Best Internet Providers in Bakersfield, CA
Compare 9 internet providers serving 403,455 Bakersfield residents. Cable, fiber, 5G, and satellite plans with speeds up to 5 Gbps are available across Kern County's largest city.
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Spectrum 1-844-481-5997Quick Answer: Best Internet in Bakersfield
Spectrum is the best internet provider in Bakersfield for most residents, covering 77.4% of the city with cable plans up to 2 Gbps and no data caps. AT&T Fiber is the premium choice where available, delivering symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet offers a wireless alternative at $40-50/month with no contract for budget-conscious households.
Key Takeaways
- Best overall: Spectrum for coverage and value ($30/mo intro)
- Best for speed: AT&T Fiber with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps
- Best value: Spectrum at $30/mo or T-Mobile 5G at $40-50/mo
- Best for renters: T-Mobile 5G Home Internet with no contract
- 9 providers: Solid options across Central California
Bakersfield Internet Providers Comparison
Verified for February 2026. Coverage percentages based on FCC data and may vary by neighborhood.
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Call Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Cable | 2 Gbps | $30/mo* | None | No | 1-844-481-5997 |
| AT&T Fiber | Fiber / DSL | 5 Gbps | $55/mo | None | No | 1-855-850-5977 |
| T-Mobile 5G | 5G Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $40-50/mo | None | No | 1-844-275-9311 |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 940 Mbps | $50/mo | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Verizon 5G Home | 5G Fixed Wireless | 1 Gbps | $35/mo** | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Mediacom | Cable | 1 Gbps | $30/mo | Limited | No | 1-855-634-3222 |
| Starlink | LEO Satellite | 250 Mbps | $120/mo | Soft cap | No | Online only |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | $39.99/mo | Unlimited*** | No | 1-855-463-9333 |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | $39.99/mo | Limited | 2-year | 1-855-543-5405 |
*Spectrum first-year promotional pricing. **Verizon pricing with mobile bundle. ***Viasat Unleashed plan.
Bakersfield Internet Providers: Detailed Reviews
Spectrum Internet in Bakersfield
77.4% CoverageSpectrum is Bakersfield's largest cable provider with plans from 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps. No data caps, no contracts, and a free modem are included. The $30/month introductory rate is the lowest starting price in the city.
Choose Spectrum If:
- You want the widest wired coverage in Bakersfield
- You need no data caps and no contracts at a low intro price
Avoid Spectrum If:
- You need symmetrical upload speeds for remote work
- You are sensitive to price increases after year one
AT&T Fiber Internet in Bakersfield
64.6% CoverageAT&T Fiber delivers symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps with no data caps across about 65% of Bakersfield. Plans start at $55/month for 300 Mbps. AT&T is ideal for remote workers and large households that need fast uploads and reliable connections.
Choose AT&T Fiber If:
- You work from home and need fast symmetrical speeds
- You want no data caps on every plan
Avoid AT&T If:
- Only DSL is available at your address
- You need the lowest intro price ($30/mo from Spectrum is cheaper)
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet in Bakersfield
67.9% CoverageT-Mobile 5G Home Internet provides a wireless option at $40-50/month with no contracts and no data caps. Speeds typically range from 100-245 Mbps. The 5-Year Price Guarantee prevents bill increases, appealing to renters and budget-conscious customers.
Choose T-Mobile 5G If:
- You rent and want easy setup with no installation required
- You want a stable monthly bill with no price hikes
Avoid T-Mobile 5G If:
- You need consistent speeds above 300 Mbps
- You need low latency for competitive online gaming
Bakersfield Internet Speeds and Prices
| Speed Tier | Spectrum | AT&T Fiber | T-Mobile 5G | Mediacom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 Mbps | $30/mo* | $55/mo | $40-50/mo | $30/mo |
| 500 Mbps | $70/mo | $65/mo | - | $50/mo |
| 1 Gbps | $90/mo | $80/mo | - | $70/mo |
| 2 Gbps | $130/mo | $110/mo | - | - |
| 5 Gbps | - | $180/mo | - | - |
How Much Speed Do You Need?
- 1-2 people, light use: 100-300 Mbps
- 3-5 people, moderate use: 500 Mbps
- Work from home + gaming: 1 Gbps
- Content creators: 2-5 Gbps fiber
Learn more: How much internet speed do I need?
Internet Service in Bakersfield: What You Need to Know
- Population: 403,455
- CBSA: 12540 (Bakersfield)
- Cable providers: Spectrum, Mediacom
- Fiber providers: AT&T, Verizon Fios
- 5G providers: T-Mobile, Verizon
Bakersfield's broadband market is anchored by Spectrum and AT&T as the two dominant wired providers. Spectrum provides the widest cable coverage at 77.4%, while AT&T has expanded its fiber footprint across roughly 65% of the city. Mediacom serves some peripheral and southeastern areas with an additional cable option, giving parts of Bakersfield a secondary wired choice beyond the two main providers.
As California's ninth-largest city, Bakersfield continues to attract residents and families priced out of coastal metros like Los Angeles and the Bay Area. This steady population growth has driven demand for faster internet, and providers have responded by expanding fiber and 5G coverage across Kern County's seat. The agriculture and energy industries that anchor Bakersfield's economy increasingly rely on broadband for precision farming tools and remote operations management.
Internet by Bakersfield Neighborhood
- Downtown/Westchester: Spectrum and AT&T Fiber both available with 5G coverage
- Stockdale/Riverwalk: Strong Spectrum cable and AT&T Fiber coverage
- Southwest/Panama Lane: Spectrum primary; AT&T Fiber expanding
- Northeast Bakersfield: Spectrum cable reliable; wireless options filling gaps
Frequently Asked Questions About Bakersfield Internet
What is the best internet provider in Bakersfield, CA?
Spectrum is the best for coverage at 77.4%. AT&T Fiber is the top choice where available, with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps and no data caps.
Is fiber internet available in Bakersfield?
Yes. AT&T Fiber covers about 65% of Bakersfield. Verizon Fios serves select areas. Both offer no-contract, no-data-cap fiber service.
How much does internet cost in Bakersfield?
Plans start at $30/month with Spectrum and go up to $180/month for AT&T's 5 Gbps fiber. Most households pay $50-80/month.
What is the fastest internet in Bakersfield?
AT&T Fiber offers up to 5 Gbps symmetrical. Spectrum cable reaches up to 2 Gbps download in select neighborhoods.
Is 5G home internet available in Bakersfield?
Yes. T-Mobile 5G covers about 68% of Bakersfield at $40-50/month. Verizon 5G Home serves limited areas at $35/month with a mobile bundle.
About the Author
Last Updated: February 7, 2026
Our team regularly reviews and updates this guide to ensure accuracy. Provider availability and pricing are verified quarterly.
Editorial Disclosure
InternetProviders.ai is committed to providing accurate, unbiased information to help you choose the right internet service. Some of the providers listed on this page are partners who compensate us when you sign up through our links or phone numbers. This compensation may affect the order in which providers appear but does not influence our ratings or recommendations. Our editorial team independently researches each provider. See our editorial guidelines and how we make money.