Palm Desert, CA Internet
Internet Providers in Palm Desert, CA
Compare every internet provider in Palm Desert, CA: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedSpectrum is the best overall, with cable speeds up to 1,000 Mbps reaching about 90% of Palm Desert, and its overall footprint covering about 91% of the city. Frontier fiber reaches about 38% of the city with speeds up to 7,000/7,000 Mbps, and if it reaches your address, it is the faster choice.
The ZIP breakdown is genuinely street-specific: Spectrum leads Palm Desert Country Club in 92260 and ZIP 92255, while Frontier leads Sun City Palm Desert in 92211 and ZIP 92261. Frontier’s fiber is especially prominent in Sun City Palm Desert, but students and renters near College of the Desert should still verify the building, since apartment wiring can differ and some addresses may be stuck with older copper or DSL service. Desert Falls Country Club and The Lakes Country Club also deserve an exact-address check rather than assumptions based on the surrounding ZIP. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T are worth checking as fixed-wireless alternatives, with Verizon offering the strongest top speed where available. Coverage can change from one street or building to the next, so confirm the exact address before choosing, especially if you need dependable Zoom, streaming, or gaming service.
Best Internet Providers in Palm Desert, CA
Best plan here: Internet Gig 1 Gig — faster than 81% of all internet options in California
- Internet Gig 1 Gig$60/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier 500 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable500 MbpsDownload80Our score$40Per month
- Internet 100$30/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable100 MbpsDownload21Our score$30Per month
Source: Spectrum 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 Palm Desert
Spectrum’s top cable plan has a Speed Score of 81/100 and offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, enough for multiple 4K streams, gaming, video calls, and busy households. It is a solid, reliable choice and scores above Palm Desert’s city average of 49, but the plan is available to about 91% of the city, so confirm that the up-to-1000 Mbps tier reaches 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 Spectrum
Spectrum’s top plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, which is excellent for streaming, gaming, video calls, and many connected devices at once. This strong cable service is available to about 91% of Palm Desert, while the 500 Mbps plan is also a capable choice and the 100 Mbps plan is better suited to lighter use, so check your address for availability and choose based on your household’s needs.
Available Plans
Cable
Fiber
Best plan here: Fiber 7 Gig — faster than 98% of all internet options in California
- Fiber 7 Gig$124.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, maintain service 365 days for Samsung credit) · $400 Samsung / Best Buy promo codeFiber7,000 MbpsDownload98Our score$124.99Per month
- Fiber 5 Gig$104.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, Fiber 1 Gig or higher, maintain service for 365 days) · $400 Samsung / Best Buy promo codeFiber5,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$104.99Per month
- Fiber 2 Gig$79.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, Fiber 1 Gig or higher) · $400 Samsung / Best Buy promo codeFiber2,000 MbpsDownload91Our score$79.99Per month
- Fiber 1 Gig$64.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, Fiber 1 Gig plan) · $400 Best Buy promo code for Samsung productsFiber1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$64.99Per month
- Fiber 500$44.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, Fiber 1 Gig or higher for Samsung credit) · $400 Best Buy promo code for Samsung productsFiber500 MbpsDownload80Our score$44.99Per month
- Fiber 200$29.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, Fiber 1 Gig or higher for Samsung credit) · $400 Samsung / Best Buy promo codeFiber200 MbpsDownload59Our score$29.99Per month
Source: Frontier 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 Palm Desert
Up to 7,000 Mbps both ways on Frontier’s Fiber 7 Gig plan can comfortably support large households, 4K streaming, gaming, and demanding uploads. Its 98/100 Speed Score is above the city average of 49, making this fiber plan a top-tier option. Fiber 7 Gig is available to about 38% of Palm Desert, so check your address to confirm that Frontier’s best technology reaches you.
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 Fiber 7 Gig plan offers up to 7,000 Mbps both ways, which is excellent for large households, 4K streaming, gaming, and demanding work or uploads, with a Speed Score of 98/100. Fiber availability is address-dependent, with this top plan reaching about 38% of Palm Desert, so check your address first, though Frontier also sells several slower fiber tiers where available.
Available Plans
Fiber
Copper
Fiber
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 Palm Desert
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it suitable for everyday streaming, browsing, and connected-home use, though performance can vary more than wired connections. Its 5G Home plan earns a 72/100 Speed Score, above Palm Desert’s city average of 49, but it is available to only about 55% of the city, so confirm that the plan reaches 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 Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, which is a good fit for streaming, video calls, and everyday household use, with a Speed Score of 72/100. It is available to about 55% of Palm Desert, so the quality option is address-dependent, and you should confirm availability and compare fiber or cable first if you need the most consistent performance or support many heavy users.
Available Plans
Licensed 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 Palm Desert
T-Mobile is a strong fit for households that want fast everyday service for streaming, video calls, and multiple connected devices without a wired connection. Its fixed-wireless plans offer up to 500 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload with a Speed Score of 80/100, well above Palm Desert’s city average of 49, though performance can be more variable than wired service. The 500 Mbps plans are available to about 65% of the city, so check your address before choosing T-Mobile.
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 solid fit for households that want fast everyday service, with fixed wireless plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and a Speed Score of 80/100. The available plans reach about 65% of Palm Desert, but availability is address-dependent, so check your address first and confirm the connection is reliable for your needs before choosing this bundled service.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: AT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps — faster than 72% of all internet options in California
- 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
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 Palm Desert
At $40 per month for 12 months, AT&T Internet Air buys you up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 72/100 that is above Palm Desert’s city average of 49. Fixed wireless is an adequate option for everyday use, though performance can vary more than wired connections, and this plan is available to about 62% of the city, so confirm availability and expected service 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 AT&T
At $40 per month for the first 12 months, AT&T Internet Air offers good value for up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, making it suitable for streaming, video calls, and everyday online use. Its fixed wireless technology is adequate rather than top-tier, and availability is address-dependent across about 62% of Palm Desert, so check your address before ordering and compare faster cable or fiber options if they are available.
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 Palm Desert
Satellite internet offers broad reach, but its higher latency can affect gaming, video calls, and other real-time use. Starlink’s Residential Max plan provides up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 80/100, above the city average of 49, and is available to 100.0% of Palm Desert. Confirm service at your specific address and check other available technologies if low-latency performance is especially important.
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
Starlink uses satellite internet, which can reach homes broadly and supports everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls, though satellite connections typically have higher latency than wired service. Its fastest option, Residential Max, offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, with availability at 100% of Palm Desert, making it a strong choice where wired options are limited, but check for fiber or cable at your address first if you want the most responsive connection.
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 Palm Desert
HughesNet’s Fusion plan costs $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, then $119.99, for speeds up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 21/100 Speed Score indicates limited value for the performance. Available to 100.0% of Palm Desert, Fusion is below the city’s average Speed Score of 49, and satellite technology typically has higher latency than wired alternatives. Check what other technologies are available at your address before choosing HughesNet, especially if you need responsive video calls, gaming, or other real-time applications.
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, offering up to 25 to 100 Mbps download speeds, but its satellite service and below-average Speed Score of 21/100 may feel limited for modern streaming, gaming, and multiple users. It reaches 100.0% of Palm Desert, though you should check your address for faster fiber or cable options first, since HughesNet is mainly a fallback when those better technologies are unavailable.
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 Palm Desert
Viasat is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives, with a provider Speed Score of 18/100, below Palm Desert’s city average of 49. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, with availability at 100% of the city. Because satellite service can have higher latency and real-world limitations, 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 fallback option rather than a top choice, since its satellite plans have below-average Speed Scores and may not meet the needs of busy households. Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month, and both are available to 100% of Palm Desert. Since satellite can have high latency and limited performance for streaming, gaming, and video calls, check your address for faster fiber or cable service first.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Palm Desert
All 22 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 22 plans
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload80Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- SpectrumInternet Gig 1 Gig$60/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$60Per month~90.5%CoverageCable
- SpectrumInternet Premier 500 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)500 MbpsDownload80Our score$40Per month~90.5%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload59Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- 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~65.2%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~65.2%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~65.2%CoverageFixed Wireless
- AT&TAT&T Internet Air 300 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new customers, no annual contract, AutoPay eligible for additional $5/mo discount)300 MbpsDownload72Our score$40Per month~61.7%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~54.8%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- FrontierFiber 5 Gig$104.99/mo for 12 months (new customers, Fiber 1 Gig or higher, maintain service for 365 days) · $400 Samsung / Best Buy promo code5,000 MbpsDownload95Our score$104.99Per month~40.5%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 Palm Desert
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Spectrum Internet 100 for $30/mo promotional pricing, reaching about 91% of Palm Desert.
Its 100 Mbps tier reaches about 91% and suits shared browsing, classes, and streaming.
Check first: Confirm Spectrum reaches your address before relying on the promotional starting rate.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Frontier Fiber 500 where available for symmetrical fiber performance reaching about 41% of Palm Desert.
Frontier fiber tiers reach about 41%, supporting uploads, video meetings, and cloud work.
Check first: Frontier’s 7,000 Mbps tier reaches only about 38% of the city.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Frontier Fiber 7 Gig where available for 7,000/7,000 Mbps reaching about 38% of Palm Desert.
Symmetrical fiber provides the highest listed speed for heavy streaming, downloads, and gaming.
Check first: Verify fiber availability at your exact address before choosing the fastest tier.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential 100 for $55/mo, available everywhere with 100 Mbps service.
Starlink’s entry plan reaches every address, including homes outside wired footprints.
Check first: Satellite availability is broad, but wired options may offer higher speeds where available.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Palm Desert
Palm Desert Country Club 92260
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Spectrum reaches about 64% of ZIP 92260, compared with Frontier’s approximately 28% fiber coverage.
Sun City Palm Desert 92211
Frontier is currently the strongest option for High-speed fiber.
Frontier reaches about 70% of ZIP 92211 with fiber, while Spectrum reaches approximately 24%.
ZIP 92261
Frontier is currently the strongest option for Fiber performance.
Frontier reaches about 58% of ZIP 92261 with fiber, ahead of Spectrum’s approximately 32% cable coverage.
ZIP 92255
Spectrum is currently the strongest option for Cable availability.
Spectrum reaches about 71% of ZIP 92255, compared with Frontier’s approximately 24% fiber coverage.
Internet providers near Palm Desert
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Palm Desert, check the neighboring market directly.
Palm Desert Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Palm Desert, CA?
Spectrum is the best overall provider, with cable up to 1,000 Mbps reaching about 90% of Palm Desert. Frontier fiber reaches 7,000/7,000 Mbps in about 38%, so it is the faster choice if it reaches your address.
What is the fastest internet in Palm Desert, CA?
Frontier Fiber 7 Gig is fastest, offering 7,000/7,000 Mbps where available across about 38% of Palm Desert. Spectrum’s 1,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 90%, making it the broader high-speed option.
Which internet provider covers the most of Palm Desert, CA?
Spectrum has the largest non-satellite footprint, covering about 91% of Palm Desert overall. Satellite service from Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat is available everywhere, while Spectrum offers the broadest wired coverage.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Palm Desert, CA?
Frontier Fiber 200 is the cheapest plan at a promotional $29.99/mo for 200 Mbps, reaching about 41% of Palm Desert for the first 12 months. The offer is for new customers, with Fiber 1 Gig or higher required for Samsung credit.
Can I get fiber internet in Palm Desert?
Frontier fiber reaches about 41% of Palm Desert at its 200 Mbps tier, while the 7,000 Mbps tier reaches about 38%. Check your address because fiber availability varies substantially between ZIPs and neighborhoods.
What internet speed do I need in Palm Desert?
A 100 Mbps plan reaches about 91% through Spectrum and generally supports browsing, classes, and standard streaming. Larger households, frequent uploads, or heavy gaming should check Frontier’s fiber tiers where available, including 1,000 Mbps reaching about 41%.
What internet is available in Sun City Palm Desert?
Frontier fiber reaches about 70% of ZIP 92211, while Spectrum reaches about 24% there. Check the exact address because ZIP-level coverage does not guarantee that either provider serves every home.
How We Analyze Internet in Palm Desert
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 Palm Desert report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Palm Desert
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.