If you're searching for the best internet deals that April 2020 has to offer, look no further! From broadband to satellite, these are the packages not to miss!
20 April, 2020 | Posted by: Pablo Mendoza
Category: Deals & Packages, Reviews, Internet, Service Providers | No Comments
If you have ever wondered about the difference between satellite internet, broadband internet and DSL, we break it down for you and explain each type of internet service inlacing their pros and cons.
08 December, 2021 | Posted by: Pablo Mendoza
Category: Reviews, Internet, Service Providers | No Comments
Most people don’t know the difference between a broadband and DSL connection. This is due to the vague definition of broadband that— since its origin—has not been updated properly.
Broadband was originally defined as downstream speeds faster than 512 Kbps. Though the FCC increased the minimum speed to 4 Mbps or higher, it still does not provide much clarity.
To make things simpler, there’s not much difference between broadband and DSL. In fact, DSL is a type of broadband internet that is transmitted over twisted pair copper telephone lines.
The speed of DSL can range between 1.5 Mbps and 12 Mbps, depending upon the distance, equipment, and quality of the lines. If we compare DSL to other available broadband connections, it certainly lacks in speed. Let’s take a look at a few other alternatives:
· A satellite connection like Hughesnet or Viasat can reach over 10 Mbps and can go up to 100mbps.
· A cable connection like Xfinity, Spectrum or AT&T can reach over 1000Mbps.
· A fiber connection like Centurylink or Frontier can reach over 1000 Mbps.
Broadband covers a comprehensive range of internet connections, with only a few exceptions such as dial-up. Some of the most common types of broadband internet include:
· Cable Internet
· DSL Internet
· Fiber optic Internet
· Satellite Internet
Aside from internet speed, the primary difference between all of these broadband connections is the area of coverage. Cable internet is typically available in cities and surrounding suburban areas. That is why most customers are familiar with brand names like Xfinity, Comcast, Charter Spectrum and AT&T. These are the brands that serve the majority of the United States Broadband needs because this is the largest oldest network we have.
Fiber optic internet is more limited when it comes to network coverage, and is available in a few major cities. The reason for this is because fiber internet infrastructure is expensive to build and maintain. Yes it is fast but to get that lighting speed to the consumer is also much more than laying down cable. Just ask companies like Verizon and Centruylink who have made significant investments into the infrastructure of Broadband services here in our country.
On the other hand, DSL connections and satellite internet have wide coverage and can be offered in more places. Satellite internet covers almost 90% of the United States because unlike cable, Satellites are free to roam through space and provide a much broader signal. Cable internet is limited to where cables are run. Companies like Viasat and Hughesnet launch billion dollar satellites into the sky and these satellites have not only the capability to provide service to millions of customers throughout the world but they also provide service to the United States military. For Viasat, providing service to the US intelligence community is a far bigger portion of their business than the civilian a.k.a. consumer side.
There are several factors that you must consider before choosing your network connection.
If you need fast speeds, there’s no better option than fiber optics. As mentioned previously, it can reach 1000+ Mbps, enabling you access to super fast downloading speeds. Centurylink is our pick in this category.
Though fiber optics broadband is a slightly expensive choice, it can save you a great amount of time and prove to be an excellent choice—especially if you work remotely. When working remotely, factors to be considered when choosing your internet service provider include speed requirement, if you are connecting to a VPN, or if you have any task in which latency or lag will be an issue. For most people the connection speed of satellite internet is sufficient if you are just browsing and gaming but satellite internet service should be reserved for people who cannot get cable or fiber internet.
In case you don’t have access to fiber optics, you can always resort on a DSL or cable connection. Both of these broadband connections come with a high volume of bandwidth, allowing you to meet your internet needs. That being said, Cable will trump DSL and will allow you to stream apps like Netflix or Hulu while still browsing online. Forget about doing any of those activities with DSL.
Finally, if you don’t have access to any of these broadband connections, satellite internet can be your final bet.
There are several internet service providers in the market that offer reliable, high-speed internet solutions to individuals and businesses.
You can learn about them on KonnectEaze, a website that allows you to compare the top internet service providers in the United States.
As they sort service providers using zip codes, you can easily find the best internet packages in your area.
Looking to upgrade or switch your service to satellite? When shopping for the best provider, explore the best satellite internet review of Viasat.
19 April, 2020 | Posted by: Pablo Mendoza
Category: Reviews, Internet, Service Providers | No Comments
Consumers have trusted Viasat with their high-speed internet needs for more than 30 years. Despite growing competition from other U.S. internet service providers, Viasat remains one of the top satellite ISPs in the nation.
Formerly known as Exede, the Satellite ISP provider officially switched to Viasat internet in 2012. Viasat services hundreds of thousands of consumers across the country and is available in all 50 states. The largest coverage areas are in New York, Texas, and California.
Viasat's staying power is attributed, in part, to the market itself. There is very little competition in the Satellite ISP industry, and Viasat is the second-largest satellite internet provider in the country, next to HughesNet.
Are you considering Viasat satellite internet? Learn how Viasat internet works, and explore its plans, high speeds, features, and more.
Most ISPs are cable or DSL providers. Viasat, on the other hand, delivers high-speed internet via satellite. If this is your first experience with satellite internet, there are important differences to know about satellite vs. cable and DSL.
A significant advantage of satellite internet is that it can be accessed wherever a satellite dish is present. That means you can access it virtually anywhere from the country. That's why satellite internet is more accessible to some rural areas than cable and DSL services.
While several top internet providers offer cable or DSL only, these services aren't available in every area. You'll need to look up your zip code to find out if cable or DSL providers service your area at all. If your area isn't currently serviced, you would need to look at alternatives, like satellite internet.
Why isn't cable or DSL service available for everyone? This is a frequently asked question. It has everything to do with location.
If your area is located too far from an ISP's servicing equipment, you won't have access to that service. This is a frequent issue for rural communities. Distance is why some ISPs have monopolies over certain areas. Some areas are lucky to have two cable ISP choices.
A cable or DSL servicing area must be located within 18,000 feet of an ISP's telecommunications equipment to get service. Internet speed depends on how close you are to servicing equipment. A house that's 3,000 feet away from telecom equipment will enjoy faster internet than a home located 17,000 feet away.
Cable ISPs transmit signals via coaxial cables directly to your internet modem. DSL providers use phone lines to deliver internet services. Viasat internet transmits signals from Earth to its orbiting satellites located outside of Earth.
Once Viasat receives the signal request, it transmits a signal from its orbiting satellites back to your satellite dish, delivering high-speed internet directly to your home. Your computer transmits a signal to your internet modem, which sends a signal request to your attached satellite dish.
You'll need at least two pieces of equipment to access Viasat satellite internet: a Viasat brand satellite dish and the wifi modem with a built-in router. Coaxial cables are also necessary for connecting your dish and modem.
Viasat's most current wifi modem also comes with the company's analog voice adapter to enable VoIP capabilities. However, if you're using an older Exede internet modem, you can purchase the voice adapter separately. This add-on is ideal for businesses that want to switch to virtual phone lines.
Viasat's satellite internet dish is separate from your TV satellite dish. Viasat's dish is small, measuring at only 30 by 28 inches wide. Most homeowners install their dish on the side of their houses, but you can also install them on a nearby mole or freestanding mount.
After ordering Viasat internet, a company technician can help you position your dish for optimal speed. Service and dish installation can take anywhere from two to three hours with a certified technician.
Rest assured, your Viasat technician will help you configure your internet. They'll also create the network name and password of your choice.
It's important to know how to configure Viasat internet if you ever move or need to set up a new network. Your Viasat equipment comes with assigned identifiers that you can use to set up your network. Your network password is the "key" on the bottom of your wireless internet modem.
Once your devices are connected, they'll recognize the network name printed on the back of your modem. All you have to do is type in your password, and you're good to go. If you want to create a new network name and password, call a technician or follow the online instructions provided by Viasat.
Viasat has several types of residential internet plans. These include:
These monthly plans are divided into separate tiers. Data capacity and internet speeds increase with each tier.
Viasat's performance and speed depend on three things: your dish location, service area, and chosen monthly plan.
Viasat offers several internet plans for homes, businesses, and government agencies.
While any home or building can install a Viasat dish, different residential plans are available for different areas. Availability is determined by the satellite beams that service each location. To find out which plans are available in your area, you'll need to search for plans by zip code.
For example, most Liberty plans start at 12 GB and go up from there. Viasat Liberty monthly plans start at $50 for 12 GB, $75 a month for 25 GB, $100 for 50 GB, and $150 per month for unlimited gigabytes. If you want the fastest satellite internet, go with the unlimited GB plan.
Your area may have Unlimited Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum monthly plans available. These plans start at $70 per month for 12 Mbps, $100 for 25 Mbps, $150 for 30 to 100 Mbps, and so forth. 100 Mbps is the fastest satellite internet speed available from Viasat; however, it's not available in all service areas.
With Viasat, you can expect video streaming speeds ranging from 360p to 1080p. Optimal streaming speeds will depend on your monthly plan of choice. Video streaming speeds increase with each monthly plan tier.
Viasat offers additional products to optimize your satellite internet experience. You can bundle your internet service with DirectTV to enjoy the full satellite entertainment experience. There's also an option to add a home landline at a fraction of the cost. A priority customer care package is also available at an additional cost.
To get the most bang for your buck, take advantage of Viasat's current deals and specials. However, these specials are available for a limited time only. These deals may apply to the first six months of service only. After the offer expires, you may be required to pay the regular monthly cost.
Are you a small business owner? You can't compete without reliable internet. Like residential internet plans, your satellite business internet choices depend on your location.
One popular plan is the Business Unlimited 35. For $175 per month, your business will receive internet speeds of up to 35 Mbps. This plan also comes with unlimited streaming and data.
You can also choose from one of Viasat's Business Metered broadband plans. These plans are ideal for businesses that only require low data usage for continuity purposes, backups, and secure SD-WAN connections.
There are three Business Metered plans: Business Metered 1 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB, 50 GB, and 200 GB. Plans start at $50 per month for 1 GB of high-speed data, $80 a month for 10 GB worth of data, $100 for 20 GB, $150 for 50 GB, and $400 for 200 GB of internet data.
Viasat goes a step further in offering VoIP capabilities for businesses. A VoIP-based phone system can help you save money on business communication expenses. You'll need to purchase the additional ATA hardware if you don't already have the wireless modem with built-in VoIP.
You can also optimize your business communication with Viasat's Business Voice. For a small additional cost, you get unlimited business calls to anywhere in the U.S. and Mexico. You also enjoy a more flexible business phone service in the cloud.
Business internet hotspots are also available from Viasat. A business hotspot plan typically starts at $40 per month. Hotspots let you provide secure wireless internet to guests and customers. You can set up customer login credentials and apply your own web content filters.
Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or business owner, you need a reliable internet solution. Discover the benefits of the best satellite internet for entertainment, working from home, and business continuity.
Need more resources to make your decision? Ready to order an internet service right now? Check out the latest internet reviews or contact us now to connect with the best ISP in your area.
Whether you're looking to set up, switch, or upgrade your existing internet service, explore the best internet providers of 2020.
19 April, 2020 | Posted by: Pablo Mendoza
Category: Reviews, Internet | No Comments
According to Pew Research, 28% of Americans claim to be on the internet constantly. And whether you use the internet for work, personal affairs, or anything in between, it's important to have fast and reliable internet service.
But not all internet services are created equal. That's why it's so important toknow about the best internet providers in your area so that you can get the best internet possible. But with so many options out there, it can be difficult to know which ISP (Internet Service Provider) is right for your situation.
Don't worry, we're here to help. We've compiled a list of the best internet providers and categorized them by what they do best.
Interested in learning more? Continue reading and we'll walk you through everything you need to know.
CenturyLink offers its customers DSL internet service that can run from 1.5 Mbps to 35Mbps. It's worth pointing out that you'll end up paying the same amount for 1.5 Mbps as you would for 35Mbps. This is because you're paying for the fastest speeds available in your area.
If you live in an area that gets close to 100Mbps then you'll have a great deal on your hands. Since you'll be paying the same amount as someone who's getting 50Mbps.
AT&T consistently ranks high on J.D. Power’s U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study. Their fiber-optic network delivers fast and satisfying internet speeds that can reach all the way to1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) in some areas. This type of connection is especially useful in big homes with a lot of internet activity, especially when it comes to streaming.
If you're not in a fiber-optic area, going with AT&T’s DSL is also a great choice. They can deliver speeds up to100 Mbps and they also offer generous data limits.
AT&T's internet service is currently available in 21 states, with the greatest coverage area in Florida, Texas, and California. Their fiber-optic options are mostly available in North Carolina as well as in Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas.
If you're looking for the highest quality fiber-optic internet service around, look no further than Verizon. They offer internet speeds from100 Mbps up to 940 Mbps. And a 2018 report from the FCC shows that the actual average speeds for Verizon's services are faster than what they advertise.
This is great news for anyone who plans to do a lot of online gaming, video conference, and video streaming. In particular, Verizon Fios is great for gamers because they tend to have the most consistent and fastest speeds.
The sad part is that Verizon Fios is only available in eight states as well as Washington D.C. To be fair though, they still serve more people than any other fiber-optic internet provider. Hopefully, their reach will continue to expand.
Currently, Verizon Fios is only available in Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. And the Fios service isn't available throughout those states but rather in highly populated areas.
Its DSL service is pretty limited too. People who live in a rural region outside of the East Coast probably won't be able to get Verizon's internet services at all.
Although satellite internet is inherently slower than other internet types, HughesNet offers25 Mbps in every one of their plans. And if that sounds like a slow speed, just know that the same FCC report referenced earlier found that HughesNet's speeds are actually almost double what they advertise.
With all that said, you're going to have to decide on your data limit. Many customers will get to pick from10, 20, 30, or 50 GB of data per month. You'll likely want to avoid choosing too low of a number.
Once you reach your data limits, your speeds may very well dip below3 Mbps until your next billing cycle comes around. And a speed that slow won't let you do anything other than some basic browsing on the web.
A big plus though is that you're in the "free data zone" between 2 am and 8 am. That means that any internet usage that goes on during that time isn't counted towards your monthly allowance.
Customers of HughesNet can also use the company's handy app so that they can track how much data they've been using and manage their services. This way, you're never caught off guard if your data gets restricted.
If you just need some basic internet and don't want all the bells and whistles and costs that come with those bells and whistles, then Frontier is the right pick for you. For $28 a month, you'll get the6 Mbps plan, referred to as Frontier Internet. This should be enough for you to stream videos and also browse the internet.
If you've got multiple devices running at the same time, then you'll probably run into problems. But for small households who don't demand a whole lot from their internet service, this can be a cheap and useful option.
All of the plans from Frontier come with a no-contract option. This is great for people who are changing jobs or planning on moving soon. While most companies charge big early termination fees or make you pay other costs for ending your plan, you don't have to worry about that with Frontier.
And their plans come with a two-year price lock so you don't have to worry about prices being raised.
Spectrum's cable plans are both fast and reliable. With practically any plan, you'll be able to stream high-def videos, play video games online, and browse Instagram on your tablet all at the same time. They also offer great contract buyouts for those who are thinking about switching providers.
If you get their Triple Play package, you'll get free installation, free DVR service, and free Wi-Fi setup. You can also bundle your internet with phone and TV service at an unbeatable discounted price.
WOW!, which stands for Wide Open West, is perfect for anyone who plans to use a lot of data. While most ISPs set data caps at around 1 TB, WOW! doesn't have any data caps. This makes it an excellent choice for people who work from home and download large files.
WOW! also offers no-contract plans. Unfortunately, they do charge more for these kinds of plans but that makes sense. If you decide to get a contract in order to pay a lower price, you'll be paying for WOW! for the next two years.
That's a fairly long time. So before you make a decision, consider using their 30-day money-back guarantee to test it out for yourself.
Rise Broadband provides its customers with a fixed wireless internet service. This is a popular alternative to DSL and cable providers.
In order to provide internet wirelessly, an access tower in your area beams the connection to an antenna that's been installed on your roof. The internet is then distributed throughout your house via a Wi-Fi router.
In rural areas,many people really can only choose between Rise Broadband and HughesNet. A benefit of Rise is that they tend to offer more data for less money.
While Viasat (formerly known as Exede) may seem a lot more expensive than cable and fiber internet plans, it's more or less the same as satellite internet plans. One thing to know about Viasat is that after you sign up for one of their plans, they will likely raise the price on you three months later.
With that said though, Viasat tends to charge less per megabit per second than HughesNet does. So unless you're satisfied with HughesNet’s low data caps and 25 Mbps, Viasat is likely going to offer you a better deal.
While25 Mbps may be enough to stream HD films, it won't be enough to stream and handle other connected devices that are also trying to use the internet. The more devices that are being used, the faster speeds and more data you'll need.
While MetroNet does offer some TV and phone services, they're clearly putting all of their attention on delivering the best internet they possibly can. This company offers quick fiber internet connections at good prices. They don't have data caps and they offer great service.
MetroNet is one of the smallest ISPs around but their Gigabit offerings are quite large. Gamers and heavy streamers will appreciate the fact that none of their plans come with data caps. And their internet-only packages come with either100, 200, 500,or 1,000 Mbps.
Cox has a plan for just about everyone out there. And their prices are fair so you'll get what you pay for. And for people who don't need super-fast speeds, Cox can be a sensible and reliable option.
The internet service provided by Cox starts at 10 Mbps for $30 per month. And for $40 per month, you'll get 30 Mbps.
But you don't have to stop there. Their150 Mbps and 300 Mbps plans will likely get any job done. But if that's not enough for you, then why not go all the way up to their1,000 Mbps plan?
As you get higher up, their prices stop being as competitive. But for those who are looking for simple and reliable internet at great prices, you should definitely consider Cox.
Optimum might not seem all that great at first glance. Their speeds max out at 400 Mbps for example. But their features like no-contract packages, unlimited data, and Price for Life guarantee on their 400 Mbps plan are all worth checking out.
When you combine Optimum's no-contract policy with their Price for Life guarantee, you end up with a great choice for anyone who doesn't like being tied down to one package. This is especially useful for renters and college students.
It's worth pointing out that Optimum only offers two internet plans. Those two plans provide either 300 Mbps or 400Mbps. While those plans aren't very flexible, they're still great speeds for the majority of internet users out there.
For those who want a wired connection in a rural area, Windstream could be just what you're looking for. While they've had a rocky history, including a recent bankruptcy, the company has since been able to create a growing and strong network connection that stretches from southern Texas to the Canadian border.
While satellite internet can be convenient if you're really out in the country, DSL runs through your phone line and can provide you with higher data caps and internet speeds. And in some areas, Windstream has even set up fiber optic internet.
While Windstream's plans are no-contract, they're not Price for Life, so they can go up at any time.
The Internet is a funny thing. It's something that we all rely on but many of us don't really understand how it all works. But by learning about the best internet providers around, and the different types of internet services they provide, you can become a much more confident and informed purchaser.
Are you currently looking for the best internet providers in your area? If so, contact us today and see how we can help you!
During the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic, we answer the question are internet providers still doing installation and which providers are going out of their way to accommodate customers.
19 April, 2020 | Posted by: Pablo Mendoza
Category: Deals & Packages, News, Internet | No Comments
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:
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.
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 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)
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 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.
