I’ve found that AT&T Fiber and Spectrum are your best bets for internet in Los Angeles, with AT&T Fiber offering blazing-fast speeds up to 5 Gbps in select areas.
While Spectrum’s cable service covers an impressive 92.6% of LA homes with speeds up to 1 Gbps, fiber options are expanding rapidly across neighbourhoods like Echo Park and Silver Lake.
T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet and Frontier Fiber provide solid alternatives, especially if you’re looking for budget-friendly options starting at $40 monthly.
Providers 166_c898c2-1c> |
Technology 166_b9058b-7b> |
Price range (M) 166_584ca2-cf> |
Speed 166_dbd298-a4> |
Equipment Cost (M) 166_56e277-29> |
Data cap 166_859cb6-45> |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T Fiber 166_4da9b1-b4> |
Fiber 166_b5efc0-00> |
$55-$245 166_f29b93-08> |
300-5,000Mbps 166_945e5c-c7> |
None 166_debadb-a1> |
None 166_0084c7-33> |
Cox 166_ffa579-74> |
Cable 166_0f5ca6-b7> |
$30-$110 166_88fed9-5b> |
100-2,000Mbps 166_fcff45-e0> |
$15 (optional) 166_d8e8ea-8f> |
1.25TB 166_3d237c-18> |
Frontier 166_cfb84b-f4> |
Fiber 166_045f0b-2c> |
$30-$300 166_3b36dd-11> |
200-7,000Mbps 166_23deb7-16> |
None 166_d96198-c1> |
None 166_72accb-56> |
Sonic 166_1d7ebb-7d> |
DSL/fiber 166_2b5dae-0a> |
$50 166_105370-76> |
5-10,000Mbps 166_ab96f6-e6> |
$5 (optional) 166_a15189-7e> |
None 166_584cfd-9d> |
Spectrum 166_e97e9c-fe> |
Cable 166_910e11-f7> |
$50-$70 166_de3d6f-f6> |
500-1,000Mbps 166_75a60e-58> |
Free modem; $10 router 166_e3ff25-14> |
None 166_349e1e-5d> |
Starry 166_3b85ad-3d> |
Fixed wireless 166_0083fe-18> |
$40-$85 166_c0d94a-f4> |
100-1,000Mbps 166_599ff3-25> |
None 166_65d1b6-5c> |
None 166_20f0ca-a0> |
T-Mobile Internet 166_324cca-34> |
Fixed wireless 166_cad228-82> |
$50-$70 ($30-$50 for mobile customers) 166_781ece-29> |
72-245Mbps 166_9d3e82-25> |
None 166_12cfb0-51> |
None 166_8565cc-85> |
Verizon 5G 166_e22685-cc> |
Fixed wireless 166_f84f00-ba> |
$50-$70 166_e864b1-9f> |
50-1,000Mbps 166_7dcdd5-80> |
None 166_8b0fa5-2e> |
None 166_d616aa-79> |
Key Takeaways
- AT&T Fiber leads with speeds up to 5 Gbps and the highest reliability ratings, though only available to 19% of LA residents.
- Spectrum provides widespread coverage to 92.6% of LA homes with speeds up to 1 Gbps and automatic speed upgrades.
- Frontier Fiber reaches 29% of LA with speeds matching AT&T’s 5 Gbps but receives mixed customer service reviews.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offers affordable plans starting at $40 with speeds suitable for remote work.
- STARRY stands out for affordability with highly-rated 30 Mbps plans starting at $15, ideal for basic internet needs.
Internet Service Coverage
Nearly all Los Angeles residents have access to at least one high-speed internet provider, with cable internet reaching 92.6% of homes through Spectrum and fiber coverage expanding to 58.72% of the area.
I’ve found that your internet options will vary greatly depending on where you live in LA, with some neighbourhoods hitting the jackpot of multiple providers while others have fewer choices.
If you’re lucky enough to live in areas like Pacific Palisades, Granada Hills, or Brentwood, you’ll have your pick of several providers.
I’m particularly impressed with the fiber coverage in neighbourhoods like Echo Park and Silver Lake, where you can get blazing speeds up to 10,000 Mbps – that’s enough to download a movie before you can say “Hollywood”!
However, if you’re in Culver City or Santa Monica, you might need to settle for cable internet from Spectrum, which still offers respectable speeds up to 1 Gbps.
DSL remains a reliable backup option through AT&T, covering 83.8% of the city, though I’d recommend fiber or cable if they’re available in your area.
The good news is that most LA neighbourhoods have at least two provider options to choose from.
Frontier Communications leads the pack with 26.70% availability across Los Angeles, making it the most widely available fiber provider in the area.
Top Provider Speed Comparison
When comparing internet speeds across Los Angeles providers, AT&T Fiber and Frontier Fiber lead the pack with impressive speeds up to 5 Gbps, while Spectrum, the most widely available provider, tops out at 1 Gbps.
I’ve noticed that while these top speeds sound fantastic, availability can be a bit tricky – you’ll only find AT&T Fiber in 19% of LA, and Frontier Fiber in 29% of the city.
If you’re looking at upload speeds (you know, for those endless Zoom meetings and YouTube uploads), AT&T Fiber really shines with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps.
That’s quite a leap from Spectrum’s more modest 35 Mbps upload speeds! Cox Cable offers a respectable middle ground with 100 Mbps uploads, and Verizon 5G Internet manages 75 Mbps.
Speaking of real-world performance, I’ve found that Spectrum delivers median download speeds of around 258.5 Mbps – not too shabby for everyday use. With 92.6% coverage, Spectrum remains the most accessible option for Los Angeles residents.
While other providers haven’t shared their median speeds, it’s worth noting that actual performance often varies based on your specific location and network conditions.
Trust me, when it comes to internet speeds in LA, what you see isn’t always what you get!
Plans and Monthly Costs
Shopping for internet plans in Los Angeles reveals a wide spectrum of prices, from budget-friendly $15 monthly plans to premium packages exceeding $300.
I’ve found that providers like Starry Connect offer some of the most affordable options, with their $15 monthly plan delivering 30 Mbps – perfect if you’re on a tight budget.
For mid-range options, I’d point you toward Spectrum ($50-$70) or T-Mobile 5G Home Internet ($40).
These plans pack quite a punch without breaking the bank, and they’ll handle streaming, gaming, and work-from-home needs just fine. Los Angeles areas have limited fiber availability compared to cable and DSL connections.
If you’re a Verizon mobile customer, you’re in luck – their 5G home internet starts at just $25!
Now, if you’re looking for the absolute fastest speeds, I’ve got to mention Sonic Telecom.
They’re offering a jaw-dropping 10,000 Mbps for just $50 monthly (yes, you read that right!).
For comparison, AT&T Fiber’s premium plans reach $245, while Frontier tops out at $300.
The good news? Most providers I’ve listed don’t charge equipment fees or require contracts, so you won’t get stuck with surprise costs.
Residential Service Options
Los Angeles residents consistently have access to multiple internet service providers, with Spectrum leading the pack at 92.6% coverage and AT&T following close behind at 83.8%.
I’ve found that both providers offer reliable high-speed options, with AT&T Fiber and Spectrum delivering speeds that’ll keep your whole household connected. T-Mobile provides low-cost 5G service starting at $30 monthly for Magenta Max customers.
If you’re looking for the absolute fastest speeds, you can’t go wrong with AT&T Fiber or Frontier Fiber – both offering blazing-fast 5 Gbps connections that’ll make downloading movies feel like a blink of an eye.
For budget-conscious residents, I’d suggest checking out Frontier Fiber’s $30 monthly plan for 200 Mbps or T-Mobile’s straightforward $50 plan.
Your specific location within LA will influence your options. Living in Hollywood? You’ll have your pick of AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, and Frontier Fiber.
Downtown dwellers can access AT&T Fiber and Spectrum, while those in Pacific Palisades have multiple providers to choose from.
And if traditional services aren’t available in your area, don’t worry – Viasat’s satellite internet covers 100% of the city.
Connection Types Explained
Internet users in Los Angeles have four main connection types to choose from: fiber, cable, DSL, and wireless/satellite. I’ll help you understand what makes each one unique and what you can expect.
Let’s start with fiber – it’s the speed champion, offering blazing-fast connections up to 5 Gbps through providers like AT&T Fiber. While it’s only available to about 45% of LA residents, it’s worth considering if you can get it, especially since upload speeds match download speeds.
Cable internet is LA’s most widely available option, reaching nearly 93% of homes. Spectrum dominates this market, offering speeds up to 1 Gbps. Just keep in mind that upload speeds might leave you waiting a bit longer to share those beach selfies.
DSL is like cable’s slower cousin, using phone lines to deliver speeds up to 100 Mbps. It’s available to 37% of LA through providers like AT&T IPBB and Frontier.
Finally, if traditional options aren’t available, wireless and satellite services have you covered. From Starlink’s space-based internet to T-Mobile’s 5G home internet, you’ll find speeds ranging from decent to surprisingly quick.
Reliability and Performance Ratings
The most reliable internet providers in Los Angeles deliver impressive performance ratings that’ll help you make an informed choice.
I’ve found that AT&T Fiber and Frontier lead the pack with an impressive 99% uptime, while Spectrum and T-Mobile maintain a solid 95% reliability rate. Verizon’s not far behind, offering 98% uptime for their 5G home internet service.
When it comes to speeds, I’m excited to tell you about AT&T Fiber and Frontier’s blazing-fast 5 Gbps offerings – they’re like sports cars of the internet world!
Spectrum and Verizon cruise along at up to 1 Gbps, which is plenty fast for most of us streaming addicts. T-Mobile’s fixed wireless tops out at 245 Mbps, which isn’t too shabby for everyday use.
Upload speeds are where things get interesting.
While AT&T Fiber and Frontier flex their muscles with symmetrical 5 Gbps uploads, Spectrum keeps it modest at 35 Mbps. T-Mobile offers similar upload speeds around 33 Mbps, while Verizon steps it up with impressive 1 Gbps uploads on their 5G plans.
These differences can make or break your work-from-home video calls!
Local Customer Experience Reviews
Consistently topping local satisfaction surveys, STARRY stands out with an exceptional 4.50 out of 5 rating among LA residents.
I’ve found that customers are particularly impressed with STARRY’s commitment to delivering promised speeds and their unbeatable pricing, earning a perfect 5.00 for affordability.
Provider | Strengths | Pain Points |
---|---|---|
STARRY | Lowest prices, reliable speeds | Limited availability |
AT&T Fiber | Fast speeds, great reliability | Only covers 18.9% of LA |
Spectrum | Automatic speed upgrades | Annual price increases |
T-Mobile Home | Great for remote work | Max speed 100 Mbps |
Frontier | Unlimited data | Poor customer service |
When I talk to locals, they’re quick to share their experiences. AT&T Fiber users rave about blazing speeds when they can get it, while Spectrum customers appreciate automatic speed boosts but grumble about price hikes.
I’ve noticed T-Mobile Home Internet has become a solid choice for remote workers, though it won’t win any speed records. Meanwhile, Frontier’s gotten mixed reviews – Eligio F. from LA County loves his fiber speeds but wishes their customer service would step up their game.
Fiber Vs Cable Availability
Beyond the varying customer experiences, Los Angeles residents face distinct choices between fiber and cable internet coverage.
I’ve found that while cable internet dominates the city with an impressive 92.6% coverage (mostly thanks to Spectrum), fiber internet is available to 58% of homes, offering some compelling advantages.
Let me break down the key differences. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with fiber access, you’ll get considerably faster upload speeds – we’re talking 25 times faster than cable!
I’ve noticed that fiber users rarely complain about peak-time slowdowns, unlike cable subscribers who sometimes see their Netflix buffer during prime viewing hours.
AT&T Fiber and Earthlink are leading the fiber charge, though they’re not everywhere yet.
While fiber’s superior technology gets my vote for reliability and consistent speeds, I can’t ignore that Spectrum’s cable coverage makes it the more accessible choice for most Angelenos.
The good news? Fiber coverage is expanding, especially in areas like West LA and Hollywood.
If you’re house hunting and fast internet is a priority, I’d suggest checking fiber availability by zip code first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Purchase or Rent a Modem From My Internet Provider?
I’ll help you figure out the modem situation – it really depends on your provider.
While AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon 5G include equipment at no extra cost, Spectrum and Frontier might charge monthly rental fees.
Here’s a money-saving tip: if you’re with Spectrum, Cox, or Frontier, you can buy your own compatible modem upfront instead of renting.
Just make sure it meets their requirements!
What Happens to My Internet Service if I Move Within Los Angeles?
If you’re moving within LA, then first, check if your current provider serves your new address using their ZIP code tool. If they do, you can usually transfer your service pretty easily with a quick phone call.
If they don’t, you’re not stuck – LA offers plenty of alternatives like Spectrum, AT&T, or Frontier, and you might even score better deals as a new customer.
Can I Bundle Internet Service With TV and Phone Packages?
Two birds with one stone – that’s what bundling is all about!
I can confirm that you’ll find plenty of bundle options that combine internet, TV, and phone services.
Spectrum offers packages starting at $125/month with 500 Mbps internet and 150+ channels, while AT&T bundles give you 1,000 Mbps and 300+ channels for $109.99/month.
Don’t forget about add-ons like unlimited nationwide calling for an extra $15/month.
How Long Are the Typical Contract Lengths for Los Angeles Internet Providers?
I’ll tell you that most LA internet providers typically offer two main contract options: month-to-month plans or one-year agreements.
If you’re looking for flexibility, providers like AT&T Fiber and Frontier Fiber don’t require contracts at all.
While Spectrum and Cox offer contract-free plans, their prices might jump after the 12-month promotional period ends.
Just watch out for satellite providers – they usually lock you in for 24 months.
Do Providers Offer Student or Senior Discounts on Internet Plans?
Yes, I’ve found that many providers offer great discounts for students and seniors!
Xfinity has student plans starting at $19.99 monthly, while Spectrum offers their Internet Assist plan for $25.
For seniors, both companies participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which can make internet service free.
AT&T’s Access program helps both groups with plans starting at $10-30 monthly, as long as you meet eligibility requirements.
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