Internet Providers in Santa Monica, California

If you’ve just moved to Santa Monica, one of the first things you’ll want to do is set up your internet. This Internet Buyer’s Guide will give you all the information you need to find the best internet provider for you. Pricing, coverage, deals, speed and more about the residential and business internet providers is detailed below.

What type of internet is available in Santa Monica?

Santa Monica customers will have their pick of services including DSL, cable, fiber-optic, fixed wireless or satellite internet.

• DSL: DSL is great for light internet use like emails and browsing the web. It’s an inexpensive option that uses existing phone lines to connect customers to the internet.
• Cable: Cable is a popular option for many customers as cable packages, with TV and internet plans, are generally less expensive. Plus it’s easy to set up as it connects to the internet through your TV’s cable cords.
• Fiber-Optic: If you’ll be doing a lot of gaming, streaming, and video uploading and downloading, consider fiber. While it can be more expensive than other technologies, it offers some of the fastest internet available in Santa Monica.
• Fixed Wireless: Unlike cable or fiber optic options, fixed wireless connects you to the internet wirelessly through an antenna or dish.
• Satellite: If your location offers limited wired broadband access, satellite offers a great solution with the use of a dish on the roof or balcony to connect you to the internet.

There are a number of options available to customers in Santa Monica, but keep in mind not all areas have access to the internet types listed above.

How do I find the cheapest internet option in Santa Monica?

There are a total of 32 internet providers in Santa Monica with 12 of those offering residential service and 20 offering business services. Finding the least expensive service will come down to personal needs and requirements, but EarthLink Fiber, Spectrum and Frontier Communications offer some of the lowest prices packages, with plans starting at $39.99/month.

How Much Internet Speed Do I Need In Santa Monica?

How much speed you need will vary depending on your personal needs and what you use the internet for. Whether you’re working from the beach or home, or need to keep your business connected 24/7, there’s a great option for you.

Telecommuters with heavy download, upload, and teleconferencing needs, will need speeds around 100 Mbps; however, those who mostly check emails or use online applications for task management will only need around 25 Mbps. University students with multiple roommates will benefit from internet speeds around 1000 Mbps.

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

How do I find the fastest internet in Santa Monica?

If you’re looking for fast speeds in Santa Monica, fiber and cable are going to be the best options for you. Fiber is the fastest option with speeds up to 1000 Mbps, but may not be available in all areas. Spectrum and EarthLink Fiber offer the fastest plans in Santa Monica.

Should I bundle TV or phone service in Santa Monica?

Looking to get internet, phone, and/or TV together? Great bundles can be found with several providers in Santa Monica. Spectrum and Viasat Internet offer great double and triple play options to fit all your needs. These packages are an easy and cost-efficient way to combine your needs into one provider package to save money and time. Depending on your needs, there are many packages available to you that you can discuss directly with your provider.

Bundled Cable Plans and Pricing in Santa Monica

How can I compare the major internet providers in Santa Monica?

Whether you’re new to the area and looking for an internet service provider or are a longtime resident just browsing for a new plan, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

• Price: There are a number of varying price points and programs that can fit within any budget. Find a price point that you’re comfortable paying then start your search as prices vary greatly in Santa Monica.
• Speed: Whether you’re a Hollywood video editor who works from home or you’re just looking to watch Netflix in the evenings, having an idea of your speed needs will allow you to shop for the best option.
• Data Caps: To find how much data you’ll need in Santa Monica, take a look at your current data needs. This will give you an idea of what your needs are. Keep in mind that some providers have data caps that will slow your internet speed once these caps have been met. Make sure you select a plan that has a little more data that you might need to avoid slowdowns or overage charges.
• Contracts: Most internet providers require a minimum of a 1-year-contract for service. This is a common contract stipulation for most providers in California. For students, short-term residents or those who know they’ll be relocating, several contract-free plans are available.

What do I need to keep in mind when moving to Santa Monica?

There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re moving or switching providers. If you’re new to Santa Monica, but still enjoy the services from your current internet provider, check with them to see if they serve your new neighborhood and if your plan can be easily transferred over. If not, keep in mind possible early termination fees may be incurred when you cancel.

Unfortunately, cancellation fees are a common contractual fee with most internet service providers, but they can vary greatly depending on the type of plan, length of plan, price of plan and more. Speak with your current provider directly to see about cancellation charges. Keep early termination fees cancellation can range from $0-400 in mind Santa Monica .

Most internet service providers in Santa Monica require a 1-2 years commitment, but for those searching for something short term or no contracts, there are a couple options available. One of the most popular provider with contract-free plans is Spectrum. Occasionally they’ll also run promotional deals where they will “buy out” existing contracts you may have with another provider if you switch to one of their packages.

Installation Fees in Santa Monica

Installation fees are an inevitable part of signing up with a new internet provider. Depending on the type of internet you’ve selected—DSL, cable, fiber, etc.—pricing can vary greatly, but often promotional deals can be found. Keep in mind prices can also change depending on the type of the installation, self or professional. Professional installation fees in Santa Monica range from $0 to .

How much data do you need for your home or business internet in Santa Monica?

Data needs will depend greatly on how your household or business is using the internet. Are you downloading and uploading videos and photos constantly? Do you need to be able to teleconference daily or just reach out through email? Heavy users will benefit from higher or unlimited data caps. Spectrum and Viasat Internet offer plans with no caps.

What are the most-connected neighborhoods in Santa Monica?

Beachside Santa Monica and spots like Wilshire Montana, Dogtown and Ocean Park are some of most connected neighborhoods in the area with an average of three providers to choose from. Further from the beach in Mid-City and Sawtelle, connection drops to only one internet provider.

Internet Statistics for Santa Monica, California

Residents in Santa Monica stay connected with excellent fiber and cable connections, as the average download speed in Santa Monica is 215.8 Mbps. The city is well connected ranking as the 32nd most-connected city in California ahead of Culver City, Playa Del Rey, and Venice. However, there are 20,000 residents are still severely limited in wired broadband choices, with no more than one provider to choose from.