What Are The Best Internet Providers In Long Beach Ca?

Introduction

Long Beach, California, a vibrant coastal city with nearly 500,000 residents, thrives on reliable internet for its bustling port, diverse community, and growing tech scene. Whether you’re streaming 4K movies, working remotely, gaming online, or managing a smart home, choosing the right internet service provider (ISP) is crucial for a seamless online experience. With a variety of ISPs offering cable, fiber, DSL, and 5G services, Long Beach residents have multiple options, but availability, speed, and pricing vary significantly. This 2500-word guide explores the best internet providers in Long Beach, detailing their plans, pricing, coverage, and customer feedback. We’ll also include a comprehensive FAQ section to address common questions, helping you select the ISP that best fits your needs.

Internet Landscape in Long Beach, CA

Long Beach’s internet market is robust, with 23 ISPs offering various connection types, according to BroadbandSearch. Cable internet is available to 99.4% of the city, fiber to 92.36% in select areas, DSL to 53.41%, and satellite to 100%. The average cost of internet service in Long Beach is around $62/month, but prices vary based on plan type and provider. Key factors to consider when choosing an ISP include:

• Speed: Higher speeds are essential for bandwidth-intensive tasks like 4K streaming or gaming.

• Reliability: Consistent performance, especially during peak hours, ensures uninterrupted service.

• Pricing: Affordable plans with no hidden fees are ideal for budget-conscious households.

• Coverage: Availability at your address determines your options.

• Customer Service: Responsive support can resolve issues quickly.

Below, we explore the top internet providers in Long Beach: Frontier Fiber, Spectrum, AT&T, T-Mobile Home Internet, EarthLink Fiber, and Starry.

Top Internet Providers in Long Beach, CA

1. Frontier Fiber

• Overview: Frontier Fiber is a top choice in Long Beach, offering high-speed fiber-optic internet with symmetrical speeds, unlimited data, and competitive pricing. CNET names it the best ISP in Long Beach for its performance and value.

• Plans and Pricing:

  • Fiber 100: $30/month for 100 Mbps.

  • Fiber 500: ~$50/month for 500 Mbps.

  • Fiber 1 Gig: ~$70/month for 1 Gbps.

  • Fiber 7 Gig: $110/month for 7 Gbps.

  • No annual contracts or data caps.

• Coverage: Available in areas like Wilmington, downtown Long Beach, and Naples-Marina, though coverage varies by address. Check at frontier.com.

• Features:

  • Symmetrical upload and download speeds, ideal for video conferencing and large file uploads.

  • Free installation for many plans.

  • WiFi 6 technology for enhanced connectivity.

  • 24/7 customer support.

• Best For: Heavy users, large households, gamers, and streamers needing ultra-fast speeds.

• Customer Feedback: Praised for speed and reliability, with a Speedtest.net report noting a median download speed of 299 Mbps. Some users report occasional outages, but overall satisfaction is high (Speedtest.net).

2. Spectrum

• Overview: Spectrum, a Comcast brand, is a leading ISP in Long Beach, offering cable internet with near-universal coverage and a range of plans.

• Plans and Pricing:

  • Internet: $30/month for 75 Mbps (first year).

  • Internet Premier: $50/month for 500 Mbps (first year).

  • Internet Gig: $70/month for 1 Gbps (first year).

  • No data caps or annual contracts.

• Coverage: Covers 99.4% of Long Beach, making it the most widely available ISP (BroadbandSearch.net).

• Features:

  • Free modem rental with most plans.

  • Spectrum Advanced WiFi for better coverage.

  • Bundling options with TV and phone services.

  • Promotional perks like streaming service discounts.

• Best For: Families, gamers, and streamers needing reliable, high-speed internet with broad availability.

• Customer Feedback: Positive for speed and coverage, but some users report price increases after the promotional period and inconsistent customer service (HighSpeedInternet.com).

3. AT&T

• Overview: AT&T offers fiber internet in Long Beach, known for its reliability and high customer satisfaction ratings.

• Plans and Pricing:

  • Internet 300: $55/month for 300 Mbps.

  • Internet 1000: ~$80/month for 1 Gbps.

  • Internet 5000: ~$180/month for 5 Gbps.

  • Unlimited data and no contracts.

• Coverage: Available in select areas, covering 53.41% of Long Beach, excluding central communities like downtown and Belmont Shore (ISP Reports).

• Features:

  • Symmetrical speeds for upload and download.

  • AT&T Smart Wi-Fi with WiFi 6 for optimized connectivity.

  • Bundling options with AT&T mobile plans.

• Best For: Users prioritizing reliability and customer service.

• Customer Feedback: Highly rated for consistent performance and support, with ISP Reports naming AT&T the best provider in Long Beach based on customer satisfaction.

4. T-Mobile Home Internet

• Overview: T-Mobile Home Internet provides 5G internet, offering a wireless alternative with competitive pricing and no contracts.

• Plans and Pricing:

  • $50/month for speeds up to 415 Mbps.

  • Unlimited data with no contracts.

• Coverage: Available in areas with strong 5G coverage; check at t-mobile.com.

• Features:

  • Easy self-installation with included gateway.

  • Discounts for T-Mobile mobile customers.

  • No data caps or annual contracts.

• Best For: Wireless users seeking flexibility and predictable billing.

• Customer Feedback: Appreciated for simplicity and pricing, though speeds may vary due to network congestion (BroadbandNow.com).

5. EarthLink Fiber

• Overview: EarthLink partners with local providers to offer fiber internet, emphasizing reliability and customer service.

• Plans and Pricing:

  • Speeds up to 5 Gbps, with pricing varying by location (typically $50–$150/month).

  • Unlimited data and no contracts.

• Coverage: Covers 92.36% of Long Beach through partnerships (EarthLink).

• Features:

  • Advanced fiber technology for low latency.

  • $100 Mastercard gift card for new customers.

  • Strong focus on customer support.

• Best For: Users prioritizing reliable service and excellent customer support.

• Customer Feedback: Praised for reliability and support, though availability may be limited in some areas.

6. Starry

• Overview: Starry is a newer provider offering high-speed internet with a focus on urban areas.

• Plans and Pricing:

  • Offers 200 Mbps upload and download speeds, with pricing competitive but not always publicly listed.

  • No data caps or contracts.

• Coverage: Limited but expanding in Long Beach; check availability at starry.com.

• Features:

  • Fast, symmetrical speeds.

  • Easy setup with a free trial month.

• Best For: Urban users seeking fast speeds and flexibility.

• Customer Feedback: Positive feedback on Reddit, with users noting better performance than Spectrum in some cases (Reddit).

Comparison of Providers

Speed

Frontier Fiber leads with speeds up to 7 Gbps, followed by AT&T and EarthLink Fiber at 5 Gbps. Spectrum offers up to 1 Gbps, while T-Mobile and Starry provide lower but sufficient speeds for most households.

Reliability

Fiber providers (Frontier, AT&T, EarthLink) offer the highest reliability with 99.9% uptime. Spectrum’s cable internet is stable but may slow down during peak hours. 5G services like T-Mobile vary by network strength, and Starry is reliable in covered areas.

Pricing

Spectrum and Frontier Fiber offer the lowest starting prices at $30/month. AT&T and T-Mobile start at $50–$55/month, while EarthLink and Starry pricing varies but remains competitive.

Customer Service

AT&T and EarthLink are praised for responsive support. Spectrum and Frontier receive mixed reviews, with some users reporting billing issues. T-Mobile and Starry are noted for straightforward service.

Coverage

Spectrum’s 99.4% coverage makes it the most accessible. EarthLink covers 92.36%, while AT&T, Frontier, T-Mobile, and Starry are more limited but expanding.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an ISP

1. Speed Requirements:

   • Light Use: 10–50 Mbps for browsing, email, and SD streaming.

   • Moderate Use: 100–300 Mbps for HD streaming and video calls.

   • Heavy Use: 500 Mbps+ for 4K streaming, gaming, and multiple devices.

2. Reliability: Fiber providers offer the best uptime, followed by cable. 5G services may fluctuate based on network conditions.

3. Pricing and Promotions: Look for introductory rates, but check for price increases after 12 months. Bundling can save money.

4. Data Caps: All listed providers offer unlimited data, ideal for heavy users.

5. Customer Service: Prioritize providers with strong support, especially for troubleshooting.

6. Availability: Confirm service at your address using provider websites or tools like HighSpeedInternet.com.

Tips for Optimizing Your Internet Experience

• Check Availability: Use provider websites to confirm service at your address.

• Test Speeds: Run speed tests with Speedtest.net to ensure you’re getting advertised speeds.

• Use Provided Equipment: WiFi 6 routers from Frontier, Spectrum, and AT&T enhance performance.

• Optimize Router Placement: Place your router centrally, away from walls or metal objects.

• Monitor Outages: Check Downdetector for outage reports if issues arise.

• Explore Low-Income Options: Programs like Spectrum Internet Assist or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offer discounted plans.

Conclusion

Long Beach, CA, offers a diverse range of internet providers, with Frontier Fiber and Spectrum leading the pack for their speed, coverage, and value. AT&T, T-Mobile Home Internet, EarthLink Fiber, and Starry provide compelling alternatives for specific needs like reliability, wireless flexibility, or urban coverage. By assessing your speed requirements, budget, and availability, you can choose the ISP that best suits your household. Use provider websites or comparison tools to confirm service at your address and take advantage of promotions to maximize savings. With the right ISP, you’ll enjoy seamless connectivity for all your online activities in Long Beach.

FAQ

Q1: What is the fastest internet provider in Long Beach, CA?
A1: Frontier Fiber offers the fastest speeds, up to 7 Gbps, followed by AT&T and EarthLink Fiber with up to 5 Gbps.

Q2: Which provider offers the cheapest plans?
A2: Spectrum and Frontier Fiber both start at $30/month, making them the most affordable options.

Q3: Are there providers with no data caps?
A3: Yes, Frontier Fiber, Spectrum, AT&T, T-Mobile, EarthLink Fiber, and Starry offer unlimited data plans.

Q4: How can I check provider availability at my address?
A4: Visit provider websites (e.g., frontier.com, spectrum.com) or use HighSpeedInternet.com to enter your address.

Q5: What are the best options for rural areas in Long Beach?
A5: For rural areas, T-Mobile Home Internet or satellite providers like HughesNet or Starlink are viable options.

Q6: Can I use my modem or router?
A6: Most providers allow compatible modems/routers to avoid rental fees ($10–$15/month). Check with the ISP for approved models.

Q7: What should I do if I experience slow speeds or outages?
A7: Run a speed test, restart your modem, or contact your ISP’s support. Check Downdetector for outage reports.

Q8: Are there low-income internet options in Long Beach?
A8: Yes, Spectrum offers Internet Assist, and programs like the ACP provide discounts for eligible households. Check provider websites for details.