According to the White House, around 75.9% of US homes have a high-speed Internet connection. Choosing the right Internet service provider is an essential decision when making a move. From growing the Internet to working from home, everyone needs a reliable high-speed connection. With so many providers, finding the right one becomes a challenge. Taking the proper steps and knowing what to look for in a provider can help you make an informed decision.
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Assess Your Internet Needs
One of the first things to do is to assess your need for using fiber internet. Consider the following to understand the speed and bandwidth needs:
Light Usage
Those primarily using the Internet to browse, check social media, or read and send emails will only need light speeds, such as 10 to 25 Mbps.
Moderate Usage
Higher connection speeds are necessary if you stream HD movies, TV shows, and video games. Video conferencing, downloading, and heavy streaming require 50 to 200 Mbps.
Heavy Usage
Families with multiple users and devices will need higher Internet speeds. You may need Internet speeds of 200 Mbps or higher. Higher speeds help prevent hiccups and other problems that frustrate streaming or video gaming.
Consider the Types of High-Speed Internet
Researching the types of Internet options in your area can help you decide which one will fit best. Each has pros and cons, but may not be available in all areas. Consider the following for your situation:
Fiber Optic
Fiber optic Internet is known for its high speeds and reliability. This type is best for families with heavy users because it can meet the demands of video gaming, heavy streaming, and video calls.
Cable
Cable companies offer Internet speeds ranging from 25 Mbps to over 500. Cable Internet is widely available, though it is essential to consider that speeds may drop during peak hours.
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line Internet uses telephone lines to deliver Internet service, but it is not as reliable or fast as other options. Most DSL usage is fading except in rural areas where fiber optic and cable Internet options are unavailable.
Satellite
Satellite options can be favorable for many and offer Internet service when other options are unavailable. Unfortunately, this connection has higher latency and data caps that can negatively impact your streaming ability.
Fixed Wireless
There are also fixed wireless options. Fixed wireless options provide Internet through radio waves. This Internet option is often found in underserved areas of the country, where other, more reliable options may not be available.
Choose a Provider That Fits Your Needs
Choosing the right provider means carrying out research. Learn about the offerings and pricing in your area. Compare the offerings to your budget and needs. Read customer reviews because they can be very telling about the top Internet providers‘ reliability, speed, and customer service.
It is essential to narrow down the options to three and then compare them to make the correct choice. Not all Internet providers are created equal. Some may entice you with initial savings bundles, but these special offers eventually end and leave you with higher costs. While the price should never be the primary consideration, it is essential.
The right provider should listen to your needs and formulate the ideal bundle that helps you enjoy streaming without hiccups, high prices, and unreliability. Consider the options above to get started.