Frontier Communications vs. Rise Broadband: Which Internet Service Provider Should You Choose?

Since its inception, the internet has grown in leaps and bounds. During the coronavirus pandemic, the internet has made it possible for people to stay connected with friends and family during stay-at-home orders and continue to work remotely.

If you're hunting for an internet service provider, it can be an overwhelming process. There are over 2,674 internet service providers in the U.S.

This article will seek to compare Frontier Communications against Rise Broadband in multiple different categories.

Rise Broadband vs Frontier Communications

About 9 in 10 Americans use the internet on a regular basis. That's over 90% of all adults in the United States!

Global internet users are even more astounding. Over 55% of the world's population has access to the internet. That equates to around 4.2 billion people.

To access the internet, all these people must sign up to an internet service provider. It’s tricky finding a provider that’s best for you, though. There are a lot of different factors you need to consider before deciding.

If you’re curious about whether Rise Broadband or Frontier Communications would be best for you, keep reading!

Rise Broadband

A fixed wireless provider, Rise Broadband was once known as JAB Broadband. It covers 16 states, ranging across the Midwest to the Southwest regions of the United States.

Rise Broadband is the largest of the fixed wireless providers. There are over 200,000 people who use their services.

How Much Does Rise Broadband Cost?

As far as a fixed wireless provider goes, the prices that Rise Broadband has fall into the mid-range. However, as far as overall internet service providers go, Rise Broadband is more on the expensive side for slower speeds.

For example, you can expect to pay more for slower speeds than you would with a cable provider.

Its cheapest plan starts at $42.95 per month. The most expensive plan that Rise Broadband has is $72.95 per month.

What Plan Packages Does Rise Broadband Have?

Rise Broadband has several plans that are priced according to the internet speeds you want. Before you decide, you'll want to take careful stock of how often you and others in your household use the internet.

Ask yourself several important questions. How many devices use the internet at the same time in your household? Are you and your family members streaming shows and doing video conferences? Do you need higher speeds to accommodate your gaming habits?

All of these factors will have a direct impact on how much download speeds you truly need. A person living alone who only uses their internet to check their emails won't need high internet speed.

Here are the package plans that Rise Broadband is offering at the moment:

• Economy Internet Package - This is the lowest tier of their available packages. You get up to 5 Mbps for internet speed and will pay $42.95 per month. This is ideal for a person who lives alone and doesn't use the internet often.
• Preferred Internet Package - You'll pay $52.95 per month for the Preferred package. This will give you up to 10 Mbps in internet speed. The Preferred package is best for a small family that uses the internet in moderate amounts. If you have multiple people using devices at the same time to stream shows, you may experience some lag.
• Breakout Internet Package - The Breakout package starts at $62.95 and will get you speeds up to 15 Mbps. If you're a family of four who use the internet often, this may be the best package for you. It will allow for regular streaming of your favorite Netflix show, while someone else attends a Zoom conference.
• Breakout Premier Package - This package starts at $72.95 per month. With the Breakout Premier package, you'll get speeds up to 20 Mbps. This is the ideal package for a family of heavy internet users. It should allow multiple people to stream and browse the internet at the same time with few to no lag problems.

What Is the Internet Speed for Rise Broadband?

The internet speed for Rise Broadband varies depending upon the package you choose.

The cheapest package, the Economy, will get you 5 Mbps. This is enough speed to allow a single person to use their device to browse the internet and stream shows.

The most expensive package is the Breakout Premier and it will get you internet speeds up to 20 Mbps. This speed is enough to allow a family to use their devices at the same time to game and stream shows.

How Reliable Is the Service With Rise Broadband?

Rise Broadband has a customer recommendation rating of 39.6% on BroadbandNow. While this might seem low, once you take into consideration the fact that the majority of all internet service providers have a far lower scoring, this starts to look good.

Internet service providers are notorious for poor customer service and satisfaction. However, Rise Broadband seems to be putting in the work to become a real heavyweight contender as a viable option to cable providers.

A Rise Broadband outage doesn't occur often. They happen even less so than what you might find with a traditional satellite internet service provider.

This means that in terms of service reliability, Rise Broadband is doing great.

What Is the Customer Service Like With Rise Broadband?

Read several Rise Broadband reviews and you'll notice there are both good and bad reviews.

Rise Broadband isn't perfect, but neither is any internet service provider. As previously mentioned, internet service providers have a bad reputation when it comes to making their customers happy.

When looking through reviews, the most common complaint that Rise Broadband has is that customers have to wait on hold longer than usual to speak with a representative.

Frontier Communications

Frontier Communications offers both broadband and fiber internet. If you've been stuck with using dial-up or satellite, then the higher internet speeds that Frontier Communications offers will be a welcome upgrade.

Rural areas that are far from any cities are often stuck using satellite, and sometimes only have one option available. Frontier Communications has made great strides in expanding into these areas to help provide people with additional opportunities to decide between internet service providers.

How Much Does Frontier Communications Cost?

With Frontier Communications, you're able to get high-speed internet for a decent price. You can expect to pay less than you would with a satellite or fixed wireless provider, as well as get better speeds.

To break it down, you're able to get more for less with Frontier Communications when you compare it against many other internet service providers.

The cheapest plan is Simply RiOS and it starts at $29.99 per month. The most expensive plan that Frontier Communications has is the Simply FiOS Gig Service, and it starts at $74.99 per month.

What Plan Packages Does Frontier Communications Have?

Frontier Communications offers three different fiber plans. All three have unlimited data. Each plan is priced based on the internet speed you want.

• Simply FiOS 50 - This is the cheapest plan that Frontier Communications offers. It starts at $29.99 per month. You'll get speeds up to 50 Mbps and unlimited data. This is the ideal package for the average family that uses the internet often. You'll be able to have multiple people using their devices at the same time to stream shows, browse the internet, and more.
• Simply FiOS 500 - The mid-range plan, you get speeds up to 500 Mbps if you select this plan. For this plan, you'll pay $39.99 per month. If you or someone in your family is a Twitch streamer who games often, you'll want to go with this plan. These high speeds will eliminate any lag and allow for quality, high-speed recording, and live streaming.
• Simply FiOS Gig Service - This is the most expensive plan that Frontier Communications has. You'll pay $74.99 per month for internet speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. If you or others in your family work remotely and consist of heavy internet users, you'll want this plan. These speeds will allow for several people to attend Zoom meetings or face-time on Facebook with family members. Others can enjoy gaming and streaming their favorite show at the same time. This is the ideal plan for tech lovers.

What Is the Internet Speed for Frontier Communications?

The internet speed for Frontier Communications varies depending upon the plan you choose. No matter what plan you choose, they all have unlimited data, so you never have to worry about hitting a data cap and seeing reduced download speeds.

The slowest speeds that Frontier Communications offers start at 50 Mbps. The highest speeds you can get with this internet service provider jumps up to an astounding 1,000 Mbps.

How Reliable Is the Service With Frontier Communications?

There are mixed reviews when it comes to the reliability of Frontier Communications.

Some reviews state that the speeds are great and they rarely, if ever, experience any disconnects. However, there are just as many reviews citing the opposite, that the speeds never match what is advertised and disconnects multiple times a day.

What Is the Customer Service Like With Frontier Communications?

This is the one area that Frontier Communications needs to put in some serious work at.

Frontier Communications scores at the very bottom in terms of customer service, which says a lot when internet service providers are notorious for their poor customer satisfaction. There are reviews upon reviews of angry customers citing that Frontier Communications hikes up prices without communication, slow internet speeds, disconnects, and that the customer service representatives are unhelpful.

Summary of Findings

When it comes to Rise Broadband vs Frontier Communications, you might consider going with Rise Broadband.

Your choice will depend upon what’s available in your area, however. Rise Broadband has far better marks when it comes to customer satisfaction, whereas Frontier Communications has some serious work to do in that department. You’ll pay more for slower speeds with Rise Broadband, but they’re also far more reliable.

To search for other internet service providers in my area, please feel free to use our directory.

Things to Consider Before Switching Home Internet Providers?

Internet use has grown exponentially over the past two decades. Chances are, you're part of the 110 million U.S. households with an internet connection right now. The web completely transformed how people communicate, work, and pay their bills.

From looking up urgent driving directions to working from home, having a reliable internet connection has never been more vital in today's society. Homeowners even rely on internet-based smart home technology to manage utilities and beef up their security. Parents depend on home internet providersto power their kids' wifi-connected tablets and games.

As your internet needs grow, you need an ISP that can keep up with growing demands. You don't have time to deal with constant video buffering, disconnections, downtime, and slow-loading webpages. It's critical to explore all your internet options to find the best deal for your money.

Finding the right home internet provider starts with asking the right questions. Here are several questions to ask when searching for a new provider.

What Home Internet Providers Are Available In My Area?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a home internet provider. The first point to consider is availability. Your internet options are strictly limited to providers that service your area.

There are a couple ways to start your search. You can type in your zipcode and see all the available ISPs in your area, or you can visit a particular ISP's page and search by zipcode there.

You'll notice that some areas have more ISP options than others. Denser, metropolitan areas, like San Francisco, have more available cable and DSL ISPs than rural communities.

A house, apartment, or property must reside within a certain distance from a provider's service equipment. Since many rural homes are too far away from a cable and DSL service equipment, they use high-speed satellite internet instead. If your only choice is satellite internet, your limited to two choices: HughesNet and ViaSat.

Homes with access to Cable and DSL internet have more options available. Use your zip code to discover if these top internet providers are available in your service area:

• WOW! Cable

• Rise Broadband

• Windstream Internet

• Frontier

• Xfinity

• AT&T

• CenturyLink

• Spectrum

Even if cable and DSL providers do service your area, you can always opt for high-speed satellite internet if you prefer. Satellite internet is available in all 50 states.

What Is the Pricing Structure Like?

Once you've narrowed down the ISP choices in your area, your next question is price. Some ISPs provide a wider variety of monthly plans, services, and payment options. You'll notice that some providers are more expensive than others too.

Home internet providers typically price their monthly plan in tiers. The higher the tier, the better the quality. Take, for example, CenturyLink: plans start at $49 a month for 20 to 40 Mbps and increase to $55 a month for speeds up to 140 Mbps.

Think about your needs when researching ISP prices. For example, if you only use the internet for web browsing and YouTube videos, you could get away with the lowest-tier plan with a smaller data cap. If you're a gamer or work from home, you may need an unlimited data plan.

Do you want internet and TV? Consider a monthly bundle plan. This is a popular option for families. These plans are more expensive but often come with higher internet speeds and generous channel packages.

TV and internet bundle providers price their monthly plans by speed and additional services. For example, WoW! Cable packages start at around $89.00 for 100 Mbps and over 130 channels and increase to $114 month for 500 Mbps internet speeds.

Many ISPs require contracts for service, with some as long as two years. This means you're committed to stay with your ISP until your contract is up. If you don't want to stay tied to one provider, many ISPs, like Frontier, have no-contract plans.

How Fast Is the Internet Connection?

If you want high-speed internet, learn how internet speeds work since most monthly plans are priced by speed. Consider everything from your needs to the number of people in your household. The more connected devices you have, the more bandwidth you'll need.

Here are a few rules of thumb to remember:

If you're using just one or two connected devices for web browsing, email, social media, and occasional video streaming, you'll need at least 20 to 25 Mbps per month.

Moderate to heavy video streaming and gaming would need at least 50 Mbps, but 100 Mbps is more reliable. Heavy internet use, including 4K+ video streaming, gaming, and large volume downloading.

If you have multiple people in your household, you'll need enough speed to accommodate several devices and varying degrees of internet activity.

Are There Any Data Limits and Caps?

Data limits can also impact your internet speed. Data caps aren't uncommon, and several ISPs price their monthly plans by speed and data limits. Top ISPs with data limit plans include HughesNet, CenturyLink, Viasat, AT&T, and Xfinity.

Your zip code may be limited to only data limit plans, as well. Like choosing internet speeds, you need to assess your needs when selecting the right data caps. For example, Viasat's Unlimited plans start at $70 for 60 GB of data, $100 per month for 100 GB of data, and up from there.

If you go over your data limit, your internet speed may slow down or be limited. Overage charges may also apply. Choose a data limit that gives you enough wiggle room each month.

You also need to consider whether or not you need a landline phone. This service may be included with a plan or cost an additional fee. Phone lines are often included in large internet and TV bundles.

Is the Home Internet Connection Secure?

Internet security has never been more critical. Thankfully, top home internet providers password-protect home networks. This information is typically printed on the back of your internet modem equipment.

After installing your modem and router, your connected devices should automatically recognize your internet network. Your network name should match the information included on your equipment. Next, type in the provided password to log onto the web.

Your ISP-provided password is composed of scrambled numbers and letters. However, you can set your own home network password in your network settings. Create a strong password that's hard to guess.

If you're hooking up internet for the first time, an ISP technician will likely visit your home and set up your internet for you. They can also help you set up your network name and password.

For added security, your ISP will likely recommend an internet security software. Cybersecurity software protects your web browser and computer from malicious software, viruses, ransomware, and more threats.

There are also ISPs like CenturyLink that offer wifi with built-in security. CenturyLink provides customers with a secure internet gateway that protects against malware, botnet attacks, and viruses. Use your zip code to find out if CenturyLink offers this service in your area.

Extra security is essential for ISP customers with smart home technology. The more connected devices you have, like computers and smart home thermometers, the greater the need for internet security. You don't want hackers breaking into your home remotely.

Do I Need Any Equipment?

Equipment is always required to access the internet at home. You'll need at least an internet modem and router for cable and DSL connections. For high-speed satellite internet, you'll need to buy an additional Viasat or HughesNet satellite dish.

Internet equipment is easy to install. You can always have an ISP technician handle everything for you. The cost of your equipment is typically covered in your first month's payment.

You're not always limited to your ISP's equipment either. You can upgrade to a higher quality modem or router, as long as it's compatible with your ISP service. You may need to call your ISP to help you connect your internet over the phone.

If you decide to switch to a new home internet provider, you may be required to send your equipment back to the original ISP. There's also the option of dropping off your equipment at your ISP's retail location.

How Do I Connect to the Internet

Connecting to the internet should not be difficult with the right ISP. If you're frequently having a hard time logging on, that may be a red flag to switch to a new provider. It shouldn't take more than a few seconds to log onto your network and surf the web.

Test our your connection by visiting a popular homepage to see if it loads. There are also sites that test your website speed for you. If you're not happy with your web surfing speed, consider upgrading your monthly plan or switching to a new home internet provider.

What If There's a Problem with My Connection?

If your device isn't recognizing your home network name, try restarting your device, modem, and router. If the problem persists, call your ISP's customer service line. They may need to reconfigure your connection remotely.

If your password isn't working, you'll need to call your ISP immediately in case your connection is compromised. If your connection keeps dropping, there may be some interference that's obstructing the connection. Your ISP's technician can visit your home and inspect your wiring for any connection problems.

A hallmark of a top ISP is 24/7 assistance for troubleshooting. While field technicians work within specified service windows, a remote agent can walk you through troubleshooting steps on the phone. If you're frequently having issues getting the help you need, consider another internet provider in your area.

Your connection issues may be related to your home's electrical wiring. This is a common problem for homeowners who are unfamiliar with their home's wiring. If you're still having problems connecting to the internet, you may need to call a general electrician.

Are There Any Internet Deals and Specials?

You want to save every dollar you can. Fortunately, you can use special offers, deals, and discounts to keep your internet costs down. These offers are typically limited to new customers only or the first six months of service.

Most top ISPs offer deals. Specials are an excellent opportunity to try out an internet and TV bundle at a fraction of the cost. Plus, stay on the lookout for deals that apply to longtime customers, as well.

ISPs advertise special deals on their websites, but they also send out exclusive deals by mail. You may even score a deal on the phone while researching your options.

With a special offer, you could get monthly high-speed internet for under $40 or even additional services for free. These deals don't last, so you have to pounce on them when they're available.

Does the Home Internet Provider Have Customer Service

As more homeowners become dependent on the internet, stellar customer service is essential. Even when a connection goes down due to a storm, you need an ISP that picks up the phone when you call. An ISP that ignores your concerns is a big red flag.

If there isn't a retail location nearby, make sure your ISP is easily accessible in other ways. Your ISP should be available by phone, email, online chat, and in person. Friendly and reliable customer service is critical if you work from home.

Your ISP should also follow up to make sure an issue is resolved. They should also clearly communicate when there are outages in your area. Most ISPs will notify customers about outages when they call or have an outage map online.

Discover the Right ISP for Your Needs

You're just one step away from switching to a new ISP. Don't settle for home internet providers that don't accommodate your internet needs. Follow this guide to find an ISP that offers your preferred level of speed, bundled services, availability, and customer service. 

Are you ready to compare providers in your area? Get started by plugging in your zip code or call one of our internet experts to find the ideal plan for you. 

Internet Service Providers Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic Update with Centurylink

Before the World Health Organization declared the Covid-19 coronavirus a pandemic in March of 2020, approximately 5 million employees or 3.6 percent of the workforce were working from home. Exponentially more people now are working from home, and thousands of school-age children are using their home internet connections to do the same with school.

Despite the fact that many people find themselves confined to their homes, our nation is more poised than ever for virtual connections. Reliable internet does not come easily. Approximately 19 million Americans lack direct access to reliable broadband services.

Keep reading to learn about what internet providers are now doing to help the millions of people who need the internet to receive an education and pay bills during the coronavirus outbreak.

Where Do You Live?

Before you freak out about not being able to have an internet provider come into your home and install your internet, check your state laws regarding essential businesses. If you're currently on a stay-at-home order, this means everyone needs to stay at home except those working for essential businesses.  Each state determines what an essential business is. Up to this point, all states consider internet providers just as essential as grocers, gas stations, and medical facilities.

When considering the internet service providers, where you live matters. All of the companies we have researched are still offering in-home internet installation. However, stay-at-home orders issued by governors have limited many businesses from operating as business as usual, fortunately internet service providers are not one of those.  Of course, the coronavirus has altered the way many of these companies do business, just like the majority of us around the world.  

Logic would tell you internet providers are essential at this critical time of life because the internet has become the lifeblood of businesses in a pandemic. Broadband, fiber optic, satellite internet, fixed wireless and all other internet methods keep our economy rolling.

Fortunately, a quick check of your state's laws, even with shelter-in-orders in place do not prevents internet companies from coming into your home and installing internet service.

If an ISP is Essential

Even if your state deems your internet service provider as essential, a company may not necessarily bring workers into your home to hook you up. Each business will have specific protocols in place. 

You may have the fortune of still having an internet company near you willing to come into your home. Healthy workers will come to your house, most likely with proper safety measures in place like gloves, and will install your internet. Some internet companies will provide you with the hardware and instructions on how to install your own services instead of coming into your home.  One of the newer measures being taken by internet providers is having their installer temperatures checked twice a day and having the latest temperature reading displayed with a sticker on their identification badges. 

Even before the coronavirus pandemic began, some companies were willing to work with all kinds of situations. For example, if you lose your job, you can negotiate a price for your best internet.

As for now, though, each provider has their own way of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic and the financial stress it is causing. 

Internet Providers Keep Americans Connected

The federal government has given America's best internet providers the opportunity to connect America even more with their Keep Americans Connected Pledge. 

Over 500 companies have signed the FCC's Keep Americans Connected Pledge, which basically means companies are working hard to connect all Americans via the internet. 

The pledge has three basic promises: 

1. Companies pledge to not disconnect internet service to any homes or small businesses because a customer cannot pay his bill. So if you're unable to pay your bill because you lost your job due to a stay-at-home order, you do not have to worry about losing your internet.  
2. Internet companies will forego late fees for homes and  small businesses if those individuals cannot afford to pay their bills because of the pandemic. So again, if you lose your job or your small business is losing profits because of the pandemic, you do not have to worry about late fees for now. 
3. Internet companies have promised to open their Wi-Fi hotspots for free to any person who needs them.  

Each internet company has its own way of fulfilling these promises. If you're wondering how companies are fulfilling their promises, first, look at which companies provide service in your community. Then keep reading to learn about what deals each national company is offering. 

Internet Essentials from Comcast Xfinity 

Comcast Xfinity has long been a leader in the internet market. Now they're providing for people who cannot afford their premium service by offering a program called Internet Essentials. 

Internet Essentials is a unique program that addresses the major problems anyone may have with having internet in their home. Comcast Xfinity provides internet, a low-cost computer, and free digital literacy training. 

The program isn't that new. It began in 2011. It has expanded continually to provide internet to individuals that fall into at-risk categories like seniors, community college students, people living in public housing, and veterans on a fixed income. 

To qualify for Internet Essentials, an individual must first be in a Comcast Xfinity serviceable area. They must also receive either state or federal assistance. 

Additionally, Internet Essentials customers must not have had Xfinity internet service within the last 90 days or have an outstanding Comcast Xfinity balance less than a year old. 

If you've met all of these criteria, you also must be eligible for public assistance like the school lunch program, Medicaid, SNAP, or similar programs. 

When you sign up for Internet Essentials, you receive a 25/3 Mbps internet service for a low $9.95 a month plus tax. Additionally, if you sign up by April 30, 2020, you receive free internet for the first 60 days with no activation fee or equipment rental fee. 

If you do not have a computer, Comcast Xfinity can hook you up with one for $149.99 plus tax. 

Comcast Xfinity will also set you up with free internet training online and in print. In past days they would also offer you training in person, but considering the current state of the world, online or in print is most likely your best option for training. 

You also receive WiFi via a Wireless Gateway in your home at no additional cost. Comcast Xfinity also hooks up its internet Essentials customers with access to 40 one-hour sessions of a WiFi Hotspot every 30 days. 

Comcast Xfinity provides a self-install method when you order their Internet Essentials program. Xfinity’s self install kit is delivered to customers within five to seven days of you ordering your internet service. They drop the equipment off at your door and then provide an online video you can watch on your phone. This video will walk you through the installation process.  By all accounts the setup is pretty easy with only two cables needing to be connected to get you started with service. 

Verizon

Verizon has adopted a motto in light of the coronavirus pandemic: “keeping customers connected during this crisis”.

Thus Verizon also signed the FCC's Keep America Connected pledge.

Like Comcast Xfinity, Verizon has a government assistance program. Their program is called Lifeline. It offers discounts to qualified low-income customers.

Lifeline customers have non-transferable benefits, and the specifics of the benefits vary from state to state.

Because of the current pandemic, Verizon is now offering two months of free internet and voice service for its current Lifeline customers. Basically, if COVID-19 has affected you financially or physically and you're a Lifeline customer, you have two months of free internet coming to you.

To qualify for the benefit, you need to have been eligible for Lifeline and a customer of Verizon Fios since March 20, 2020. 

If you're not a Lifeline customer but still belong to a low-income household, you can still benefit from Verizon's generosity and service. Verizon now has new affordable internet options for low-income households. 

Beginning April 3, Verizon Fios dsis offering a new broadband discount program to new Fios Internet customers who qualify for Lifeline. 

Verizon Fios speed has Mix and Match plans. Customers receive a $20 discount and can get Fios Home Internet of 200/200Mbps speech for just $19.99 a month. Verizon has also tacked on Disney Plus for a year. 

Plus, Verizon waives the first two months' router rental charge. 

Because so many of their customers are currently working from home, Verizon has added 15 GB of high-speed data for their wireless consumers and small business customers from March 25 through April 30.

Best of all, customers did not need to do anything to apply for this bump in data. Verizon tacked in on automatically.

Additionally, Verizon gave their first responders priority by pre-empting their abilities for voice and data. They also dropped all of the data caps for consumers and small businesses.  

Verizon provides all of its customers with instructions on how to install their own internet after customers sign up with Verizon. 

AT&T

Similar to Verizon, AT&T has also adopted new policies. They have dropped late payment fees for customers affected by the coronavirus. They also have pledged to keep your internet on if you're unable to pay your bill right now.

To keep all people connected to the internet, AT&T opened public WiFi hot spots for people to use for free until mid-May. AT&T is also providing unlimited data to customers for now and offering internet plans as low as $10 a month to low-income families.  

AT&T provides you with the necessary hardware and instructions to hook your internet up yourself. This will keep visitors out of your home and keep everyone around you safer during this pandemic. 

Cox

Cox internet service is mimicking what Verizon and AT&T are doing. They're also waiving late fees and staying committed to keeping their customers' internet service active.

They do not want customers to have to decide if they will keep their internet on to keep their jobs or buy groceries for their families. Cox has also opened WiFi hotspots for free public use and eliminated data caps until May 15.

Cox is reimbursing customers with 500GB and unlimited data add-ons right now. They've also lowered the price of their Starter plan to $19.99 and boosted the speed to 50 Mbps.

Like other big internet companies. Cox provides instructions on how to self-install your internet.

CenturyLink 

Like their benevolent counterparts, CenturyLink has also put new policies into place. They've suspended data caps and signed the FCC's Keep Americans Connected Pledge. 

CenturyLink has also promised at least until mid-May to not cut off service for any residential or small business customer that cannot pay their bill. They've forgiven late fees and opened their public hotspots for free use.  Centurylink provides one of the fastest high speed internet services and also has one of the most advanced infrastructures in the United States, so they are fully able to handle the extra load on their networks due to the huge surge in internet traffic. 

Mediacom

Mediacom has used its prerogative to put a pause on the monthly data caps unit at least May 15. They're offering their Access Internet 60 plan for a mere $19.99 for a whopping 12 months.

Mediacom has also boosted the speed of the Connect2Compete program. This low-income user service now offers customers a bump up of 25 Mbps. Additionally, if you're a new customer, you receive your first two months of internet service for free. 

Mediacom has also opened its public Wi-Fi hotspots for all to use.  

Spectrum

Spectrum is another company offering free internet and WiFi until mid-May. Spectrum has focused primarily on kids, though, offering free internet and WiFi to families with school-age kids and college-age students.  This program is probably one of the best actions we have seen taken by an internet service provider.  Mark Cuban stated that the way corporations respond to the coronavirus pandemic will heavily impact the way consumers view them in the future.  Well if that is true, Spectrum has done a lot to show that their focus at this time is truly on the consumer and the health of our country and not on its profits.  

Similar to the bigger companies, Spectrum has a program for low-income households. Their program is called the Spectrum Internet Assist program. 

Spectrum has opened its Wi-Fi hotspots to the public and removed data caps for now.   

HughesNet

HughesNet responded in like ways also. They have increased the speed at which their customers receive the internet if the customer goes over his monthly data plan. Basically what his means for current customers is that the impact on their speeds from the throttling policy they currently employ will be much less impactful than usual.  They also have worked to make education and business collaboration a priority by optimizing traffic during daytime hours. 

Basically, HughesNet is attempting to clear and widen traffic lanes during internet rush hour. 

HughesNet also put out information to educate users on how to best manage their data when they have their entire family at home during the pandemic. They give advice like delaying automatic updates on devices to between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. and downloading large amounts of data like books and RV shows during their Bonus Zone house from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m.

They also suggest using audio and not video with programs that could suck up a lot of data like Google hangouts or Zoom. 

Hughesnet increased the amount of available capacity and provided more data for its users. They also vowed to not cancel anyone's service or charge late fees during the time of the pandemic. 

Hughesnet has also put out a set of guidelines for installers which include:

·      If a customer does not want to touch your smart phone or tablet to sign for their service, ask for their verbal acceptance

·      Disinfect your smart phone, tablet and laptop before and after every install.

·      Use disposable latex gloves during install and dispose of them after each use

·      Do not shake hands (explain that you are following social distancing guidelines)

Viasat

Because they signed the FCC's pledge as well, as of March 16, 2020, Viasat promised to not cancel any service to a residence or small business for the next 60 days if that customer could not pay their bills because of the pandemic. 

Viasat also is ignoring late fees for customers affected but he pandemic and opening their WiFi hotspots to any American who needs them. 

Viasat has made a goal of keeping their customers informed, productive, and connected to their colleagues and loved ones. 

As of now

Rise Broadband

Rise is currently running a limited-time offer because of the pandemic. They're offering speeds up to 25 Mbps for $29.95 a month for 12 months and up to 50 Mbps for $39.95 a month for 12 months.  This is an amazing deal given that finding high speed internet for anything lower than $50 is a rarity. 

Rise also has a program for low-income customers through the Lifeline program. Customers eligible will receive a monthly discount for one discount per household. 

You can qualify for Lifeline if you make less than the program's requirement or if you qualify for food stamps, SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Income-based eligibility, or the Veteran's Pension or Survivor's Pension benefit. 

Internet Providers Unite

Because of shelter-in-place policies, few if any internet companies are sending technicians into homes to install the internet. However, internet services are still at a premium.

Dedicated internet providers have focused on keeping Americans connected during this pandemic. This means they provide the deals, the hardware, and the instructions so nearly every American can have internet service right now. 

For all of your internet needs, visit our website and learn more about us. 

How to Negotiate a Price Cut or New Deal With Your Internet Provider

Is your broadband bill higher than usual this month?

It’s not unusual in an uncompetitive broadband market like the one we have. Internet service providers have been hiking up their prices year after year, taking full advantage of the lack of choices consumers face. You may not have the best internet, fastest internet or best internet deal but that doesn't mean you can't.   

The cost of an internet connection may be falling elsewhere, but it definitely isn’t in the US. A mere 25 Mbps connection in the state of New York costs almost double of what consumers are paying in London, UK!

Here’s what many consumers don’t know — the price of your internet isn’t set in stone, it is possible to negotiate and bring it down! 

Consider the following:

1.   Your Internet Service Provider doesn’t want to lose you

There may only be a few players in the broadband market which gives them some leverage, but at the end of the day, it’s the customers that help them make money. Failing to satisfy customers means their bottom line takes a hit. 

Even in an uncompetitive market, ISPs have to value their customers, so if you have a bone to pick with them, get on the phone and let them know. They’ll much rather accommodate your needs than lose you as a customer altogether. 

Haggling with profit-driven internet service providers comes down to two main things:

·      Being prepared to cancel services so the rep has to make counteroffers

·      Being incredibly patient and polite to not irk the representative on the line

2.   Know Your Situation

You won’t be able to make your point without knowing your situation. You need a clear picture of your account’s standing in order to convince the other party in your favor. 

This will be a lot easier if you pay your monthly bills on time and when you’re nearing the end of your contract. 

Print out your bills and take note of your payment history and the amount you pay annually; you’ll have to refer to these numbers to make your case. 

Negotiations are significantly more difficult when you’re in the middle of the contract because you’ll most probably be charged with a cancelation fee. 

Go through your account history in detail. Did you take advantage of any promotions that were offered? How often did you experience price hikes in your duration with the ISP? Think about any issues you’ve had with their services. 

3.   Research Your Options

To further strengthen your position, it’s important to be aware of your options. Don’t shoot in the dark, do your research and find out what other internet service providers in your area are offering. 

Know that there are parts of the country that only have one service provider; if you happen to be in such a situation, be ready to put up a good fight because the ISP has the upper hand. 

It does require a few difficult and long phone calls, but if you’re prepared, you should be able to negotiate a better deal!

Not sure what other internet service providers are available in your area? Use KonnectEaze to find out! KonnectEaze makes consumers’ lives simpler by allowing them to compare internet packages from different ISPs at a single platform. Call 888-376-0753 for more information.