BERKELEY, CA INTERNET
Find internet providers in Berkeley, CA
Find internet offered in Berkeley, CA – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Shop and compare 9 internet providers for Berkeley, CA
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedFor a wired connection, start with fiber: AT&T’s fiber reaches 44% of Berkeley and offers up to 5000/5000 Mbps, while Sonic.net’s fiber reaches 3% and goes up to 10000/10000 Mbps. Those symmetrical speeds are genuinely useful for heavy work-from-home, big uploads, competitive gaming, or a house full of devices, but most students at University of California, Berkeley or Berkeley City College do not need that much. Local patterns matter: AT&T is the clear fiber winner in Elmwood (94705) at 58.9% and Berkeley Hills (94708) at 64.6%, while Sonic.net leads North Berkeley (94709) at 41.8%. Next, Xfinity cable reaches 22% of the city with up to 2000/300 Mbps, while its up to 1200/35 Mbps tier reaches 87%, so ask whether you actually need multi-gig fiber or cable is the smarter, cheaper call for streaming, browsing, and video calls. Student apartments may differ from nearby homes, and some buildings or blocks can still be stuck on older copper or DSL infrastructure. If wired choices fail, Unwired Ltd fixed wireless covers 97% with up to 300/25 Mbps, with Verizon another option at 78% and up to 300/20 Mbps. If neither fiber nor cable reaches your exact address, satellite like Starlink is the true fallback, reaching 100% with up to 220/30 Mbps, so confirm the address and, in an apartment, that the unit is actually wired for fiber.
Best plan here: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG — faster than 98% of all internet options in California
- AT&T Fiber 5 GIG$95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/moFiber5,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$95Per month
- AT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/moFiber1,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 500$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $75/moFiber500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300$35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35Per month
- AT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload80Our score$55Per month
Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Berkeley
At $50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo, AT&T Fiber 1 GIG buys up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 91/100, making it a top-tier option and strong value for heavy streaming, gaming, and work. Fiber is available to 44.5% of Berkeley, so confirm that your address qualifies before counting on fiber’s low-latency, symmetrical performance; where it is unavailable, Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps download and 300 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 80/100, though fixed wireless can be less consistent. AT&T’s headline Speed Score of 98/100 is above the city average of 72, while its 5 GIG plan offers up to 5000 Mbps download and 5000 Mbps upload for $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo.
About AT&T
At $35/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/mo, AT&T Fiber 300 is a strong value with up to 300 Mbps both ways, while Fiber 1 GIG costs $50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo, and offers up to 1000 Mbps both ways. Fiber is excellent for modern internet use but reaches 44.5% of Berkeley, so availability is address-dependent, and Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps both ways for $55/mo, then $60/mo, but fixed wireless may be less consistent and is worth considering only after checking for fiber.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Sonic.net
Speeds up to 10,000 Mbps
Plans start at $40 /mo *
Speed Score: Faster than 100% of all internet options in California
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Berkeley
For the monthly service, Sonic.net offers strong value with fiber speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps down and up, earning a Speed Score of 91. That makes it a top-tier option for streaming, gaming, remote work, and busy households, while the up to 10,000 Mbps plan scores 100 where available. Availability depends on your address, and the 10,000 Mbps tier reaches 3.4% of Berkeley.
About Sonic.net
At the quoted monthly price, Sonic.net offers excellent value through fiber, with up to 1000 Mbps both ways available across 76.6% of census blocks and up to 10000 Mbps both ways in 3.4%. That makes it a strong choice for streaming, remote work, and busy households, but the faster tier is highly address-dependent, so check your address to see which fiber plan you can order.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: 1.2/2 Gig — faster than 90% of all internet options in California
- 1.2/2 Gig$90/mo for the first 12 months, then $100/moFiber1,200 MbpsDownload90Our score$90Per month
- 1 Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moFiber1,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$60Per month
- 500 Mbps$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $60/moFiber500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $45/moFiber300 MbpsDownload80Our score$40Per month
Source: Xfinity official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Berkeley
Xfinity reaches just 0.4% of Berkeley, so availability at your address is unlikely and should be verified before you rely on it. Where available, its fiber is an excellent, top-tier option, with the 1 Gig plan offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload and a 91/100 Speed Score. Xfinity’s 90/100 headline Speed Score is above Berkeley’s 72 average, making it competitive at eligible addresses.
About Xfinity
Xfinity reaches only 0.4% of Berkeley, so most shoppers will not find these plans available at their address. In the small area it does serve, its fiber lineup is excellent, including up to 1000 Mbps both ways for $60/mo for the first 12 months, but verify your address before relying on Xfinity as an option.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 87% of all internet options in California
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload87Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Berkeley
5G fixed wireless supports streaming, video calls, and everyday use, with plans offering up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload or up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload. Verizon’s top Speed Score of 87/100 is above Berkeley’s city average of 72, making it a competitive option, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber for latency-sensitive use. Service reaches 77.8% of Berkeley, so confirm availability and expected performance at your address.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service is an adequate choice for everyday streaming, video calls, and gaming, with plans offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, though wireless performance can vary. The faster 5G Home Plus costs $45/mo promotional, then $70/mo, while 5G Home costs $35/mo promotional, then $60/mo, and both are available to 77.8% of Berkeley, so check your exact address before relying on it for demanding or highly consistent use.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Amplified Home Internet — faster than 80% of all internet options in California
- Amplified Home Internet$60/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload80Our score$60Per month
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload80Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Berkeley
Households seeking a competitive option for streaming, remote work, and everyday use may find T-Mobile appealing, with up to 498 Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload, and an 80/100 Speed Score, above Berkeley’s 72 city average. Its 5G fixed wireless service is adequate, though performance and latency can vary more than wired connections, and availability reaches 59.7% of Berkeley, so check your address before choosing.
About T-Mobile
Households wanting a convenient option for streaming, browsing, and video calls may find T-Mobile’s fixed wireless service appealing, with up to 498 Mbps download and up to 20 Mbps upload for $60/mo promotional rate on Amplified Home Internet, while Rely Home Internet offers up to 354 Mbps download and up to 20 Mbps upload for $50/mo promotional rate. Fixed wireless is adequate rather than fiber or cable, and T-Mobile’s plans are available to 59.7% of Berkeley, so check your address and compare faster wired options first if they are available.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Unwired Ltd
Speeds 50–200 Mbps
Plans range $55–$175 /mo *
Best plan here: Residential 200 Mbps — faster than 72% of all internet options in California
- Residential 200 MbpsFixed Wireless200 MbpsDownload72Our score$175Per month
- Residential 150 MbpsFixed Wireless150 MbpsDownload71Our score$135Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsFixed Wireless100 MbpsDownload58Our score$85Per month
- Residential 50 MbpsFixed Wireless50 MbpsDownload47Our score$55Per month
Source: Unwired Ltd official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Berkeley
Unwired Ltd’s top plan offers up to 200 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload, which is suitable for multiple HD streams, video calls, and typical work-from-home use. Its 72/100 Speed Score is about the same as the city average of 72, making it a reasonable fixed-wireless option, although fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber or cable. The plan is listed as available to 97.0% of Berkeley, but confirm service at your specific address.
About Unwired Ltd
Unwired Ltd’s fastest plan offers up to 200 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload, which should comfortably handle HD streaming, video calls, and several connected devices. It is a good fixed-wireless option covering 97.0% of Berkeley with a 72/100 Speed Score, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than fiber or cable, so check your address for a faster wired alternative before choosing.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 70% of all internet options in California
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload46Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload46Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers competitive speeds in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Berkeley
Satellite internet can support everyday browsing and streaming, but its higher latency may feel less responsive for video calls, gaming, and other real-time uses. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 70/100 and availability to 100.0% of Berkeley, about the same as the city average of 72. The lower-priced plans offer up to 200 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload or up to 100 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, but both have a 46/100 Speed Score, so check what other technologies are available at your address before choosing.
About Starlink
Satellite internet gives Starlink broad reach across Berkeley, with service shown for 100.0% of the city, but higher latency can make gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities less responsive than fiber or cable. Its plans range from up to 100 Mbps for $55/mo to up to 400 Mbps for $130/mo, with speed scores of 46/100 to 70/100, so it is worth checking your address for faster fiber or cable first, especially if your household needs consistently strong performance for modern work, streaming, or uploads.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Elite — slower than 71% of all internet options in California
- Elite$64.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $89.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload29Our score$64.99Per month
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload29Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload4Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload1Our score$39.99Per month
Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Berkeley
At $64.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $89.99/mo, HughesNet’s Elite plan buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 29/100 Speed Score is below the city average of 72. As satellite service, it has limited performance and higher latency compared with other technologies, so consider checking what else is available at your address first. Elite is listed as available to 100.0% of Berkeley.
About HughesNet
At $64.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $89.99/mo, HughesNet’s Elite plan buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, while its cheaper plans offer up to 25 or 50 Mbps for $39.99/mo or $49.99/mo. Because all of these are satellite plans, check your address for fiber or cable first, since those technologies are usually better for modern streaming, gaming, and video calls, while HughesNet’s 100.0% Berkeley availability is a useful fallback where faster options are not available.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 96% of all internet options in California
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload4Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload1Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Berkeley
Viasat is a limited-performance choice in Berkeley, especially for households that need responsive, high-speed internet. Its best plan, Viasat Essentials, offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 4/100, below the city average of 72, and is available to 81.0% of Berkeley. Satellite service typically has higher latency and more limited performance than fiber or cable, so consider checking what else is available at your address before choosing it.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mainly a fallback option in Berkeley, so check whether a faster provider is available at your address first. Its satellite service reaches 81.0% of the city, but the fastest plan offers only up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 4/100, which may be limiting for modern internet needs.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Gso Satellite
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Berkeley
All 27 product lines from the 8 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 27 plans
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Unwired LtdResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload72Our score$175Per month~97%CoverageFixed Wireless
- Unwired LtdResidential 150 Mbps150 MbpsDownload71Our score$135Per month~97%CoverageFixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload87Our score$45$70Per month~77.8%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35$60Per month~77.8%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Unwired LtdResidential 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload58Our score$85Per month~97%CoverageFixed Wireless
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload80Our score$50$60Per month~59.7%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileAmplified Home Internet$60/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo498 MbpsDownload80Our score$60$70Per month~59.7%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload80Our score$70$80Per month~59.7%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload46Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Best Fit by Household Type in Berkeley
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Verizon 5G Home for 300 Mbps, reaching 77.8% of Berkeley, after confirming the exact address.
This 300 Mbps option reaches 77.8%, useful for shared student housing around University of California, Berkeley.
Check first: Confirm the exact rental address; plan-level coverage differs sharply from provider-wide footprints.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T Fiber 5 GIG where available, delivering 5,000 Mbps to 44.5% of Berkeley.
AT&T Fiber 1 GIG also reaches 44.5%, supporting intensive calls, cloud work, and large uploads.
Check first: Fiber is not citywide; verify service and the advertised tier at your Berkeley address.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Prefer Sonic.net 1,000 Mbps fiber, reaching approximately 77% of Berkeley, where the address qualifies.
Sonic.net leads ZIP 94702 at 59.1% and ZIP 94703 at 58.4%, both with 1,000 Mbps fiber.
Check first: Sonic.net's 10,000 Mbps tier reaches approximately 3%; confirm the tier, not just provider availability.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps for broad Berkeley coverage where wired service is unavailable.
Starlink's 100 Mbps residential plan reaches 100% of Berkeley, as does HughesNet's 25 Mbps Lite plan.
Check first: Satellite reaches broadly, but confirm the exact plan and address before ordering.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Berkeley
Downtown Berkeley
Sonic.net is currently the strongest option for Downtown gigabit fiber choice.
Sonic.net leads Downtown Berkeley at 32.3% with 1,000 Mbps fiber; Xfinity follows at 30.5% with 2,000 Mbps cable.
Elmwood
AT&T is currently the strongest option for High-capacity household fiber.
AT&T leads Elmwood at 58.9% with 5,000 Mbps fiber; Sonic.net has 20.6% with 1,000 Mbps fiber.
North Berkeley
Sonic.net is currently the strongest option for Strong gigabit fiber coverage.
Sonic.net leads North Berkeley at 41.8% with 1,000 Mbps fiber; AT&T follows at 33.2% with 5,000 Mbps fiber.
Berkeley Hills
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Highest listed 5,000 Mbps fiber share.
AT&T leads Berkeley Hills at 64.6% with 5,000 Mbps fiber; Sonic.net reaches 22.8% with 1,000 Mbps fiber.
Internet providers near Berkeley
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Berkeley, check the neighboring market directly.
Berkeley Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Berkeley, CA?
Sonic.net is Berkeley’s fastest listed provider, offering 10,000 Mbps fiber where available and reaching approximately 3% of the city. Its 1,000 Mbps fiber reaches approximately 77%, while AT&T’s 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches 44.5%, so check the exact address and tier.
Can I get fiber internet in Berkeley, CA?
Yes—Sonic.net’s 1,000 Mbps fiber reaches approximately 77% of Berkeley, while AT&T Fiber 300 reaches 44.5%. ZIP data shows AT&T’s 5,000 Mbps fiber at 64.6% in Berkeley Hills and 58.9% in Elmwood, but an address check is required.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Berkeley, CA?
Berkeley’s cheapest listed plan is AT&T Fiber 300 at a promotional starting rate of $35/mo for 300 Mbps, reaching 44.5% of the city. It is the minimum-priced option in the citywide plan data, but address-level eligibility is still necessary.
How fast should my Berkeley internet be for streaming and work?
For a multi-device Berkeley household, start with 300 Mbps: AT&T Fiber 300 reaches 44.5%, while Verizon 5G Home reaches 77.8%. Heavier uploads can justify 1,000 Mbps Sonic.net fiber at approximately 77% coverage or AT&T Fiber 5 GIG at 44.5%, subject to address verification.
Is Sonic.net available in North Berkeley?
Yes—Sonic.net’s 1,000 Mbps fiber reaches 41.8% of ZIP 94709, identified here as North Berkeley. That ZIP’s other listed options include AT&T’s 5,000 Mbps fiber at 33.2% and Xfinity’s 2,000 Mbps cable at 15.0%, so check your address.
How We Analyze Internet in Berkeley
FCC Broadband Data
We use the FCC National Broadband Map, updated twice a year with provider-reported coverage at the census block level.
Speed Score
Our proprietary score weights technology type (fiber=100%, cable=85%, etc.) with download (70%) and upload (30%) speeds, ranked as a state percentile.
Coverage Calculation
Provider coverage shows what percentage of census blocks in Berkeley report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Berkeley
How We Calculate Speed Score
Our Speed Score is a state-level percentile ranking (0-100) that shows how a provider’s service compares to all other internet options available in your state.
The Formula:
We calculate a raw performance score using:
Technology Factor × (Download Speed × 70% + Upload Speed × 30%)
Technology Factors:
Not all connections are equal. We weight each technology based on real-world reliability and performance:
- Fiber: 100% – Fastest, most reliable technology
- Cable: 85% – High speeds, shared neighborhood bandwidth
- Fixed Wireless (Licensed): 70% – Dedicated spectrum, weather-dependent
- Copper/DSL: 65% – Distance-limited, aging infrastructure
- Fixed Wireless (Unlicensed): 60% – Shared spectrum, variable performance
- Satellite (LEO): 40% – Low-earth orbit (e.g., Starlink), higher latency
- Satellite (GEO): 15% – Geostationary orbit, significant latency
Percentile Ranking:
After calculating raw scores, we rank every service option in your state by geographic coverage (census blocks served). A score of 85 means this service performs better than 85% of all internet options available in your state.
Data Source: FCC National Broadband Map data, updated twice a year.
How We Calculate Capabilities
Estimated Capabilities predict how well each internet plan supports common household activities based on speed requirements and connection type.
Rating Scale:
- Excellent – Optimal performance, handles peak usage easily
- Good – Reliable performance with minimal issues
- Fair – Functional but may experience slowdowns during heavy use
- Poor – Not recommended; expect frequent buffering or lag
How We Rate Each Category:
Streaming
Based on download speed. 4K streaming requires 25+ Mbps per stream; HD requires 5+ Mbps. We account for multiple simultaneous streams.
Multi-device
Evaluates total bandwidth capacity divided by typical household device count (phones, tablets, smart TVs, computers). Fiber and cable handle many devices better than DSL or satellite.
Gaming
Considers both upload speed (for sending game data) and latency (ping time). Fiber and cable excel here; satellite connections struggle due to inherent signal delay.
Whole Home
Assesses whether the connection can reliably serve an entire household during peak evening hours. Factors in technology type (shared vs. dedicated bandwidth) and total speed capacity.
Note: Actual performance depends on your specific location, network congestion, and equipment quality.