Best Internet Providers in Bakersfield, California

Best Internet Providers in Bakersfield CA

Speed Demons: AT&T Fiber reigns supreme with blazing-fast speeds (up to 5 Gbps), but availability can be limited.

Value Contender: Spectrum offers widespread cable internet with good speeds (up to 1 Gbps) and competitive pricing, making it a dependable option for many.

Fiber Alternative: Consider EarthLink Fiber (up to 5 Gbps) for potentially better speeds in some areas, but check availability first.

Spectrum was the only choice Bakersfield had for fast internet for a long period. Then, in 2015, AT&T signed a contract to purchase DirecTV agreeing to extend its fiber-optic network to 20 additional metro areas over four years. AT&T Fiber officially launched in Bakersfield in 2017, soon ranking as the top internet choice in the city. Of Bakersfield homes, 79% have it accessible right now.
Note: Though they reflect providers' nationwide offers, the pricing, speeds, and features specified in the article text may vary from those shown on the product information cards. Your address will determine your specific internet service choices, which include rates and speeds; they may not match those listed below.

5 Best Internet Providers in Bakersfield, CA

1. AT&T Fiber

• Type: Fiber
• Top Speed: Up to 5 Gbps
• Availability: Approximately 89.8%
• Plans Starting At $55/month
• Overview: AT&T Fiber offers high-speed internet with symmetrical upload and download speeds, making it an excellent choice for heavy users, gamers, and households with multiple devices.

2. Spectrum

• Type: Cable
• Top Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
• Availability: Approximately 92.8%
• Plans Starting At $50/month
• Overview: Spectrum provides reliable cable internet service with no data caps. It is suitable for streaming and gaming, and its widespread availability makes it a popular choice.

3. EarthLink

• Type: Fiber/DSL
• Top Speed: Up to 5 Gbps (fiber)
• Availability: Approximately 66.03%
• Plans Starting At $39.95/month
• Overview: EarthLink offers competitive pricing and high-speed fiber options, making it one of the most affordable ISPs in the market.

4. Viasat

• Type: Satellite
• Top Speed: Up to 150 Mbps
• Availability: 100%
• Plans Starting At $99.99/month
• Overview: Viasat provides comprehensive satellite coverage throughout Bakersfield, making it a viable option for residents without access to cable or fiber services.

5. HughesNet

• Type: Satellite
• Top Speed: Up to 100 Mbps
• Availability: 100%
• Plans Starting At $49.99/month
• Overview: HughesNet offers reliable satellite internet service suitable for basic browsing and streaming needs.

Fastest Internet Providers in Bakersfield CA

• AT&T Fiber and Frontier both offer impressive speeds of up to 5 Gbps, making them excellent choices for heavy users and households with multiple devices.
• Xfinity provides robust cable internet with speeds up to 2 Gbps, appealing to users who require significant bandwidth for activities like gaming and streaming.
• Spectrum offers reliable cable internet with speeds up to 1 Gbps, widely available across the city.
• For those interested in wireless options, both T-Mobile Home Internet and Verizon's 5G Home Internet provide competitive speeds, with T-Mobile reaching up to 245 Mbps.

Home Internet Providers in Bakersfield CA

Fiber for Speed: Though in limited availability, AT&T Fiber provides the best speed—up to 5 Gigabytes per second.

Widespread Cable: Spectrum is a dependable alternative because Spectrum provides excellent speeds (up to 1 Gbps) throughout much of Bakersfield.

Additional Options: Explore providers like EarthLink Fiber (for potentially faster fiber speeds in some areas, check availability), Frontier (DSL), or T-Mobile Home Internet (fixed wireless, good for some areas) depending on your location and needs.

Satellite Internet Providers in Bakersfield CA

Widespread Coverage: Providers like Viasat and HughesNet offer service almost anywhere in Bakersfield, ideal for remote areas.

Speeds Not Blazing: Speeds are moderate (around 25 Mbps download) compared to fiber or cable.

Latency Matters: Satellite Internet has higher latency (delay), which can affect real-time applications like gaming or video conferencing.

3 Major Satellite Internet Providers

1. Viasat

• Speeds: Up to 150 Mbps.
• Plans: Starts at $49.99/month, with options for unlimited data.
• Coverage: Viasat provides extensive coverage, making it suitable for both urban and rural areas in Bakersfield.
• Features: Offers no data caps on certain plans and includes professional installation. Viasat's service is designed to be reliable for activities like streaming, gaming, and remote work.

2. HughesNet

• Speeds: Up to 25 Mbps.
• Plans: Starts at $49.99/month.
• Coverage: Also has broad availability across Bakersfield and is known for its affordability, though it offers lower speeds compared to Viasat.
• Features: HughesNet provides a straightforward service aimed at basic browsing and streaming needs

3. Starlink

• Speeds: Up to 220 Mbps.
• Plans: Typically around $120/month.
• Coverage: Starlink is particularly effective in rural areas where other types of internet may be less reliable.
• Features: Known for low latency and high-speed connections, making it suitable for gaming and streaming

Low-Cost Internet Providers in Bakersfield CA

Introductory Deals: Many providers, like Spectrum, offer enticing introductory rates on internet plans. Remember, these prices usually increase after the initial period.

Government Help: Explore the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This can significantly reduce internet costs for qualifying Bakersfield households.

Consider Bundles: Bundling your internet with a phone or TV from Spectrum might offer a slight discount compared to separate plans.

Mind Data Caps: Many low-cost plans have data caps, limiting your usage. Monitor your internet usage to avoid exceeding them and incurring extra charges.

Focus on Long-Term Cost: Don't just chase the lowest headline price. Consider long-term costs after introductory periods, data caps (if any), and potential equipment rental fees before making your decision.

Internet TV Providers in Bakersfield CA

Stream Like a Pro: Ditch cable and explore streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV. They offer live channels and on-demand content, often for less than traditional cable, with flexible plans.

Bundle Option (Check First): Spectrum might offer bundles that include cable TV with their internet plans. Check for bundle deals if interested.

Get Your Stream On: You'll need a separate streaming device like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Chromecast to use these services on your TV.

3 Major Internet TV Providers

1. DIRECTV

• Type: Satellite TV
• Channels: Up to 330+
• Pricing: Starts at $64.99/month for over 75 channels.
• Availability: 100% coverage in Bakersfield.
• Features: Offers the Genie HD DVR, allowing users to record over 200 hours of programming and access thousands of titles on demand.

2. Spectrum

• Type: Cable TV
• Channels: Up to 125+
• Pricing: Starts at $49.99/month.
• Availability: 100% coverage in Bakersfield.
• Features: Includes options for bundling with high-speed internet plans, providing a reliable service with no contracts required.

3. DISH Network

• Type: Satellite TV
• Channels: Up to 290+
• Pricing: Starts at $79.99/month.
• Features: Known for its three-year price guarantee and the Hopper 3 DVR, which allows extensive recording capabilities.