May 20, 2019

Best Internet Providers in Los Angeles

Read more about Internet

Slow internet can be the bane of your existence. If you work from home, run smart appliances on your internet, or just love to game, you may find yourself utterly frustrated at the slow speed of your internet if you don't evaluate your options.

Not everyone needs fast internet, but if you have more than one device streaming or you already cut the cord on cable, chances are that you need fast and affordable internet in Los Angeles. Luckily, you have many options at your disposal.

Keep reading to find out which internet service provider in Los Angeles is right for you.

What Internet Is Available in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has two main internet providers, but that doesn't mean you have only two options. With a little legwork, you may find that you have other internet service providers available to you. One advantage that many homeowners in Los Angeles have is the access to fiber optic internet. This latest way to connect to the internet offers seamless speeds that no other internet service provider can match.

Even if you aren't in an area where fiber optic internet is available, you'll have options for fast internet at available prices with the many service providers available. If you live in the main areas of Los Angeles, you'll have access to DSL, cable, and possibly fiber optic internet. If you live in the outskirts, you may have to rely on satellite internet; while not the fastest, it still provides adequate internet access.

What Should You Look for in an Internet Service Provider

Before you shop for an internet service provider, you should figure out what means the most to you.

Of course, speed is usually at the top of everyone's list, but that shouldn't be the only focus. Since the internet plays an integral role in most people's lives, you'll want to consider some or all of the following options as well:

  • Speed
  • Data
  • Price
  • Customer Service
  • Package Options

Speed
We did say that speed isn't the only factor, but it is definitely an important one. What do you see yourself doing with the internet? Are you just checking emails and paying the occasional bill online, or will you stream movies, music, and play games? What about the number of people in your family? If you have a large family, all of whom stream or have devices, you'll want the fastest speed that you can afford.

Data
A little known fact is that each internet service provider has a cap or maximum amount of data they provide for your quoted price. If you exceed those data limits, you can expect one of two things.

Either you'll have a higher bill to pay for the extra data usage or you'll have slower speed. This is called speed throttling, and it's the ISP's way of managing your use of data. Some providers offer unlimited data, so you don't have to worry about caps. Make sure you are aware of the caps before signing an agreement.

Price
You obviously want the most affordable package available to you, but don't focus on this alone. The price should be competitive for the type of service you end. If you focus on price alone, though, you could end up with a satellite connection that doesn't do well with the amount of streaming you do or the number of devices you have online at any given time.

Most ISPs have a service contract that ties you into the service for at least 2 years. If you break the contract, you could face a hefty fine of several hundred dollars, so make sure you really want the service that you choose.

Customer Service
We all know how frustrating it is when our internet goes down, but the help we get during that time can make it better. You want a company that offers several options for contacting customer service—and at the times that you need them. Remember you could be dealing with this company for the next two years at a minimum, so make sure you research their customer service to see if it's a company you can deal with for the long term.

Package Options
Many ISPs offer bundling services that help you save money on your internet, TV, and phone bills. If you pay for all three services, it could pay to choose a provider that offers the option to bundle and save yourself a little money every month.

Best Internet Service Provider

Below we help you understand the different features that each internet service provider in Los Angeles has to offer.

Best Cable Internet Service Provider in Los Angeles

Spectrum
Spectrum covers 99% of the Los Angeles area with fast internet speeds. They offer a free internet modem and they don't have any data caps. Spectrum doesn't require you to sign a contract and they'll even help buy you out of an old contract if you are stuck in one with your previous provider.

Spectrum offers bundled packages if you also want to secure your TV and phone service from them. As an added bonus, Spectrum offers a free security suite to help keep your computer safe while you browse the internet.

You'll also enjoy the access to free Wi-Fi hotspots when you are out and about, as Spectrum offers thousands of hotspots throughout the Los Angeles area. Spectrum's internet plans start at 100 Mbps, offering speeds for all of your internet needs.

The Fastest Internet Service Provider in Los Angeles

AT&T Fiber
If you live in Los Angeles, you have the good fortune of having access to AT&T's fiber internet. Fiber internet is the fastest internet available today, but because of its expensive infrastructure, it's available in only a few select areas.

AT&T offers three different speeds for their fiber internet packages, including 100 Mbps, 300 Mbps, and 1,000 Mbps. Typically, only the serious gamers or households with multiple people on multiple devices need to get a package as large as the 1,000 Mbps package.

Each AT&T fiber internet package comes with a data cap of 1 TB. While it might seem like bad news that there is a data cap, it's unlikely that you'll ever reach 1 TB. If you do reach it, AT&T will give you another 50 GB for $10, with a maximum of an extra $100 being charged each month.

AT&T does require a 12-month contract in order to secure their fast fiber internet services. In exchange, they offer superior customer service. They also offer the opportunity to bundle your TV along with your internet services to help you save money.

Best Satellite Internet in Los Angeles

Viasat
If you live in the outskirts of Los Angeles, you may not have access to DSL or cable internet. If that's the case, satellite internet from Viasat can help. Viasat offers download speeds of 12 Mbps, 25 Mbps, and 30 Mbps. Viasat also offers packages that allow you to bundle your DirecTV and Viasat internet services.

While the download speeds are slower than what you'd get with DSL or cable internet, you do get the luxury of unlimited data plans. This reduces the risk of an unpleasantly high internet bill or speed throttling, where the internet service provider slows your speed down once you exceed your data limit.

Viasat's packages offer an introductory price for the first three months and then a higher price for the remainder of the contract. They do offer a 2-year price guarantee, though. If you prefer to go without a contract, that is an option with Viasat, but for a hefty fee.

Cheapest Internet Service Provider in Los Angeles

Frontier
If you don't mind a DSL connection, you can save a decent amount of money choosing Frontier for your internet service provider in Los Angeles. Their packages start at just $20 a month and only go up to a maximum of $35 per month.

For those low prices, you will have slower speeds of 3 to 25 Mbps, but if you are only interested in basic internet browsing, such as checking emails and browsing social media sites, you won't need more than Frontier offers. Frontier does require a 24-month contract, and equipment fees may be extra.

Frontier also offers a variety of bundled packages if you would prefer to bundle your TV and phone service along with your internet service. This can help you save even more money on your monthly bills.

Best Internet Provider for Infrequent Users: If you aren't in an area of Los Angeles that has options for DSL or cable internet, HughesNet offers satellite service too. They do require a 2-year agreement and their data caps are on the low end. If you are in infrequent internet surfer though, and you don't stream TV, their packages may suit your needs just fine.

Best Business Internet Service Provider in Los Angeles

Spectrum Business
The success of your business relies on your internet. Spectrum Business offers reliable internet service at prices that businesses can afford. Spectrum offers a variety of bundled plans to help you save money on your internet and phone service. You can also secure just internet at 100 Mbps - 400 Mbps speed for your business.

One of the largest bonuses of choosing Spectrum Business as your internet provider is the lack of a data cap. This eliminates the worry of excessive internet bills that eat away at your profits. While you might not be able to take advantage of Spectrum's fiber internet options due to its limited availability throughout the Los Angeles area, their broadband connection is more than enough for most businesses.

Commonly Asked Questions

Is fiber internet available everywhere?
While it would be nice, fiber internet is still making its way around the country. Only a few select cities have it because of the expense of wiring the areas with the fiber optic cables. Several areas do have access to this lightning-fast internet, but it's not widespread quite yet. If it's not available in your area just yet, keep checking back.

Do you have to have the same cable provider for TV and internet?
You don't have to use the same provider for cable TV and cable internet, but you'll often get the best prices when you do so. Many companies offer bundling services to help keep your loyalty by offering savings on your monthly bills.

Is 100 Mbps fast?
According to the FDC, 25 Mbps is the minimum speed that a provider should offer customers. That means 100 Mbps is 4 times the minimum rate and should be plenty good for most homeowners unless they do excessive streaming or gaming.

Bottom Line

You have several options for internet service providers in Los Angeles. Make sure you make your decision carefully, as you'll likely have to sign a 2-year contract for the service. Getting out of an ISP's contract can cost several hundred dollars, so make your decision carefully.

Write to Kim P at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.


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