The internet options in Bakersfield, California are a mixed bag, with 100% of residents having access to plans with at least 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload speeds, meeting the FCC’s minimum broadband requirement. However, high-speed internet options are limited, with AT&T Fiber available to one in five households and Spectrum being the primary choice in many areas. Wireless providers like T-Mobile and Verizon also offer home internet plans, but their speeds can fluctuate. In 2022, the Bakersfield City Council approved a deal with SiFi Networks to build a fiber network across the city, offering residents faster speeds at competitive prices.
AT&T Fiber is currently the best internet option in Bakersfield, with speeds up to 5,000Mbps available to 79% of households. Spectrum, the only other major provider, offers speeds ranging from 500Mbps to 1,000Mbps. Other providers like Applied Technology Group and unWired Broadband cater to rural areas with fixed wireless plans, while satellite internet options from Hughesnet and Viasat are available at virtually every address in the country. Verizon’s 5G Home Internet is another wireless option with plans starting at $50 per month.
Residents in Bakersfield can expect to pay between $50 and $90 per month for internet service, with the starting prices around $50 being average for cities nationwide. The lack of truly cheap plans is noted, but the availability of faster speeds, including gigabit options from AT&T Fiber and Spectrum, provides better options for users with high data demands. Verizon’s 5G Home Internet and T-Mobile’s offerings also provide affordable alternatives with decent download speeds.
CNET’s analysis of internet providers in Bakersfield takes into account factors such as customer service, speed, pricing, and overall value. The recommendation for the best broadband options is based on AT&T Fiber’s superior performance, with Spectrum being a secondary choice for those without access to fiber plans. Other providers like Applied Technology Group and unWired Broadband also serve niche markets in rural and underserved areas. Pricing, speed, and availability may vary based on address and provider.
In conclusion, while internet options in Bakersfield may be limited, residents have access to providers like AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Verizon, and T-Mobile, offering a range of speeds and pricing. The future looks promising with SiFi Networks’ fiber network project, aiming to provide residents with high-speed internet at competitive rates. It’s important for consumers to evaluate their options based on their specific needs and location to choose the best internet service provider for their requirements in Bakersfield.
