As a technology writer born and raised in California, I’ve spent years tracking and reviewing the companies providing us home internet access. I know firsthand the frustration of dealing with a limited choice of providers based simply on your zip code and neighborhood infrastructure.
The goods news is that after a decade of criticism over patchy access and inflated pricing, state leaders finally agreed to spend billions upgrading broadband availability statewide with an ambitious fiber network.
In this guide made specially for you, we will explore the 12 largest internet companies delivering fixed line and satellite internet into California households today.
Who Offers Internet in California?
First, let‘s review the major types of internet connections available:
- DSL: Runs over telephone copper wiring – AT&T largest provider
- Cable: Fast and reliable option mainly from Comcast and Charter
- Fiber Optic: Future-proof technology using light signals over glass – Expensive to build out
- Satellite: For rural areas unreached by cables – Signals from space have high latency
Now on to the top companies you‘re likely to encounter depending on precisely where in this vast state you reside.
AT&T – The Telecoms Giant
As California‘s legacy phone company, AT&T (originally SBC) controls much of the state‘s telecommunications infrastructure. According to government data, AT&T provides broadband to approximately 71% of households throughout the state.
However the majority of these connections remain on older and slower DSL technology reliant on copper phone lines. Only 17% of AT&Ts California customers currently enjoy speedy fiber access.
I expect their fiber footprint to expand in coming years thanks to federal and state subsidies aimed at upgrading networks.
At A Glance
- 71% household coverage statewide
- 17% have fiber access
- Max speeds: 5 Gbps down
- Monthly price range: $55 – $80
Xfinity – Your Cable Company
Comcast Xfinity serves over 30% of households in California, making it the largest cable TV and internet provider in the state. However, their residential footprint focuses heavily on Northern California including the San Francisco Bay Area.
Cable internet relies on coaxial lines originally laid for cable TV service. The benefit is faster and more reliable speeds compared to telephone DSL. The downside? Dealing with a company notorious for bad customer service.
At A Glance
- 30% Northern California household coverage
- Gigabit speeds widely available
- Monthly price range: $30 – $300
Cox – Smaller Cable Rival
So you aren‘t stuck relying solely on that company named America’s most hated each year. Cox Communications avails cable competition mainly in Southern California markets including San Diego and Orange County.
Approximately four out of ten households in Cox service areas subscribe to their high speed internet per the company‘s latest figures. Cox promotes cable plans up to 1 Gbps while fiber customers can enjoy symmetrical up and down speeds.
At A Glance
- 40% of households subscribed in SoCal footprint
- Gigabit coaxial cable plans
- Fiber services in select neighborhoods
- Monthly price range: $20 – $120
Frontier – Verizon‘s Has-Been
Frontier Communications owns what remains of Verizon’s crumbling California network after a questionable acquisition deal in 2016. Frontier now provides broadband to around 24% of households in the state.
Their best internet service comes via fiber optic FiOS where available. But good luck finding a neighborhood still served by Frontier’s neglected fiber lines these days. Expect slow DSL service over worn-out copper in most remaining areas.
At A Glance
- 24% household coverage statewide
- Limited fiber availability
- Max speeds: 940 Mbps down
- Monthly price range: $28 – $45
Spectrum – No, The Other Cable Company
Spectrum internet and cable TV service stems from Charter Communications, the second largest cable provider in California behind Comcast. Charter boasts over 250,000 internet subscribers within California.
The company promotes cable download speeds up to 1 Gbps across big chunks of Southern California. Considering State leaders just sued them for misleading consumers on internet speeds, take their gig claims with a grain of salt.
At A Glance
- 250,000+ internet subscribers
- Advertises gigabit cable speeds
- Monthly price range: $50 – $90
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Let‘s recap the major highlights:
- AT&T, Xfinity and Spectrum make up the largest internet providers in California with millions of households covered
- Availability varies greatly based on location – Rural areas have far fewer options
- State and Federal investments aim to upgrade and expand fiber networks
- Comparison tables help glimpse speeds and pricing across providers
Hopefully this breakdown gives you a better sense of your home internet options. I aimed to present the facts in a simple yet detailed manner. Please reach out with any other questions!
