Fast and reliable connectivity underpins many modern smart homes and you’ll get the robust WiFi you need to keep all that tech running smoothly.
22 October, 2024 | Posted by:
Category: Cable, Entertainment, Deals & Packages, Internet, Service Providers, Streaming, Technology | No Comments
If you think about your media consumption, chances are your habits have changed dramatically over the past couple of decades.
Firstly, chances are you’ll demand internet access at home. According to Pew Research Center, 90% of adult Americans now use the internet. The same study shows almost 75% of US households have a broadband connection.
Fast and reliable connectivity underpins many modern smart homes and you’ll get the robust WiFi you need to keep all that tech running smoothly.
A brisk internet connection is also vital if you want to use streaming services in place of cable TV.
As an added complication when you’re shopping for services at home, you have the phone to consider.
Most of the principal internet providers give you the chance to take care of all your communication and entertainment needs with the best home internet deals.
With triple-play packages, you will get:
Internet
TV
Phone Service
As with any comprehensive package like this, you’ll qualify for a discount and you should get unlimited nationwide calls as standard. Essentially, bundling your services can save you time and money if you get it right.
We would suggest you think closely before launching into any commitment like this. You should also start by carefully analyzing your needs.
To give you some inspiration, we’ll briefly highlight the benefits of three leading internet bundles so you can see if any would make a good fit.
If you prioritize a wide choice of TV viewing, AT&T serve up 550 channels so there’s something for all the family.
Monthly prices come in anywhere from $55 to $230 depending on the contents of the chosen bundle.
Opt for the DIRECTV package and you’ll get an HD DVR from Genie thrown in along with hundreds of channels. When combined with AT&T internet, you’ve got a powerful combination. Alternatively, sign up for fiber TV bundles offering enormous choice and great reliability.
AT&T Fiber promises gigabit-speed internet. Speeds of the standard packages are still fairly brisk. Throw in class-leading TV content and all you need to do is choose your bundle.
For anyone prizing high internet speed above all else, Verizon Fios Home Internet promises some of the quickest speeds nationwide.
With download speeds from 100 to 940 Mbps and fairly impressive upload speeds, Verizon internet should satisfy a large family of heavy users.
Bundles including internet and TV range from $89.99 per month to $169.99 monthly. With Fios TV, you get 125 to 425+ channels so you’ll never get caught short.
The only real drawback of this exclusively fiber network is an ambiguous policy concerning data caps. We’d suggest speaking to the customer service representative to make sure you’re getting the package you need without the risk of your speeds being throttled for excessive usage.
To round out, one of the best all-rounders for internet bundles is Xfinity, the largest cable TV and internet provider.
With swift speeds to 275 Mbps and over 250 TV channels, you don’t get a huge choice of packages but the three options are all effective and come in from $119.99 monthly to $159.99 monthly for TV and internet combined.
You should use these ideas as a starting point if you’re struggling to find internet bundles then focus on the best options in your area.
Focus on location first then double down on what you need included and what you feel is most important, whether that’s internet speed, channel selection, or ease of cancellation. With those elements dialed in, you should easily find a package catering for all your requirements.
With average cable bills coming in at $85 a month, and most satellite TV providers charging $100 a month, it’s only natural to seek out savings in this area.
09 May, 2024 | Posted by:
Category: Cable, Entertainment, Deals & Packages, Internet, Service Providers, Streaming, Technology | No Comments
With average cable bills coming in at $85 a month, and most satellite TV providers charging $100 a month, it’s only natural to seek out savings in this area.
When you throw in the cost of internet, there’s even more reason to get the best possible deal for both services.
We’ll kick off today by showing you how you can cut back on internet expenditure before exploring how to save money on cable.
TLDR: Bundle your TV and internet for the best possible deal.
1. Threaten to Leave
2. Consider a Lower Speed Plan
3. Buy Your Own Modem
4. Switch Providers
5. Constantly Monitor Local Deals
If you’re unhappy with the amount you’re paying for your internet, do you feel you could get a better deal elsewhere?
Before anything else, call your internet provider and explain your situation. In the vast majority of cases, if you express your intention to leave, the company representative will offer some form of incentive to stay.
This strategy is a win-win. Even if you don’t get any discount, you are not committed to leaving. You’ve got nothing to lose by asking.
Now, downgrading to a lower speed plan is a surefire way to save money with most providers. The question is, will that negatively impact your day-to-day use?
If you have teens in the house downloading and online gaming, or you work from home, this will not be a viable way to save money. You need that extra speed.
For lighter users, downgrading to a 3 Mbps package could generate savings of close to $200 a year.
Check to see if your internet provider charges you a monthly fee for modem rental. If so, buy your own modem instead. You’ll recoup the cost quickly and then save on ongoing costs.
If the threat of leaving you made earlier didn’t work and you have found a superior deal, switch providers. You’ll often benefit from an attractive introductory rate for the first year.
Many consumers switch providers every year or so to benefit from this, although we wouldn’t recommend that strategy. It’s much trouble for too little reward.
If you feel you could get better value elsewhere, vote with your feet.
To find internet providers in your area, you need to do little more than monitor the websites of the major ISPs to see whether they operate in your state of residence.
Stay aware of what the competition is pricing and don’t hesitate to switch ISPs if you feel you would be better served elsewhere.
OK…
With some minor savings made on your internet, how can you achieve further cuts with cable?
1. Trim Your Package
2. Buy Your Own Modem
3. Scrutinize Fees
4. Consider Whether You Really Need a DVR
5. Cut The Cord Completely
6. Bundle Cable and Internet
The first and most obvious saving you can make on cable is to ditch the premium channels. Kiss goodbye to HBO and Showtime, and you could pay $30 a month less. You can always resubscribe if you change your mind.
This Nielsen study shows that the average American adult watches no more than 20 channels. Ask yourself if you could trim some fit to cut back the monthly bill.
If you’re being charged monthly to rent a cable modem, buy your own instead. Just like with an internet modem, you’ll recoup the modest cost in short order then save month-on-month.
Check your bill closely and ask for clarification of any fees you’re unclear about.
While many fees are unavoidable, you could sidestep some unnecessary charges simply by examining your bill and following up with a call to customer care.
Is it imperative that you record TV shows?
You could easily save $10 a month if you get rid of the DVR so ask yourself how much priority you place on the convenience of recording TV.
Now, the extreme way to save money on cable is not to have a cable package at all.
These days, with platforms like Netflix offering such cheap subscriptions and first-class programming, there’s no need to have cable. Grab a digital antenna for broadcast TV then opt for a cord-cutting package for much less money than your cable.
For anyone reluctant to cut the cord completely, you could take advantage of bundle deals for cable and internet.
All major providers offer combination deals. You can throw in phone service, too.
As with any package deal, you should get better value without a reduction in performance.
If you have any secrets on saving money for internet or cable, drop us a line and share the savings.
Bookmark our site before you go and we’ll see you soon.
Discover the top Internet Service Providers in San Antonio tailored for seamless connectivity to your smart devices. Compare speeds, reliability & prices
22 October, 2024 | Posted by:
Category: Cable, Entertainment, Deals & Packages, Internet, Service Providers, Streaming, Technology | No Comments
As the number of smart devices in our homes—from smartphones and tablets to smart thermostats and refrigerators—continues to grow, choosing the right Internet Service Provider (ISP) becomes crucial for maintaining connectivity and ensuring optimal performance of all your devices. San Antonio, with its diverse and growing tech scene, offers a variety of ISPs that cater to the needs of a digitally connected household. This article explores the best internet service providers in San Antonio that are equipped to handle the demands of smart devices, ensuring your home remains smart and seamlessly connected.
Smart devices rely heavily on constant, uninterrupted internet access. These devices often sync data, download updates, and communicate with apps on your phone or cloud services, activities that require a stable and fast internet connection. An inadequate internet service can lead to slower response times from smart devices, interruptions in service, and even security vulnerabilities. Therefore, choosing the right ISP is key to making the most out of your smart home technology.
When selecting an ISP for your smart devices, consider the following steps:
For San Antonio residents looking to optimize their smart home experience, choosing the right ISP is fundamental. Whether it’s AT&T’s fiber, Spectrum’s cable, Google Fiber’s ultrafast speeds, or Grande’s local touch, there are options to suit different needs and locations. By securing a reliable and speedy internet connection, you ensure that your smart devices work efficiently, making your home smarter and your life easier.
Today, we’ll highlight 5 things you might not know about Spectrum so you can assess whether this ISP’s product line might be worth exploring further.
14 November, 2024 | Posted by:
Category: Business Internet, Cable, Entertainment, Deals & Packages, Internet, Service Providers, Streaming, TV | No Comments
With download speeds outflanking Comcast and Cox, Spectrum’s cable internet service gives speeds touching 940 Mbps in the following areas:
Austin, TX
Charlotte, NC
Cincinnati, OH
Kansas City, MO
New York, NY
Oahu, HI
Raleigh, NC
San Antonio, TX
Elsewhere in the US, expect to hit speeds from 200 to 940 Mbps according to the manufacturer’s website.
Whether you want Spectrum TV, an internet-only service, or an all-inclusive package extending to your phone, what else should you know about this cord-cutting company?
Today, we’ll highlight 5 things you might not know about Spectrum so you can assess whether this ISP’s product line might be worth exploring further.
You won’t be tied into a restrictive contract
Super-swift downloads with speeds nudging 1000 Mbps in some areas
Take advantage of one-hour installation window to save waiting around all day
Streaming service available if you have a Spectrum internet connection
Spectrum offer robust business plans for less than you might imagine
With most ISPs, you must commit to a long-term contract to benefit from keener prices. While you might get a short-term discount, what happens if unexpected circumstances mean you want to cancel that contract? With many providers, you’ll face stiff early redemption penalties.
Spectrum offers you internet services you can easily cancel at any stage but this flexibility comes at a cost. Expect price increases once your promotional rate expires after the first year. Price hikes vary from customer to customer.
There’s only one internet plan available - more on the impressive speeds right below - along with on-demand TV, and a bundle. Whichever you choose, you can stop your subscription at any time with no questions asked.
You’ll get a free modem and free antivirus software along with uncapped data usage and commendable speeds on the download.
If you’re tempted to try the streaming service but you’re not sure if you’d like it, you have nothing much to risk as you can just cancel the package at any stage.
Now, a bit more on those speeds…
In today’s households crammed with gaming consoles, laptops, tablets, cell phones, and smart devices, who isn’t looking for brisk internet speeds?
Spectrum delivers the quickest starting speeds for the money with some areas benefiting from gigabit internet and blistering speeds of 940 Mbps.
Whether you’re a heavy online gamer looking for a lag-free experience, or you work from home doing lots of heavy lifting for your SEO company, get speeds to suit with Spectrum.
What’s one of the worst things about switching internet service providers?
For us, it’s waiting around all day for installation with no fixed time arranged. You could take the entire day off only to find the technician arrives at 7pm.
With Spectrum, you’ll be issued with a set time and a guarantee the technician won’t be delayed by more than one hour. While not perfect, this allows you to block off your day more easily to accommodate installation.
While Spectrum TV Stream is a nimble and affordable streaming platform, you’ll need a Spectrum internet connection to take advantage of this service.
Priced at just $44 monthly, you’ll get access to over 200 channels you can watch across your devices using the Spectrum TV app. Premium viewing ranges from HBO and SHOWTIME to STARZ and The Movie Channel.
If you’re looking for entertainment on the go, access up to 30,000 on-demand TV shows on any connected device.
As with all Spectrum services, you won’t need to panic about locking yourself into a lengthy commitment. You can bail out at any time and for any reason.
Spectrum internet is not limited to residential packages.
The baseline package gives more than acceptable speeds of up to 100 Mbps. This is priced at a competitive $59.99 monthly. Spectrum recommends this package for up to 10 users with moderate needs.
You can step things up to cater for more users with the top $249.99 package ideal for up to 40 heavy users transferring lots of data.
The added kicker is that the streaming services make a neat bolt-on for many business owners in the hospitality industry. Get all you need in one simple bundle rather than dealing with multiple providers.
Final Thoughts
What are your thoughts on Spectrum now you have a snapshot of their offerings?
If you’re looking for quick internet and a solid streaming service under one roof, Spectrum is well worth exploring further. You won’t face any fees if you want to cancel and you’ll get generally responsive customer care.
As with all decisions about ISPs, yours will be largely dictated by the best providers in your area. We hope you’ve found some useful pointers about Spectrum here today and good luck finding the best ISP for your needs.
What exactly is satellite internet? How can it benefit you when using the internet? Take a look at this helpful guide for everything you need to know.
22 October, 2024 | Posted by:
Category: Cable, Deals & Packages, Internet, Service Providers, Technology | No Comments
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For example, you can now receive internet signals through the use of satellites. While the technology was lacking in the past, in recent years, providers have really stepped up in their offerings, making it a viable option today.
So is satellite internet a good choice for you? Where can you get it? Plus, which internet service providers (ISPs) are good to use?
Read on, as we'll give you all the important information you need to know to decide whether or not satellite internet is optimal for your situation.
As we've pointed out above, satellite internet is where you get connected online by the signals sent from a satellite in space. Because a satellite in orbit can cover a wide area on earth, this is why the coverage for this type of internet is practically 100% of the United States.
This makes satellite internet a great choice for people who live in urban areas, as they'll have limited internet choices. For instance, the average internet user usually goes for either cable or DSL internet. This is because not only are these options high-speed, but they're also affordable and most of the country has coverage.
However, there are a select few places that don't receive either type of internet. In that case, satellite internet can be a lifesaver, especially if you need to work digitally from home.
So how does dish internet work?
Well, first of all, there's the satellite orbiting over the earth. Each provider will have their own specific satellite.
When you subscribe to an ISP, they'll give you a modem and install a satellite dish on top of your house. Whenever you connect on your computer, it'll request a signal through the modem, which then goes through the satellite dish. The satellite dish then sends the request up to the orbiting satellite.
Once the satellite gets the request, it then sends its own signal to the provider. The provider projects their service to the satellite, which then sends it back to your satellite dish. The signal then travels through the dish into your modem, and then your computer.
It may sound like a whole complicated process, but in reality, everything happens so fast that you don't even have to think twice about getting connected.
In general, satellite internet is reliable. However, because it depends on a relay of signals through multiple channels, it should be quite reasonable to expect that service may not always be fast or smooth.
Also, because the internet signal is being transmitted through the air, there's a higher chance that the signal will run into interference with something while on the way to and from your computer. As a result, you might experience periods of time where you'll get stutters in your connection.
As far as speeds go, you can get up to 100 Mbps in download speeds. However, latency is a different story; while you might get fast speeds, the latency may be so bad that for hardcore gamers, it's impossible to get a decent session in.
Nowadays, many ISPs don't have data caps, which means you can surf online for as much as you want. This allows you to download as many files as you want, as well as stream videos without worry.
However, some ISPs do still have data caps. When it comes to satellite internet providers, this is definitely the case.
So even if you find a plan that offers high speeds, do note that you still have to be very careful when you're connected. If you aren't mindful, you may end up hitting your data cap early on in the month.
If you do reach the maximum amount of data allowed, two things will happen. For one, your internet speed will slow down dramatically. Secondly, you'll have to pay extra for the additional data you use.
In some cases, you'll be able to purchase extra data and/or use the internet during off-peak hours that don't count toward your data cap. You'll have to check with your ISP to see exactly what they offer.
If you're lucky enough to have other options available where you live, you might be wondering how satellite is like compared to cable internet.
With cable internet, you'll get online by internet signals sent through coaxial cables. These are the same ones used for cable TV, so if you're able to receive cable TV where you are, then you'll most likely be able to get cable internet.
The signal is sent through a modem, which is connected to your computer. If you want to have wireless internet in your house, you'll also have to get a router that broadcasts the signal.
In general, cable internet will give you faster and more reliable speeds. It also typically has cheaper prices. However, if cable lines haven't been laid in your city, then you won't be able to get this service. This pretty much leaves you with only satellite internet as an option.
You now know how satellite internet compares to cable internet. But how does it fare when compared to other types of high-speed internet?
Take a look below to see how satellite internet stacks up to cable, DSL, fixed wireless, and fiber optic internet.
As we've mentioned above, the average internet user usually goes for either cable or DSL internet. DSL stands for "digital subscriber line" and doesn't use coaxial cables. Instead, it uses telephone wires.
If you're a long-time internet user, you might remember the days of dial-up internet. Not only was it very slow, but it also took up your telephone line. This meant you had to sign on and off often, or else you'd tie up the phone line for the entire duration of you being online.
DSL gets rid of this annoying problem. While it does still use telephone wires to connect, it does so with unused lines. As a result, you can conveniently surf online and use your landline to make calls simultaneously.
DSL can be more reliable than cable internet because of their singular connection. Cable internet uses a coaxial cable connection that's shared with others, so speeds can drop if you're online during peak hours. With DSL, that won't happen, since you're connected through a single telephone line,
Fiber optic internet is the cream of the crop. It uses the latest in technology to bring you such fast speeds, it can be up to 100 times faster than DSL or cable.
With this type of internet, it uses fiber optic cables instead of copper ones to relay internet signals. This means light passes through these fiber options, giving you smooth and outstandingly fast speeds.
But because this technology is so new, you won't find it in many places. Mainly, you'll get service in bigger American cities.
Otherwise, you'll have to wait for an ISP to bring this service to your area. It takes a huge investment to do, so you'll probably see the bigger names arrive first.
Fixed wireless internet can possibly be an option if you're in an urban location. This is because all you need is to receive the internet signals.
Fired wireless internet works through the broadcast of radiowaves from a base station. To get these radiowaves, you'll need to install a receiver from the ISP. Once the receiver is in, it'll start communicating with the nearest base station to get you connected.
With this type of internet, you don't need a router or modem. Instead, you just turn on your device, search for the network, and hop online. While this can be very convenient, it does come with its caveats.
Extreme weather conditions can affect the signal strength, which means service can cut out at inopportune times. Other things (like trees) can also interfere with the signal. Fixed wireless internet is also usually more expensive than other internet options.
While there are many satellite internet providers out there, certainly none come close to the services offered by HughesNet and ViaSat. These are the 2 biggest names in the industry, which means they offer the most bang for your buck.
Read on to find out more about both companies to see which one's right for you.
As expected, HughesNet covers all 50 states in the US. They serve over 308 million Americans, with a coverage of 33,131 zip codes in the nation.
The biggest states they cover include California, Texas, and New York. As far as top areas served goes, HughesNet covers Los Angeles, Houston, San Antonio, Brooklyn, Chicago, New York, and Miami.
HughesNet's top speed isn't too impressive; it's 25 Mbps for downloads and 3 Mbps for uploads. However, if you aren't doing anything too digitally intensive, and it's just you and/or another person in the household, then 25 Mbps should be sufficient.
Data caps start at 20 GB per month and go all the way up to 50 GB per month. You'll get an additional 50 GB per month to use between 2:00 am and 8:00 am.
Depending on the plan you subscribe to, expect to pay anywhere between $70 to $150 per month. Setup costs $100 and you'll also have to pay $10 per month for equipment rental in the first 6 months; this goes up to $15 afterward.
ViaSat Internet is formerly known as Exede. They also have coverage in all 50 states and serve around 308 million customers.
Like with HughesNet, ViaSat's greatest coverage is in California, Texas, and New York. The major cities they serve are also Los Angeles, Houston, San Antonio, Brooklyn, Chicago, New York, and Miami.
However, their top speed is much higher than HughesNet's. You'll get up to 100 Mbps for downloads, although this will be in select areas.
For their packages, you can select either 12 or 25 Mbps for downloads and 3 Mbps for uploads. Prices range from $50 to $150 per month.
What's great is although most of their packages have data caps (ranging from 12 to 50 GB per month), they do offer a package that has no data cap. After you've used 100 GB, then the speed may slow down a little.
For the other plans, you can either buy more Priority Data after you've hit the cap or just connect at much slower speeds. Do note that you can use the internet from 3:00 am until 6:00 am without it counting toward your data cap.
When it comes to HughesNet vs ViaSat, they're pretty similar, as far as speeds and prices go.
However, if you want "unlimited" data, ViaSat wins in that aspect, as they have the Unlimited Silver 25 plan. On the other hand, if you want more off-peak hours to use your internet, HughesNet wins for this category, as their off-peak hours are 6 hours, as opposed to just 3 hours with ViaSat.
In the end, you'll have to weigh up the pros and cons yourself to see which one works better for your personal situation.
As you can see, satellite internet can be a wonderful option if you live in the outskirts of town and barely get any reception for other types of internet. Considering satellite internet pretty much has coverage all over the United States, you won't ever find yourself disconnected from the internet.
While satellite internet isn't as great as other types of broadband internet, plus it's more expensive in some cases, it still can be completely worth it when you're able to get online, no matter where you're located. So give satellite internet a look and choose the ISP that suits your need and budget.
Want to sign up satellite internet that's affordable? Then use our zip code searcher now. You'll get to browse through thousands of plans for the most cost-effective solutions.
