Internet Providers in San Francisco, California

If you’re looking for an internet provider in San Francisco, California, then you’re in luck as this Internet Buyer’s Guide encompasses information regarding internet plans, prices, deals, speeds, and extra fees. Currently, there are 22 residential providers and 46 business providers for San Franciscans to choose from. No matter if you’re a local looking to switch services, a prospective resident, or a business owner, you’ll find answers to your internet shopping questions from the details outlined below.

What type of internet is available in San Francisco?

Internet types available in San Francisco are DSL, cable, fiber-optic, copper, fixed wireless, and satellite.

• DSL: One of the top choices for internet in San Francisco, DSL is the cheapest option with widespread coverage. Data is transmitted through twisted copper telephone lines for connectivity.
• Cable: Another popular option among San Franciscans, cable internet uses coaxial cables from TV networks to deliver data at faster speeds than DSL.
• Fiber-Optic: San Francisco is a “Fiber-Friendly” certified city, and because of its large fiber infrastructure in which glass strands deliver data at lightning speeds, internet speeds are much higher than other major cities in California.
• Copper: Copper internet refers to telephone carrier lines to transfer digital data. Businesses commonly use this type of internet.
• Fixed Wireless: An alternative choice and also widely available, fixed wireless internet provides a connection through data transfer between two fixed locations such as a radio and some other wireless link.
• Satellite: Though not always the most affordable option, satellite internet has a 100 percent coverage in San Francisco. To form a reliable internet connection, a technician will usually install a dish on your roof or balcony.

Not all internet types are available in various pockets of San Francisco—always check with the internet provider about availability in your area.

How do I find the cheapest internet option in San Francisco?

Among the 68 internet providers in San Francisco, Wave Broadband, Xfinity and Raw Bandwidth Communications provide some of the cheapest internet plans in San Francisco at different speeds and prices.

How Much Internet Speed Do I Need In San Francisco?

Known as the second-most densely populated city in the U.S., San Francisco is also the center for all things cultural, commercial, and financial. Due to the competitive nature of San Francisco’s job market and therefore household income, it’s important for residents to find an affordable internet plan that boasts high download and upload speeds in a tech-driven neighborhood. Internet speed requirements vary depending on the type of internet activity and the size of your household or business.

For small households with light internet users, a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps allows for comfortable web browsing and streaming videos on one device. Larger households with moderate internet users would need at least 100 Mbps. If you’re looking for gigabit performance and 4K resolution when streaming on multiple devices, download speeds of at least 1000 Mbps are ideal.

Below are the recommended download speeds based on frequent internet activities and the residential providers in San Francisco that offer these speeds.

How do I find the fastest internet in San Francisco?

There are a handful of providers that offer some of the fastest internet in San Francisco—such as Xfinity, AT&T Fiber, and EarthLink Fiber—with speeds that can go up to 1200 Mbps.

Should I bundle TV or phone service in San Francisco?

A number of San Francisco providers offer bundles that include TV and/or phone services with the internet. Viasat Internet, HughesNet, and Etheric Networks provide various bundles and triple play options at different price points, benefits, and speeds. When browsing for bundles, you may find that benefits include waived installation fees, lower prices for new customers, and unlimited data. Before you decide, check with the internet provider to see how their bundles may benefit you.

Bundled Cable Plans and Pricing in San Francisco

How can I compare the major internet providers in San Francisco?

Several factors come into play when you ponder over which internet provider works best for you. Below are some major points to consider:

• Price: Living in San Francisco means a higher household income. When shopping for an internet provider, decide how much you’re willing to pay per month for the service. Quality of life is crucial when living in a densely populated, global city where different markets are always competing with each other, hence, higher expenses.
• Speed: As the tech hub of the Bay Area, San Francisco residents and business owners aim for the highest speeds. Depending on your household size and how frequently each person uses the internet, note how much internet speed is needed for comfortable use.
• Data Caps: Many of San Francisco’s internet providers offer generous data caps or no data caps at all. Keep track of how much data your household uses before deciding on a plan with a data cap or unlimited data.
• Contracts: A vast majority of internet providers in San Francisco do not require contracts for their plans, such as Xfinity and AT&T Internet. However, the handful that do generally have a contract term of 1-2 years.

What do I need to keep in mind when moving to San Francisco?

Whether you’re attending San Francisco State University as an incoming freshman or starting a new job at one of the five major banking institutions, several broadband considerations should come to mind before you move. Transferring or switching your internet provider is one of them.

Before switching your internet provider, check with your current one to see if your plan is transferable. If so, and you’re happy with their services, you won’t have to worry about searching for a different provider. Should you decide to switch providers or your plan isn’t transferable, beware of early termination fees.

You will encounter early termination fees when you decide to opt-out of a contract with your current provider. It’s a good rule of thumb to always read the fine print of your contract to ensure that you’ll avoid early termination fees, which in San Francisco, can cost anywhere between $0-400. Research prospective internet providers to see which ones have early termination fees.

Contract lengths for internet providers in San Francisco range from 1-2 years. If you’re looking for contract-free options, Xfinity and AT&T Internet are some providers that offer contract-free plans. Coverage may be limited with the aforementioned providers. Additionally, you’ll want to determine whether you’ll be a short or long-term resident if you’re thinking about signing a contract. This will prevent any sudden fees that will hinder your transition to your new home or business in San Francisco.

Installation Fees in San Francisco

There are two options for internet installation: self-installation or professional installation. For some providers, professional installation is required in addition to equipment and handling fees. In San Francisco, professional installation fees range from $0 to $99. Select bundles will waive installation fees—check with the internet provider if the bundle that you’re planning to purchase waives these fees.

How much data do you need for your home or business internet in San Francisco?

Depending on your household size and how often everyone uses the internet, data cap requirements will vary. For business owners, you may want to opt for unlimited data to accommodate employees’ and customers’ everyday internet use. In San Francisco, internet providers who offer plans with no data caps are Viasat Internet and AT&T Internet.

What are the most-connected neighborhoods in San Francisco?

In San Francisco’s ethnically diverse and populated neighborhoods, an average of 5-6 internet providers are available to each household. The most connected neighborhoods are The Sunset, Financial District, and Mission District.

Internet Statistics for San Francisco, California

As a technologically-driven city and home to major corporations such as Apple, Google, Facebook, and Twitter, San Francisco is a primary location for career growth. It is the 4th most connected city in California, ahead of South San Francisco, Sausalito, Brisbane, Daly City, and Emeryville. The average download speed in San Francisco is around 212.1 Mbps. Despite Etheric Networks, AT&T Internet and EarthLink offering some of the greatest coverage in the city, approximately 2,000 people either have minimal broadband connections or still do not have access to any wired internet. However, given San Francisco’s ever-growing economy, internet providers are readily available in many neighborhoods, keeping everyone connected in some shape or form.