Best Internet Providers in Bakersfield, CA (2024)

Why trust our broadband experts

Allconnect’s team of broadband experts regularly reviews the top internet service providers in the U.S., scrutinizing each company under a rigorous scoring system to help our readers make informed internet purchases. We keep our data points accurate and up to date based on thorough research and partnership communications. Our content is not directed by partners. Visit our full methodology page and advertising disclosure to learn more.

Bakersfield may not be as familiar of a name as some other California cities, but this Golden State town has a lot going for it. Country legends Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and many others gave birth to the famous “Bakersfield Sound” in the 1950s and ‘60s, crowning the city with its namesake as the Country Music Capital of the West Coast. Plus, Bakersfield is less than 300 miles from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Big Sur and Yosemite National Park.

It’s no wonder more than 400,000 people call Bakersfield home. But with so many locals, home internet is a key consideration for many in the area. Fortunately, Bakersfield residents have plenty of options, with home Wi-Fi plans starting as low as $49.99/mo.

Here, we’ll compare the top internet service providers in Bakersfield to help you make the best choice for your home internet.

Best internet providers in Bakersfield, CA

Spectrum: Best for cable TV bundles
T-Mobile Home Internet: Best fixed wireless provider
EarthLink: Best multi-connection option
Viasat: Best satellite internet

Bakersfield internet comparison

Internet providers in Bakersfield offer a wide range of options for home Wi-Fi plans. Residents can choose from fiber, cable, fixed wireless and more, with connection speeds of up to 5 GB. Whether you just need to do a little web browsing or get set up for heavy online gaming, you’ve probably got choices.

The following table breaks down our top five choices for Bakersfield internet providers.

Provider	Starting price range*	Download speed range	Connection type
	$55–$245/mo.	300–5,000 Mbps	Fiber, DSL
Spectrum	$49.99–$79.99/mo.	300–1,000 Mbps	Cable
T-Mobile Home Internet	$60/mo.	72–245 Mbps	Fixed wireless
EarthLink	$59.95–$189.95/mo.	100–5,000 Mbps	Fiber, fixed wireless, satellite
Viasat	$49.99–$249.99/mo.	50–150 Mbps	Satellite

Methodology

We rated the largest internet providers in the U.S. for 2024. Each provider was rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on over a dozen factors, including speed, cost, availability, fees, customer satisfaction, connection type and more. We also used data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compare the average speed offered by internet companies in the U.S. to set a baseline for what is considered a good internet speed. Additionally, we analyzed data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) to understand how each internet service provider (ISP) fares in customer service and perceived value.

How to choose a provider in Bakersfield, CA

As a relatively large California city, Bakersfield has quite a few options for home internet. To compare plans and sort through your choices, it’s helpful to focus on the following:

Read all the pricing details: The advertised price of an internet plan rarely tells the full story. Many Bakersfield internet providers charge fees for equipment and installation, and you may have to pay taxes on top of your normal monthly charge. Be sure to compare the fine print on any plans you’re considering.
Determine your speed requirements: Speed options vary widely depending on where you are in Bakersfield, and fiber internet still has limited availability in the area. Before you decide on what speed you need, however, you must take an inventory of your household’s typical internet usage. Unless you do a lot of 4K streaming and gaming on multiple devices, you probably don’t need more than a 500 Mbps internet plan.
Don’t forget the perks: When shopping for an internet provider in Bakersfield, it’s important to consider the total package of home services. Bundling options for TV or mobile provide great ways to save, and some providers offer enticing internet deals for signing up.

Bakersfield internet provider reviews

AT&T – Best fiber option

AT&T’s fiber network is one of the best in the country, and it continues to expand in markets like Bakersfield. AT&T plans have no data caps or contract requirements, and equipment fees are built into the monthly price. Its fiber plans offer up to 5 GB upload and download speeds in some areas, and the company consistently scores well on customer service. However, AT&T’s DSL plans are much slower than fiber, so we recommend exploring other options if fiber isn’t available in your area.

Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.

Spectrum – Best for cable bundles

Spectrum is the most widely available wired option in Bakersfield, with cable connections reaching more than 91% of households. Like AT&T, Spectrum doesn’t require contracts or data caps, and it offers affordable starting prices. However, upload speeds are much slower than fiber, and you should expect significant price hikes after the first year.

Overall score: 3.9 out of 5.

Read our full Spectrum review.

T-Mobile Home Internet – Best fixed wireless provider

T-Mobile is one of the most aggressive players in the home Wi-Fi space right now. The company is rapidly expanding its 5G network and making it available to more homes, and its bundling discounts are capturing a lot of existing mobile customers. Its Wi-Fi speeds aren’t as fast as Verizon, but T-Mobile is more widely available in Bakersfield. Plans have no data caps, and you’ll only pay a one-time setup fee of $35.

Overall score: 4.1 out of 5.

Read our full T-Mobile review.

EarthLink – Best multi-connection provider

EarthLink is widely available across the U.S. The company piggybacks off other providers networks to provide fiber, satellite and fixed wireless plans in 48 states. In some locations, its fiber connections reach up to 5 GB. There are no data caps, and prices stay the same after the first year. However, EarthLink is one of the most expensive internet service providers in Bakersfield to begin with.

Overall score: 3.75 out of 5.

Read our full EarthLink review.

Viasat – Best satellite internet

If you live in the rural areas around Bakersfield, you may not have access to fiber, cable or even fixed wireless. Fortunately, satellite providers like Viasat are available almost everywhere. You’ll need to install a satellite dish to connect, and speeds cap out at only 150 Mbps. Introductory pricing is appealing, but beware that you’ll notice a price jump after the first three months.

Overall score: 2.1 out of 5.

Read our full Viasat review.

Cheap internet providers in Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield residents have several options for affordable home internet. T-Mobile cellular subscribers can add home internet for as little as $40/mo., tapping into the nation’s largest 5G network. Plus, Spectrum and AT&T both offer 300 Mbps connectivity for less than $60/mo. in many areas.

Plan	Price*	Download speed	Connection type
T-Mobile Home Internet	$40mo.**	72–245 Mbps	Fixed wireless
Spectrum	$49.99/mo.	300 Mbps	Cable
AT&T	$55/mo.	300 Mbps	Fiber
Viasat	$49.99/mo.	25 Mbps	Satellite

Fastest internet options in Bakersfield, CA

According to data from Ookla, internet service providers in Bakersfield offer a median download speed of just over 293 Mbps. With providers like AT&T and EarthLink offering symmetrical upload and download speeds of up to 5 GB for some households, many Bakersfield residents have access to lightning-fast connections.

Plan	Price*	Download speed	Connection type
AT&T	$245/mo.	Up to 5,000 Mbps	Fiber
EarthLink	$189.95/mo.	Up to 5,000 Mbps	Fiber
Spectrum	$79.99/mo.	Up to 1,000 Mbps	Cable

Bakersfield, California internet technology

No factor plays a bigger part in determining your connection speed and reliability than the type of internet connection you have. Bakersfield internet providers offer all the following options, each with its own pros and cons:

Fiber internet: Fiber-optic connections aren’t yet widely available in Bakersfield, with less than 60% of households having access in most parts of the city. If fiber is available in your area, it’s by far the fastest and most reliable option, with symmetrical, lag-free upload and download speeds of up to 5 GB.
Cable: Cable connections are almost universally available in Bakersfield. Charter, the city’s top cable provider, reaches more than 91% of homes, offering download speeds of up to 1 GB. Cable upload speeds are much slower than fiber, and it tends to slow down even further if you have a lot of connected devices.
Fixed wireless: High-speed fixed wireless connections are reaching more and more households these days, and Bakersfield is no exception. Providers like T-Mobile and Verizon offer 5G connections in some areas, with download speeds of up to 1 GB. Keep in mind that fixed wireless performance can vary significantly based on network demand.
DSL: Phone-line connections are becoming increasingly less common, but providers like AT&T still rely on this option in rural areas where they haven’t yet installed fiber lines. DSL connections are much slower than fiber, cable and even some fixed wireless plans.
Satellite: Satellite internet is the go-to for many rural customers, with near-total availability in Bakersfield and the surrounding area. It requires a satellite dish on your property, and connection speeds max out at around 150 Mbps in most cases.

Bakersfield internet FAQs

Is there fiber internet in Bakersfield, California?

Yes, Bakersfield’s fiber network is growing quickly. In most parts of the city, between 20% and 60% of households have access to fiber connections from providers like AT&T and EarthLink.

Who is the largest internet provider in California?

In terms of coverage area, satellite providers Viasat, Hughesnet and Starlink have the most internet availability in California, covering nearly 100% of the state. In terms of provider size, Spectrum is the largest company with the broadest coverage in the Golden State.

Why can’t I get fiber internet in my area?

Internet providers are still expanding their fiber networks, so many U.S. households do not yet have access to this technology. Enter your address on this page to find out which fiber providers are available near you.

This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.

Luke DaughertyAllconnect.com

Luke Daugherty is a freelance writer, editor, and former operations manager. His work covers a wide range of topics, including streaming and internet tech, green energy, and personal finance. His work, bylined and ghostwritten, has appeared in The Balance, CNET, CIO Magazine, Entrepreneur, and more.

Hannah WhatleyAllconnect.com

Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.