Quick Answer: Best Internet in Long Beach, CA
Residents of Long Beach, California have access to several internet service providers. Spectrum (Cable) is one of the most prominent options, offering up to 1 Gbps. As one of California's largest cities, Long Beach has robust broadband competition with Spectrum dominating cable and AT&T pushing fiber into more neighborhoods.
Below, we break down the major internet providers in Long Beach, their plans, pricing, and what to expect based on where you live.
Internet Service in Long Beach, California: Local Overview
Long Beach is a major coastal city in southern Los Angeles County, stretching along the Pacific Ocean with the Port of Long Beach — one of the busiest seaports in the Western Hemisphere. With a population of approximately 466,000, the city encompasses neighborhoods such as Belmont Shore, Bixby Knolls, Wrigley Heights, Signal Hill, Naples, Downtown Long Beach.
The local economy is driven by international shipping, aerospace (Boeing), oil industry, tourism, and California State University Long Beach. This economic profile shapes internet demand — households with remote workers, students, and tech-savvy residents generally need speeds of 100 Mbps or higher for comfortable daily use.
Key landmarks and points of reference include Port of Long Beach, Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach Convention Center, Shoreline Village. Internet infrastructure quality can vary across different parts of Long Beach, with central and newer-development areas typically having the best access to fiber and high-speed cable options.
Internet Providers in Long Beach, CA
The following providers offer residential internet service in Long Beach. Availability, speeds, and pricing may vary by address, so we recommend verifying coverage at your specific location.
Spectrum
Connection Type: Cable
Max Speeds: up to 1 Gbps
Price Range: $50-$90/mo
Call to order: (855) 771-1328
AT&T
Connection Type: Fiber/DSL
Max Speeds: up to 5 Gbps (fiber)
Price Range: $55-$180/mo
Call to order: (855) 452-1829
T-Mobile
Connection Type: 5G Home Internet
Max Speeds: up to 245 Mbps
Price Range: $50/mo
Call to order: (844) 839-5057
Frontier
Connection Type: Fiber
Max Speeds: up to 5 Gbps
Price Range: $50-$150/mo
Call to order: (855) 809-2498
Viasat
Connection Type: Satellite
Max Speeds: up to 100 Mbps
Price Range: $70-$150/mo
Comparing Internet Options in Long Beach
When choosing an internet provider in Long Beach, consider these factors based on local conditions:
- Speed needs: Households with multiple devices, remote workers, or gamers should look for plans offering 200 Mbps or higher. Single-user households may find 50-100 Mbps sufficient.
- Connection type: Fiber optic (where available) generally offers the best performance with symmetrical upload and download speeds and low latency. Cable is widely available and delivers strong download speeds. DSL is more limited but may be the only wired option in some Long Beach neighborhoods. Fixed wireless (5G) is expanding and works well for moderate usage.
- Budget: Monthly costs in Long Beach typically range from $35 to $150 depending on the provider and speed tier. Introductory prices may increase after 12-24 months — read the fine print carefully.
- Contract terms: Some providers require 1-2 year agreements while others (notably T-Mobile 5G Home Internet) offer month-to-month flexibility. Consider equipment rental fees that can add $10-15/mo to your bill.
For a detailed side-by-side comparison, see our comparison of Long Beach internet providers.
Internet Access by Neighborhood in Long Beach
Internet availability in Long Beach is not uniform across all neighborhoods. Here is a general overview of what residents in different parts of the city can expect:
Central and downtown areas of Long Beach tend to have the broadest provider selection, with both cable and potentially fiber options available. Established neighborhoods like Belmont Shore and Bixby Knolls generally have reliable infrastructure from major providers.
Newer residential developments on the outskirts of Long Beach may have fiber pre-installed, particularly in communities built within the last five years. However, some edge-of-city properties might initially have fewer wired options, making fixed wireless services a practical alternative.
If you are moving to Long Beach, we recommend checking availability at your exact address before signing a lease or purchasing a home, as service can differ from one block to the next.
Internet Speeds Available in Long Beach, CA
Internet speeds in Long Beach vary by provider and connection type. Here is what you can generally expect:
- Basic (25-50 Mbps): Suitable for light browsing, email, and basic streaming for 1-2 people. DSL plans from providers like CenturyLink or AT&T may fall in this range.
- Mid-tier (100-300 Mbps): Good for families with multiple devices, HD streaming, and casual gaming. Cable and fixed wireless plans commonly offer these speeds.
- High-speed (500-1000 Mbps): Ideal for heavy users, large households, 4K streaming, competitive gaming, and frequent large file transfers. Available through fiber and premium cable tiers.
- Ultra-fast (1+ Gbps): Best for power users, content creators, and smart-home setups. Fiber providers may offer multi-gigabit plans in some Long Beach neighborhoods.
Keep in mind that advertised speeds represent maximum capabilities under ideal conditions. Real-world performance can be influenced by factors like network congestion (particularly during evening peak hours), Wi-Fi router quality, and the age of in-home wiring.
How to Choose the Right Internet Provider in Long Beach
Selecting the best internet provider in Long Beach depends on your specific circumstances. Consider the following decision framework:
- Check what is available at your address. Not all providers serve every part of Long Beach. Start by entering your address on each provider's website or call their customer service lines listed above.
- Assess your household's usage patterns. A household of four streaming video on multiple devices needs more bandwidth than a single person checking email. Remote workers should prioritize upload speeds and reliability.
- Compare total costs, not just advertised prices. Factor in equipment rental fees, installation charges, early termination penalties, and post-promotional rate increases. Some providers offer free equipment while others charge $10-15/mo for modem and router rental.
- Read the terms carefully. Pay attention to data caps, throttling policies, and contract length. Providers in Long Beach may offer both contract and no-contract options at different price points.
- Consider bundling opportunities. If you also need TV or phone service, bundling with one provider may save money compared to separate subscriptions.
To check availability and order service, call these providers directly:
- AT&T: (855) 452-1829
- Xfinity: (855) 389-1498
- Spectrum: (855) 771-1328
- Verizon Fios: (855) 452-1505
- Frontier: (855) 809-2498
- T-Mobile: (844) 839-5057
Order Internet Service in Long Beach
Ready to get connected? Use the links below to check availability and sign up with a provider in Long Beach:
Frequently Asked Questions About Internet in Long Beach, CA
What is the fastest internet in Long Beach?
AT&T Fiber and Frontier Fiber both advertise speeds up to 5 Gbps in select Long Beach neighborhoods. Spectrum cable delivers up to 1 Gbps across much of the city.
Is fiber internet available in Long Beach?
AT&T and Frontier have been expanding fiber coverage in Long Beach. Availability varies significantly by neighborhood — Downtown and Bixby Knolls tend to have broader coverage.
What is the cheapest internet in Long Beach?
Xfinity Internet Essentials (if eligible), T-Mobile 5G Home Internet (~$50/mo), or Spectrum's base plan are among the more affordable options.
What internet do CSULB students use off-campus?
Students near Cal State Long Beach often use Spectrum cable or AT&T. Some apartments near campus come with internet included.
Is 5G home internet good in Long Beach?
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet is widely available in Long Beach given the dense urban coverage. Speeds vary but can reach up to 245 Mbps in well-covered areas.
What internet options are available in Belmont Shore?
Belmont Shore residents typically have access to Spectrum cable, AT&T (fiber in some areas), and T-Mobile 5G. The dense coastal neighborhood generally has good infrastructure.
Internet Providers in Nearby Cities
Looking for internet options in the broader Greater Los Angeles area? Check out our guides for nearby cities:
You can also explore all providers in California for a statewide overview.
Disclosure: Some of the links and phone numbers on this page are affiliate links, meaning InternetProviders.ai may earn a commission if you sign up for service. This does not affect our editorial integrity or the accuracy of the information presented. Pricing, speeds, and availability information is based on publicly available data and may change without notice. We recommend verifying all details directly with the provider before making a purchase decision. All speeds referenced are "up to" speeds and may not reflect typical performance.