MERCED, CA
Find internet providers in Merced, CA
Find internet offered in Merced, CA – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
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Shop and compare 10 internet providers for Merced, CA
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Merced, CA, your best bet is AT&T, covering ~78% of the city; its fastest filed fiber reaches up to 5,000 Mbps, but that tier reaches ~18% of the city. T-Mobile is close at 76.3% city-wide, though its fixed-wireless tier reaches ~32% at up to 100/20 Mbps. In Bellevue Ranch, ZIP 95340, Xfinity leads with 1200/35 Mbps cable at 35.9%, while AT&T’s 5000/5000 Mbps fiber reaches 27.6%. South Merced, ZIP 95341, is a tie between AT&T’s 5000/5000 Mbps fiber and Xfinity’s 1200/35 Mbps cable, each at 30.4%. North Merced, ZIP 95348, leans heavily toward Xfinity’s cable, with 1200/35 and 2000/300 Mbps tiers reaching 34.0% and 33.9%, while AT&T’s fastest fiber reaches 16.8%, so some addresses may top out at the slower 1200/35 tier. ZIP 95344 is the fiber bright spot, with AT&T’s 5000/5000 Mbps tier reaching 50.6%. Students near the University of California, Merced or Merced College, including renters around Fahrens Park, should check apartment wiring because older copper or DSL can disrupt Zoom, streaming, and gaming. Cal.net is a budget fixed-wireless alternative at 74.0% city-wide, with its 100/20 Mbps tier reaching ~74%, but confirm your exact address since coverage changes street to street.
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 Merced
AT&T Fiber 5 GIG costs $95/mo for the first 12 months, then $135/mo, buying up to 5000 Mbps down and up with a 98/100 Speed Score, making it an excellent choice for heavy uploads, streaming, and multi-device use. That fiber tier is available to 18.2% of Merced, so your address determines whether you can get this top-tier option; where fiber is unavailable, Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps down and up with an 80/100 Speed Score over fixed wireless, which can be more variable. AT&T’s 98/100 headline Speed Score is above the city average of 64, making it a competitive high-performance choice where fiber reaches.
About AT&T
At $35/mo for the first 12 months, AT&T Fiber 300 buys up to 300 Mbps both ways, while $50/mo gets you up to 1000 Mbps both ways with Fiber 1 GIG, making AT&T a strong value where fiber is installed. Fiber is available to 22.7% of Merced, while AT&T Internet Air costs $55/mo for up to 300 Mbps and is available to 30.2%, so check your address for fiber first because the fixed-wireless option is adequate but may be less consistent for demanding modern use.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Copper
Fiber
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
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 Merced
Xfinity’s 1 Gig fiber plan is available to 1.9% of Merced, so your odds of getting this top-tier option depend heavily on your address. At eligible addresses, it offers up to 1000 Mbps download and up to 1000 Mbps upload with a 91/100 Speed Score, making it an excellent choice for demanding home use. Xfinity’s headline Speed Score is 90/100, above Merced’s 64 average, but verify which technology and plan your address qualifies for before signing up.
About Xfinity
Xfinity reaches 71.6% of Merced, so it is a reasonably likely provider to check at your address. Its available fiber plans offer excellent speeds, including up to 1000 Mbps both ways, but the 1 Gig option is available to only 1.9% of the city, so confirm your address before counting on these plans.
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 Merced
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service can support everyday streaming, work, and browsing, though performance may vary with signal and congestion. 5G Home Plus offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 87/100, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload with a score of 80/100, putting both above Merced’s city average of 64. Availability is address-specific, and these plans reach 53.5% of Merced, so verify your address before choosing Verizon.
About Verizon
Verizon uses 5G fixed wireless, an adequate option that can support streaming, video calls, and busy households, with 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload and 5G Home offering up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, though performance can vary by location. Both plans are available to 53.5% of Merced, so check your address before choosing; the promotional rates are $45/mo for Plus and $35/mo for Home, and a wired fiber or cable option may be more consistent if available.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 80% of all internet options in California
- 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 Merced
Homes seeking strong everyday streaming, work, and browsing performance may find T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless service a good fit, with an 80/100 Speed Score that is ABOVE the city average of 64. All-In offers up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload at a $70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo, while Rely offers up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload at a $50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo; both score 80/100. Availability is address-specific, with each plan reaching 61.0% of Merced, so verify your address before choosing.
About T-Mobile
Households that want strong everyday internet for streaming, work, and multiple devices could find T-Mobile a good fit, with 5G fixed wireless plans offering up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo, or up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo, both with a Speed Score of 80/100. Because fixed wireless is adequate rather than as consistent as fiber or cable, check those faster wired options at your address first, and note that these T-Mobile plans are available to 61.0% of Merced, so local availability and signal quality matter.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
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 Merced
Satellite internet can support everyday browsing and streaming, but its higher latency may be noticeable during gaming and video calls. Starlink’s Residential – Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo, with a 70/100 Speed Score that is above Merced’s 64 average, making it a competitive option. The plan is available to 100.0% of the city, though checking other options at your address is wise if low latency matters.
About Starlink
Satellite internet gives Starlink broad availability across 100.0% of Merced and can handle everyday browsing and streaming, but its higher latency may make gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities less consistent than fiber or cable. The fastest plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload for $130/mo, while the 200 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans cost $85/mo and $55/mo, so check your address for faster fiber or cable options first, especially if reliable low-latency service matters.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
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
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 Merced
Ayera Technologies is a competitive choice at addresses served by its fastest plan, with fixed wireless speeds of up to 1000 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload and a Speed Score of 81/100, above Merced’s average top speed score of 64. That plan reaches 3.3% of the city, so availability depends heavily on your address, and fixed wireless can be more variable than wired connections.
About Ayera Technologies
Ayera Technologies is worth checking, but it is a location-dependent choice rather than a sure bet for fast home internet. Its fixed wireless service ranges from up to 1000 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 81/100 in 3.3% of census blocks, to up to 120 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 70/100 in 31.8% of census blocks, so the faster option could be excellent for modern needs while the more widely available plan may be only adequate for busy households.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Cal.net
Speeds up to 100 Mbps
Plans start at $39.95 /mo *
Speed Score: Faster than 58% of all internet options in California
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
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Merced
Fixed wireless can support everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, but signal conditions and congestion may make performance less consistent than wired service. Cal.net’s Lbr Fixed Wireless plan covers 74.0% of Merced and offers up to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 50; its Licensed Fixed Wireless plan has the same advertised speeds and a Speed Score of 58, so consider checking other providers first if dependable performance is a priority. Because Cal.net offers multiple fixed-wireless options, the higher-scoring plan may not be available at your address, so verify the specific option before choosing.
About Cal.net
Cal.net mainly offers fixed wireless service, with speeds up to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, which should handle everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls but may feel limited for busy households or heavy uploads. The Lbr Fixed Wireless plan reaches 74.0% of census blocks, while Licensed Fixed Wireless reaches just 0.1%, so check your address and look for faster fiber or cable options first if they are available.
Available Plans
Lbr Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Speed Score: Faster than 58% of all internet options in California
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
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Merced
Frontier’s fastest plan offers up to 115 Mbps download and 7 Mbps upload, enough for everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, but its Speed Score is 58/100. This copper service has limited performance compared to alternatives, and the plan covers 0.2% of Merced, so check your address and consider checking other providers first.
About Frontier
Frontier’s fastest local plan is up to 115 Mbps download and 7 Mbps upload over copper, enough for browsing, email, and streaming for a small household, but less comfortable for heavy simultaneous use. Since every listed option is copper, with speeds as low as up to 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload, check your address for faster fiber or cable first because Frontier’s slower options may not be sufficient for modern households.
Available Plans
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Best plan here: Fusion — slower than 71% of all internet options in California
- 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 Merced
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet Fusion offers up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 29/100 Speed Score is below Merced’s city average of 64. As a satellite plan, it has higher latency and more limited performance than fiber or cable, so check which technologies reach your specific address before choosing; Fusion is available to 100.0% of Merced. The lower-cost Select and Lite plans offer up to 50/5 Mbps and 25/3 Mbps, with Speed Scores of 4/100 and 1/100.
About HughesNet
At $39.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $49.99/mo, Lite offers up to 25 Mbps; Select costs $49.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $74.99/mo, for up to 50 Mbps; and Fusion costs $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, for up to 100 Mbps, so the value is limited for these satellite speeds. All three plans are available to 100.0% of Merced, but satellite latency can be frustrating for gaming, video calls, and several heavy users, so check your address for fiber or cable first because HughesNet may be best treated as a fallback.
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 Merced
Viasat is a satellite option to consider only after checking what else is available at your address. Viasat Essentials is available to 100.0% of Merced and offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 4/100, below the city average of 64. Viasat Unleashed is slower at up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 1/100.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mainly a fallback option in Merced, so check whether faster internet is available at your address first. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo and reaches 100.0% of the city, while Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99/mo; the low Speed Scores of 4/100 and 1/100 reflect satellite’s limitations for modern needs such as video calls, gaming, and heavy streaming.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Merced
All 21 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 21 plans
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload70Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload80Our score$50$60Per month~61%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload80Our score$70$80Per month~61%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- Verizon5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload87Our score$45$70Per month~53.5%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload46Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload46Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Verizon5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload80Our score$35$60Per month~53.5%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- HughesNetFusion$94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo100 MbpsDownload29Our score$94.99$119.99Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- AT&TAT&T Internet Air$55/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo300 MbpsDownload80Our score$55$60Per month~30.2%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- AT&TAT&T Fiber 1 GIG$50/mo for the first 12 months, then $90/mo1,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$50$90Per month~22.7%CoverageFiber
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 AT&T Fiber 300 at a $35/mo promotional starting rate, reaching 22.7% of Merced, if eligible.
Its 300 Mbps service supports multiple users, but the plan reaches only 22.7% of Merced.
Check first: Confirm address eligibility; the lowest-priced plan is not citywide.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Consider T-Mobile Rely Home Internet at a $50/mo promotional starting rate for 354 Mbps, reaching 61% of Merced.
Its 354 Mbps tier covers more of Merced than AT&T Fiber 300's 22.7% plan footprint.
Check first: Fixed-wireless availability still depends on your exact address.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose AT&T Fiber 5 GIG where available: 5,000 Mbps reaches 18.2% of Merced.
Its symmetric 5,000/5,000 Mbps profile suits heavy uploads and multiple streams at eligible addresses.
Check first: Verify eligibility; this fastest AT&T tier reaches only 18.2% of Merced.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps at a $55/mo promotional starting rate; it reaches 100% of Merced.
Its basic NGSO satellite service reaches approximately 100% of Merced, supporting broad address availability.
Check first: Confirm the exact address and selected tier before ordering.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Merced
Bellevue Ranch
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Cable streaming and large households.
In Bellevue Ranch, Xfinity's 1,200-Mbps cable reaches 35.9%, ahead of AT&T fiber at 27.6%.
South Merced
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fast fiber where available.
South Merced's ZIP 95341 shows AT&T 5,000-Mbps fiber at 30.4%, tied with Xfinity's 1,200-Mbps cable.
North Merced
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for High-speed cable options.
North Merced's ZIP 95348 lists Xfinity at 34.0% for 1,200-Mbps cable and 33.9% for 2,000-Mbps cable.
ZIP 95344
AT&T is currently the strongest option for Fastest listed fiber availability.
ZIP 95344 leads with AT&T 5,000-Mbps fiber at 50.6%, while Xfinity's 1,200-Mbps cable reaches 39.5%.
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
What is the fastest internet provider in Merced, CA?
AT&T offers Merced's fastest listed plan: AT&T Fiber 5 GIG delivers 5,000 Mbps where available and reaches 18.2% of the city. At eligible addresses, its symmetric 5,000/5,000 Mbps service is suited to heavy uploads, large downloads, and multiple simultaneous streams.
Can I get fiber in North Merced?
Yes—AT&T's 5,000-Mbps fiber is listed in 16.8% of ZIP 95348, North Merced. Verify your address because ZIP-level coverage does not guarantee service at every home, and the fastest fiber tier has a smaller footprint than AT&T's other listed plans.
Which is the cheapest internet plan in Merced, CA?
Merced's cheapest listed option is AT&T Fiber 300 at a $35/mo promotional starting rate for 300 Mbps, reaching 22.7% of the city. It is the minimum listed price, but check your address because this plan's own availability is limited to that 22.7% reach.
What internet speed do I need for remote work and streaming in Merced?
For remote work and streaming, 300 Mbps is a practical starting point; Verizon 5G Home lists 300 Mbps and reaches 53.5% of Merced. Address eligibility still determines whether Verizon's 300-Mbps plan or AT&T Fiber 300, reaching 22.7%, is available for your household.
What internet options are available in Bellevue Ranch, Merced?
In Bellevue Ranch's ZIP 95340, Xfinity leads the listed options at 35.9% with 1,200-Mbps cable, while AT&T fiber reaches 27.6% at 5,000 Mbps. Compare both at your exact address because ZIP percentages do not guarantee service to every home.
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
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 Merced report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Merced
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.