Santa Rosa, CA Internet
Internet Providers in Santa Rosa, CA
Compare every internet provider in Santa Rosa, 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 27% of the city, while its overall footprint reaches about 92%. Sonic.net is the fastest where available, with fiber speeds up to 10,000/10,000 Mbps reaching about 19% of the city; if it reaches your address, it is the faster choice. AT&T is the broadest backup where Xfinity does not reach, mostly DSL, covering about 90% of the city overall, with its fastest common DSL tier reaching up to 100 Mbps in about 32% of the city.
Locally, Xfinity leads Downtown Santa Rosa at about 50% and Rincon Valley at about 56%, while 95404 is a Sonic.net stronghold at about 39%. Bennett Valley is especially favorable to Sonic.net, which leads about 60% there, and Railroad Square is worth checking address by address for fiber. Near Santa Rosa Junior College and Empire College, student apartments can differ sharply from nearby homes, so ask about reliable connections for Zoom, streaming, and gaming, and watch for older DSL or copper infrastructure. T-Mobile and Verizon fixed wireless are other possibilities, but coverage changes street to street, so confirm the exact address before choosing.
Best Internet Providers in Santa Rosa, 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 Santa Rosa
Xfinity reaches 92.0% of Santa Rosa, giving many shoppers a strong chance of finding service at their address. Its cable service is a reliable choice, with the 1.2 Gig plan offering up to 1200 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, plus a plan Speed Score of 89/100. Xfinity’s headline Speed Score of 91/100 is above the city average of 60, though exact plan availability and performance can still vary by 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 Xfinity
Xfinity reaches about 92% of Santa Rosa, so most residents have a good chance of getting its service. Its cable plans offer excellent choices for modern use, including up to 1,200 Mbps across about 92% of the city and up to 2,000 Mbps in about 27% of the city, though the fastest option is address-dependent. Check your address to confirm availability and compare pricing, since the 35 Mbps upload speed is more limited than the download speeds.
Available Plans
Cable
Cable
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 Santa Rosa
At $90/mo for 12 months, AT&T’s 5 GIG fiber plan offers up to 5,000 Mbps both ways, plus a $150 reward card, making it a top-tier option for heavy streaming, gaming, and large uploads. Its 95/100 Speed Score is above the city average of 60, although this plan is available to about 23% of Santa Rosa. Fiber availability is address-specific, and homes without it may see AT&T Internet Air with up to 300 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload, a less consistent technology for demanding use.
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, plus reward cards. Fiber availability is address-dependent at about 23% to 28% of Santa Rosa, while Internet Air offers up to 300 Mbps for $40 per month across about 31% of the city, so check your address for fiber first because fixed wireless may be less consistent for demanding modern use.
Available Plans
Copper
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Sonic.net
Speeds up to 10,000 Mbps
Plans start at $40 /mo *
Speed Score: Faster than 99% 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
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Santa Rosa
For the monthly price, Sonic.net’s top fiber tier offers excellent value with up to 10000 Mbps both ways and a 99/100 Speed Score. That plan is available to about 19% of Santa Rosa, so confirm that the 10000 Mbps service reaches your address before signing up. Sonic.net also offers fiber up to 1000 Mbps both ways with an 81/100 Speed Score, but availability varies by 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 Sonic.net
At the monthly price quoted today, Sonic.net offers exceptional value with fiber speeds up to 10,000 Mbps both ways, making it a great choice for heavy streaming, gaming, large households, and remote work. That top-tier plan is available in about 19% of Santa Rosa census blocks, while a fiber option with up to 1,000 Mbps both ways provides another excellent choice, so check your address because availability varies.
Available Plans
Fiber
Fiber
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 Santa Rosa
Verizon’s 5G Home fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, suitable for everyday browsing, streaming, and connected-home use. Its Speed Score of 72/100 is above the city average of 60, making it a competitive option in Santa Rosa. Availability is limited to 57.2% of the city, so check your address to confirm the service and speeds are offered there.
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, though performance can vary with wireless conditions. It is available to about 57% of Santa Rosa, so check your address first, and compare it with any local fiber or cable options before choosing, especially if you need consistently high speeds for a busy household.
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 Santa Rosa
Budget-conscious households that need solid everyday connectivity may find T-Mobile’s fixed wireless service appealing, with up to 500 Mbps download, 60 Mbps upload, and an 80/100 Speed Score, above Santa Rosa’s city average of 60. The 500 Mbps plans are available to about 39% of the city and require a qualifying credit and postpaid voice line bundle, while fixed wireless can be more variable than fiber or cable, so confirm availability and expected performance 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 T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a good fit for households that want strong everyday performance from fixed wireless, with plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and a Speed Score of 80/100. Its best options are available to about 39% of Santa Rosa, so availability is address-dependent, and you should confirm service at your address before relying on it for heavier needs such as several simultaneous streams or remote work.
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 Santa Rosa
Satellite internet can support streaming, video calls, and everyday browsing, but its higher latency may be noticeable for gaming and other real-time activities. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, with an 80/100 Speed Score and availability to 100.0% of Santa Rosa. That score is above the city’s 60 average and makes it competitive, though satellite’s performance limitations make it worth checking other options 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 Starlink
Satellite internet makes Starlink available across Santa Rosa, and its Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload with an 80/100 Speed Score, though satellite latency can make gaming and interactive video calls feel less responsive than fiber or cable. All three plans are available to 100.0% of the city, making Starlink a practical fallback where wired service is unavailable, but check your address for fiber or cable first if you want the best everyday performance.
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 Santa Rosa
At $94.99/mo for the first 12 months, then $119.99/mo, HughesNet’s Fusion plan buys up to 100 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload, but its 21/100 Speed Score is below Santa Rosa’s city average of 60. Satellite service can have higher latency and more limited real-world performance than other technologies, so consider checking what else is available at your address, even though Fusion is available to 100.0% of Santa Rosa.
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
At $39.99 to $94.99 per month for the first 12 months, HughesNet offers up to 25, 50, or 100 Mbps downloads, but its satellite plans have below-average Speed Scores and may feel limited for modern streaming, gaming, or multiple users. Coverage reaches 100.0% of Santa Rosa, though you should check for faster fiber or cable service at your address first, since satellite is generally a fallback when better wired options 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 Santa Rosa
Viasat is a limited-performance option compared with alternatives, with a headline Speed Score of 18/100 that is below Santa Rosa’s city average of 60. Its Viasat Essentials satellite plan offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, and is available to 100% of the city, but satellite service can have higher latency and more limitations for demanding uses. Check what other technologies are available at your specific address before choosing, since Viasat’s satellite coverage does not guarantee that faster options are unavailable.
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 reasonable fallback, but you should check for faster internet first because its satellite plans are below average for speed. Viasat Essentials is the better choice, offering up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month with availability across about 100% of Santa Rosa, while Viasat Unleashed costs $99.99 per month for up to 34 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up; satellite service can be limiting for modern needs such as streaming, gaming, and video calls.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans in Santa Rosa
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
- Xfinity1.2 Gig$100/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)1,200 MbpsDownload89Our score$100Per month~92%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload80Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Xfinity1 Gig1,000 MbpsDownload81Our score$50Per month~92%CoverageCable
- Xfinity500 Mbps$45/mo for 60 months, then $55/mo (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers)500 MbpsDownload80Our score$45$55Per month~92%CoverageCable
- Xfinity300 Mbps$40/mo for 60 months (w/ AutoPay & paperless billing, new customers, 5-Year Price Guarantee)300 MbpsDownload72Our score$40Per month~92%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload59Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- 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~57.2%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- 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~39.2%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~39.2%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~39.2%CoverageFixed 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 Santa Rosa
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Xfinity 300 Mbps at $40/month for new customers with promotional pricing.
Its 300 Mbps plan reaches about 92% of Santa Rosa, supporting shared streaming and coursework.
Check first: Confirm Xfinity availability at the address before relying on its citywide reach.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Sonic.net fiber where available for symmetrical 10,000 Mbps service.
Sonic.net's 10,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 19% of Santa Rosa.
Check first: Sonic.net fiber availability is address-specific and much narrower than Xfinity's overall footprint.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Xfinity 2 Gig where available, or Sonic.net fiber if it reaches your address.
Xfinity's 2,000 Mbps tier reaches about 27%, while Sonic.net offers 10,000/10,000 Mbps to about 19%.
Check first: Neither fastest tier is broadly available across each provider's full footprint.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Start with Starlink, available everywhere, at $55/month promotional pricing for 100 Mbps.
Starlink's 100 Mbps plan reaches every Santa Rosa address and provides a broad availability fallback.
Check first: Verify current promotional terms and address-level service before ordering.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Santa Rosa
Downtown Santa Rosa 95401
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Xfinity reaches about 50% of ZIP 95401 with 1,200 Mbps cable service.
ZIP 95404
Sonic.net is currently the strongest option for 10,000 Mbps fiber.
Sonic.net reaches about 39% of ZIP 95404 with 10,000/10,000 Mbps fiber.
Rincon Valley 95409
Xfinity is currently the strongest option for Broad cable availability.
Xfinity reaches about 56% of ZIP 95409 with 1,200 Mbps cable service.
Bennett Valley 95405
Sonic.net is currently the strongest option for High-speed fiber.
Sonic.net reaches about 60% of ZIP 95405 with 10,000/10,000 Mbps fiber.
Internet providers near Santa Rosa
Coverage can change completely a few miles down the road. If you’re moving to or shopping just outside Santa Rosa, check the neighboring market directly.
Santa Rosa Internet FAQs
Who is the best internet provider in Santa Rosa, CA?
Xfinity is the best overall provider, with 2,000 Mbps cable reaching about 27% of Santa Rosa. Sonic.net is faster where available, offering 10,000/10,000 Mbps fiber to about 19% of the city, so check your address before choosing.
What is the fastest internet in Santa Rosa, CA?
Sonic.net is fastest where available, with 10,000/10,000 Mbps fiber reaching about 19% of Santa Rosa. Xfinity is the best overall choice, with 2,000 Mbps cable reaching about 27%, but Sonic.net is the faster choice if it reaches your address.
Which internet provider covers the most of Santa Rosa, CA?
Xfinity has the largest non-satellite footprint at about 92% of Santa Rosa, while eight providers are listed overall. Satellite service from Starlink, HughesNet, and Viasat is available everywhere, making it a fallback when wired providers do not reach an address.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Santa Rosa, CA?
The cheapest plans are tied at $35/month promotional pricing: AT&T Fiber 300Mbps delivers 300 Mbps and reaches about 28%, while T-Mobile Rely Home Internet delivers 400 Mbps and reaches about 39%. AT&T requires AutoPay and paperless billing for 12 months; T-Mobile requires a qualifying wireless bundle.
Can I get fiber internet in Santa Rosa?
Sonic.net 10,000/10,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 19% of Santa Rosa, while AT&T 1,000/1,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 28%. Fiber availability varies sharply by address, so ZIP patterns such as Sonic.net's about 60% share in Bennett Valley are useful screening clues, not guarantees.
What internet speed do I need in Santa Rosa?
A 100 Mbps plan reaches at least about 33% through AT&T's common DSL tier and supports typical browsing, video calls, and moderate streaming. Shared households may prefer Xfinity's 500 Mbps tier, reaching about 92%, while heavy uploaders should check Sonic.net's symmetrical fiber availability.
Is fast fiber internet available in Bennett Valley?
Sonic.net 10,000/10,000 Mbps fiber reaches about 60% of ZIP 95405 in Bennett Valley. Xfinity's 1,200 Mbps cable reaches about 21% there, so Sonic.net is the leading high-speed option when its fiber service reaches the specific address.
How We Analyze Internet in Santa Rosa
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 Santa Rosa report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Santa Rosa
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.