Internet Access in Bakersfield: A Mixed Landscape
Living in Bakersfield, California, presents a unique situation when it comes to internet access. On the positive side, every resident has access to internet plans that meet or exceed the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) proposed minimum broadband speeds of 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload. This makes Bakersfield one of the top 50 cities in the country for median internet speed. However, the downside is the limited options for high-speed internet. While AT&T Fiber is available to about 20% of households with plans starting at $55, Spectrum remains the primary provider in many neighborhoods. Wireless providers like T-Mobile and Verizon also offer home internet plans, but their speeds can be inconsistent compared to wired connections, with prices ranging from $50 to $70 per month.
Future Prospects: Fiber Network Expansion
There’s promising news on the horizon. In 2022, the Bakersfield City Council partnered with SiFi Networks to construct and maintain a fiber network across the city at no cost to taxpayers. SiFi will sell network access to private providers, offering residents speeds of up to 10,000Mbps for approximately $60 monthly. This is a significant improvement over AT&T’s current offering of $245 for 5,000Mbps. However, the project is still in the design phase, and construction timelines remain unclear.
Top Internet Providers in Bakersfield
For years, Spectrum was the sole high-speed internet provider in Bakersfield. The landscape changed in 2017 when AT&T Fiber launched, becoming the city’s top internet option, now available to 79% of households. Other notable providers include T-Mobile and Verizon, offering fixed wireless plans starting at $50 and $70 respectively, with discounts available for bundled mobile plans. While these options provide decent coverage, they often fall short in terms of speed and reliability compared to AT&T Fiber.
Additional Internet Options for Bakersfield Residents
Beyond the major providers, residents have a few alternative options. Applied Technology Group and unWired Broadband offer fixed wireless internet, primarily targeting rural areas, though their services are generally less desirable than AT&T or Spectrum. Satellite internet providers like HughesNet and Viasat are available citywide, but their high costs, slow speeds, and data caps make them a last resort. Verizon’s 5G Home Internet is another option, offering download speeds up to 250Mbps, especially attractive when bundled with a Verizon mobile plan.
Pricing and Speed Considerations
Bakersfield residents pay an average of $50 to $90 monthly for internet, comparable to national averages. However, genuinely affordable plans are scarce, with most starting at $50. For those seeking the fastest speeds, AT&T Fiber leads with up to 5,000Mbps, ideal for smart homes and heavy users. Spectrum’s 1,000Mbps download speeds are a distant second but lackluster upload speeds of 35Mbps may hinder remote workers and gamers.
Conclusion: Internet Providers in Bakersfield
While Bakersfield’s internet options are limited, all residents can access at least one provider offering FCC minimum speeds. AT&T Fiber stands out as the best choice, though availability is restricted to 21% of households. Spectrum, T-Mobile, and Verizon serve as reliable alternatives, offering decent value and speed. As the city awaits the SiFi Networks fiber rollout, residents can explore these options to find the best fit for their needs and budget.
