Best Internet Providers in Chico, CA
Chico has 7 internet providers offering cable, fiber, 5G, and satellite services. Xfinity leads availability at 84.2%, while AT&T covers nearly half the city with fiber and DSL. T-Mobile 5G adds a strong wireless alternative at 59.7% coverage.
Check availability by phone: 1-844-963-0138
Quick Answer: Best Internet in Chico
Xfinity covers 84.2% of Chico with cable and fiber plans, making it the most accessible provider. AT&T reaches 49.9% with fiber that delivers symmetrical speeds and no data caps. T-Mobile 5G serves 59.7% as a contract-free wireless option at $50/mo.
- Best overall: Xfinity - 84.2% coverage, plans from $30/mo
- Best fiber: AT&T Fiber - 49.9% coverage, up to 5 Gbps
- Best no-contract: T-Mobile 5G - $50/mo, 59.7% coverage
- Best for students: Xfinity or T-Mobile - affordable, no long-term commitment
Chico Internet Providers at a Glance
| Provider | Technology | Max Speed | Starting Price | Data Cap | Contract | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | Cable / Fiber | 2 Gbps | $30/mo | 1.2 TB | No | 1-844-963-0138 |
| T-Mobile | 5G / Fixed Wireless | 245 Mbps | $50/mo | None | No | 1-844-275-9311 |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber / DSL | 5 Gbps | $55/mo | None (Fiber) | No | 1-855-850-5977 |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 2.3 Gbps | $49.99/mo | None | No | 1-855-387-1456 |
| Starlink | Satellite | 220 Mbps | $120/mo | Soft cap | No | Online only |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 100 Mbps | $49.99/mo | Yes | 24 mo | 1-855-543-5405 |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps | $69.99/mo | Yes | 24 mo | 1-855-463-9333 |
Top Internet Providers in Chico Reviewed
Xfinity - Best Overall Coverage
Xfinity covers 84.2% of Chico with cable and fiber infrastructure. As the dominant wired provider in Butte County, Xfinity offers multiple speed tiers that serve everyone from CSU Chico students to families in established neighborhoods. The 1.2 TB data cap applies to most plans.
Plans: Connect ($30/mo, 75 Mbps) | Connect More ($55/mo, 200 Mbps) | Fast ($70/mo, 400 Mbps) | Gigabit ($80/mo, 1 Gbps)
Choose if: You want wide availability and flexible speed tiers. Avoid if: You need unlimited data without paying extra.
Call Xfinity: 1-844-963-0138
AT&T Fiber - Best for Speed and Uploads
AT&T covers 49.9% of Chico with fiber and DSL service. Fiber plans deliver symmetrical upload speeds with no data caps, which is particularly valuable for remote workers and the university community. DSL is available at additional addresses with lower speeds.
Plans: Fiber 300 ($55/mo) | Fiber 500 ($65/mo) | Fiber 1 Gig ($80/mo) | Fiber 2 Gig ($110/mo)
Choose if: You need fast uploads for video conferencing or cloud storage. Avoid if: Only AT&T DSL is available at your address.
Call AT&T: 1-855-850-5977
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet - Best for Students
T-Mobile serves 59.7% of Chico with 5G fixed wireless at a flat $50/mo. No contracts, no data caps, and mail-delivered equipment make it ideal for CSU Chico students renting apartments and anyone who wants internet without the hassle of installation appointments.
Plans: Home Internet ($50/mo, up to 245 Mbps)
Choose if: You want quick setup and predictable billing. Avoid if: You need speeds consistently above 200 Mbps for professional use.
Call T-Mobile: 1-844-275-9311
Speed and Price Comparison by Tier
| Speed Tier | Xfinity | AT&T | Verizon Fios | T-Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75-100 Mbps | $30/mo | - | - | - |
| 200-300 Mbps | $55/mo | $55/mo | $49.99/mo | $50/mo |
| 400-500 Mbps | $70/mo | $65/mo | $69.99/mo | - |
| 1 Gbps | $80/mo | $80/mo | $89.99/mo | - |
| 2+ Gbps | $120/mo | $110/mo | $119.99/mo | - |
Speed recommendations: 50 Mbps for basic browsing, 150 Mbps for streaming and video calls, 500+ Mbps for households with many devices, 1 Gbps for power users and 4K streaming on multiple screens.
Internet in Chico: Local Market Overview
Population: 101,475 | Metro: Chico (CBSA 17020) | State: California
Chico is a Northern California college town anchored by CSU Chico and surrounded by agricultural communities. Xfinity is the dominant cable provider, while AT&T has built a significant fiber footprint serving roughly half the city. The student population drives demand for affordable, no-contract options like T-Mobile 5G, which has strong coverage in the urban core.
Following the Camp Fire in 2018, Chico saw population growth that spurred broadband investment. Newer housing developments north of the city tend to have fiber-ready infrastructure, while the historic grid south of Big Chico Creek relies more on established cable and DSL networks.
Coverage by Neighborhood
- Downtown / CSU Chico area: Xfinity + AT&T + strong T-Mobile 5G
- North Chico / Meriam Park: AT&T Fiber expanding; Xfinity available
- South Chico / Skyway: Xfinity cable primary; AT&T DSL in older areas
- Chapmantown / Barber area: Xfinity cable + satellite options
Internet Speed Requirements for Chico Households
The speed you need in Chico depends on how many people and devices use your connection simultaneously. A single person streaming video and browsing the web can get by with 50-100 Mbps. A household of 2-3 people with regular streaming and video calls should target 200-300 Mbps. Larger families with 4 or more heavy users benefit from 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps plans, especially when multiple people are streaming in 4K, gaming online, or working from home at the same time.
Upload speed matters just as much as download speed for Chico residents who work remotely. Video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Teams require at least 5 Mbps upload for stable HD video, and 10 Mbps or more for group calls with screen sharing. If multiple household members participate in video calls simultaneously, ensure your plan provides at least 20-25 Mbps upload speed. Fiber plans offer the best upload performance with symmetrical speeds.
How to Choose an Internet Provider in Chico
Start by checking which providers actually serve your specific address in Chico, as coverage can vary significantly even within the same city. Enter your address on each provider's website or use our comparison tool to see all available options. Compare the actual speeds offered at your address, not just the provider's maximum advertised speed, since availability of faster tiers depends on local infrastructure.
Beyond speed, compare the total monthly cost including equipment rental fees, installation charges, and price increases after promotional periods end. Providers in Chico, California may offer different promotions depending on the season and competition in your area. Ask about no-contract options to maintain flexibility, and check whether a provider requires a credit check, as some offer prepaid alternatives. Reading recent customer reviews specific to Chico gives the most relevant picture of service quality and reliability in your neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internet in Chico
What is the fastest internet in Chico, CA?
AT&T Fiber offers up to 5 Gbps. Xfinity provides multi-gig cable plans up to 2 Gbps across 84.2% of the city.
Who is the best internet provider in Chico?
Xfinity covers 84.2% of the city with reliable service. AT&T Fiber reaches 49.9% with symmetrical speeds and no data caps.
Is fiber internet available in Chico, CA?
Yes. AT&T Fiber covers 49.9% of Chico and Verizon Fios serves 19.2% with fiber-optic connections.
How much does internet cost in Chico?
Plans start at $30/mo for Xfinity and range to $180/mo for multi-gig fiber. Most households pay $50-$80/mo.
Can I get 5G home internet in Chico?
Yes. T-Mobile covers 59.7% of Chico at $50/mo with no data caps or contracts required.
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Last updated: February 7, 2026. Information is verified regularly. Provider availability, pricing, and speeds are subject to change. Call providers directly to confirm current offers for your address.
Disclosure: InternetProviders.ai earns commissions from some provider links and phone calls on this page. This does not influence our rankings or reviews. Our editorial team independently evaluates each provider. When you call a number on this page, you may be connected to a third-party sales partner. All prices, speeds, and availability are subject to change and should be verified directly with the provider.