Every city and town in the country has a handful of reliable internet providers. Some offer affordable broadband internet plans, while others have launched faster fiber packages for an additional price. So when you decide to pick an internet provider, it boils down to your usage patterns and budget. If you have selected the type of internet speed you need, check out these top broadband and fiber plans for your home.
Broadband internet plans
If you’re interested in cost-effective broadband plans, here are the top options to consider:
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
If you pick T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, you can access typical download speeds between 33-182 Mbps. These speeds are sufficient for streaming video, working from home, and surfing the web. The T-Mobile Home Internet plan is available for just $50 a month with AutoPay enabled. However, you could get it for $40 if you are a Go5G, Magenta®, or essentials phone plan customer, with additional benefits like Apple TV+ for six months. Moreover, the Go5G Plus or Magenta® MAX phone plan customers who add home internet could pay as low as $30/month with added benefits like Netflix™ and Apple TV+. Each plan includes benefits such as a 5G Gateway device included, free 2-day shipping, and T-Mobile Tuesday perks.
Spectrum Internet®
Spectrum Internet is one of the best high-speed internet providers of 2023. When you sign up for their services, you can enjoy the services for over 12 months with speeds starting from 300 Mbps for about $50/month. You could also pick their Internet Ultra (500 Mbps) package for $70/month or the Internet Gig (1 Gbps) for $90/month for 12 months. The brand’s broadband internet plans include free advanced WiFi and a free unlimited mobile line with Spectrum One. These plans and features make the brand one of the most affordable and reliable internet service providers in the country.
Xfinity
Some of the most popular plans from Xfinity start at $30/month for 12 months with speeds up to 75 Mbps (Connect package). While you could go for the brand’s router starting at an additional $15 a month, Xfinity also lets you use your device to access the internet. If you pick their Connect More plan, it will cost $35/month for 24 months. You could also opt for the Gigabit package (1 Gbps) at $75/month for 24 months with a 2-year contract. These deals include Xfinity’s router – xFi Gateway. You could also get additional benefits with the router, such as unlimited data and a free upgrade after three years, if you pick the xFi Complete deal for an added $10.
Fiber internet plans
Here are the top fiber providers to consider for whopping fast internet speeds.
AT&T Fiber
One of the best high-speed fiber internet providers of 2023 is AT&T. The prices start at $55/month, plus taxes for up to 300 Mbps. You could also pick faster fiber speeds ranging from 500 Mbps to 5 Gbps for prices between $65/month to $180/month, plus taxes. AT&T Fiber also includes a reward card between $100 to $150 based on your chosen internet plan. The brand also assures equal upload and download speeds, unlimited data, no annual contracts, and equipment fees included in their packages. AT&T also offers ActiveArmorSM internet security – a built-in protective feature with 24/7 proactive network security for wireless and internet at home and work. It also includes free in-app security features such as managing who is using the Wi-Fi® network.
Verizon Fios
Verizon offers some of the fastest fiber internet plans in the market. You can purchase Verizon’s Fios Home Internet plans starting from $50/month on AutoPay for speeds up to 300 Mbps. You could bring the price down to about $25/month with an existing mobile plan and AutoPay. Verizon also offers 500 Mbps and 1 Gbps plans for about $45/month and $65/month (with an existing mobile plan and AutoPay enabled). The internet service provider also offers other perks if you subscribe to the plan online, including a $50 Verizon gift card with the 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps packages. The 1 Gig plan comes with a $100 gift card. Furthermore, other benefits of the 1 Gbps plan include an Xbox Series S Console or a $200 Home Depot Gift Card. You can find all the details on Verizon’s website.
Frontier Fiber
Frontier Fiber offers a range of internet packages you can choose from based on your usage. If you are a heavy user of the web, watch loads of content, or even game online, you should consider going for their Fiber 1 Gig, Fiber 2 Gig, or Fiber 5 Gig plans. These are available at about $70, $100, and $155, respectively. However, if your usage is casual or professional web surfing, and even if you watch content in 4k, their Fiber 500 plan for just $50 could be the ideal choice. Each of the plans from Frontier also comes with a router. Frontier Fiber also offers unlimited data to their customers with no caps or overage charges. You could save $10 on your monthly bill when you sign up for and maintain AutoPay.
Internet connectivity has become the need of the hour. In fact, many consider it a basic necessity that is instrumental in shaping a child’s education and outlook. The federal government recognizes this importance and has introduced discounted credit programs to help cut down the ownership cost of an Internet connection. On that note, here are some useful tips and the best Internet providers that offer student Wi-Fi deals at affordable prices.
Key features to consider while comparing student Wi-Fi plans
Here are the key benefits and features to compare:
Featured service providers for student Wi-Fi plans
These are the top services that partner with federal programs to offer affordable connectivity solutions:
Apart from these featured providers, you can check out services like Frontier, Optimum, Mediacom, T-Mobile, and Verizon FIOS. You can avail yourself of discounts on student Wi-Fi plans in the range of $10 to $20 per month, depending on the provider, available plans, and location.
Gone are the days when out of sight was out of mind. Today, thanks to the internet, individuals from entirely different time zones can participate in global events, collaborate for work, or even spend cozy evenings chit-chatting over coffee. Purchasing internet plans from reliable companies can help users reap the benefits of speedy internet at affordable rates. Verizon Communications is one such internet-service provider renowned for its affordable and bespoke internet plans.
Verizon, in a nutshell
Started in 2000, Verizon Communications has emerged as among the world’s leading providers of communication and technology-based services. With a revenue of $133.6 billion in 2021, the company is dedicated to delivering innovative and affordable internet deals and offers, together with voice and video solutions, to its customers worldwide. Simultaneously, the company has been engaging in various activities reflecting its social responsibility, from promoting carbon abatement to facilitating disaster recovery.
Benefits of purchasing Verizon’s internet plans
No hidden charges or annual contracts
One of the significant advantages of opting for Verizon’s internet plans is that it does not entail any hidden costs or annual contracts. Instead, the total amount payable by the client is specified in a transparent process based on the chosen internet package.
No sudden price hikes
Verizon is committed to the policy “the price you see is the price you get,” wherein customers do not have to worry about sudden, surprise price hikes.
Availability of a variety of home internet plans
Verizon Communications offers a wide range of home internet plans, which customers can pick based on their data requirements, usage, and area of residence.
Fast and reliable internet connection
Users of Verizon internet plans can reap the benefits of a speedy and stable internet connection, which are essential home internet requirements.
No equipment charges or data caps
Another benefit of Verizon internet plans is that they do not entail additional costs, such as equipment charges or data caps.
Verizon Internet plans to check out
5G home internet
The next-generation 5G home internet plan provides up to 940 Mbps of data, with an upload speed of up to 50 Mbps, 5G UWB, and a wireless connection. The plan begins at $25 a month, ranging up to $70 a month based on the facilities and features availed.
Fios
With a download speed of up to 940 Mbps, upload speed of 880 Mbps, fiber-optics technology, and Wi-Fi compatible and wired connection types, the Fios internet plan by Verizon is top-rated among customers. The price for Verizon’s Fios internet plan begins at $49.99 per month.
High-speed internet (HSI)
Verizon offers high-speed internet (HSI) plans with download speeds of up to 15 Mbps, upload speeds of up to 1 Mbps, DSL technology, Wi-Fi compatibility, and wired connection options. This powerful network offers 99.9% internet reliability.
Internet equipment provided by Verizon
5G home router
This device is enabled by Amazon Alexa and enables you to control your home Wi-Fi through voice assistance. The router features the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard and is accessible from any part of your home.
Fios router
This tri-band router is immensely powerful and ideal for streaming videos, gaming, and transferring large files. The internet speed is significantly higher than its predecessor routers, and the tri-band 4*4 antennas increase Wi-Fi coverage by over 60%.
Fios extender
The Fios extender is a wireless network adapter that ensures enhanced Wi-Fi coverage in and around your home. The extender features the latest Wi-Fi generation and Wi-Fi 6. It is equipped with several other desirable features, including tri-band 4*4 antennas and self-organizing technology for an enhanced Wi-Fi experience.
Things to consider while choosing your home internet plan
The area you reside in
The availability of home internet plans by Verizon may differ based on your locality or city. Therefore, it is important to check out the availability of internet plans on the Verizon website vis-a-vis the area in which you reside.
The internet usage in your home
Another indispensable factor while choosing a home internet plan is determining your household’s approximate internet usage. For example, purchasing an internet plan offering lesser upload and download speeds may not be suitable for users undertaking frequent uploads and downloads. In contrast, households with limited internet usage may opt for packages with fewer bandwidths or speeds, as such plans may be more affordable.
Your online activities
While selecting an internet plan, it is essential to consider the various online activities you would engage in. It can also help to understand the internet equipment required. For example, households using the internet for video streaming and gaming may opt for high-speed internet plans with a Fios router for the best results.
High-speed internet is a boon in today’s world, which extensively relies on online platforms to stay connected. With Verizon, you can avail of customized home internet plans, with the flexibility to mix and match any TV and internet plan to satisfy your requirements in the best ways possible. Moreover, these plans do not involve any surcharges or broadcast or regional sports network fees, ensuring that users pay only for the services they avail of. You may also change the Fios internet plans each month without any penalties.
The internet has made our lives much easier, but people often make mistakes when using it, which they regret later. Blunders like accidentally uploading old middle-school photos on social media can cause simple embarrassment. But other slip-ups, like clicking on an innocuous-looking link on a random email, may have graver consequences, including losing one’s bank balance. To avoid such problems, here are certain things to never do on the internet.
Clicking on links in suspicious emails
Fraudulent emails are among the most common forms of phishing and malware-based attacks. Many people receive emails stating they have won prizes like a penthouse, a fancy sports car, or a million dollars and must click on a link to claim their reward. When users click on such links, rootkits are downloaded onto their systems. Rootkits are malicious software that give cybercriminals complete access to a computer and the information stored on it.
Phishing emails usually go to the spam folder of one’s email account. If that does not happen, individuals must delete and report spurious emails with harmful links.
Using public Wi-Fi without a VPN
Public Wi-Fi is a crowd-favorite as it saves precious internet data when outdoors. However, such networks are also hunting grounds for hackers and cybercriminals. Malicious entities can access devices connected to the network and misuse information stored on them. In fact, hackers themselves set up free and easily accessible internet connections in public places.
To avoid a cyber attack, individuals can download and enable a virtual private network (VPN) when connected to public Wi-Fi. A VPN acts as a secret tunnel by creating an encrypted connection through a safe and secure server. This encryption obscures the user’s IP address and location so that hackers cannot access their device while they surf the internet using a public Wi-Fi network. Thanks to a VPN, individuals can browse the internet without worrying about someone tailing them secretly.
While a VPN can be handy, people should avoid assessing an unknown Wi-Fi or hotspot unless absolutely necessary. Doing so can help stay away from invasive cyber attacks.
Posting sensitive information on social media
Social media platforms allow people to express their personality quirks, likes, dislikes, and opinions. They are also a digital gateway to friends and family members from all around the world. However, one must be careful about what and how much information they share on social media. Oversharing can be highly problematic. Posting sensitive personal details can result in identity theft and cyberbullying. Some mischief makers may also publish one’s private information on other websites.
The best way to avoid such problems is to only share information and media that cannot be exploited and re-shared without one’s knowledge. Individuals may also check the privacy settings of their social media accounts and increase their privacy level. It ensures a person’s posts are visible only to close friends, relatives, and those authorized.
Disabling two-factor authentication
Many reputable websites and apps ask users to enable two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized persons from logging in to their accounts or assessing files. With this setting enabled, one must enter their regular login credentials, plus answer a personal question or provide a one-time password (OTP) sent on another device to log into an account.
While two-factor authentication may be enabled to protect any profile, including social media handles, the setting is especially helpful for securing banking apps. It protects people against monetary fraud and phishing attacks.
Using the same password for multiple platforms
This is a cyber-hygiene mistake most people make. After all, remembering and using just a single password is incredibly convenient and easy. However, using a single password is like using the same key for all the doors in a house. If hackers crack the password, they will slowly but surely hack into every account linked to it. This makes it one of the things never to do on the internet.
Using separate passwords is safer than using the same one for multiple accounts. Experts recommend using a combination of numbers, letters, and special characters to create strong passwords.
Shopping at unknown e-commerce stores
Online shopping sites have made purchasing goods so easy that people are always tempted to pick up their phones and order away. However, using e-commerce sites can be dangerous. Hackers may create fake shopping apps or sites to extract money from unsuspecting customers. So, one must always assess the store’s credibility before purchasing. Saving credit card details on e-commerce websites is another thing to never do on the internet.
Taking online personality quizzes
Personality quizzes are fun but just a thinly veiled attempt to collect user data in many cases. One must stay away from quizzes with titles like “discover which character you are from XYZ movie or TV series” and self-assessment tests that demand personal information.
Downloading apps from non-recommended sites
As implied earlier, hackers create fake apps and websites to fool people and get control of their personal information or money. One must download apps only from authorized app stores or trustworthy websites.
Sharing login credentials
This is arguably the most basic cyber-hygiene habit. One should never share the login credentials of any of their accounts online. Hackers and other cybercriminals constantly await to pounce on such mistakes to steal user data.
These days, we use our smartphones, tablets, and laptops for everything and anything. But, these devices aren’t very useful without the power of the internet. As a result, many individuals sign up for Wi-Fi services in their homes. These services are affordable and convenient. However, there are times when our routers don’t work correctly, leading to slower internet speeds and other problems. Here are a few Wi-Fi issues and how to fix them.
Constant router crashing
Having a router that constantly restarts can be frustrating. You could lose your network during a work call or when watching an exciting movie. If you face this issue, consider giving the router a full reset. All you need is a paper clip to hold down the tiny reset button on the router for 30 seconds. Then configure the device again to ensure it works efficiently.
Dropping connection
Connection drops may occur during certain times of the day or when you use specific appliances, especially microwaves. Many microwaves that run at 2.5GHz frequency can interfere with the network connection. You could face the same issue with older microwave models without a shield. This issue can also be a result of interference from other networks. For example, the connection may drop if your neighbor has the same network with heavy usage during certain times. But you don’t need to look for a new Wi-Fi provider in your area just yet. Try changing your router’s channel or perform a factory reset to remedy this.
Devices not connecting to the Wi-Fi
Sometimes, your laptop or computer may not be able to connect to the Wi-Fi network. One way to resolve this issue is to reset your Wi-Fi router to the original factory settings. If this doesn’t help, try using an ethernet cable to connect your laptop or desktop directly to the router. If that fails, too, you may have to invest in a new router.
If you want a new Wi-Fi connection at home, look up the internet for “Wi-Fi in my area” or “Fiber Wi-Fi in my area” to find the best local company based on your need. A fiber-optic connection, commonly referred to as fiber, is considered a better alternative to boost internet speed.
If you’re facing issues with your Wi-Fi connection at home, you don’t necessarily have to look for a new Wi-Fi fiber network in your area. In most cases, a few tiny tweaks by yourself can resolve the problem in no time. Buying a good router is a great place to start for better internet speed and quality. But, you won’t always be willing to cough up hundreds of dollars for the same.
Relocate the router
Wi-Fi router settings aren’t the only thing that matters to get a speedy connection. Where you place the device has also got a lot riding on it. Even subtle changes in the location can strengthen the network, just like how small movements compromise it. Your house’s structure and building material are just factors that interfere with a wireless signal. The more the number of concrete walls between you and the router, the weaker the signal.
Reboot the router
While it might not be a guaranteed fix, you can find your way out of a deadbeat Wi-Fi signal by rebooting the router. Doing so can act in your favor more often than not and provide a functional connection. That said, you need a change if you’re constantly looking for “fast Wi-Fi in my area” and are just as regularly rebooting your router. Look into service providers with better track records, and in the meantime, work with firmware that allows you to set up auto-reboot timers.
Update the firmware
Consider updating the router’s firmware as it can help improve performance and speed besides providing other benefits. You may consider using open-source firmware options that work well with most Wi-Fi routers. Most routers also come with preset settings that save you from screwing up the router and its functioning. That said, you might not necessarily be someone who wants to play safe. In exploring the device settings, you may land on a configuration that lets you make the best of the Wi-Fi router.
Switch frequency channels
Optimizing the router’s frequency channel settings is another way to ditch the whole “good speed Wi-Fi near my area” search routine. Some applications scan the airwaves and help you look for channels that provide a better network and the least disturbance. You can also find suggestions online about the channels you could switch over to for a better surfing experience.
Reliable and fast internet is one of the basic requirements for every household. People of all ages rely on the internet for their daily personal and professional requirements. Cyber Monday sales are ideal for getting 5G internet services or a new home WiFi connection at a discounted price. Good data plans offer crucial perks, such as unlimited internet and high-speed connection. Based on past years’ sales, here are some noteworthy Cyber Monday internet services deals.
WiFi and mobile internet are vital services today, and with such great shopping season deals anticipated this year, you can get unlimited internet at affordable prices. The above-mentioned deals should be able to help you plan and shortlist plans before the sale day.
If you missed the Black Friday deals, you get another chance on Cyber Monday to save money on all kinds of products, especially electronics. If you are looking for laptops, Cyber Monday deals cover every gadget—Windows laptop, Chromebook, and even MacBook. Laptops are extremely crucial devices for your everyday work and home requirements. So, based on past years’ deals, here are some of the best Cyber Monday laptops offers you can expect.
Brands could offer last year’s deals or similar discounts on their laptops. So, you should check out different sales, and based on previous Cyber Monday offers, be ready with a list of online sellers and laptops.