Best Internet Providers in Merced, CA (2026)
Quick Answer: Internet in Merced, CA
Merced, California residents have access to 9 internet providers offering fiber, cable, DSL, 5G/fixed wireless, satellite connections. The top-rated provider is Starlink, though availability varies by address. Speeds range from 25 Mbps to over 1 Gbps, with plans starting around $30/month. Use our comparison table below to find the best internet plan for your Merced home.
Internet Providers in Merced, CA
Merced is served by 9 internet service providers, each offering different technologies, speeds, and pricing. Below we provide detailed information on each provider available in the Merced area, including current plans, pricing, and contact information. Whether you need basic connectivity for email and browsing or a high-performance connection for streaming and gaming, you will find suitable options here.
Starlink
Technology: Satellite | Coverage in Merced: 100.0%
Starlink offers reliable internet service to residents of Merced, CA. With satellite technology, customers can expect consistent connectivity for streaming, gaming, and remote work.
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 50-200 Mbps | $120/mo |
| Priority | 40-220 Mbps | $250/mo |
HughesNet
Technology: Satellite | Coverage in Merced: 100.0%
HughesNet offers reliable internet service to residents of Merced, CA. With satellite technology, customers can expect consistent connectivity for streaming, gaming, and remote work. (866) 347-3292
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Select | 50 Mbps | $49.99/mo |
| Elite | 100 Mbps | $74.99/mo |
| Fusion | 100 Mbps | $94.99/mo |
Viasat
Technology: Satellite | Coverage in Merced: 100.0%
Viasat offers reliable internet service to residents of Merced, CA. With satellite technology, customers can expect consistent connectivity for streaming, gaming, and remote work.
T-Mobile
Technology: 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | Coverage in Merced: 76.7%
T-Mobile offers reliable internet service to residents of Merced, CA. With 5g, fixed wireless, mobile technology, customers can expect consistent connectivity for streaming, gaming, and remote work. (844) 839-5057
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Home Internet | 72-245 Mbps | $50/mo |
| All-In Pricing | 72-245 Mbps | $45/mo |
Xfinity
Technology: Cable, Fiber | Coverage in Merced: 75.0%
Xfinity offers reliable internet service to residents of Merced, CA. With cable, fiber technology, customers can expect consistent connectivity for streaming, gaming, and remote work. (800) 934-6489
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Connect | 75 Mbps | $29.99/mo |
| Connect More | 200 Mbps | $49.99/mo |
| Fast | 400 Mbps | $59.99/mo |
| Superfast | 800 Mbps | $69.99/mo |
| Gigabit | 1,000 Mbps | $79.99/mo |
AT&T Internet
Technology: Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL | Coverage in Merced: 65.6%
AT&T Internet offers reliable internet service to residents of Merced, CA. With fiber, fixed wireless, dsl technology, customers can expect consistent connectivity for streaming, gaming, and remote work. (855) 925-2541
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Internet 300 | 300 Mbps | $55/mo |
| Internet 500 | 500 Mbps | $65/mo |
| Internet 1000 | 1,000 Mbps | $80/mo |
| Internet 2000 | 2,000 Mbps | $150/mo |
Verizon Fios
Technology: Fiber | Coverage in Merced: 28.4%
Verizon Fios offers reliable internet service to residents of Merced, CA. With fiber technology, customers can expect consistent connectivity for streaming, gaming, and remote work. (855) 457-5765
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fios 300 | 300 Mbps | $49.99/mo |
| Fios 500 | 500 Mbps | $69.99/mo |
| Fios Gigabit | 1,000 Mbps | $89.99/mo |
Spectrum
Technology: Cable | Coverage in Merced: 9.0%
Spectrum offers reliable internet service to residents of Merced, CA. With cable technology, customers can expect consistent connectivity for streaming, gaming, and remote work. (855) 243-8892
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Internet | 300 Mbps | $49.99/mo |
| Internet Ultra | 500 Mbps | $69.99/mo |
| Internet Gig | 1,000 Mbps | $89.99/mo |
Frontier Fiber
Technology: Fiber, DSL | Coverage in Merced: 5.2%
Frontier Fiber offers reliable internet service to residents of Merced, CA. With fiber, dsl technology, customers can expect consistent connectivity for streaming, gaming, and remote work. (855) 707-3280
| Plan | Speed | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber 500 | 500 Mbps | $49.99/mo |
| Fiber Gig | 1,000 Mbps | $74.99/mo |
| Fiber 2 Gig | 2,000 Mbps | $149.99/mo |
Internet Provider Comparison in Merced
The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of the major internet providers serving Merced, CA. Compare connection types, speed ranges, starting prices, and contact numbers to quickly identify the best options for your household.
| Provider | Connection | Speed Range | Price Range | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink | Satellite | 50-200 Mbps - 40-220 Mbps | $120/mo - $250/mo | N/A |
| HughesNet | Satellite | 50 Mbps - 100 Mbps | $49.99/mo - $94.99/mo | (866) 347-3292 |
| Viasat | Satellite | 25-1,000 Mbps | $40-$100/mo | N/A |
| T-Mobile | 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile | 72-245 Mbps - 72-245 Mbps | $50/mo - $45/mo | (844) 839-5057 |
| Xfinity | Cable, Fiber | 75 Mbps - 1,000 Mbps | $29.99/mo - $79.99/mo | (800) 934-6489 |
| AT&T Internet | Fiber, Fixed Wireless, DSL | 300 Mbps - 2,000 Mbps | $55/mo - $150/mo | (855) 925-2541 |
| Verizon Fios | Fiber | 300 Mbps - 1,000 Mbps | $49.99/mo - $89.99/mo | (855) 457-5765 |
| Spectrum | Cable | 300 Mbps - 1,000 Mbps | $49.99/mo - $89.99/mo | (855) 243-8892 |
Prices shown are current as of February 2026 and may vary based on location, promotional offers, and bundling options. Contact providers directly for the most up-to-date pricing at your specific address.
Internet Speeds & Coverage Analysis for Merced
Understanding the internet landscape in Merced requires examining both the available connection types and how they perform in real-world conditions. Here is a breakdown of what each technology offers in the Merced area:
Fiber Internet in Merced
Fiber-optic internet represents the gold standard for broadband connectivity in Merced. Using light signals transmitted through glass fibers, this technology delivers symmetrical upload and download speeds, meaning your upload speed matches your download speed. This is particularly valuable for Merced residents who work from home, participate in video conferences, or upload large files. Fiber plans in the area typically range from 300 Mbps to 2 Gbps, with pricing starting around $50-$80 per month. Fiber also offers the lowest latency of any connection type, making it ideal for real-time applications and competitive gaming.
Cable Internet in Merced
Cable internet is one of the most widely available broadband options in Merced, leveraging the existing coaxial cable infrastructure originally built for television service. Providers deliver download speeds from 100 Mbps to 1,200 Mbps, making cable a strong choice for households that need fast downloads for streaming in 4K, downloading large files, and general browsing. Upload speeds on cable are typically lower than download speeds, ranging from 10-35 Mbps on most plans. Cable internet in Merced is generally priced between $30-$100 per month depending on speed tier and promotional availability.
DSL Internet in Merced
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) internet is available in parts of Merced through existing telephone infrastructure. While DSL typically offers slower speeds than cable or fiber (ranging from 10-100 Mbps), it provides an affordable entry point for basic internet needs such as email, web browsing, and standard-definition streaming. DSL can be a suitable option for Merced residents in areas where cable or fiber has not yet been deployed. Monthly pricing typically ranges from $30-$55.
5G & Fixed Wireless in Merced
Fixed wireless and 5G home internet services are expanding rapidly in Merced. Providers like T-Mobile and Verizon offer home internet plans that use their cellular networks to deliver broadband speeds without requiring traditional wired infrastructure. Typical speeds range from 72-300 Mbps, with the significant advantage of no annual contracts and straightforward monthly pricing (usually $50/month). 5G home internet is particularly attractive for Merced renters and residents in areas with limited wired provider options, offering a genuine alternative to cable and DSL.
Satellite Internet in Merced
Satellite internet serves as a universal option for Merced residents, providing coverage regardless of wired infrastructure availability. Modern satellite services like Starlink offer speeds of 50-200 Mbps, a major improvement over previous-generation satellite providers. While satellite internet has higher latency than wired connections (typically 20-60ms for Starlink, 600ms+ for geostationary satellites), it provides a viable solution for streaming, browsing, and remote work in areas where other options are limited or unavailable.
Local Internet Insights for Merced, California
Merced benefits from strong competition among internet providers in the West Coast market. With a population of 86,333, the city has attracted investment from multiple major providers, including fiber buildouts that are steadily expanding coverage. The tech-forward culture of California means residents have access to some of the latest broadband technologies, and municipal broadband initiatives are being considered in several communities across the state.
For Merced residents evaluating their internet options, the local market dynamics play a significant role in determining value. Competition among the 9 providers in the Merced area helps keep prices competitive and encourages ongoing network upgrades. Residents should also be aware of seasonal promotions and bundle discounts that can significantly reduce monthly costs, particularly when combining internet with TV or mobile phone service.
The average American household now uses over 500 GB of data per month, driven by streaming services, remote work, smart home devices, and online gaming. When choosing a plan in Merced, consider not just the download speed but also data caps (if any), upload speeds for video calls and file sharing, equipment rental fees, and the provider's track record for customer service in your area.
How to Choose the Right Internet Provider in Merced
Selecting the best internet service for your Merced home involves weighing several factors beyond the advertised headline price. Here is a practical step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:
- Check availability at your exact address: Not all providers serve every neighborhood in Merced. Enter your street address on provider websites or use our availability checker to see which services are available at your specific location. Coverage can vary even between adjacent streets.
- Assess your household's speed needs: A single user doing email and browsing needs only 25-50 Mbps. A household of 2-3 people streaming in HD needs 100-200 Mbps. A family of 4+ with gamers and remote workers benefits from 300-500 Mbps. Power users and large households should consider 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps plans.
- Compare total monthly costs: Look beyond the promotional price. Factor in equipment rental fees ($10-$15/month for a gateway router), installation charges ($50-$100 for professional setup), and potential price increases after the 12 or 24-month promotional period ends. Some providers like Spectrum and T-Mobile offer all-in pricing without hidden fees.
- Review contract requirements: Some providers require 1-2 year contracts with early termination fees of $100-$400. No-contract options from Spectrum, T-Mobile, and others offer month-to-month flexibility. If you choose a contract plan, ensure you understand the cancellation terms before signing up.
- Consider reliability and customer support: Ask neighbors and friends in Merced about their experiences with different providers. Local reviews can provide valuable insights into service reliability, outage frequency, repair response times, and customer support quality that national ratings may not capture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internet in Merced, CA
What is the best internet provider in Merced, CA?
Starlink is the top-rated internet provider in Merced based on coverage area and plan options. Other highly rated providers include Starlink, HughesNet, Viasat, T-Mobile, and Xfinity. The best provider for your household depends on your specific address, speed requirements, and budget. We recommend checking availability at your address and comparing at least 2-3 providers before making a decision.
What internet speeds are available in Merced?
Internet speeds in Merced, CA range from 25 Mbps on basic plans to over 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) on premium fiber and cable connections. Fiber internet is available in parts of Merced, offering symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 2 Gbps. For most households with 3-5 users, a plan offering 200-500 Mbps provides sufficient bandwidth for simultaneous streaming, gaming, video calls, and general browsing.
How many internet providers serve Merced?
Approximately 9 internet service providers serve the Merced area, offering fiber, cable, DSL, 5G/fixed wireless, satellite connections. Wired options like fiber and cable typically offer the fastest speeds, while satellite and fixed wireless providers ensure coverage in areas where wired infrastructure has not yet reached. The exact number of available providers depends on your specific address within Merced.
Is fiber internet available in Merced, CA?
Yes, fiber internet is available in portions of Merced. Fiber delivers the fastest and most reliable connection type, with symmetrical upload and download speeds. Fiber coverage is expanding across Merced, but availability varies by neighborhood. Check with local fiber providers to confirm service at your address.
What is the cheapest internet option in Merced?
The most affordable internet plans in Merced typically start around $30-$50 per month for basic service with speeds between 50-200 Mbps. T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is available at $50/month with no annual contract in many parts of Merced. Providers may also offer low-income discount programs such as AT&T Access, Spectrum Internet Assist, or Xfinity Internet Essentials. Contact providers directly to inquire about current promotions and assistance programs available at your Merced address.
Can I get internet without a contract in Merced?
Yes, several providers in Merced offer no-contract internet plans. Spectrum, T-Mobile, and AT&T Fiber provide month-to-month options without early termination fees. No-contract plans give you the flexibility to switch providers or change plans without penalty, which is especially useful if you are new to Merced or unsure about your long-term needs.
What should I do if my internet is slow in Merced?
If you experience slow internet in Merced, start by restarting your modem and router. Run a speed test to confirm the issue (test at speedtest.net or fast.com). Check whether the slowdown occurs during peak evening hours (7-11 PM), which suggests network congestion. If speeds consistently fall below your plan's advertised rates, contact your provider's technical support. You may also consider upgrading to a higher-speed plan, switching to a different connection type (such as fiber if available in your area), or exploring alternative providers.
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Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you click through and sign up for service. This does not affect our editorial independence or the accuracy of the information presented. Pricing, speeds, and availability are subject to change and may vary by location within Merced. All information was last verified in February 2026. We recommend confirming details directly with the provider before making a purchase decision.