Internet Service Providers in Santa Rosa, CA

What are the Best Internet Providers in Santa Rosa, CA?

Before choosing a high-quality Internet provider, it's useful to understand how the different Internet services work. Every service comes with advantages and disadvantages.

When shopping for Internet service, consumers have many options to choose from, and since companies are constantly competing for business, it has become much easier to find great deals. The download speeds offered with most services are increasing while the price is dropping. The main services that consumers can choose from are cable, DSL, satellite and fiber-optic Internet. The problem is that the list of choices can be confusing, and by offering bundles for various services, the Internet companies aren't making the decision any easier.

There are many deals available for high-speed Internet in Santa Rosa, CA, and by comparing the different services, consumers can choose the Internet service that suits their needs. MyRatePlan provides comparison tools for consumers and helps make the decision process easier. Our tool can even find high-speed Internet options that are compatible with an existing phone or TV service. To start using the tool, a ZIP code must be entered.

MyRatePlan makes it easy to find home Internet services, but it even has a section for business Internet. With an advanced tool from MyRatePlan, consumers can check the speed of their current Internet connection on any device because the tool doesn't need Flash or Java.

Compare Fiber Optic Internet Providers in Santa Rosa, CA

What is all the talk about fiber optic Internet about? Fiber optic Internet services, often referred to as “FiOS,” use fiber optic cables to transmit data using light, instead of electricity. On the cutting edge of digital technological advances, fiber optic cables can transmit data at speeds approaching the speed of light with minimal signal loss or weakening across large distances. However, this does not mean that your actual download speeds will approach futuristic light speed levels. Fiber optic cables only ensure strong and reliable connections between traditional electric hubs, and your internet service will likely still be limited by electronic hardware such as your router or Internet service provider. Fiber optic networks are often seen as the most “future proof” internet connection and may provide superior download speeds and ultra-low latency in certain areas of Santa Rosa, CA.

Selecting the Best DSL Internet Service in Santa Rosa, CA

A digital subscriber line (DSL) is different from cable Internet in that it utilizes the phone line to create an Internet connection rather than a cable line. A telephone line has extra bandwidth that isn't needed to make telephone calls, and it is this extra bandwidth that is used by the DSL connection to provide high-speed Internet to the home, apartment, or other residence. Similar to cable Internet, DSL requires a user to connect to the Internet via a modem.

Even though a DSL customer must use the phone line to access the Internet, it's possible to make telephone calls and access the Internet simultaneously. One of the interesting features of DSL is that it's not a shared line like a cable Internet line, which means a customer may enjoy a more consistent speed than with cable Internet, even if the top available speed is lower than local Santa Rosa, CA cable Internet options.

DSL works best when the home receiving Internet service is reasonably close to the service provider's local office. Therefore, if a home or apartment isn't close to the Santa Rosa, CA DSL service provider's office, cable Internet or another high-speed Internet option may offer a better experience and higher maximum speed. In addition, anyone who doesn't have a landline and relies on their cell phone for calling will need to set up home telephone service to use DSL.

Santa Rosa, CA Satellite Internet Service

The final option to consider for Internet service in Santa Rosa, CA is satellite, and this connection operates differently than cable or DSL. To start using a satellite Internet connection, you must have a functional satellite dish, and you'll also need a modem. When facing the equator, the satellite dish sends and receives data from satellites in space. Once a connection is established, the Internet can be used.

Satellite isn't the fastest Internet option in Santa Rosa, CA, but it can work well for consumers who live in rural or remote areas. Cable and phone companies aren't located in many remote areas, and in these situations, satellite Internet might be the only service available. For people who don't live near cable or telephone providers, satellite service might be the best choice. Use MyRatePlan to compare providers and get the best deals.