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Moving Soon? Here's the Best Time for Setting up Internet Services

If you're moving soon and are experiencing a little stress on how to pack up and start relocating, you're far from alone. According to recent statistics, about 35.5 million Americans pack their bags and move to a new house each year.

One of the most stressful and essential things about moving to a new home is knowing how and when to start setting up internet there. Several factors go into deciding when internet installation needs to take place, including knowing the specific situation that you're in, the options available to you in your new location, and what providers work best for your individual needs.

Here, we're going to take an in-depth look at some of these essential factors so that you get a clearer picture of when you need to begin installing internet in your new home. Read on to make your moving experience as seamless and stress-free as possible!

Knowing Your Situation

The first thing that you need to consider when deciding when to set up an internet connection is the specific situation and circumstances of your move. Internet options are going to differ based on your location and point that you're at in the moving process. Read on to begin thinking about some aspects of relocation that you'll need to consider!

What Internet Options Are There?

Generally, you have two options when it comes to internet: satellite and cable.

Satellite internet can be accessed from anywhere in the US. It's basically a communications service that's provided through a series of three wireless satellites that work together to bring a connection to your home. In rural areas, this may be your only option since there aren't internet lines everywhere. It's slower and performs fewer functions than cable internet does, but it's something, and it works. It also takes a bit of time to set up, so you'll need to call a provider a few weeks before moving.

In more populated areas, you're likely to have internet options via cable. These are often of superior quality because they connect to a series of digital lines closer to your home than the satellites are. Cable is faster and more efficient, but it costs more than satellite internet does. It also isn't available in many areas of the US.

Cable internet can be set up much faster than satellite can. It will likely only take a couple of days to get it up and running at home. As a result, you can worry about this while you relocate rather than before you do so.

Where Are You Relocating To?

Because cable internet isn't offered everywhere, you're going to need to do specific research on the place that you're moving to. If you're headed to a less populated area, you're unlikely to have as many options as you would in a big city.

If you live in an area that has satellite internet exclusively, you're going to need to set it up sooner rather than later. It takes about two weeks to install these services, so you'll want to plan accordingly. If you wait until the later steps of your move, you're likely to find yourself without internet for a few weeks.

Other Factors to Consider in Setting Up Internet

In addition to considering the location you're moving to, you'll need to think about your lifestyle and the urgency of your need for an online connection. Read on to get some ideas of what lifestyle factors may cause you to need an internet connection more quickly than you otherwise would.

Do You Need to Work at Home?

If you work at home, you'll need to set up your internet immediately. Not doing so can cause a huge financial strain on you at one of the worst possible times. Moving costs can be pretty high, and you'll need a way to pay them off.

Make sure that you contact an internet provider early- possibly before you even begin to move- and ask them to set up WiFi at your new place. If you wait a long time, you're also more likely to forget to contact them. This could be detrimental to your work life, so get on top of your internet now!

Is Online Communication Essential to You?

According to psychologists, feeling isolated has incredibly adverse effects on both mental and physical health. In addition to making the risk of depression go up, it also makes you 30% more likely to suffer from a stroke later in life.

If you don't rely on online communications to talk with friends and relatives, you probably could bear to spend a few days waiting for it to get set up. However, most people do require an internet connection to communicate with those they love. If you have friends that live far away from you or are in a long-distance relationship, having internet from the moment you move into your home is essential.

You're going to be stressed out because of the move- don't isolate yourself on top of that!

Do You Have Children While Moving?

Keeping children occupied during a move is difficult, and it's even harder if you don't have a TV set up for them to watch.

If you have children, it's essential that you get the internet up and running quickly regardless of your lifestyle. While you unbox your things and organize your new home, setting your child up with a TV show or iPad is a good way to keep them occupied and out of your way.

Using AT&T is a great idea if you have the option to do so. They have a new streaming service, AT&T TV, which is a great alternative to DirecTV. It's faster and has more options so that you don't need to worry about kids getting antsy while their favorite shows are loading.

Searching for Providers

After you have a rough idea of when you need to start setting up internet in your new home, you'll need to look into the providers that cater to your area. This means doing your research to ensure that your specific needs are met by the provider that you select. Read on for some information on how to find the perfect internet provider to suit your lifestyle and needs!

Research Your Options

The first thing that you'll need to do when looking for an internet provider is to research the options that are out there to you. This can become a pretty overwhelming process when you have no assistance- after all, there are so many providers out there, and each one has its own unique features! Luckily, we're here to help, so we've compiled a short list of internet providers that you may be interested in using as well as the features that make each one of them unique.

• AT&T. We've already talked a bit about AT&T's new streaming service and why it's a great alternative to DirecTV, but there are many other features of AT&T internet that we have yet to brush on. It has some of the highest bandwidth and speed of all internet services on the market. Additionally, the customer service at AT&T is stellar- you'll always get an answer to your questions, and associates are more than happy to help you fix any connectivity issues you may face.
• Centurylink. Customer speeds will vary with this provider, and in many locations, you won't be able to choose the speed of internet you want. However, it's an inexpensive cable alternative that you may want to look into.
• Viasat. If you live outside a cable zone, Viasat is by far the best internet option for you. Rather than connecting to cable, Viasat is a satellite brand that specializes in delivering high-speed internet at a low price. There are also no monthly data caps on Viasat plans, which is an awesome feature for large families.
• Hughesnet. This brand is widely available to everyone in all areas of the nation, so for those of you who are moving out to a rural area it may be a good choice. It's a more expensive alternative than Viasat, but the connection is a bit faster. It does, however, have a monthly data cap, which can be annoying for bigger households.

Choose a Full Package

When choosing an internet service for your home, you can do yourself a huge favor by choosing a full bundle that includes internet, TV, and streaming services. Some packages even offer phone service and data, which is a great way to save on an additional phone bill! When you choose a bundle package, you'll only be paying one price for all the entertainment services that you and your family will use on a daily basis.

This not only means that you'll be saving money, but it also means that you won't need to worry about keeping track of and paying multiple bills. Life is busy and it's easy to get disorganized, especially when you're frantically moving items and unboxing your belongings during relocation. You won't need to worry about logging into many websites to pay your bills when you have a bundle- you'll simply only need to set a reminder and pay once.

The Speed You Need

When choosing an internet package, one of the most important things to keep in mind is the speed of internet that you need. If you have the luxury of living in a place where you can choose between various cable or satellite providers, you'll need to look into the bandwidth of the internet connection for each provider. You may also want to read reviews of other customers who have chosen different internet services to see which of them are happy (or unhappy) with the speed of their service.

If you have a larger family or you work from home/spend hours out of your day online, you're going to need a faster connection. This is also the case if you stream a lot of video or make many Skype calls. Consider these factors and be realistic about the connection speed that you require.

Stay Within Your Budget

However, staying within the budget you set is just as important as getting a high-speed connection. If you spend too much money on internet, you may find yourself under a lot of financial strain when paying the other bills you need in your new location. Until the bills come in for the first month of water, electricity, etc, you don't truly know how much these amenities are going to cost you in your new home.

That's why it's important that you stick to your budget when purchasing your first internet plan. If you decide that you have more money than you thought, awesome! You can change things around later. But don't strain yourself right away, especially when you have to deal with immediate moving costs.

Begin the Internet Installation Search Today

There are many factors that go into deciding when to begin setting up internet in your new home. From knowing your situation to considering your lifestyle to researching the providers that cater to your area, there's a lot to think about.

Now that you have an idea of when you need to begin internet installation while relocating, it's time to start researching some of the packages that you can buy. Click here to get more information on internet/TV bundles that you can choose from after moving to your new location. You can also call us at (888) 376-0763 to discuss internet packages with an expert. This is a great way to get help deciding on the right bundle for you.

Have a smooth move!

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 Providers' Response to Coronavirus Pandemic Update

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted how we live, work, and connect. Internet providers have played a crucial role in ensuring that people stay connected during these challenging times. This article provides an update on how various internet service providers (ISPs) have responded to the pandemic, including new initiatives, support measures, and related articles for further reading.

Key Initiatives by Internet Providers

Keep Americans Connected Pledge

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced the Keep Americans Connected Initiative on March 13, 2020, and extended it to June 30, 2020. The pledge included commitments from more than 800 companies and associations to:

• Not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
• Waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the pandemic.
• Open Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

During the pandemic, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was launched to help low-income households stay connected. The program provided $30 monthly subsidies for internet bills, or $75 discounts in tribal or high-cost areas. However, the ACP is now out of funds, and its future remains uncertain. Many ISPs are preparing post-ACP plans to continue supporting their customers.

Specific Provider Responses

Verizon

Verizon introduced the "Verizon Forward" initiative, offering home internet for as low as $20/month. New customers could pay $0/month for the first six months they are enrolled.

AT&T

AT&T continued offering its "Access from AT&T" plan, which provides 100 Megabit speeds for $30/month. With the ACP’s $30 discount, this plan was previously free for some customers.

Comcast

Comcast’s "Internet Essentials" plan provides a low-cost connectivity option, with home internet starting from $9.95/month. Additionally, customers can transfer their ACP benefit to some plans.

Charter

Charter, the largest provider in the ACP program, has not made specific announcements about ACP replacements. However, some customers may be eligible for Spectrum’s Internet Assist Plan, offering 50 megabit internet for $24.99/month.

Local Government Initiatives

Local governments have also stepped up to address digital inclusion during the pandemic. Initiatives include:

• Expansion of free public Wi-Fi.
• Providing subsidies for home broadband service.
• Supporting gap networks through regulation, technical assistance, bulk equipment purchasing, and funding.
• Providing financial support to local organizations conducting outreach and guidance for federal broadband programs.

Related Articles

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of reliable internet access. While many ISPs have taken significant steps to support their customers during this time, the future of programs like the ACP remains uncertain. Continued efforts from both providers and local governments are essential to ensure that all Americans can stay connected in an increasingly digital world.

For more updates and information on internet service providers' responses to the pandemic, stay tuned to our blog.