Summary Fiber Access Infrastructure All providers
The primary internet options in Anaheim are Spectrum cable and AT&T Fiber.
Anaheim does not yet have any overbuilders or internet service startups offering alternatives to the main providers. However, Sonic does operate in the city, reselling services over AT&T lines.
Due to the low level of competition in Anaheim relative to nearby cities like Los Angeles, the majority of homes will only have one internet option above 100 Mbps. The city maintains a robust public internet access system through the public library. 1
Anaheim is one of only 17 communities in California with municipal broadband services. However, these services are limited to enterprise and municipal use at this time.
Subsidy plans for low-income residents are available from both major cable and telecom providers in the city.
Summary of internet access in Anaheim
We’ve found a total of 20 internet providers in Anaheim: 6 residential providers and 14 business-only providers.
However, only 4 of those companies offer service to more than 1% of the Anaheim population. 16 local companies offer niche business service to small coverage areas, mostly enterprise services in business districts.
Small business internet is commonly available from the same companies offering residential internet in Anaheim. 5 of the residential providers locally offer SMB (Small-Medium Business) services at this time.
Wired internet network coverage in Anaheim
Coverage by network type in Anaheim is as follows:
Local internet service options in Anaheim
Outside Charter Spectrum and AT&T, Anaheim does not have many alternatives for internet service. Sonic, a California-based internet provider, does offer “reseller” service over AT&T lines locally. This means that residents can access the same overall speed/bandwidth of AT&T service, but with different pricing, data use policies, and customer service.
Low-income residents often fall back to mobile service for basic internet access, and the city does have widespread LTE coverage from all major phone providers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile/Sprint).
It’s likely that the first major alternative to cable in Anaheim will come through 5G home internet. Verizon is already piloting fixed 5G services in LA, and the installation of 5G in Anaheim is occuring rapidly (see 5G small cell map below).
AT&T and Verizon are the primary mobile providers building 5G infrastructure in Anaheim.
If you’re a Spectrum customer and your primary reason for looking for an alternative is price, keep in mind that many Spectrum customers can reduce their bill by calling and negotiating a lower rate. This is especially true in Anaheim, due to the high prevalence of competing Fiber services from AT&T locally.
Fiber internet options in Anaheim
| Provider brand name | Network | Fiber coverage | Maximum download | Maximum upload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T California | Fiber | 31% | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
| Charter Communications Inc | Fiber | 6% | 940 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
2 Fiber internet providers in Anaheim with at least 1% local coverage with their fiber network area. These providers may have other network types.
Internet Infrastructure & challenges in Anaheim
While Anaheim makes dark fiber available for providers to lease, the city notably does not have providers actively taking advantage of this for building out residential service. 2
Anaheim has a strong 5G buildout in-progress as of 2024. See the map below of the current proposed sites throughout the city:
Crown Castle, AT&T, and Verizon are the main companies involved in Anaheim’s 5G expansion.
While many cities allow providers to install 5G small cells without distributing notices to residents, Anaheim requires that flyers are distributed to nearby residences when installations are still in the applications phase. Flyers are in both English and Spanish. 3
All providers in Anaheim
| Provider brand name | Primary network | Primary network coverage | Maximum download | Maximum upload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charter Communications Inc | Cable | 100% | 940 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
| AT&T California | DSL | 97% | 100 Mbps | 20 Mbps |
| Crown Castle Fiber | Fiber | 33% | 0 Mbps | 0 Mbps |
| TPx Communications | Fiber | 3% | 0 Mbps | 0 Mbps |
4 residential and business internet providers in Anaheim with at least 1% local coverage with their primary network type.
Low-coverage providers in Anaheim
| Provider brand name | Primary network | Primary network coverage | Maximum download | Maximum upload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GeoLinks | Fixed Wireless | 0.851% | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
| Comcast | Cable | 0.784% | 987 Mbps | 35 Mbps |
| One Ring Networks | Fixed Wireless | 0.442% | 200 Mbps | 200 Mbps |
| Airpeak Wireless | Fixed Wireless | 0.080% | 1.5 Mbps | 1.5 Mbps |
4 residential internet providers in Anaheim with less than 1% local coverage. These are unlikely to be serviceable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is their dark fiber in Anaheim?
Municipal dark fiber leasing services are widely available in Anaheim, and are primarily used by private telecom companies and anchor institutions.
Does Anaheim have good levels of internet access?
Approximately one-third of homes in Anaheim have only one wired internet option above 100 Mbps.
Who is the cable company in Anaheim?
Charter Spectrum is the primary cable company in Anaheim. They have widespread cable service throughout the city.
