Our Nextlink Internet review
Nextlink Internet offers service throughout the Midwest, from Texas all the way to Iowa and southern Minnesota. Throughout most of its coverage area, the company offers fixed wireless internet connections, though it does offer fiber plans in a number of communities in Eastern Texas and Nebraska.
The most notable features of Nextlink are its relatively high speeds for wireless internet and its lack of data caps. Unlimited data is a pretty rare sight among wireless providers. Even Starlink was eventually forced to impose a data cap to manage its network, so this is an impressive feat for Nextlink.
As a fixed wireless provider, Nextlink is also able to offer much higher download speeds than most other types of wireless internet. Nextlink’s Enhanced Fixed Wireless plans boast speeds up to 500Mbps. That would be a very respectable speed on a wired connection, but obtaining these speeds in areas without that wired infrastructure is a pretty big deal. Nextlink also offers fiber in select areas.
Pros
- Unlimited data
- Fast wireless speeds
- Lots of plan options
Cons
- Limited fiber coverage
- High termination fees
In this review:
Plans and pricing | Speed | Data caps | Fees | Installation, equipment, and contracts | Nextlink vs. the competition | Bottom line | FAQ
In this review:
- Plans and pricing
- Speed
- Data caps
- Fees
- Installation, equipment, and contracts
- Nextlink vs. the competition
- Bottom line
- FAQ
Compare Nextlink Internet plans and pricing
Package | Internet type | Price* | Speed | View on Nextlink site |
---|---|---|---|---|
Next25 | Fixed wireless | $45.00/mo. | 25Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Next35 | Fixed wireless | $55.00/mo. | 35Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Next50 | Fixed wireless | $65.00/mo. | 50Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Next75 | Fixed wireless | $75.00/mo. | 75Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Next100 | Fixed wireless | $90.00/mo. | 100Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Next200 | Fixed wireless | $85.00/mo. | 200Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Next300 | Fixed wireless | $95.00/mo. | 300Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Next400 | Fixed wireless | $105.00/mo. | 400Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Next500 | Fixed wireless | $115.00/mo. | 500Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Next50/50 | Fixed wireless | $50.00/mo. | 50Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Next300/300 | Fixed wireless | $60.00/mo. | 300Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Next500/500 | Fixed wireless | $75.00/mo. | 500Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Next1000/1000 | Fixed wireless | $90.00/mo. | 1,000Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Fiber Next100 | Fiber | $50.00/mo. | 100Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Fiber Next300 | Fiber | $60.00/mo. | 300Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Fiber Next500 | Fiber | $75.00/mo. | 500Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Fiber Next1000 | Fiber | $80.00/mo. | 1,000Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Fiber Next2000 | Fiber | $95.00/mo. | 2,000Mbps | Shop Plans for Nextlink Internet |
Data effective 9/25/2024. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Pricing may vary depending on location. Not all packages available in all areas. Price shown does not include any applicable taxes, fees or additional equipment. Terms apply. Expected download and upload speeds are the maximum speed available based on a wired connection. Actual speeds are not guaranteed and may vary based on several factors.
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Nextlink’s speeds: What’s best for you?
You have a lot of options when it comes to Nextlink plans, depending on which ones are available in your area. Its speeds range from 25Mbps, which is the threshold for broadband internet, to 2,000Mbps gigabit fiber connections. Not all households need the highest speeds available in their area, so if you’re not sure, we’ve got the tools to help you find out how much speed you need.
Fiber plans are the best plans Nextlink offers. We like fiber because it offers high download speeds and equally fast upload speeds. It’s also more reliable than a wireless connection, which can be affected by things like the weather. Still, when it comes to wireless connections, it’s hard to beat speeds like those offered by Nextlink.
Our favorite plan: Next300 Enhanced Fixed Wireless. This isn’t the fastest wireless plan that Nextlink offers, but it provides more than enough speed for most online activities, including HD streaming, while saving you some money on your monthly bill.
For those fortunate enough to live in one of the communities where Nextlink offers fiber service, you can get the Next500 Fiber plan for even cheaper, with the added reliability and symmetrical upload speeds you get with a fiber optic connection. And for those with a need for speed, Nextlink’s gigabit plan is fairly reasonably priced, even when compared with nationwide providers.
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Nextlink data caps
Nextlink has no data caps and we think that’s great. Most wired providers are moving away from restricting their customers’ data, so it’s encouraging to see a wireless provider with the reliable logistics needed to follow that same trend.
Nextlink internet fees
Cost | |
---|---|
Equipment rental fee | $2.00-$30.00 |
Equipment purchase fee | Varies |
Installation Fee | $250.00 |
Equipment replacement fee | $150.00 |
Equipment reinstallation fee | $70.00 |
Early termination fee | None for standard internet plans |
Since Nextlink uses a variety of technologies to connect its customers, equipment fees vary somewhat, but are generally on the low side as far as monthly cost. It does come with a pretty hefty installation fee, as fixed wireless connections require a large exterior antenna mounted on your home, so that upfront cost might deter some potential customers. And as always, early termination fees are terrible.
Nextlink internet installation, equipment, and contracts
Transparency is important when it comes to contracts, fees, and other details that can make or break a good provider. Nextlink is pretty upfront when it comes to most prices and fees.
Nextlink installation and equipment
Similar to a satellite connection, fixed wireless internet requires a large antenna mounted outside your home, usually on the roof. This means that Nextlink doesn’t offer self-installation options, and so you’re stuck with the professional install, which is a pretty big upfront investment.
Nextlink internet contracts
Nextlink internet has done away with contracts and termination fees on its standard internet plans, which is a great thing for customers, because they used to be quite hefty. To make sure the plan you’re signing up for is a no-contract plan, look for the “Broadband Facts” listed near the plan or ask an agent specifically about contracts and termination fees.
See what other Nextlink customers are saying
Here at HighSpeedInternet, we’re all about the data. The more we know about your experience, the more confident we can be in our recommendations. If you’re a Nextlink customer, we’d love for you to fill out our Customer Review form and let us know about your experience with Nextlink and check out what others have said, too.
Nextlink vs. the competition
Speed | Price | Order online | |
---|---|---|---|
25–2,000Mbps | $40.00–$115.00/mo.* | View Nextlink Plans | |
25–50Mbps | $25.00–$65.00/mo.† | ||
50–250Mbps | $110.00/mo.‡ | View Plans |
Data effective 9/25/2024. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Pricing may vary depending on location. Not all packages available in all areas. Price shown does not include any applicable taxes, fees or additional equipment. Terms apply. Expected download and upload speeds are the maximum speed available based on a wired connection. Actual speeds are not guaranteed and may vary based on several factors.
† With successful activation. Offer available to new customers only. Limited-time offer. May not be combined with other offers. All prices are with Auto-payment enabled and are $5/month more without Auto-payment. Additional fees will apply. Service not available in all areas. Call for details and availability. Restrictions apply.
‡Plus hardware, shipping & handling fees, and tax. Fully refundable. Depending on location, some orders may take 6 months or more to fulfill.
Nextlink can more than hold its own when it comes to other wireless providers, with premium plans surpassing even what Starlink can offer, while still providing some low-cost plans that are much more affordable. There is a lot of variation in the plans available throughout its coverage area, so it’s important to find out which ones you have available and compare those specific plans to the offerings from other providers.
Is Nextlink Internet right for you?
Nextlink Internet offers incredibly fast wireless connections, which are perfect for those in more remote rural areas that don’t have access to wired connections. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something that’s faster and cheaper than satellite.
And if you’re in an area covered by Nextlink’s fiber network, that’s an even better option, though make sure to check to see if there are other fiber providers in your area as well.
Shop Nextlink InternetFAQ about Nextlink Internet
How does Nextlink’s fixed wireless service work?
Does Nextlink offer unlimited data?
Can I stream movies over Nextlink?
Methodology
Our HighSpeedInternet.com editorial team bases our analyses on customer input from our annual customer satisfaction survey, results from our speed test tool, and proprietary internet provider data on speeds and pricing. To strengthen our research, we look closely at provider contracts to get hard-to-find information on price hikes, data caps, and extra fees, and we keep tabs on the latest news reports and online reviews. When applicable, we also rely on our personal experiences testing these services.