, affecting everything from streaming and gaming to working from home.

    Typical Internet Speeds in Bend

    • Minimum Speeds: For basic usage like checking email, browsing, and light streaming, speeds of at least 25 Mbps (megabits per second) are recommended. This is often the minimum for most internet plans.

    • Average Speeds: Most households in Bend will find speeds between 100 Mbps and 300 Mbps suitable for everyday activities like streaming HD videos, online gaming, and video conferencing.

    • High-End Speeds: For heavy users, such as households with multiple devices or those needing ultra-fast connections for 4K streaming, gaming, or large file uploads, speeds of 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps (gigabit) are ideal.

    Why Internet Speed Matters

    • Streaming and Entertainment: Slow speeds can lead to buffering and poor video quality. Faster speeds ensure seamless streaming, especially for HD or 4K content.

    • Work and Education: Reliable, high-speed internet is critical for video calls, cloud-based work, and remote learning. Speeds below 50 Mbps may cause lag or disruptions.

    • Gaming: Online gaming requires low latency and fast download/upload speeds to prevent delays and ensure smooth gameplay.

    • Multiple Users: Larger households with multiple devices benefit from higher speeds to prevent slowdowns when everyone is online.

    What Speed is Right for You?

    • Individual or Small Household: A speed of 50-100 Mbps is usually sufficient for light usage.

    • Families or Heavy Users: Aim for 300-500 Mbps to accommodate multiple users and devices.

    • Tech Enthusiasts or Remote Workers: Consider speeds of 1 Gbps for maximum performance and future-proofing.

    Reliable internet is essential in today’s connected world, especially in a place like Bend, Oregon, where remote work, online education, and entertainment are part of everyday life. A high-speed connection ensures seamless video calls, uninterrupted streaming, and efficient work-from-home setups. Whether you’re uploading files, gaming, or simply browsing, the right internet speed makes all the difference in keeping you connected.

    FAQs - Internet in Bend

    What are the primary internet service providers in Bend, Oregon?

    The main internet service providers in Bend include TDS Telecom, CenturyLink, BendBroadband, and satellite options like Starlink and Viasat. Each offers various plans catering to different needs and locations.

    Is fiber-optic internet available in Bend?

    Yes, fiber-optic internet is available in certain areas of Bend. Providers like TDS Telecom and CenturyLink offer fiber services, but availability depends on your specific location within the city.

    How do I determine which internet provider offers the best coverage at my address?

    To find the best coverage, use online tools provided by ISPs to check service availability by entering your address. Additionally, third-party websites can help compare providers based on your location.

    What internet speeds are available in Bend?

    Internet speeds in Bend vary by provider and plan. Options range from DSL speeds up to 140 Mbps with CenturyLink to fiber speeds up to 1 Gbps with TDS Telecom. Satellite providers like Starlink offer speeds between 50 Mbps and 220 Mbps.

    Are there data caps on internet plans in Bend?

    Some providers in Bend impose data caps, while others offer unlimited data plans. It's essential to review the terms of each plan to understand any data limitations.

    Can I bundle internet with TV and phone services in Bend?

    Yes, many providers in Bend offer bundled packages that include internet, TV, and phone services. Bundling can often lead to cost savings and the convenience of a single bill.

    How reliable is satellite internet in Bend's rural areas?

    Satellite internet, provided by companies like Viasat and Starlink, is a viable option for Bend's rural areas where wired connections may be limited. While generally reliable, performance can be affected by weather conditions and physical obstructions.

    What should I consider when choosing an internet provider in Bend?

    Consider factors such as speed requirements, data caps, contract terms, customer service reputation, and whether you need bundled services. Assessing your specific internet usage and budget will help in making an informed decision.

    Are there any local ISPs unique to Bend?

    Yes, BendBroadband is a local provider offering cable and fiber internet services tailored to the Bend community. They also provide TV and phone services, making them a comprehensive option for residents.

    How can I improve my internet speed in Bend?

    To enhance internet speed, consider upgrading your plan, using a wired connection, optimizing your Wi-Fi setup, and ensuring your equipment is up to date. If issues persist, contact your provider to check for service problems or potential upgrades.