Merced, CA Internet
Internet Providers in Merced, CA
Compare every internet provider in Merced, CA: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedXfinity is the best overall, with cable speeds up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 25% of Merced, while its overall footprint reaches about 72% of the city. If AT&T fiber reaches your address, it is the faster choice, with speeds up to 5,000/5,000 Mbps reaching about 18% of the city, though AT&T’s overall footprint is about 78%. Downtown Merced leans toward Xfinity, with its largest share at about 36%, while AT&T fiber reaches about 28% there. North Merced is especially competitive, with Xfinity covering about 34% and AT&T fiber reaching about 17%, while South Merced gives AT&T fiber and Xfinity an even about 30% share each.
ZIP 95344 is the clearest fiber pocket, where AT&T reaches about 51%, and Bellevue Ranch is worth checking street by street rather than assuming the neighborhood has one uniform option. For students at the University of California, Merced or Merced College, reliable service matters for Zoom, streaming, and gaming, but apartments can differ from nearby homes and some addresses may still be stuck with older DSL or copper infrastructure. T-Mobile, Cal.net, Verizon, and Ayera Technologies add fixed wireless choices, and coverage can change from one street to the next, so confirm the exact address before signing up.
Best Internet Providers in Merced, CA
Best plan here: 2 Gig — faster than 91% of all internet options in California
- 2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable2,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$100Per month
- 1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable1,200 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month
- 1 GigCable1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month
- 500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)Cable500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45Per month
- 300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)Cable300 MbpsDownload72Our score$40Per month
Source: Xfinity official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Merced
Xfinity’s 1 Gig cable plan reaches about 70% of Merced, giving many households a solid chance at reliable high-speed service. Cable is a solid option for most uses, with up to 1,000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, while the provider’s 91/100 Speed Score is above the city average of 54. The fastest 2 Gig plan scores 91/100 but is available to only 25% of the city, so your address determines whether that top-tier tier of performance is available.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Xfinity
Xfinity reaches about 72% of Merced, so many households have a good chance of getting its service. Its cable plans are excellent for most modern needs, with speeds up to 2 Gig, although the 2 Gig option is available to about 25% of the city and the 1.2 Gig and lower-speed plans reach about 70%, making your address important to check.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
Fiber
Fiber
Best plan here: AT&T Internet 5 GIG speed — faster than 95% of all internet options in California
- AT&T Internet 5 GIG speed$90/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 discount applies for 12 months on 1Gb+ plans) · $150 Visa reward cardFiber5,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$90Per month
- AT&T Fiber 1 GIG speed$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers; up to $30 off for 12 months; full plan cost due until discount starts within 3 bills) · $150 Visa reward cardFiber1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 500Mbps$50/mo for 12 months (new AT&T Fiber customers, $15/mo discount for 12 months applies after up to 3 bill cycles) · $100 Visa reward cardFiber500 MbpsDownload80Our score$50Per month
- AT&T Fiber 300Mbps$35/mo for 12 months (new customers, with AutoPay & paperless bill discount, wired connection to gateway) · $200 AT&T Visa Reward CardFiber300 MbpsDownload72Our score$35Per month
- AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new customers, no annual contract, AutoPay eligible for additional $5/mo discount)Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload72Our score$40Per month
Source: AT&T official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Merced
At $90/mo for 12 months, AT&T Internet 5 GIG offers up to 5000 Mbps both ways, a $150 reward card, and a 95/100 Speed Score, making it a top-tier fiber option that is above Merced’s city average of 54. Fiber availability varies by address, and this plan reaches about 18% of the city, while AT&T’s 300 Mbps Internet Air reaches about 30% with up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload and a 72/100 score. Check your address before choosing, since the fiber plans provide stronger performance and lower-latency service than fixed wireless.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About AT&T
AT&T offers excellent value where its fiber is available, including up to 5,000 Mbps both ways for $90 per month or up to 1,000 Mbps both ways for $50 per month, while the $35 per month 300 Mbps fiber plan is a budget-friendly choice. Fiber reaches about 23% of Merced for these plans, and AT&T Internet Air reaches about 30% with up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, so availability is highly address-dependent and the fixed-wireless fallback may be less suitable for demanding households.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Speed Score: Faster than 58% of all internet options in California
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Merced
Frontier’s up to 115 Mbps download and 7 Mbps upload copper plan can handle everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, with a Speed Score of 58/100. That score is above Merced’s average top speed score of 54, but copper offers limited performance compared with alternatives, so consider checking other providers first and confirm whether this plan is available at your address.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Frontier
Frontier’s fastest option here is up to 115 Mbps download and 7 Mbps upload, which can handle basic browsing, streaming, and smaller households but may feel limited for heavy use. Its copper service reaches only about 0% of census blocks for that plan, and the slower up to 90/5, 45/3, and 10/1 Mbps options may not be sufficient for modern households, so check whether a faster provider is available at your address first.
Available Plans
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Best plan here: 5G Home — faster than 72% of all internet options in California
- 5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload72Our score$60Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Merced
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless connection offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it suitable for everyday streaming, work, and connected devices, though performance can vary more than wired service. Its 72/100 Speed Score is above Merced’s city average of 54, making it a competitive option, and the plan is available to about 54% of the city. Check your address carefully, since this 5G Home plan may not reach every location.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, which is good for everyday browsing, streaming, video calls, and many households, though fixed wireless can be less consistent than wired connections. This plan is available to about 54% of Merced and costs $60 per month for 12 months with Auto Pay and a qualifying postpaid unlimited mobile plan, so check your address and compare faster fiber or cable options first if they are available.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Ayera Technologies
Speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
Plans start at $39 /mo *
Speed Score: Faster than 81% of all internet options in California
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Merced
Ayera Technologies is a competitive option where its fastest fixed wireless plan is available, offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 81, above Merced’s average top speed score of 54. That high-performing plan reaches only about 3% of the city, while the more widely available plan covers about 32% and offers up to 120 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 58. Fixed wireless performance can vary by address, so confirm which plan serves your home and consider checking other available options if only the lower-scoring plan is offered.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Ayera Technologies
Ayera Technologies can be a good option if your address qualifies for its fastest plan, offering fixed wireless up to 1000 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload with an excellent 81/100 Speed Score, but that option reaches only about 3% of census blocks. Elsewhere, its up to 120 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload plan has a below-average 58/100 Speed Score and reaches about 32%, so check for faster alternatives first if your address is limited to that plan.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Cal.net
Speeds up to 100 Mbps
Plans start at $39.95 /mo *
Speed Score: Slower than 79% of all internet options in California
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Merced
Fixed wireless service offers up to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, which is adequate for everyday browsing and streaming but has a below-average Speed Score of 21/100. Cal.net’s Lbr Fixed Wireless plan covers about 74% of Merced, though the available fixed wireless option depends on your address. Given its limited performance compared with alternatives, consider checking other providers first if you need faster speeds or lower latency.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Cal.net
Cal.net offers fixed wireless service, with speeds up to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, which can handle everyday browsing and streaming but may feel limited for busy households or demanding work. The service is an adequate rather than standout option, so check for faster alternatives first, and confirm availability at your address because the Lbr Fixed Wireless plan reaches about 74% of Merced census blocks.
Available Plans
Lbr Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 80% of all internet options in California
- T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps$45/mo for 12 months, then $60/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45Per month
- T-Mobile All-In Home Internet 500 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months, then $70/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload80Our score$55Per month
- T-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps$35/mo for 12 months, then $50/mo (qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, and new Internet line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless400 MbpsDownload80Our score$35Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Merced
T-Mobile is a practical fit for households that want strong everyday performance without needing the lowest-latency connection, with plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload and an 80/100 Speed Score, above Merced’s city average of 54. Its fixed wireless service is adequate for streaming, work, and multiple connected devices, but performance can vary by location and network conditions. The 500 Mbps plans are available to about 61% of Merced, so confirm your address before choosing, especially if you need consistently reliable speeds.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a strong fit for households that want up to 500 Mbps service and can manage the limitations of fixed wireless, especially for streaming, video calls, and everyday use. Its 500 Mbps plans have an excellent 80/100 Speed Score and are available to about 61% of Merced, while the 400 Mbps Rely plan is a lower-cost option with the same score; availability and performance depend on your address, so confirm service at home before choosing.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 80% of all internet options in California
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload80Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload59Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload21Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Merced
Satellite internet can handle streaming and everyday online use, but its higher latency may affect competitive gaming and real-time video calls. Starlink’s Residential Max 400 Mbps plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 80/100, above Merced’s city average of 54. It is available to 100.0% of the city, though checking other connection types at your address is wise if low latency matters.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Starlink
Satellite internet can reach homes that wired providers may miss, but its higher latency can affect gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130/mo, has an 80/100 Speed Score, and is available to 100.0% of Merced, while the 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans provide less capacity; check for fiber or cable at your address first, since those technologies are generally better for modern, latency-sensitive use.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 79% of all internet options in California
- Fusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/moSatellite100 MbpsDownload21Our score$94.99Per month
- Select$49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/moSatellite50 MbpsDownload13Our score$49.99Per month
- Lite$39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/moSatellite25 MbpsDownload3Our score$39.99Per month
Source: HughesNet official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Merced
At $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $119.99, HughesNet’s Fusion plan costs that much for up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, while its 21/100 Speed Score indicates limited value for the price. Fusion is available to 100.0% of Merced, but satellite service has higher latency and its score is below the city average of 54, so check which other technologies reach your address before choosing it.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About HughesNet
HughesNet costs $39.99 to $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $49.99 to $119.99, but that buys satellite service of only up to 25 to 100 Mbps down and 3 to 5 Mbps up, which may feel limited for modern households. Its Fusion plan reaches 100.0% of Merced and is the fastest choice here, but satellite latency and below-average speed scores mean you should check for faster fiber, cable, or other local options at your address first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 82% of all internet options in California
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload18Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload13Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Merced
Viasat is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives, with a headline Speed Score of 18/100 that is below Merced’s city average of 54. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, with availability at 100.0% of the city. Satellite service can have higher latency, so check what other technologies are available at your specific address before choosing.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is a broad-coverage fallback, but it should not be your first choice for modern internet needs because its satellite plans are below average, with the faster Viasat Essentials offering up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month and a Speed Score of 18/100. Both plans are available to 100% of Merced, but satellite service can have high latency, so check your address for faster fiber, cable, or other local options first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Merced
All 22 product lines from the 7 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 22 plans
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload80Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)1,200 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month~69.7%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload59Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month~69.7%CoverageCable
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45$55Per month~69.7%CoverageCable
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload72Our score$40Per month~69.7%CoverageCable
- T-MobileT-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps$35/mo for 12 months, then $50/mo (qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, and new Internet line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard400 MbpsDownload80Our score$35$50Per month~61%CoverageFixed Wireless
- T-MobileT-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps$45/mo for 12 months, then $60/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45$60Per month~61%CoverageFixed Wireless
- T-MobileT-Mobile All-In Home Internet 500 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months, then $70/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard500 MbpsDownload80Our score$55$70Per month~61%CoverageFixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)300 MbpsDownload72Our score$60Per month~53.5%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
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 Merced
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps for $40/mo promotional pricing for 12 months, reaching about 70% of Merced.
Its cable tier combines practical speed and broad reach near Merced College and the University of California, Merced.
Check first: Confirm Xfinity reaches your address; the 2,000 Mbps tier reaches only about 25%.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose AT&T Fiber 300Mbps for $35/mo promotional pricing for 12 months, where its fiber reaches about 23%.
Fiber provides a wired 300 Mbps option suited to video calls and uploads when available at your Merced.
Check first: AT&T's 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches only about 18%, so verify the exact technology.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Xfinity 2 Gig for 2,000 Mbps where its cable tier reaches about 25% of Merced.
The 2,000 Mbps cable tier is the fastest Xfinity option, supporting simultaneous streaming and downloads.
Check first: Availability is limited; Xfinity's 1,200 Mbps tier reaches about 70% instead.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential 100 Mbps for $55/mo promotional pricing, available everywhere in Merced.
Starlink's 100 Mbps plan is available everywhere, unlike wired and fixed-wireless tiers with limited footprints.
Check first: Satellite availability is broad, but compare address-level wired or fixed-wireless options first.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Merced
Downtown Merced 95340
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Xfinity reaches about 36% of ZIP 95340, ahead of AT&T at about 28%.
South Merced 95341
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fiber-speed potential.
AT&T fiber and Xfinity each reach about 30% of ZIP 95341, while AT&T offers the 5,000 Mbps tier.
North Merced 95348
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Cable service.
Xfinity reaches about 34% of ZIP 95348, slightly exceeding its 2,000 Mbps tier at about 34%.
ZIP 95344
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fiber availability.
AT&T fiber reaches about 51% of ZIP 95344, while Xfinity reaches about 40%.
Internet providers near Merced
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Merced, check the neighboring market directly.
Merced Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Merced, CA?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, with cable up to 2,000 Mbps reaching about 25% of Merced. AT&T is faster where available, offering 5,000 Mbps fiber reaching about 18%, so check your address before choosing between broad overall value and maximum available speed.
What is the fastest internet in Merced, CA?
AT&T is fastest where available, with 5,000/5,000 Mbps fiber reaching about 18% of Merced. Xfinity is the best overall provider and offers 2,000 Mbps cable reaching about 25%, making it the practical high-speed alternative when AT&T's fiber does not reach your address.
Which internet provider covers the most of Merced, CA?
AT&T has the largest non-satellite footprint at about 78% of Merced, while satellite service is available everywhere. AT&T's overall coverage includes multiple technologies, so verify whether your address receives fiber, fixed wireless, or another available AT&T connection before relying on a specific speed.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Merced, CA?
The cheapest plans are tied: AT&T Fiber 300Mbps costs $35/mo promotional pricing for 12 months with AutoPay and paperless billing, reaching about 23%, while T-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps costs $35/mo for 12 months with a qualifying wireless bundle, reaching about 61%. Compare eligibility and address reach.
Can I get fiber internet in Merced?
AT&T Fiber 1 GIG reaches about 23% of Merced, while AT&T's 5,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 18%; Xfinity fiber reaches about 2%. Fiber is concentrated at specific addresses, so check availability directly rather than using a provider's overall city coverage as a fiber estimate.
What internet speed do I need in Merced?
A 300 Mbps plan is a practical starting point for many Merced households, while 1,000 Mbps or more suits heavier simultaneous use. Xfinity's 300 Mbps cable reaches about 70%, and AT&T Fiber 300Mbps reaches about 23%, so address availability should guide the final choice.
Is fast internet available in Downtown Merced?
Xfinity reaches about 36% of Downtown Merced's ZIP 95340, while AT&T reaches about 28% and includes its 5,000 Mbps fiber tier. Check the exact address because ZIP-level figures do not guarantee that a particular building receives the fastest listed technology.
How We Analyze Internet in Merced
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
A state-wide percentile of each plan’s maximum advertised download speed against every option filed with the FCC in the state, all technologies on one scale. It is not a measured speed test.
Coverage Calculation
Provider coverage shows what percentage of census blocks in Merced report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Merced
How We Calculate Speed Score
The Speed Score is a state-wide percentile from 0 to 100. It answers one question: of every internet option filed with the FCC in this state, across every technology, what share is slower than this plan’s maximum advertised download speed?
What goes in:
- The plan’s maximum advertised download speed, as the provider files it with the FCC and lists it for sale.
- Every other serviceable option in the state from the FCC Broadband Data Collection, counted by the census blocks it reaches.
Speed Score = share of the state’s filed options with a lower advertised download speed
A score of 85 means this plan’s advertised speed beats 85% of the options filed in the state. Fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless and satellite are all on the same scale, so a 1,000 Mbps plan scores the same whoever sells it.
What it is not: a measured speed test. It does not include latency, upload speed, reliability or congestion. Real throughput at an address varies with wiring, equipment and time of day.
How providers are ordered on this page: each provider’s tier scores are averaged across the census blocks it serves, then multiplied by the share of the city it reaches. Wired providers rank ahead of wireless-only ones, and satellite last, because their filings describe a signal footprint rather than a plant. The same rule sets the title and the 30-second verdict.
Data source: FCC National Broadband Map (Broadband Data Collection), republished roughly twice a year; provider plan lists checked monthly.
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.