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    Best internet provider in Charlotte 2021: Top ISPs

    Money.com released its annual 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S., and a Charlotte neighborhood secured fifth place. Charlotte, NC, has old-world southern charm and bustling cosmopolitan vibrancy. Additionally, there are several noteworthy internet service providers in Charlotte, NC.If you’re a resident (or about to become one) of Charlotte, one of the first services you’ll probably be in search of is internet service. There are plenty of providers offering everything from DSL to cable broadband to high-speed fiber-optic service — how will you know which one is best for you? Our review of Charlotte internet providers can help you explore and compare your options.AT&TGoogle FiberSpectrumWindstreamDefining traitBest BundlesBest FeaturesWidest Charlotte CoverageBest ValueConnection typeFiberFiberDSLFiberDownload speeds (Mbps)100Mbps300Mbps1000Mbps1000Mbps200Mbps100MbpsPrices starting at$50 per month$70 per month$49.99 per month$37 per monthContract length12 monthsNoneNoneNoneData cap1TB or unlimitedNoneNoneNone

    Best for bundles

    AT&T

    If you prefer to keep your home phone, internet and TV on one bill, AT&T is a good option. The provider offers a small selection of affordable bundles to meet your needs. Take a closer look at what AT&T has to offer in Charlotte, NC:Price: Internet prices start at $50 per month for 100 or 300Mbps download speeds. The fastest tier comes in at $70 per month.Speed and Data: AT&T Fiber is available in Charlotte at three speeds. Choose from 100 or 300Mbps with a generous data limit of 1TB. Or upgrade to their highest-tier plan of 1000Mbps download speeds and no data cap.Plans/Packages: AT&T will throw in free installation when you sign up for a package. AT&T will throw in free installation, saving you $99. The Internet and U-verse TV package features fiber optic internet and 180 channels of U-verse TV for $79.99 per month with no data limits on internet usage. Add digital home phone services to the bundle and pay just $99.98 per month.Contract Options: AT&T requires a 12-month service agreement for internet service or the bundles they offer.

    Best features

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    Google’s foray into internet services ranks them as providers with the most (and best) features in our review. Google Fiber is only available in 18 cities at this time, but that number is set to expand. When you sign up for Google Fiber high-speed internet, you’ll also receive free installation and 1TB of free cloud storage.Google Fiber features:Price: Google Fiber in Charlotte costs $70 per month for fast 1000Mbps speeds.Speed and Data: Most data providers only promote their download speeds, which are considerably faster than their upload speeds. Google Fiber is unique because they claim 1000Mbps download and upload speeds, making uploads of photos and files just as fast as downloading a video game or movie. Besides lightning-fast download and upload speeds, Google Fiber doesn’t throttle speeds or cap data.Plans/Packages: You can add Fiber Phone for an extra $10 per month.Contract Options: Google Fiber doesn’t require any contracts or commitments.

    Widest Charlotte coverage

    Charter Spectrum

    Spectrum Internet service is available to all Charlotte residents. The internet provider wins our award for widest coverage because 100% of Charlotte residences are eligible for Spectrum internet.Spectrum features:Price: Spectrum offers 200 Mbps speeds for $49.99 per month to Charlotte area residents. The internet service plan also comes with free access to Spectrum hotspots nationwide. You can connect any of your devices when you’re away from home to an available hotspot and save on your mobile data.Speed and Data: Charlotte residents can expect Spectrum internet speeds up to 200 Mbps.Plans/Packages: Besides internet services, you can add Spectrum TV for live streaming of your favorite channels. You can use your TV subscription wherever you are through the Spectrum TV app.Contract Options: Spectrum doesn’t require you to commit to a contract. Internet prices are guaranteed for the first 12 months of service, but you may cancel at any time.

    Best value

    Windstream

    Choosing an internet provider based solely on price often comes with drawbacks — lower speeds or limitations on your monthly data usage. Windstream tops our list for best value because they have one of the lowest prices for high-speed internet without many inconvenient restrictions you’d expect when choosing a low-cost provider.Windstream features:Price: Windstream provides internet to all Charlotte residents, starting at $37 per month for the first year and $45 per month after.Speed and Data: Windstream advertises a speed of 100Mbps, although the average project range of streaming is 73 to 125Mbps. There are no data caps or overage charges, so you don’t have to worry about that affecting online streaming habits.Plans/Packages: For extra savings, you can bundle DIRECTV and phone service with your internet. The home phone service includes unlimited calls nationwide.Contract Options: Windstream doesn’t require you to sign a long-term contract — plus, you can cancel the service at any time.

    How did we find the best internet providers in Charlotte?

    We analyzed a dozen companies to find the best internet providers in Charlotte. Some of the key features we looked for are:Coverage: Internet providers who offer widespread coverage throughout Charlotte make our list of best internet providers. Transferring your service if you move is a perk of being signed up with a provider with larger area coverage.Value: We weighed the pricing vs features of all the available Charlotte internet service providers in determining which offer readers the most value. Some of the features we looked at were speed, packages, contract lengths, and data caps.Customer Satisfaction: Satisfaction ratings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power were also considered. Because most internet service providers earned mediocre customer satisfaction ratings, we examined industry averages to understand better which internet providers resolved customer service issues best.

    What is Google Fiber?

    Google Fiber is Google’s new high-speed internet service. It’s only available in select cities, including Charlotte, North Carolina. Packages start at $50 per month for 100 to 1000Mbps.

    How fast is internet service in Charlotte?

    Depending on the Charlotte, NC neighborhood, you’ll have access to speeds of up to 1000Mbps.

    Is fiber internet faster than broadband cable?

    Yes, fibre internet is faster than broadband cable. Fiber optic internet is delivered straight to your home through fibers that can carry light. Broadband internet is carried on coaxial cable wires and is shared with other neighborhood users, potentially slowing down your speeds when several users are online at once.

    What is a data cap?

    The larger the movie or music files you stream, or the more photos or videos you may upload or download, the more data or bandwidth you use. Many internet providers will limit the amount of monthly data. If you reach your limit, your internet provider may shut off your internet or slow your speed down. More

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    Best internet provider in Indianapolis 2021: Top ISPs

    Indianapolis residents have several options when it comes to internet service. The FCC found that most Indy homeowners and renters can choose from at least three different internet providers, regardless of the area. The top three internet providers in Indianapolis we determined are AT&T, Spectrum, and Xfinity. They each have different terms and conditions, prices, and contract lengths.If you’re new to the area, having to choose from the internet options available may be overwhelming. We’re breaking it down for you to save you time. Read on for our review to see how the best Indianapolis internet providers compare.The three best internet providers in IndianapolisThe best Indianapolis internet providers: summed upAT&TSpectrumXfinityDefining traitFastest speedsBest for no commitmentsBest home bundlesConnection typeDSL & fiberBroadband cableBroadband cableDownload speeds (Mbps)100 Mbps300 Mbps1000 Mbps200 Mbps25 Mbps100 – 200 Mbps300 Mbps600 Mbps1000 MbpsPrices starting at$40 per month$49.99 per month$20 per monthContract length12 months for internet, 24 months for the TV portion of the bundleNone12 monthsData cap1 TB or unlimited for 1000 Mbps planNone1 TBAll information accurate as of 02/24/2020.

    Fastest speeds

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    If you and your family stream music, movies, or like to play online games, fast speeds are essential. AT&T has the highest-speed internet service in Indianapolis, so everyone at home can access the internet without lag time.Price: Internet prices start at $40 per month for 100 or 300 Mbps download speeds, depending on your area. Or you can opt for 1000 Mbps fiber internet for $60 per month.Speed and Data: Depending on where in Indianapolis you’re based, you may have access to DSL or Fiber. Fiber is the fastest, with speeds up to 1000 Mbps, although the DSL 100 to 300 Mbps should be fast enough for most users.Plans/Packages: AT&T offers 18 internet and TV bundles starting at $79.99 per month, based on the internet speed of your choice — 100, 300 or 1000 Mbps.Contract Options: AT&T internet in Indianapolis requires signing a 12-month service agreement for service. The TV portion of the bundle requires a longer, two-year agreement.

    Best for no commitments

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    If you’re not sure how long you plan on staying in Indianapolis, you’ll need an internet provider offering no contracts. Spectrum is the best choice for Indy residents who prefer no long-term commitments.Price: Spectrum offers 200 Mbps speeds for $49.99 per month to Indianapolis residents. You’ll also receive access to all Spectrum hotspots nationwide so you can connect your devices to your Spectrum internet service while you’re traveling.Speed and Data: Spectrum’s broadband cable service provides Indianapolis internet speeds of up to 200 Mbps.Plans/Packages: You can bundle your internet plan by adding Spectrum TV, a subscription service. Spectrum TV can be used outside of your home by way of the Spectrum TV app.Contract Options: Spectrum doesn’t lock customers into a contract. Your internet prices are guaranteed for 12 months, but you may cancel at any time.

    Best home bundles

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    Xfinity by Comcast is the Indianapolis internet service provider accessible to most residents. The company’s xFi expands your home WiFi network so all devices can access the network without compromising speed. This provider also has the largest number of speeds available, so you can select the best plan without paying for more than you need.Price: Xfinity internet prices start at $20 per month for 25 Mbps. Depending on your area, you may have up to five internet service options, based on speed. Prices vary though so be sure to enter your address for an accurate quote.Speed and Data: With Xfinity, Indianapolis residents will have their choice of five speed plans: 25 Mbps, 100 – 200 Mbps, 300 Mbps, 600 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps. Except for the highest-tier plan, all Xfinity plans limit data at 1 TB.Plans/Packages: You’ll have access to Xfinity bundles with your choice of high-speed Internet, voice and cable TV. A bundle including internet and cable TV ranges in price between $30 and $60 per month.Contract Options: Xfinity internet and bundles come with a minimum 12-month contract.

    How did we find the best internet providers in Indianapolis?

    We analyzed internet providers in Indianapolis to bring you the best. Some of the essential features we considered were:Coverage: The top internet providers selected have widespread service throughout Indianapolis. It’s usually best to sign up with a larger provider if you foresee having to move in the next year or two, so you can transfer your service and avoid cancellation penalties.Value. There’s more to value than pricing. We looked for the best Indianapolis internet providers offering you the most bang for your buck. Besides pricing, some of the features we looked at were speed, contract lengths, equipment and data caps.Customer Satisfaction. Satisfaction ratings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power play an important part in our review. Most internet service providers earned mediocre customer satisfaction ratings, so we looked at industry averages to get a better picture of which internet providers handled and solved customer service issues best.

    How fast is internet service in Indianapolis?

    Depending on the Indianapolis, IN neighborhood you live in, you may have access to internet speeds as fast as 1000 Mbps.

    How much internet speed do I need?

    According to Xfinity, 25 Mbps is enough for one to two devices, 100 to 200 Mbps is enough for eight devices at a time, 300 Mbps for up to 11 devices, 600 Mbps for 12 or more devices and 1000 Mbps for unlimited devices, all without affecting speeds. Besides speed, you should also be mindful of how much data you will be downloading or streaming. Many plans cap the amount of data you can use.

    What is a data cap?

    The larger the movie or music files you stream, or the more photos or videos you may upload or download, the more data is required. Many internet providers will limit your monthly data by slowing down your speeds, turning off your web surfing ability for the month, or charging you additional usage fees. It’s important to know how your internet provider approaches data caps to save yourself from the surprise of a high internet bill due to data overage charges. More

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    Best internet provider in Las Vegas 2021: Top ISPs

    Las Vegas is a city filled with plentiful luxuries and conveniences, but surprisingly, internet service isn’t always one of them. Many of the most popular internet providers in the region, such as AT&T and Comcast, don’t offer high-speed internet service in most of Las Vegas. This can make finding reliable internet a challenge. Thankfully, we’ve done the hard work to help you narrow down the best internet options Las Vegas has to offer.The three best internet providers in Las VegasThe best Las Vegas internet providers: summed up Cox CommunicationsCenturyLinkViasatDefining traitBest for bundlingBest for high speedsBest satellite alternativeConnection typeCable, fiberDSL, fiberSatelliteDownload speeds (Mbps)10 Mbps, 30 Mbps, 150 Mbps, 300 Mbps, 940 Mbps100 Mbps, 940 Mbps12 Mbps, 25 Mbps, 30 MbpsPrices starting at$29.99/mo.$49/mo.$50/mo.Contract length12 monthsNone24 monthsData capUp to 1 TB/mo.Up to 1 TB/mo.None

    Best for bundling

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    If you need TV and/or phone service for your home in addition to internet service, Cox Communications has the best bundling options in the Las Vegas area. There are five speeds available, from 10 Mbps to 940 Mbps, and plans start at the low rate of $29.99 per month for the lowest speeds. However, once you get up to higher speeds, Cox does tend to be a bit pricier than competitors.Aside from offering bundling options, Cox Communications also has the widest range of internet speeds available in the Las Vegas area. This means you can tailor your internet service to meet your exact requirements and not pay for anything more than you need.Price: $29.99/mo., $39.99/mo., $59.99/mo., $79.99/mo., or $99.99/mo.Speed and Data: 10 Mbps, 30 Mbps, 150 Mbps, 300 Mbps, or 940 MbpsPlans/Packages: Internet only, internet + TV, internet + TV + landlineContract Options: 12 months

    Best for high speeds

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    Many households today want to be able to stream, search, and download from multiple devices at once – especially homes with large families. If you’re looking for the top available internet speeds, CenturyLink is the best answer. Their 940 Mbps Fiber Gigabit internet service costs just $65/mo. with no contracts. You’ll also get a free modem and installation, plus Price For Life, which guarantees the same low rate as long as you keep service with CenturyLink. This is fantastic news when other internet providers make a habit of hiking up rates after the first year or two.Price: $49/mo. or $65/mo.Speed and Data: 10 Mbps or 940 MbpsPlans/Packages: Internet only, internet + TV, internet + TV + landlineContract Options: No contracts

    Best satellite alternative

    While modern internet is preferable for its speed and affordability, due to the geography of Las Vegas, high-speed internet simply isn’t available in many areas. If you’re struggling to find an internet provider that will deliver cable or DSL service to your home, satellite is the next best option. Although speeds are just a fraction of the high-speed options, they’re sufficient for most casual home users. The advantage is that satellite is available just about anywhere by simply installing a satellite dish.Viasat is one of the top-rated satellite internet providers in the Las Vegas area. WhistleOut praised the provider for not including data caps in its contracts and maintaining relatively low prices compared to satellite competitors. Wirefly gave the service 4 stars. Note that Viasat isn’t currently rated by organizations like J.D. Power or the Better Business Bureau, although it is BBB accredited.Price: $50/mo., $70/mo., or $100/mo. (increase after 3 months)Speed and Data: 12 Mbps, 25 Mbps, or 30 MbpsPlans/Packages: Internet only, internet + TV, internet + TV + landlineContract Options: 24 months

    How did we find the best internet providers in Las Vegas?

    Here are a few of the key features we considered for each Las Vegas internet service provider.Coverage. Las Vegas is a notoriously difficult city for finding internet coverage. Therefore, we excluded providers that didn’t service the majority of the area and instead focused on providers with a stronger presence.Value. Internet service can be expensive. We want you to get the most value possible for your hard-earned money. In evaluating providers, we took a hard look at what you were getting for the price.Customer Satisfaction. Customer satisfaction ratings from websites like J.D. Power and the Better Business Bureau are crucial in understanding how satisfied existing customers are with service from a provider. We used unbiased reviews in our decision making.

    What are the best internet providers in Las Vegas?

    Cox Communications and CenturyLink offer the best wired internet options in Las Vegas, while Viasat is a great satellite alternative.

    What types of internet service are available in Las Vegas?

    Cable, DSL, and fiber internet are all available in certain parts of Las Vegas, but not all. If you’re struggling to find an internet provider that services your address, we suggest looking into satellite as an alternative. More

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    Best internet provider in New York 2021: Top ISPs

    The Big Apple is host to some of the nation’s biggest internet providers. Internet speeds certainly keep up with the hustle of New York, often reaching 940 Mbps. In many locations, New Yorkers will have several high-speed options to choose from. After months of researching the nation’s largest internet providers, we found four of the best available in New York. In our research, we discovered each provider was very similar in starting cost, speed options, and contract structures. Though the exact offer you receive will depend on your address, we’re confident you can find a provider that meets your priorities.The four best internet providers in New YorkVerizon FiOS — Best fiber internet // Best customer serviceSpectrum — Best additional perks // Best contract perks// Best additional/promotional offersRCN — Cheapest starting priceOptimum — Best for long-term priceThe best New York internet providers: summed upVerizon FiOSSpectrumRCNOptimumConnection typeFiber-opticCableCableCable, Fiber-opticDownload speeds (Mbps)100 Mbps – 940 Mbps60 Mbps – 940 Mbps50 Mbps – 940 Mbps20 Mbps – 940 MbpsPrices starting at$40 / mo.$45 / mo.$30 / mo.$30 / mo.Contract lengthMonth-to-month, 1 year, 2 yearNoneNoneNoneData cap1 TBNoneNoneNoneJ.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score5/53/5N/A3/5

    Best fiber internet

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    Verizon’s fiber-optic internet service has extremely exclusive availability. With about 82% coverage, New York is one of the lucky few states where residents can sign up — if Verizon services your address, it’s worth consideration. Verizon FiOS offers a superfast and reliable internet connection powered by fiber-optic technology. Speed plans typically range from 100 Mbps to 940 Mbps at $40 to $80 per month. Verizon FiOS plans are best suited for larger households and frequent internet use. If your home is often streaming, gaming, uploading, or downloading, a FiOS plan can support more demanding activity.The provider also has a reputation for top-tier customer service. On the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Verizon FiOS outranks all other internet providers with a 70/100. Verizon also won J.D. Power’s award for customer satisfaction. Within the internet industry, Verizon has a proven track record of offering reliable service, satisfactory customer care, and clear communication.

    Best additional perks

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    Spectrum is the most popular provider, with 99% coverage in New York. Although Spectrum is a cable internet provider, its 940 Mbps speeds are fast enough to rival fiber-optic connections. Plans often start at $45 for 100 Mbps in cities like Syracuse, Albany, and Rochester. For most New York cities we compared plans in, customers will only have that one 100 Mbps internet plan option. It may be excessive for smaller households, but it comes at the same price as many lower speed plans from other providers. Spectrum’s plans come without any caps on data usage too.Spectrum really shines when it comes to additional perks and enticing package structure. Spectrum comes with no contracts (therefore no termination fees), and a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re ever unhappy with Spectrum’s service, you can cancel or switch providers with ease. If you’d like to bundle multiple services (like TV or phone), there are additional perks like free installation and free DVR service.

    Cheapest starting price

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    RCN is a smaller cable company with most of its availability on the East Coast. It offers a range of fast internet options from 155 Mbps to 940 Mbps. Most customers will be perfectly satisfied with its smallest tier, often offered at just $30 a month. Many New York residents may receive an offer for free installation too. RCN’s plans come without a contract and a 2-year price guarantee on some plans. Customers are free to leave or change providers without breaking a contract of incurring a fee.If you’d like to bundle your internet service with TV, RCN has two package options. You can pair either a 63+ basic channel package or a 297+ comprehensive package. It’s a choice between two extremes, but the pricing is usually fair. On some offers, you can choose 940 Mbps and a 297+ channel bundle for $5 cheaper than purchasing the 940 Mbps internet service alone. Specific plans may vary by location, but we generally found RCN will offer customers significant value.

    Best for long-term price

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    Optimum by Atlice is likely an internet option for New Yorkers who live in Brooklyn, Bronx, Poughkeepsie, and Peekskill. The most common internet speed options we found were 200 Mbps, 300 Mbps, and 400 Mbps. Some neighborhoods will have access to Optimum’s fiber-optic service that can deliver 940 Mbps. Optimum doesn’t express any explicit data usage limit, but do note in fine print that there may be a fine for unreasonable usage. Unless you’re streaming video 24/7 all month or running an internet-intensive business, it’s unlikely you need to worry about data usage.Prices sometimes start at $30 per month and many packages come with free installation. The most unique and enticing detail about Optimum’s service is that the provider promises those prices will be your monthly rate “for life.” Optimum also offers customers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you aren’t thrilled with the quality of your service, you can get a full refund when requested within 30 days of signing up. Even if you become unsatisfied later down the line, Optimum’s service comes without contracts.

    How did we select the best internet providers in New York?

    There are several key features we consider when evaluating internet providers.Coverage: Many Americans, 39% according to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, have access to only one broadband internet provider. When consumers have choices they’re more empowered to find the best fit for them, so we generally favored providers with a wider range of nationwide coverage. When comparing providers in New York, we consider the companies that cover the largest percentage of the state.Value: Comparing prices amongst providers won’t offer a comprehensive picture of the best. We had to go beyond price and evaluate what those packages included. For example, one company could offer 10 Mbps for only $20, while another offers 100 Mbps for $40. While the second package is double the price, the speed it offers is ten times faster (more value). We also considered additional package perks, contract lengths, and data caps.Customer Satisfaction: When it comes to customer service, internet providers have a pretty bad reputation. The best providers will have a track record for offering more impressive service. We used ratings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power to get a sense of each company’s customer satisfaction. Well-rated providers were evaluated on reliability, billing, value, and communication.

    How fast is the internet in New York?

    All of New York’s most popular providers are capable of super-fast internet speeds that reach 940 Mbps. That kind of internet connection can support a full household of smart devices, video streaming, gaming, and downloading.

    How much does internet cost in New York?

    Your price will vary depending on a lot of factors, like your location, plan choice, and add-ons. In our research we typically found internet costs in New York start at around $30-$45 per month for the base speed. Prices can reach up to $70 per month if you’re interested in the fastest-available connections. Bundling services, installation, and equipment rental can all increase your monthly price too. More

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    Best internet provider in Portland 2021: Top ISPs

    Portland is a digital powerhouse, with some of the fastest available download speeds. There are many internet service providers, but there are only three that offer strong coverage throughout the city. Xfinity and CenturyLink are available to the vast majority of Portland residents, while Earthlink serves less than half the city with just a 45% service area.With nearly 90% of Oregon’s residents connected to broadband internet, the state ranks among the highest in the US when it comes to providing high-speed internet.Using the latest data available, we have found the cheapest and best internet service providers for your needs, all of which offer great value, affordability, and reliability in the Portland area.The three best internet providers in PortlandThe best Portland internet providers: summed upXfinityEarthLinkCenturyLinkDefining traitBest for heavy streamingBest dataBest valueConnection typeCable, fiberDSL, fiberDSL, fiberDownload speeds (Mbps)Up to 2,000 MbpsUp to 1,000 MbpsUp to 1,000 MbpsPrices starting at$39.99$49.95$45Contract length12 or 25 months12 months12 monthsData cap1 TBUnlimited1 TB

    Best for heavy streaming

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    With speeds of up to 2Gbps, Xfinity is excellent for gamers or those who do a lot of video uploads. Many plans require money upfront, although special offers could discount your entire installation cost. Data is capped at a reasonable 1 TB of data  each month.Price: $39.99, $49.99, $54.99, $64.99, $69.99, $70, $79.99, or $299.95 per monthSpeed and Data: 25, 100, 200, 250, 300, 600, 1,000, or 2,000 Mbps Plans/Packages: Performance Plus 60 Contract – $39.99/month Performance Starter – $39.99/month Performance Plus 60 – $49.99/month Performance Pro 150 Contract – $54.99/month Performance Pro 150 – $64.99/monthBlast! 250 Contract – $69.99/month Blast! 250 – $79.99/monthGigabit – $70/month Gigabit Pro – $299.95/monthContract Options: 12 months; 25 months for Gigabit and Gigabit Pro

    Best for data

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    Earthlink offers fiber and DSL internet service to Portland, with plans reaching speeds of up to 1Gbps and contract terms that last 12 months. There are no data caps, which means that you will never be charged for pricey data overages. There is also 24/7 support and a free resource center with anti-spyware and anti-virus tools that are included with your service. Norton 360 and file backup services are also available at an additional cost.Price: $49.95, $59.95, $69.95, $79.95, $89.95, or $99.95 monthlySpeed and Data: 15, 30, 80, 100, 200, or 1,000 MbpsPlans/Packages: HyperLink 15Mbps – $49.95/monthHyperLink 30Mbps – $59.95/monthHyperLink 80Mbps – $69.95/monthHyperLink 100Mbps – $79.95/monthHyperLink 200Mbps – $89.95/monthHyperLink 1Gbps – $99.95/monthContract Options: 12 months

    Best overall value

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    CenturyLink offers fiber or DSL with home phone services. Coverage is flexible, with speeds up to 100 Mbps for DSL or up to 940 Mbps for fiber internet. Residential plans come with 1TB of data for the monthly data limit. There are no contracts, but you must sign up for paperless billing to benefit from CenturyLink perks. Price: $49 or $65Speed and Data: 20, 40, 80, 100, 940 Mbps; all plans come with 1TB of data each monthPlans/Packages: CenturyLink Internet with Price for Life 20 Mbps – $49/monthCenturyLink Internet with Price for Life 40 Mbps – $49/monthCenturyLink Internet with Price for Life 80 Mbps – $49/monthCenturyLink Internet with Price for Life 100 Mbps – $49/monthFiber Gigabit $65/monthContract Options: None

    How we found the best internet providers in PortlandIn order to determine the best internet providers in Portland, we considered a number of key factors that impact a company’s internet service, which include:Coverage: Internet providers can vary from state to state, so we look for the best companies that service Portland, Oregon, with low cost and reliable internet service. Xfinity is known as a national leader for internet, but CenturyLink and EarthLink are also prevalent in Oregon.Value: Reliability and coverage are important, but so is value. With flexible plans, these three providers offer reliable service for everyone from the occasional web browser to the competitive gamer. We also consider things like contract terms, data limits, and extra perks to create a well-rounded portrait of Portland’s best internet providers. Some companies like Xfinity offer standard 12-month contract terms, but Earthlink leads the pack with unlimited data on its plans.Customer satisfaction: Internet providers do not typically rate high on the customer satisfaction scale. However, in J.D. Power’s 2019 U.S. Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study, Xfinity earns an overall ranking of four out of five stars, with its highest scores in overall satisfaction as well as performance and reliability. CenturyLink holds a three out of five with its lowest scores in performance and reliability, although it maintained average scores in other areas. Earthlink is unrated, but the Better Business Bureau (BBB) awards Earthlink an A rating. CenturyLink has a D and Xfinity’s parent company Comcast Corporation has a C because both companies have formal complaints filed against them.Portland internet FAQ

    Who is the best internet provider in Portland?

    Xfinity offers the best speeds, but its top tier plans are more expensive than the industry average. Ultimately, the best internet provider for you will depend on what companies service your specific neighborhood and what kinds of plans are available.

    How much internet speed do I need?

    How much internet you need depends on how many devices are in your home and how you use them. When considering your internet speed needs, consider the following recommendations from CenturyLink:Web browsing: 1 MbpsOnline gaming: 1 to 5 MbpsHD video streaming: 5 to 8 MbpsDownloading large files:  50+ Mbps

    What are Mbps?

    Mbps is the abbreviation for megabits per second. This measures how quickly data is transferred over the internet. The higher Mbps offered in a package, the faster and more reliable the internet connection speed will be. More

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    Want a strong password? You're probably still doing it the wrong way

    Bad passwords are easy to remember, but also easy to guess — and that can give an attacker access to your online accounts. That’s why the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has explained why it is still recommending users pick three random words for a password rather than meeting complex requirements, such as an alphanumeric string, that could permit the creation of bad passwords like “pa55word”. 

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    The NCSC’s past warnings against password complexity requirements have been aimed at admins responsible for protecting IT systems. NCSC has called on organizations previously to ditch password-expiry policies because they encourage users to pick slight variations on existing passwords; Microsoft in 2019 dropped its recommendation for expiring passwords on Windows 10 because the policy was obsolete and unhelpful. See: Cloud security in 2021: A business guide to essential tools and best practicesNCSC is also critical of advice that passwords must be memorized and not stored. NCSC encourages people to store them in a password manager, a browser, or on a piece of paper. The main reason it’s encouraging three random words is to address the fact that people are poor at memorizing things — especially long, complex passwords — and that password manager adoption remains “very low”. Its three random words suggestion is also aimed at those who aren’t aware of or don’t want to use password managers. 

    But there are other reasons why NCSC vouches for three random words, including that they produce longer passwords, it’s an easy-to-explain and understands password strategy, and because it’s usable and practical. The other key reason is that three random words help increase password diversity, which makes it harder for attackers to use search algorithms to discover passwords cheaply and then compromise accounts. “Currently, complexity requirements are actively working against password diversity (for all the reasons mentioned above). This has led to a convergence in strategies and a reduction in password diversity,” explains Kate R, the people team lead for NCSC’s Sociotechnical Security Group.”To increase diversity, we need to encourage people to use other password construction strategies (such as ‘three random words’), that use length rather than character sets to achieve the desired strength.”See: This is how fast a password leaked on the web will be tested out by hackers

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    While NCSC endorses the use of password managers and believes they also increase password diversity, it’s encouraging three random words until the uptake of password managers is more widespread. The three random words advice roughly aligns with Google’s recommendations for protecting Google Accounts. To make passwords longer but also memorable, Google recommends using a lyric from a song or poem, a meaningful quote from a movie or speech, a passage from a book, a series of words that are meaningful to the user, or creating an acronym from a sentence. NSCS acknowledges there are search algorithms that are optimized for three random words, but Kate R argues that more password diversity raises the cost for attackers since they must try several algorithms. She also notes that NCSC hopes more people will adopt password managers and that this will also increase password diversity, so the three random words recommendation still makes sense until password manager adoption is universal.  More

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    Need a super-secure way to transport data? Check out the Apricorn Aegis Padlock SSD

    Carrying around unsecured data on flash drives is a bad idea.

    One mistake on your part — or on the part of the weakest link in your organization — and that data can be in the hands of anyone.If that data is sensitive, then you’re going to have some serious headaches, along with the potential for legal troubles and fines.Must read: Apple broke the bad news to iPhone fansFar better to have that data properly secured and encrypted when it’s on a physical device, and as a tool that makes that as simple as possible is the Apricorn Aegis Padlock SSD.This SSD drive is small enough to fit into the palm of your hand or slip into a pocket and comes in capacities ranging from 240GB to a whopping 4TB. Having this range of options is great because it means that you can buy the capacity you need, and no more, which saves money.

    The drive itself is rugged and reliable. The aluminum enclosure complete with the wear-resistant keypad is rated to IP66 dirt, and dust resistant is crushproof to 6,500 lbs, shock and vibration resistant, unaffected by high humidity, and works in extreme temperatures from -40°F to 158°F (-40°C to 70°C).It’s a rugged drive. While on first blush, it might seem like the membrane keyboard is a weak point, having been using these drives for years, I’ve found them to be very reliable.From a security point of view, the Aegis Padlock SSD conforms to FIPS 140-2 hardware data protection and features real-time hardware AES-XTS 256-bit encryption. No host software is required on any device to run access the data so that this drive can run on pretty much any system.In addition to PIN codes for access, you can add an admin PIN, PINs for read-only access, and even a self-destruct PIN. It also features built-in hardware brute-force protection for added security.Another great feature is that this drive is 100% bus-powered, so there are no power supplies to carry and no internal batteries to keep charged up. The drive also features a rugged built-in USB-A cable.This drive is also no performance slouch and is capable of reading and write speeds up to 230MB.

    On top of all that, you get a three-year warranty.

    Prices start at $177.

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    Google's new tool helps you find abandoned cloud projects and delete them

    Google’s Unattended Project Reminder feature has moved to a public preview. It aims to improve cloud utilization and address security issues caused by forgotten old cloud-computing projects that shouldn’t be around anymore. Unattended Project Reminder, a part of Google Cloud’s Active Assist, could be useful in reducing security risks by finding those old initiatives, such as a prototyping project, that no longer require network access, cloud resources, or supported APIs. 

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    Google has developed the feature through 2021 as part of a prototype aimed at cleaning up internal projects that were unattended. See: Google’s new cloud computing tool helps you pick the greenest data centers.According to Google Cloud, Google’s internal security team had the issue of unattended projects on the radar for some time. Hence, the two units started searching for unattended cloud projects within the “google.com” organization.    Despite being a good idea, Google ran into detection problems because it was difficult to use signals — such as API, network and user activity — to tell the difference between an actually unattended project and a project that intentionally has a low level of activity. Risks here include correctly identifying unattended projects and accidentally deleting a component that was essential to a production workload, thus inadvertently causing permanent data loss. But benefits include reducing cloud bills for unnecessary resources and reducing configuration issues, such as open firewalls or privileged service account keys that attackers can exploit to get a hold of your cloud resources for cryptocurrency mining or to steal data.

    “These security risks tend to grow over time because the latest best practices and patches are usually not applied to unattended projects,” Googe said.To address these issues, it worked with customers using real-life data to find thousands of unattended projects.Key signals that Unattended Project Reminder uses include API activity (such as service accounts with authentication activity and API calls consumed), networking activity, billing activity, user activity, and cloud services usage (such as active VMs, BigQuery jobs, and storage requests). “Based on these signals, it can generate recommendations to clean up projects that have low usage activity (where “low usage” is defined using a machine learning model that ranks projects in your organization by level of usage), or recommendations to reclaim projects that have high usage activity but no active project owners,” explain Google Cloud product managers, Dima Melnyk and Bakh Inamov. See: Attacks on critical infrastructure are dangerous. Soon they could turn deadly, warn analysts.Insights and recommendations can be sent automatically via email or chat messages to project owners.  Admins have a recovery option for accidentally removed projects: the recovery period is 30 days. However, Google notes some resources, such as Cloud Storage or Pub/Sub resources, are deleted before the 30-day period ends and may not be fully recoverable.French sporting goods retail giant Decathlon used the feature to delete 775 projects. “And no one complained,” said Adeline Villette, Decathlon’s cloud security officer. French utility Veolia and US file storage firm Box trialled the technology to reduce the number of unattended projects they were respectively supporting. More