Best Internet Providers in California

Residents of California benefit from exceptionally fast internet services offered by leading providers. The state has played a crucial role in technological advancement, with the internet holding a significant place in its history. California, known as the birthplace of innovation, from tech giants like Apple and Intel to Silicon Valley, has been at the forefront of cultural shifts in technology. Unsurprisingly, individuals can find rapid and dependable home internet connections throughout California, especially in major metropolitan areas. For remote workers, avid gamers, and those who enjoy streaming entertainment, maintaining a swift and efficient data flow is essential.

Top Internet Service Provider in California

While urban inhabitants typically have numerous providers to consider, FASTNET recognizes AT&T Fiber as the premier internet service provider in California. AT&T Fiber consistently ranked highest on our ISP recommendation lists for major cities including San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento—an achievement that solidifies its position as the top choice statewide. Plans begin at $55 per month for the 300Mbps service, scaling up to $245 for the high-performance 5 gig option.

For locations without fiber internet availability, alternative dependable choices exist. These include Spectrum, Xfinity, Cox, Frontier, and regional providers such as Sonic. For budget-conscious consumers, Xfinity’s $20 plan offers substantial value. Additionally, 5G home internet presents a contract-free option, eliminating the need for wired connections.

Exploring California Internet Options

Rural Internet Options in California

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Source: FASTNET analysis of provider data.

California is celebrated for its sprawling cities and scenic coastlines, yet a significant portion of its population resides in rural regions and agricultural communities. This geographical distribution can substantially limit the availability of ISP options. Residents on the fringes of urban areas may still access DSL connections from providers like AT&T. However, those in more remote locations might be restricted to two primary choices: fixed wireless or satellite internet.

The provided table offers a selection of rural internet providers across California, although it is not exhaustive. Consumers may encounter different provider services in their specific area. A method to discover smaller ISPs involves inputting your address into the FCC National Broadband Map to generate a list of potential providers. Refer to FASTNET’s guide on the best rural internet providers for further information.

Consider T-Mobile Home Internet initially for fixed wireless options; however, be prepared for potential unavailability at your address. Fortunately, California features local fixed wireless providers specializing in rural internet service. In contrast to urban alternatives, rural fixed wireless may present as more costly and slower. Its primary competitor is satellite internet from companies like Hughesnet, Viasat, or Starlink. Carefully evaluate pricing and speeds when making a decision. Here’s essential information concerning fixed wireless and its comparison to other internet connection types.

California Broadband Overview

According to FCC data, approximately 32% of California residences can access wired internet with speeds of at least 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload. This is the federal standard minimum for broadband. While rural households may experience limited choices regarding higher speed tiers, city residents typically have access to faster options.

Similarly, around 31% of Californians can obtain wired internet with download speeds of 1,000Mbps or greater. Expectedly, access is concentrated in major urban centers. Providers such as AT&T Fiber, Sonic (in the Bay Area), Google Fiber (around Irvine), and Xfinity all offer speeds at and above the 1,000Mbps level. Rural areas predominantly rely on satellite or local fixed wireless ISPs. Speeds might be lower, but they still provide crucial connectivity.

Internet Options Across California Cities

Addressing the broadband landscape of an entire state while adequately detailing individual cities poses a challenge. Therefore, we also compile lists of top internet providers in cities throughout the US, including those in California. We delve into specifics such as internet connection types, maximum speeds, and most affordable providers. If your desired location isn’t listed presently, please revisit later, as we are continuously expanding our city coverage.

California Broadband Speed Analysis

California ranks 10th in Ookla’s Speedtest rankings (Ookla is under the same parent company as FASTNET, Ziff Davis) for fixed internet speeds among states. States like Delaware, New Jersey, Florida, and North Carolina surpass California with faster median download speeds. However, California demonstrates strong performance in Ookla’s ranking of internet speeds for the 100 most populous US cities. Irvine secures second place (behind Raleigh, North Carolina) with a median download speed of 276Mbps, largely attributed to Google Fiber’s presence.

FCC data provides further insights into internet speeds within California. The National Broadband Map indicates that approximately 30% of California households have access to fiber internet connections. This access is largely concentrated around the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area and the Bay Area. Keep this in mind if fiber internet is a priority when relocating. AT&T Fiber delivers substantial speed, reaching up to 5,000Mbps in select locations. Xfinity offers limited availability of its 10,000Mbps plan in the Bay Area. Regional fiber provider Sonic also operates in the Bay Area, providing a 10,000Mbps plan in certain areas. Frontier Fiber maintains a smaller but noticeable presence in Southern California.

For individuals experiencing slow internet at home, several measures can be taken to enhance performance. The issue might stem from your Wi-Fi setup rather than the fundamental internet connection. This could involve relocating your router or adding a range extender. Consult these four steps to improve your Wi-Fi. If the problem indeed lies with your ISP, upgrading your plan or exploring alternative providers with faster or more reliable service may be necessary. Explore the leading ISPs in your area.

California Internet Pricing Overview

An approximate starting price for home internet service is around $50. This investment typically secures reasonable speeds from numerous ISPs, ranging from Xfinity and Spectrum to AT&T Fiber and Verizon 5G Home Internet. Promotional offers and new customer incentives can lower the initial monthly cost. For instance, Xfinity’s 150Mbps Connect plan is currently priced at just $20 per month with a one-year contract.

Affordable internet does not necessarily equate to slow speeds. AT&T Fiber’s straightforward $55 per month 300Mbps plan represents good value for fiber service. For typical internet users, this speed level should prove entirely satisfactory. Verizon and T-Mobile present economical options for qualifying mobile phone subscribers. Bundling services can reduce your home internet cost to as low as $35 monthly. In suitable locations, these plans can deliver considerable speeds.

When choosing an internet plan, assess your specific usage requirements. Are you frequently uploading large files for work? Are you a dedicated gamer? Does your household include multiple individuals streaming concurrently? These scenarios might necessitate a higher-tier, more expensive plan. Conversely, if your needs are less demanding, consider budget-friendly options. Instead of AT&T Fiber’s $245 per month 5,000Mbps plan, the 1,000Mbps plan at $80 per month could suffice. Examine these eight methods to reduce your internet bill.

FASTNET’s Methodology for Identifying Top California Internet Providers

Internet service providers are abundant and often regional. Unlike consumer electronics such as smartphones, laptops, routers, or kitchen appliances, directly testing every ISP within a given city is impractical. Our approach begins with comprehensive research into pricing, availability, and speed metrics, utilizing our historical ISP data, provider websites, and mapping resources from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC.gov).

Our investigation extends to the FCC’s website to validate our data and ensure inclusivity of every ISP operating in a specific area. We also utilize local addresses on provider websites to ascertain precise options for residents. Customer satisfaction evaluations from sources like the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power are also considered to gauge user experiences with ISP service. ISP plans and pricing are dynamic and subject to change; all information presented is current as of publication.

With this localized data compiled, we address three core inquiries:

1. Does the provider deliver access to adequately fast internet speeds?
2. Do customers receive reasonable value relative to their expenditure?
3. Are customers satisfied with the service they receive?

While the answers to these questions are often multifaceted and intricate, the providers that most closely align with affirmative responses across all three criteria are those we endorse. When identifying the most affordable internet service, we prioritize plans with the lowest monthly charges, while also accounting for factors like price escalations, equipment fees, and contract obligations. Determining the fastest internet service involves examining advertised download and upload speeds and considering real-world speed data from sources such as Ookla and FCC reports.

For a more in-depth understanding of our process, please visit our dedicated page detailing how we test ISPs.

The Future of Broadband Connectivity in California

While California’s major cities boast extensive ISP options, underserved areas persist in less densely populated regions of the state. According to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, approximately one in five Californians lack access to affordable high-speed internet. The state has been actively investing in infrastructure improvements, supplemented by significant federal funding aimed at expanding broadband access in California. In June, the White House announced the allocation methodology for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program—a component of the Infrastructure Act. California is anticipated to receive over $1.8 billion to facilitate high-speed internet expansion.

California initiated construction of an ambitious 10,000-mile fiber network in late 2022. The “Middle Mile” project is designed to connect under-connected or unconnected communities. The concept involves service providers leveraging this main network to provide “last mile” connections to residences and businesses. The state aims to finalize this project by the close of 2026. If successful, this initiative could dramatically improve internet access in rural areas and locations historically overlooked by major ISPs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Internet in California