If you’re gearing up for a move to Riverside, California—whether it be for a well-earned retirement or to start a degree at one of the local universities—this internet buyer’s guide has all the information you’ll need to connect with the internet provider right for you. From finding the lowest-priced plans to breaking down internet terminology, we’ve included everything there is to know about comparing plans and finding the internet plan best fit for your needs.
Residential Internet Providers in Riverside, CA
| Provider | Starting Price | Speed Range | Type Of Internet | Coverage Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | $49.99/mo. | 200-1000 Mbps | Cable | 100% Cable |
| EarthLink | $49.95/mo. | 7-1000 Mbps | DSL and Fiber | 94% DSL and Fiber |
| AT&T Internet | $35/mo. | 25-940 Mbps | IPBB and Fiber and Fixed Wireless | 94% IPBB and Fiber and Fixed Wireless |
| Ultimate Internet Access | $39.99/mo. | 1000 Mbps | Fiber | 13% Fiber |
The table above summarizes Riverside internet providers with the greatest coverage locally.
Fastest Internet Providers in Riverside, CA
| Provider | Maximum Speed | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Internet Access | 1000 Mbps | $39.99+/mo. |
| Spectrum | 1000 Mbps | $49.99-109.99/mo. |
| EarthLink | 1000 Mbps | $49.95-99.95/mo. |
| AT&T Internet | 940 Mbps | $35-60/mo. |
The providers above offer the fastest download speeds currently available to Riverside residents.
What type of internet is available in Riverside?
Riverside residents have a number of internet options to choose from, including DSL, Cable, Fiber-Optic, and Satellite.
- DSL: Often times budget-friendly, DSL is a popular choice for light internet users, with most speeds averaging around 10-50 Mbps.
- Cable: Serviced by making use of the same power lines as your TV, cable internet is popular with bundle options and offers faster speeds than DSL.
- Fiber-Optic: Fiber-optics will get you the highest internet speeds offered in Riverside, with speeds reaching up to 1000 Mbps.
- Fixed Wireless: Fixed wireless internet uses radio airwaves to deliver a broadband connection with speeds up to 50 Mbps.
- Satellite: If you live in an area of Riverside with limited broadband connection, looking into satellite options can be a great solution. Internet is provided by using an installed dish on your roof or balcony to transfer satellite data.
It’s important to note that while these options are all offered within Riverside’s borders, not all areas have access to each internet type.
How do I find the cheapest internet option in Riverside?
There’s a total of 34 internet providers servicing Riverside, with 13 residential providers and 21 business providers. Each provider comes with a wide range of download speeds, price points, and coverage availability, but AT&T Fiber, Ultimate Internet Access and AT&T Internet offer some of the cheapest internet plans in Riverside.
Cheapest internet in Riverside
- AT&T Internet—$35/mo. for up to 300 Mbps *
- HughesNet—$39.99/mo. for up to 25 Mbps *
- Ultimate Internet Access—$39.99/mo. for up to 1000 Mbps *
- EarthLink—$49.95/mo. for up to 50 Mbps *
- Spectrum—$49.99/mo. for up to 200 Mbps *
How Much Internet Speed Do I Need In Riverside?
How much internet speed you’ll require depends on the household you live in or business you operate. For example, with a large population of college students, Riverside residents need plans with fast internet speeds at an affordable, student-friendly price point. Each plan and provider has its own set of price ranges, but researching your internet usage can help guide you toward the right plan.
For the most part, simple and straight-forward internet usage (think checking emails or browsing the web) doesn’t require more than 25-50 Mbps. This is a great speed for retirees anticipating light internet usage. For college students or families, you may want to select a plan with speeds of at least 100 Mbps for optimum streaming and download services. Large households and companies with power internet users will require speeds of at least 1000 Mbps.
Below are the recommended download speeds based on frequent internet activities and the residential providers in Riverside that offer these speeds.
| Recommended Speeds | Type of Internet Activities | Internet Providers in Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| 25+ Mbps |
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| 100+ Mbps |
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| 1000+ Mbps |
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How do I find the fastest internet in Riverside?
In Riverside, internet users in search of fast internet speeds can look to providers like Spectrum ($109.99/month) and EarthLink Fiber ($99.95/month). These providers currently offer some of the fastest internet plans in Riverside, with speeds reaching up to 1000 Mbps.
Should I bundle TV or phone service in Riverside?
Bundling TV and/or phone services with your internet is a popular way to streamline your services and save on monthly costs with certain providers. In Riverside, internet providers like Spectrum and AT&T Internet offer a variety of double and triple play packages that include internet, TV, and/or phone service.
Bundled Cable Plans and Pricing in Riverside
| Internet Providers in Riverside | Services | Price Range of Bundles |
|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Internet + Phone + TV | $89.98-152.97/mo. |
| AT&T Internet | Internet + TV | $109.99-129.99/mo. |
How can I compare the major internet providers in Riverside?
Knowing what to look for or what you need from your internet provider can be a confusing process, especially if you are a student or young professional moving out for the first time. When comparing major internet providers in Riverside, keep these important factors in mind to navigate toward a plan that’s best for you:
- Price: Set a monthly price point that you’re willing to spend for your internet service given your current income and household size.
- Speed: Take time to research how you, your business, or your household use the internet. Whether it’s light browsing or heavy internet usage, you’ll be able to better understand the internet speed required to keep up with your daily life.
- Data Caps: On your next bill, check to see how much data your household or business currently uses. From there, you can decide whether it’s enough, if you need more, or less with your new provider.
- Contracts: On average, most internet providers in Riverside require contracts of 1-2 years. There are also providers like Spectrum that offer month-to-month plans without contracts.
What do I need to keep in mind when moving to Riverside?
Whether you’re moving to Riverside to pursue a degree at UCR or settle down for retirement, there are so many reasons to call Riverside home. But to best prepare for your move from a broadband perspective, there are a handful of key elements to consider when leaving your internet provider for a new one.
First, think about your current provider. If you’re happy with their service and they offer coverage in your area, you can call and speak to a representative to find out about transferring your service over to your new Riverside home. However, if you want to find a new provider, be prepared for early termination fees should you end your contract early.
Early termination fees are a common, and unfortunately often unavoidable, aspect of signing a contract with an internet provider. Depending on the provider and type of plan, early termination fees in Riverside vary but generally range from $0-400. Be sure to read up on your contract before canceling in order to understand what kind of fees or penalties you may face.
It’s also important to think about the length of your contract. On average, most Riverside internet contracts range from 1-2 years. However, if you’d prefer to avoid contracts entirely, providers like Spectrum offer contract-free plans. Before you breach your current contract, or sign up for a new one, read the fine print to ensure a smooth switch in internet service.
Installation Fees in Riverside
Like in most cities, in Riverside, you have the option to self-install your internet or hire your provider’s professional installer. For professional installation, expect to pay $0 to $99, depending on your provider. Some providers may waive the installation fee or discount it if you choose to self-install.
How much data do you need for your home or business internet in Riverside?
Whether you’re a college student pursuing a degree at UC Riverside or a small business owner working in Downtown, how much data you need depends on how you use the internet. For those planning to download large files or use streaming services, you’ll find that some of Riverside’s top internet providers by coverage area—including Viasat Internet and Spectrum—offer internet-only plans with no data caps, so you can use the internet without fear of extending past your plan’s data limit.
What are the most-connected neighborhoods in Riverside?
The areas with three or more internet providers available stay central to the heart of Riverside, covering neighborhoods including Magnolia Center, Highgrove, and out into Mead Valley. Generally, residents choose between an internet plan from Spectrum and EarthLink, as they offer the greatest coverage in Riverside.
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
Internet Statistics for Riverside, California
Known as a college town melting pot, the city of Riverside is home to students, families, and the popular UC Riverside campus—all of whom need reliable and affordable broadband services. Though the city ranks as the 153rd most connected city in the state of California ( ahead of Norco, Bloomington, Colton, and Grand Terrace), approximately 4,000 people in the county still do not have access to more than one wired internet provider. Currently, Spectrum, EarthLink and AT&T Internet offer the most coverage availability in the city, making them the most common choices for internet in Riverside.
