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Internet providers in San Rafael, CA
Shop the best San Rafael internet providers. Compare internet plan pricing and speeds from DSL, cable and fiber-optic providers in your area.
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San Rafael, CA internet providers
Need help? Call (844) 451-2720
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of Jun 1, 2020.
Need help?San Rafael internet service at a glance
At 100%, broadband coverage in San Rafael is comparable to the rest of California - 93%, and comparable to broadband coverage across the U.S. - 95%.
The vast majority of those living in the San Rafael area will have access to DSL, which covers 99% of San Rafael residents. Cable internet is also an option for many, offering service to 99% of the area. No fiber-optic providers are currently available in San Rafael, but satellite or fixed-wireless providers may offer broadband options in your area.
There are six internet providers serving the San Rafael area, and 98.68% of households will have internet options from more than one provider. Among San Rafael's six internet providers, prices start at $29.99 and available download speeds reach up to 1,000 Mbps.
Top high-speed internet providers in San Rafael
The largest internet providers in San Rafael are AT&T, Xfinity, and Sonic bringing DSL and cable options to San Rafael.
DSL internet from AT&T is available to nearly all San Rafael residents, covering 98% of households. Many will also have the option of cable from Xfinity, which covers 99% of the area. San Rafael’s third most-available internet provider, Sonic, offers DSL to around 39% of San Rafael residents.
AT&T DSL internet
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*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of Jun 1, 2020.
DSL from AT&T offers broadband to nearly all households in San Rafael covering 98% of the area.
DSL internet from AT&T uses telephone lines in San Rafael to deliver service, which often leads to lower prices and higher availability, though download speeds are likely to be slower than cable or fiber-optic internet.
Internet prices for AT&T start at $30/mo.*, which is significantly lower than the average starting price for internet in San Rafael, $42.00.
AT&T customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 100 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $0.30 per Mbps, about the same as the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in San Rafael, $0.78.
For those who value internet speed as much as cost, AT&T offers download speeds up to 75 Mbps and upload speeds up to 20 Mbps in San Rafael. These download speeds are available to 98% of the area, and are much slower than the average max speeds from all San Rafael's providers, 441 Mbps.
Xfinity cable internet
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*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of Jun 1, 2020.
Cable from Xfinity offers broadband to all households in San Rafael covering 99% of the area.
Xfinity’s cable network is likely to offer faster speeds than DSL or satellite service, but San Rafael residents in densely populated areas may experience slowed speeds during peak usage times.
Internet prices for Xfinity start at $29.99/mo.*, which is significantly lower than the average starting price for internet in San Rafael, $42.00.
Xfinity customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 15 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $2.00 per Mbps, higher than the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in San Rafael, $0.78.
For those who value internet speed as much as cost, Xfinity offers download speeds up to 987 Mbps and upload speeds up to 35 Mbps in San Rafael. These download speeds are available to 99% of the area, and are much faster than the average max speeds from all San Rafael's providers, 441 Mbps.
Sonic DSL internet
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*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of Jun 1, 2020.
DSL from Sonic offers broadband to some, but not many households in San Rafael covering 39% of the area.
DSL internet from Sonic uses telephone lines in San Rafael to deliver service, which often leads to lower prices and higher availability, though download speeds are likely to be slower than cable or fiber-optic internet.
Internet prices for Sonic start at $40/mo.*, which is about the same as the average starting price for internet in San Rafael, $42.00.
Sonic customers who choose the lowest-priced plan can expect speeds up to 10 Mbps, which comes to an estimated $4.00 per Mbps, significantly higher than the average cost per Mbps for the lowest priced plans in San Rafael, $0.78.
For those who value internet speed as much as cost, Sonic offers download speeds up to 80 Mbps and upload speeds up to 4 Mbps in San Rafael. These download speeds are available to 39% of the area, and are much slower than the average max speeds from all San Rafael's providers, 441 Mbps.
Internet coverage for rural areas
If you live in the heart of San Rafael, you’ll likely have options from cable, DSL, and fiber-optic internet providers. For those in rural areas or just outside San Rafael, however, satellite or fixed wireless internet may be the best internet option.
Satellite internet from HughesNet and Viasat offers 100% availability in San Rafael and surrounding areas. HughesNet starting prices are significantly higher than average in San Rafael at $59.99/mo. for speeds up to 25 Mbps. Viasat starting prices are higher than average in San Rafael at $50/mo. for speeds up to 25 Mbps. Satellite internet is a less appealing option for many San Rafael residents, however, as service typically comes with high latency and low data allowances.
Internet provider frequently asked questions
What’s the fastest internet provider in San Rafael?
AT&T is the fastest internet provider in San Rafael with download speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. These speeds are available to 0.292% of households in San Rafael. The next fastest internet provider in San Rafael is Xfinity, offering download speeds up to 987 Mbps to 99% of the area.
What’s the cheapest internet provider in San Rafael?
Xfinity offers the cheapest internet in San Rafael with plans starting at $29.99/mo. This is significantly less than the average starting price for internet in San Rafael, $42.00.
Is fiber internet available in San Rafael?
AT&T is the largest fiber-optic internet service provider in San Rafael, covering 0.292% of the city.
How do I get cheaper internet?
Using your own router is a good way to cut internet costs without having to downgrade your internet plan. You can also try negotiating for a lower price with your current provider, or switch to another internet provider to take advantage of introductory pricing and special promotions.
Do I need a phone line for broadband?
The only broadband internet type that requires a phone line is DSL and dial-up, which use phone lines to deliver service. Other internet types, such as cable, fiber-optic and satellite, require no phone line for broadband service.
How much should I pay for internet?
Monthly costs for internet can range from $20 to $60, depending on which providers are available in your area. Added fees for Wi-Fi service and equipment can add to that cost, but your internet provider may give you the option to use your own router, which can lower the monthly internet cost.
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