Internet Providers in San Diego, California

Although San Diego has 47 internet service providers available, your best options are AT&T or one of two cable providers that serve San Diego: Cox Communications and Spectrum.

AT&T is the most widely available internet provider in San Diego, covering 96 percent of residents. Cox and Spectrum follow, with Spectrum offering service primarily in Carmel Valley, Mira Mesa, and University City. Cox is mostly available in southern San Diego, in neighborhoods like Hillcrest, Logan Heights, and City Heights.

Fastest Internet Providers in Chicago

The fastest internet options in San Diego will either be AT&T Fiber or your nearest cable provider. AT&T Fiber offers symmetrical gigabit speed, with download and upload speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. Its sibling, AT&T Internet, a DSL service, offers download speeds up to 100 Mbps.

Cox and Spectrum offer similar speeds and are great alternatives if AT&T Fiber is unavailable. Both providers have download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, but their upload speeds are limited to 30-35 Mbps. Our Cox speed test results show an average download speed of 387 Mbps for San Diego residents. Our Spectrum speed test results show an average download speed of 299 Mbps.

If you’re fond of AT&T’s internet but not the provider itself, EarthLink is the next best option. EarthLink uses AT&T’s network to provide service while offering its own plans and customer service. Google Fiber Webpass is also available, offering gigabit speed in various buildings scattered across Cortez Hill, East Village, and Porto Siena.

Cheapest Internet in San Diego

High-speed internet plans (with speeds around 500 Mbps and higher) start at only $65 a month in San Diego with AT&T Fiber. Cox and Spectrum high-speed plans (with speeds around 400 Mbps and more) start at $70 a month. AT&T and Cox typically offer monthly deals that lower the price for new customers. Make sure to call or hit the “View Plans and Pricing” buttons in their listings to see which deals are available.

Comparing AT&T to Cable Providers (Cox and Spectrum)

Whether you’re looking for an internet-only plan or a bundle, AT&T Fiber is the fastest and lowest-priced option in San Diego. If you’re among the less than 5 percent that doesn’t have access to AT&T, Cox or Spectrum will be your fastest option.

Most neighborhoods only have one cable provider available. There’s a small chance that you’ll have to choose between Cox and Spectrum. If you do, know that the bundle options are different: Spectrum offers internet, TV, home phone, and wireless, while Cox offers home security and automation instead of wireless service.

Digital Equity Programs in San Diego

San Diego created the SD Access 4 All program to bridge the digital divide for thousands of residents. The program offers free public Wi-Fi at over 300 locations across San Diego, mainly at libraries and city-owned parks and recreation areas, and free laptops and hotspots you can check out at any branch of the San Diego Public Library. For a list of participating locations, visit www.sandiego.gov/sdaccess.

Internet Statistics for San Diego, California

Transforming from a laid back surf town to an innovating tech scene, San Diego boasts popular schools and a booming tech industry in addition to its famed weather and lifestyle. Currently, San Diego impressively ranks as the 16th most internet-connected city in California, outranking nearby cities including National City, Santee, Lemon Grove, and La Mesa. With three major universities calling the city home, reliable and fast internet is a major requirement among users. EarthLink, AT&T Internet and Spectrum are some of the most popular providers among San Diegans based on high coverage availability. However, approximately 34,000 people in the county only have access to one or fewer wired broadband providers. Still, San Diego stands as one of the most popular cities to move to, with strong broadband services for every kind of user.