Networking

Discover the best 4G mobile broadband service providers with our in-depth reviews of four of the most highly rated and common carriers in the country. We looked at AT&T, Cricket, T-Mobile, and Verizon and ranked them on four main criteria: price, speeds, data caps, and customer service. The results reveal several options regardless of what’s important to you in your 4G mobile plan and mobile internet service.  

Best Data Caps

PROVIDER SCORE: 5/5Verizon performs strongly across the board, securing our No. 1 spot for 4G mobile broadband service. It offers unlimited data with the option for premium data during high traffic periods, which is ideal for customers requiring large data usage.Its lowest-ranking category was pricing compared to the competition, although Verizon does have a range of options for different budgets. Best For:  Heavy data usersNot For:  Tight budgetsPricing4th place – Plans start at $35 per month, but go up to $55 for one line, which is about average compared to its competitors.Download/Upload Speeds2nd place – Verizon download speeds start at five Mbps and go up from there. While you won’t be able to stream 4K, you’ll definitely meet the three Mbps required for regularly streaming.Data Cap1st place – The highest plan comes with unlimited data, plus 75GB of premium data gets you faster speeds during peak traffic hours.Customer Service2nd place – Verizon ties for second place with a four out of five rating from J.D. Power.

Best Variety

PROVIDER SCORE: 2/5With the exception of low 4G plan prices, AT&T ranks at a mediocre level in the other categories. Download speeds start at the cusp of streaming capabilities and while data caps are unlimited, you’ll notice a slowing between 50 and 100 GB (depending on your plan).While providing lower-priced plans can appeal to customers, the potential for slower download speeds and negative customer service rankings may be off-putting for some.Best For: Budget-friendly options Not For: Exceptional servicePricing2nd place – Plans range from $35 to $50, making AT&T a lowered-priced option for consumers in need of low-budget plans.Download/Upload Speeds4th place – 4G uploads go up to a maximum of 7.1 Mbps, although you’ll experience faster speeds if you upgrade to the 4G LTE network.Data Cap4th place – Unlimited data is great, but users in need of constant and high-performing speeds can find the data caps frustrating.  Customer Service4th place – AT&T has one of the lowest customer service scores from J.D. Power, so if you’re unhappy with your plan, you may not receive a lot of help in solving your issues.

Fastest Speeds

PROVIDER SCORE: 4/5T-Mobile ranks first in three categories: price, speed, and customer service. The downside is its data caps, which can slow data speeds down after 50 GB of use. As long as you pay attention to how much data you’re using, you’ll benefit from exceptional speeds for both downloading and uploading.Best For: Fast speeds Not For: Constant data usePricing1st place – At a minimum, you can spend just $30 on a T-Mobile plan with 4G. On the high end for a single line, the cost only jumps to $50.Download/Upload Speeds1st place – Download speeds start at 9 Mbps and go up to 47 Mbps — enough to stream in 4K.Data Cap5th place – T-Mobile users get a max of uninterrupted 50GB of data included in plans, and while it does include hours of streaming video and music, your data prioritization could slow down speeds. Customer Service1st place –  J.D. Power ranks T-Mobile first among full-service carriers for service. If you have an issue with your account, you’ll be confident in the resolution process from T-Mobile.

Best Flexible Plans

PROVIDER SCORE: 3/5Cricket’s third-place ranking is strong, considering it’s the only no-contract carrier on our list. In addition to taking advantage of quality customer service and a high data cap, Cricket customers can sign up for month-to-month plans, which helps customers not interested in long-term plans.Best For: No-contract data plans Not For: Fast speeds Pricing3rd place – Cricket plans start at $30 per month and max out at $60 for unlimited data and a mobile hotspot. This range provides cheaper alternatives for unlimited data than other well-known carriers. Download/Upload Speeds5th place – Download speeds range between just one and four Mbps, so you’ll only be able to stream video at the upper end of that range, likely outside of peak hours.Data Cap2nd place – Cricket offers unlimited data, so even though you may not be able to stream all the time simply based on speed, you at least don’t have to worry about your data running out.Customer Service1st place – Cricket ties for first in our customer service ranking, and is J.D. Power’s top-rated carrier with no contracts. Knowing you have a reputable company providing solid customer service is a plus for new customers.

Guide to Mobile BroadbandBefore you pick a provider and a plan, it’s imperative to learn the differences between each type of mobile broadband service.3G vs. 4GGenerations of mobile data technology have progressed successively recently and the generational window may shrink even faster as technology improves. Simply put, the higher the number connection (3G vs. 4G), the faster and stronger you can expect your mobile data connection to be.As new mobile data networks emerge, older ones become obsolete. Today, 3G networks are rarely used and most new mobiles only provide 4G. Although no longer the fastest iteration, 4G networks are still common nationwide.LTELTE is the acronym for “long-term evolution.” It’s a version of 4G that is much faster than 3G, particularly when downloading media on your phone. While many networks carry LTE, it’s not as fast as pure 4G.5G5G mobile broadband is the latest network available — and consequently, the fastest. However, it hasn’t made its way into every locale yet. Verizon currently offers 5G in 31 cities in the U.S. and T-Mobile has extensive coverage nationwide, but it’s still not comprehensive. Consider fiber or cableFor fast data speeds and streaming capabilities at home from wireless internet providers, consider fiber or cable internet. You can still connect your smartphone to your home wi-fi network to use data from your internet plan rather than your mobile plan. While there may be geographic limitations in some rural areas, most places in the U.S. have internet service providers to compare.

How Did We Choose the Best?

 We looked at each carrier’s 4G mobile broadband offerings in terms of price, speed, data caps, and J.D. Power customer service rankings. Next, we ranked the carriers in each category and averaged the numbers.

Will my 5G phone work on 4G/3G networks?

 Your 5G phone should automatically select the best signal according to your network, including 4G or 3G networks. 5G-capable phones are not strictly limited to the 5G signal. Your phone will automatically select a network according to what signal is available. If signals overlap, your phone will grasp the best signal and automatically change to the next best signal if the device travels beyond the network area.

How does 5G coverage compare to 4G?

 5G is still in its infancy, although the United States has installed numerous 5G towers over the last year. That being so, the coverage is still just a portion of the 4G coverage that currently exists. Metropolitan areas and their neighboring cities will likely be the first areas targeted, as was the case for 4G when it was first implemented.

Will 5G cost more than 4G?

 At this point, 5G will not cost more than a 4G plan. 5G is simply a more powerful, efficient radio transmission. What this means is more information can be broadcasted through 5G signals without interfering with other broadband signals. Ultimately, however, down the road, your network provider may adjust rates according to their infrastructure or signal quality. More

There are few places in the country changing at the speed of Seattle. Its population grew 18.7% from 2010-2018, according to The Seattle Times, making it the fastest-growing city in the U.S. over that time. Along with the growth, the city wants to ensure that technology and infrastructure can keep up.Several internet providers serve the Seattle area to provide connectivity to everyone. The city of Seattle wants to make technology accessible to all as well, offering programs that provide discounted smartphones and free computer access. And residents who cannot afford home broadband service may qualify for low-cost internet access for as little as $10 per month through a city program. Take a closer look at the best Seattle internet providers.The four best internet providers in Seattle  CenturyLinkFrontier FiberWave BroadbandXfinityDefining traitBest Long-Term DealBest Speed OptionsBest Local ProviderBest BundlesConnection typeFiber and DSLFiberFiberBroadband CableDownload speeds (Mbps)100 Mbps940 Mbps50 Mbps500 Mbps940 Mbps100 Mbps1000 Mbps (1 GB)25 Mbps300 Mbps600 Mbps1000 Mbps (1 GB)Prices starting at$49 per month for life$29.99 per month$69.95 per month*$29.99 per monthContract lengthNone24 monthsNone12 monthsData capNoneNone100 Mbps plan, limited to 400 GB data cap1000 Mbps plan, unlimited data, although speed is throttled after 2 TB1 TB per month to unlimited, depending on the internet service planAll information accurate as of 02/26/2020.* Wave Broadband offers discounts, including $19.95/month for the first six months.

Best long-term deal

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CenturyLink offers unique internet services to Seattle customers. When you sign up for a plan, they’ll guarantee the same price “for life.” The Price For Life plan locks in your monthly price as long as you keep your plan current. Here’s more of what CenturyLink has to offer in Seattle.Price: Two high-speed internet plans of $49 and $65 per month are available. Either are guaranteed for as long as you keep the plan through the Price For Life offer.Speed and Data: CenturyLink’s $49 internet service plan provides speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Or you can opt for 940 Mbps download and upload speeds in the higher-priced plan.Plans/Packages: Add unlimited local and nationwide calling to the 100 Mbps internet plan for $85 per month.Contract Options: CenturyLink won’t require you to sign a long-term contract, but they do guarantee the price of your service plan as long as you keep it.

Best speed options

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Frontier Fiber is available in downtown Seattle, as well as Bellevue, Edmonds, Kirkland, Bothell, Lynnwood, Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace and Redmond.Price: Frontier has three pricing tiers of $29.99, $39.99 and $74.99 per month.Speed and Data: Frontier doesn’t cap data in any of its three internet plans, which come with 50 Mbps for the $29.99 per month plan, followed by 500 Mbps and 1000 Mbps (1 Gb) speeds.Plans/Packages: The Double Plan includes 500/500 Mbps Internet and FiOS TV (Basic) for $64.98 per month and the Triple Plan with Voice, Gig Connection internet and FiOS TV (Basic) for $109.98 per month.Contract Options: To lock in the best price, Frontier FiOS requires a 24-month contract.

Best local provider

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For an internet provider that knows all about the Seattle neighborhood you live in, Wave Broadband is a great choice. Wave offers local customer support 24/7 to provide help anytime you need. Wave also has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy, you can cancel the service and receive a refund within the 30-day limit with no obligations.Price: Wave offers two service plans — High Speed 100 Internet is regularly $69.95 per month and GigaBit Internet is $99.95 per month. The internet provider has specials as low as $19.95 per month for the first six months for new subscribers.Speed and Data: Expect speeds of 100 Mbps when you sign up for the High Speed 100 Internet plan and 1,000 Mbps with the GigaBit Internet plan.Plans/Packages: Besides the two internet plans, you can create a TV bundle starting at $19.95/mo for six months. Add equipment, such as TiVo Streaming DVR, to personalize your TV bundle.Contract Options: Wave doesn’t lock customers into contracts. You can cancel at any time.

Best options

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Xfinity Comcast delivers cable internet to much of the Greater Seattle area, including downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Renton, Vashon and Kent.Price: Internet prices start at $29.99 per month for the Performance Starter Plus plan. You’ll get 25 Mbps download speeds and can add a Flex 4K streaming device for free.Speed and Data: Xfinity claims the Performance Starter Plus plan’s 25 Mbps is enough for one to two individuals online at once. Data is capped to 1 TB per month.Plans/Packages: Xfinity bundles high-speed Internet at various speeds from 25 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps with phone service and cable TV for $34.99 to $159.99 per month, depending on the cable channels.Contract Options: Internet service comes with a 12-month contract, while cable TV requires a 24-month commitment.

How we found the best internet providers in Seattle

We analyzed several companies to find the best internet companies in Seattle. Some of the key features we examined are:Coverage: Seattle and its suburbs are growing every day. We focused on internet providers with a wide coverage area to ensure that the plans and offers reviewed are available to most Seattle residents.Value: We weighed features such as speeds, data caps, bundles available and contract lengths to determine which internet providers in Seattle provide customers the most value for the monthly price.Customer Satisfaction. Consumer satisfaction ratings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power are an important part of the decision-making process on which services and products are the best. While internet service provider ratings are mediocre across the board, we analyzed each internet provider individually by comparing the company to industry averages.

How much speed do I need to stream music and movies?

The speed you need for streaming depends on how many people will be streaming at once in your household. A service plan of 1,000 Mbps would be ideal to avoid lag times, although 100 Mbps could work if more than one device isn’t streaming high-definition movies.

How fast is internet service in Seattle?

Seattle residents are in luck — fiber is available in most neighborhoods. Many in the area are likely to have access to high-speed internet service as fast as 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps).

Is fiber internet faster than broadband cable?

Yes, fiber is faster than broadband cable. Fiber-optic cable can carry more data faster and straight to your home. Broadband cable is shared with your neighbors — the more neighbors online, the slower your speed is likely to be. More

CenturyLink boasts two claims to fame: a generous menu of high-speed options, including fiber gigabit, and the ability to lock in a low rate for life. Both are exceptional in the DSL world. Even more impressive is the generous no-contract option for all DSL speeds up to 100Mbps. Few providers offer such attractive high-speed plans without a commitment on your end. To better understand these offerings, we spent over four weeks analyzing six popular plans and comparing them across the four largest DSL providers. We found a service that offers exceptionally high speeds, though your experience will ultimately depend on your connection and location.Pros:Low-cost Fiber Gigabit planA wide array of DSL speedsPrice for life on DSL plansCons:Limited bundling optionsMediocre customer service ratingsLow customer satisfaction scoresCenturyLink Internet plans and pricesLow-cost price for life plans without the contract.PlanPriceDownload/Upload SpeedsConnection TypeBest for1.5Mbps$49Up to 1.5MbpsDSLCasual Browsers10Mbps$49Up to 10MbpsDSLLight Streamers40Mbps$49Up to 40MbpsDSLLight online gamers60Mbps$49Up to 60MbpsDSLBinge-watchers100Mbps$49Up to 10MbpsDSLHouse of MultitaskersFiber Gigabit$65Up to 940/940MbpsFiberMega UsersData effective 02/05/20

* Package availability depends on location, prices may vary. For more details on these plans click here to learn more from our partner site, Allconnect.Fiber plans, speed and dataCenturyLink offers one fiber plan: Fiber Gigabit. At a highly competitive $65 per month, this fully unlimited Fiber Gigabit plan is one of the cheapest gigabit offers we’ve seen on the market. The catch? Unlike other CenturyLink plans, Fiber Gigabit is not price-for-life, meaning it will increase over time. Although CenturyLink doesn’t provide any specifics around the rate change, most gigabit plans — such as Verizon’s Fios Gigabit — start around $80, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see this service follow suit. Even with an eventual price hike, the starting offer makes this gigabit plan a steal for larger households looking to stream, game, and download across dozens of devices.DSL plans, speed, and dataAs far as DSL internet goes, CenturyLink offers an array of speeds ranging from 1.5Mbps to 100Mbps. While the majority of people will experience somewhat slower speeds, between 10 to 40Mbps, these virtually unlimited no-contract plans are more than enough for a family of users looking to surf the web, watch videos, and play games online without having to endure long load times or worry about going over a data cap.Price for lifeCenturyLink offers a price lock on all speeds up to 100Mbps for as long as you remain with them. This offer is pretty much unmatched among DSL providers — and among internet providers in general — and could be extremely valuable if you are looking to keep your costs low for the long haul.Who is each plan best for?1.5Mbps: Best for a single user with 1-2 devices10Mbps: Best for a single user with 3-4 devices40Mbps: Best for two users user with up to 5 devices60Mbps: Best for three users with up to 6 devices100Mbps: Best for four users with up to 8 devicesFiber Gigabit: Best for 5+ users with 10+ devicesHow fast is CenturyLink Internet?In the FCC’s latest report, CenturyLink’s actual speeds were lagging behind its advertised speeds, with 80% of panelists only receiving 77.9% of their advertised download speed, well below other providers like AT&T and Verizon. These findings align with the low Performance and Reliability score from J.D. Power’s Satisfaction Study; however, it’s worth noting that the FCC only tested CenturyLink speeds up to 40Mbps in this report. Fiber-based connections often have a greater consistency in speed and performance.Internet availabilityWidely available DSL plans with a growing fiber network.With availability across 35 states, CenturyLink provides high-speed internet in all four major regions of the U.S., with the greatest coverage in the West. Although most CenturyLink customers will be limited to a DSL connection, the company is working on expanding the fiber network, which is currently limited to 18 cities. Use our zip tool to check if your address is serviceable.Other factors to considerSimple equipmentSimple equipment, with the ability to opt-out to avoid the monthly fee.The type of modem, and its costs, will depend on your speed and connection type, though most range from $10-15 per month. To avoid shelling out $120 per year on equipment fees, we recommend either purchasing the modem upfront ($100) or using your own. The upfront cost may seem like a lot, but it will ultimately save you hundreds of dollars after the first year. Should you choose to opt-out of CenturyLink’s equipment entirely, make sure your router is compatible. If you only have a fiber-dedicated connection available, your old DSL modem may not be able to deliver the speeds you’re paying for.Notable feesEquipment lease fee: Up to $15/mo.*Professional installation fee: Up to $125*Self-installation fee: $50 shipping/handling**Sometimes waived for online ordersNo TV bundlesCenturyLink is extremely limited in its bundling options, offering only one: internet and unlimited nationwide home phone. Given that providers like AT&T and Verizon offer their own TV service, or at the very least, offer some discount with partnered providers, CenturyLink falls considerably short. However, it’s not all bad news. With an internet connection and a compatible streaming device, CenturyLink users can look into one of the many TV streaming services that are often cheaper than traditional TV packages. Mediocre customer service ratingsCustomers of any telecom provider know the industry’s customer service could use some work — including CenturyLink. It’s received low-to-middling feedback from customers across review sites and in third-party surveys. ACSI’s 2019 report and recent J.D. Power rankings both place CenturyLink below other big names like AT&T and Comcast Xfinity when it comes to customer experience. If you value customer service over the price and speed of your internet connection, you may want to look elsewhere. More

The major positives uncovered during the Earthlink internet review were no data caps, speeds up to 1GB, and several different plans to choose from. Additionally, the faster plans were notably cheaper compared with other major service providers.Like most providers, though, the company doesn’t offer service in all areas of the country. Even in the states where service is advertised, not all cities have coverage. And even in the cities that make the service list, some addresses don’t offer service. But if you contact customer support, a technician can run a test to tell you what’s available in your area in a matter of minutes.Overall, EarthLink looks to be a decent ISP option, depending on where you live and what types of speed you’re looking for.EarthLink internet overviewIn general, the reviews on EarthLink internet are a bit mixed. While the company does have an ok rating of a B with the Better Business Bureau, a quick search for company complaints turns up a decent-sized list of unhappy customers. While it’s common to see polarized reviews that only show the over-the-top good or bad experiences, it’s still something to take note of to consider.Additionally, the number of states serviced is a bit misleading. While the company has active pages for 47 of the 50 states, it doesn’t mean there’s blanket coverage across the state. In fact, a lot of the states leave you hard-pressed to find any cities that offer service, even though the page claims service in the state.Pros:Fast internet speeds: Solutions for residential and business customers looking for fast internet speedsCustomizable plans: Customizable plans and no teaser rates, ensuring no billing surprises down the lineNo data caps: No data caps or throttling based on data usageCons:Service is not available in all statesService is not available in all cities in the states servicedLower-speed plans are more expensive than some competitorsAvailabilityEarthLink internet plans and pricesPlanDownload SpeedPriceNumber of Devices Supported110Mbps$  49.95 N/A230Mbps$  59.95 N/A380Mbps$  69.95 N/A4100Mbps$  79.95 N/A5200Mbps$  89.95 N/A61000Mbps$  99.95 N/A*Data accurate as of 9/21/2020EarthLink speeds and data capsPlan Upload SpeedDownload SpeedData Cap1Not listed10MbpsNo Cap2Not listed30MbpsNo Cap3Not listed80MbpsNo Cap4Not listed100MbpsNo Cap5Not listed200MbpsNo Cap6Not listed1000MbpsNo Cap*Date effective as of 9/21/2020EarthLink estimated speeds

When it comes to the speeds of EarthLink internet, your options depend heavily on where you live. In some areas, you can get upwards of 1000Mbps, which is on par with the “Gig” internet speed options many companies advertise. While EarthLink is very forthcoming with download speeds, you won’t find upload speeds listed for any of the available plans, which isn’t ideal.Overall, the faster plans are on par with the rest of the industry. For people who want to save on internet costs and don’t need much speed, it’s nice to see some slower plans available. But the higher-tiered options aren’t available everywhere, which is disappointing.Data capsOne nice thing to see during the EarthLink reviews is the company has no data caps on any of the accounts. Additionally, there is no throttling of accounts, which lowers speeds for heavy data users. Out of everything we looked at during the review, EarthLink’s data policy was the biggest highlight.Our picks for EarthLink internet plan1000Mbps plan: Best for gamers and video streaming100Mbps plan: Best middle-of-the-road optionEarthLink internet highlightsContracts and feesEarthLink’s website does not detail minimum contract lengths. Additionally, you’ll need to go through an extensive service check and pre-sign up with the company’s customer support to learn what contractual options are available in your area. Based on past reviews and the lack of advertising for month-to-month plans, it’s safest to assume that most geographical areas require at least a one-year service contract.To learn more about the true cost of internet service, make sure to check out guides on hidden costs and calculating the cost of an ISP.Notable fees:Early termination fee: If you cancel your service early, you may be subject to the fee outlined in your service agreement.Variable equipment fees: Those who need a modem or other internet service devices are available through the company for an additional charge.Customer serviceWhile internet reviews can be polarized, a quick look at the BBB complaints website did show several recent issues from customers on a myriad of different issues. However, it looks like the company is active on the forum and has responded to every complaint with some attempt to rectify the situation.If you need help as a customer of EarthLink, there are several helpful ways to get assistance. EarthLink provides 24/7 phone support, live online chat, and helpful FAQs and self-help guides to assist with the most common issues.Additional featuresYou can get some nice additional features with your plan. These include up to eight traditional email addresses, up to 10 anonymous email addresses, automatic antivirus protection, spam protection, and a customizable internet homepage to enhance your overall experience.

Is EarthLink internet any good?

Answering the question of whether EarthLink internet is any good depends on what you’re looking for. For customers looking for the fastest internet, the company delivers. Speeds are available up to 1GB (1000Mbps), and the associated price in the areas checked is competitive with other major providers.However, EarthLink’s internet plans don’t seem quite as valuable at slower speeds. Other providers offer similar or cheaper plans for the same speeds.The company also offers a host of additional services that may be helpful for businesses. These include things like website design, custom branding, reputation management, and free business listings. While you might be better off sourcing these services individually from a company specialising in the service, the options are there if you’re looking for a true one-stop-shop.

What is EarthLink’s best plan, and how much does it cost?

The best plan available from EarthLink is the HyperLink (1000Mbps) plan. With speeds on par with other companies “Gig” plans, you can get blazing fast download speeds for under $100.

Where is EarthLink available?

EarthLink advertises services in 47 states across the United States. While this may seem great on the surface, this doesn’t mean blanket coverage in each state. In fact, in some of the states where service is advertised, it’s challenging to find any cities currently offering coverage.Additionally, a spot check of some of the advertised cities showed addresses without coverage.

What is EarthLink HyperLink Internet?

 EarthLink’s HyperLink internet is the company’s fastest internet plan. With upload speeds of up to 1000Mbps (1GB), the internet plan is on par with the fastest options at other major providers. The HyperLink plan may be a great option for people who use a lot of bandwidth.

Is EarthLink internet DSL — cable or fiber?

EarthLink offers dial-up service, DSL service, and fiber optic internet connections. The types of service offered vary by location, and you will need to contact the company’s support team to see what types of internet (if any) are available in your area. More

Kansas is a diverse state with a combination of both dense urban areas and sprawling plains. It can be difficult to find an internet provider that reaches your area at an affordable price with such varied geography. But finding the best Kansas internet providers doesn’t need to be a headache. This guide will help you select the best internet company in Kansas for your family.  Here’s a summary of our top picks for the best internet service provider in Kansas:Comcast XfinityAT&TCenturyLinkSpectrumDefining traitBest customer ratingsBest fiber optionsBest contract termsBest TV bundlesConnection typeCable, FiberDSL, FiberDSL, FiberCableDownload speeds (Mbps)25Mbps100Mbps200Mbps300Mbps600Mbps1000Mbps100Mbps300Mbps1000Mbps100Mbps940Mbps200Mbps400Mbps·  940MbpsPrices starting at$20/mo.  $50/mo.  $49/mo.  $49.99/mo.  Contract length12 Months12  MonthsNone12 MonthsData capUp to 1TB/mo.Up to 1TB/mo.  Up to 1TB/mo.  None

Best customer ratings

Comcast Xfinity gets the top spot on our list due to overwhelmingly positive customer reviews across the board. J.D. Power’s U.S. Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study ranks the provider #1 in the region, getting a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in overall satisfaction and several other areas. The one category that Comcast Xfinity really lags behind in is the cost of service; customers find that the pricing is a bit high for the service provided. Ultimately, it’s up to you as to whether excellent customer service is worth paying a bit more each month.There is also a great range of package options available through Comcast Xfinity. Internet-only services include six different speeds, allowing you to carefully choose which service you need and what you can afford with your current budget. There are also packages available with a TV and a landline.Features:Price: $20/mo., $40/mo., $50/mo., $60/mo., $70/mo., or $80/mo.Speed and Data: 25Mbps, 100Mbps, 200Mbps, 300Mbps, 600Mbps, or 1000MbpsPlans/Packages: Internet only, internet + TV, internet + TV + landlineContract Options: 12 months

Best fiber option

AT&T

AT&T comes in at a close second to Comcast Xfinity in the J.D. Power U.S. Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study. The provider also gets a 5-star overall satisfaction score, and the cost of service (where Comcast Xfinity fell behind) receives a perfect 5 stars. However, customers rate AT&T as less than reliable; the company only receives 3 stars in performance and reliability.At $70/month, AT&T offers the best value in fiber internet for super speeds of up to 1000Mbps. Just keep in mind that this service isn’t available everywhere in Kansas, so you should check with AT&T to see if your address is serviced. You also have the option to bundle internet with TV and/or a landline if you so desire.Features:Price: $50/mo. or $70/mo.Speed and Data: 100Mbps, 300Mbps, or 1000MbpsPlans/Packages: Internet only, internet + TV, internet + TV + landlineContract Options: 12 months

Best contract terms

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CenturyLink is the only Kansas internet provider on our list to offer service without a contract. Internet service is available on a month-to-month basis, so you won’t have to commit to 12 or even 24 months like some competitors.In terms of ratings, CenturyLink scores a bit below average on the American Consumer Satisfaction Index, receiving a score of 62 out of 100 compared to the nationwide average of 64. The provider didn’t make the list for the J.D. Power study in the region and only receives a D rating from the Better Business Bureau.Features:Price: $49/mo. or $65/mo.Speed and Data: 10Mbps or 940MbpsPlans/Packages: Internet only, internet + TV, internet + TV + landlineContract Options: No contracts

Best for bundles

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Spectrum is a widely available provider in Kansas with three different speed options, ranging from 200Mbps to 940Mbps. Internet service on its own tends to be a bit pricier than competitors, with top speeds running upwards of $109.99/mo. However, the real value comes in when you bundle with a TV service or a landline. Customers who sign up for multiple services can benefit from free HD channels and unlimited phone service.Spectrum receives an average 3-star rating from the J.D. Power U.S. Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study, with the cost of service ranking the highest in all areas. Unfortunately, the provider’s BBB score is shockingly low; it receives an F rating and is not accredited.Features:Price: $49.99/mo., $69.99/mo., or $109.99/mo.Speed and Data: 200Mbps, 400Mbps, or 940MbpsPlans/Packages: Internet only, internet + TV, internet + TV + landlineContract Options: 12 months

How we found the best internet provider in KansasIntro sentence explaining that there were a few key features we looked for:Coverage. Kansas is a large and diverse state, and it’s hard to find an internet provider that services all areas. We opted to evaluate providers with the most widespread coverage for cable and DSL as well as fiber.Value. Each provider offers different kinds of value, so one might be preferable over the other depending on your needs. We assessed the pros and cons of each service type and contract and compared it to the advertised price.Customer Satisfaction. To get an unbiased look at customer reviews, we compiled data from J.D. Power, the American Consumer Satisfaction Index, and the Better Business Bureau, among other sources.

Which providers offer the best internet service in Kansas?

Comcast Xfinity, AT&T, CenturyLink, and Spectrum are all great choices for internet providers in Kansas.

Can I get fiber internet in Kansas?

Many of the top internet service providers in Kansas provide fiber-optic internet as an option, but only in some geographic areas. Check with each provider to see if your home has access to a fiber connection.

What is the cheapest internet provider in Kansas?

Comcast Xfinity offers the cheapest overall internet service in Kansas, with low-speed internet plans starting at $20/month.

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Looking for the best internet providers in Memphis? We have you covered. However, with Tennessee coming in below the national average of 18.7 Mbps for internet speed, it can be challenging to find the ideal internet connection in Memphis. In this review, we’ll go over the plans and pricing available from the top three Memphis internet companies and explain how each company differs to help you choose the best internet service for your home.  Here is a look at our top picks for the best internet service provider in Memphis:AT&TXfinityEarthLinkDefining traitTop-rated providerMost flexible plansBest contract termsConnection typeDSL, FiberCable, FiberDSL, FiberDownload speeds (Mbps)100Mbps300Mbps1000Mbps25Mbps100Mbps200Mbps300Mbps600Mbps1000Mbps15Mbps30Mbps80Mbps100Mbps200Mbps1000MbpsPrices starting at$50/mo.   $20/mo.  $49.95/mo.  Contract length12 Months12 Months12 MonthsData capUp to 1TB/ mo.Up to 1TB/ mo.None

Top-rated provider

AT&T

AT&T is the award recipient of the 2019 J.D. Power U.S. Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study. The provider nets perfect “Among The Best” five-star reviews in all aspects of the study, including overall satisfaction, cost of service, billing, and customer service. The provider’s fiber-optic plan comes in cheaper than competitor Comcast Xfinity’s comparable plan at just $70 per month.In addition to stellar reviews by J.D. Power, AT&T is also ranked second by the American Consumer Satisfaction Index. The company comes in just one point behind Verizon Fios, with an overall score of 69 out of 100, with the average for all providers being 62.Features:●  Price: $50 or $70 per month●  Speed and Data: 100Mbps, 300Mbps, or 1000Mbps●  Plans/Packages: Internet only, internet + TV, internet + TV + landline●  Contract Options: 12 months

Most flexible plans

Customers love Comcast Xfinity for its performance and reliability. The 2019 U.S. Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study by J.D. Power gave the provider five out of five stars in this area and a four-star overall rating and additional “Better Than Most” reviews in overall satisfaction and communications.Aside from this, plan flexibility is a great perk provided by Comcast Xfinity. There are six different speeds available in Memphis, from 25Mbps for just $20 per month to lightning-fast 1000Mbps fiber service for a respectable $80 per month. You’ll also find opportunities to bundle and save with other Comcast Xfinity services like TV and landline phone.Features:●  Price: $20, $40, $50, $60, $70, or $80 per month●  Speed and Data: 25Mbps, 100Mbps, 200Mbps, 300Mbps, 600Mbps, or 1000Mbps●  Plans/Packages: Internet only, internet + TV, internet + TV + landline●  Contract Options: 12 months

Best contract terms

Although the provider only offers internet services, EarthLink still provides plenty of options for both DSL and fiber internet plans. Although you might find they’re a bit pricier than competitors, speeds start as low as 12 Mbps and go up to 1,000 Mbps. We do like EarthLink because, unlike AT&T and Comcast Xfinity, the provider doesn’t put data caps on internet customers.EarthLink gets an A rating and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Since the provider is fairly regional, it’s not included in J.D. Power or the American Consumer Satisfaction Index ratings.Features:●  Price: $49.95, $59.95, $69.95, $79.95, or $99.95 per month●  Speed and Data: 15Mbps, 30Mbps, 80Mbps, 100Mbps, 200Mbps or 1000Mbps●  Plans/Packages: Internet only●  Contract Options: 12 months

How we found the best internet provider in MemphisMany reviews of Memphis internet providers are biased, so we looked at trusted data to develop a factual analysis of each provider. Here are the indicators we used:●  Coverage. There’s nothing more frustrating than researching an internet provider, only to find out they don’t provide service at your address. That’s why we only included internet providers in Memphis that cover the vast majority of the city and surrounding area.●  Value. One common pitfall with internet service is that you don’t always get what you pay for. We made sure each top provider offers a balance of speed, service, and contract terms for the price.●  Customer Satisfaction. J.D. Power, the American Consumer Satisfaction Index, and the Better Business Bureau all assess customer satisfaction with their internet provider. We looked at data and reviews from each of these organizations to evaluate how happy current customers are with their internet service.

What are the best internet providers in Memphis?

With each customer’s needs varying depending on numerous factors, taking time to compare each company can help indicate which provider is best for you. After much research, we found that AT&T, Comcast Xfinity, and EarthLink are the best Memphis internet providers based on data and reviews.

How much does internet service in Memphis cost?

Internet service in Memphis starts at $20 per month for low speeds and can go up to $100 per month for fiber internet. How much you spend on internet service will depend on your internet connection speeds, location, and provider terms.

Is fiber internet available in Memphis?

Fiber optic internet with up to 1000Mbps download speed has arrived in Memphis. However, it’s not available in all areas. You’ll have to check with individual providers to see where service is available. More

Detroit has 4.3 million residents in the metropolitan area, which makes it one of the largest urban regions in the country. That’s good news for you if you’re looking for an internet service provider (ISP) since quite a few providers service the area. You can find a broad range of plans available for fiber-optic, cable, DSL, and satellite connections, similar to other large cities in the U.S. Finding your best Detroit ISP involves looking at multiple factors. We’ll review the top Detroit ISPs here and suggest the options that might work best for a variety of users.  Here are the best internet providers in Detroit Summed up:AT&TComcast (Xfinity)HughesNetDefining traitBest customer serviceWidest range of plansBest satelliteConnection typeDSL and fiber (partial fiber coverage)CableSatelliteDownload speeds (Mbps)Up to 100Mbps (DSL); up to 940Mbps (fiber) Up to 1000MbpsUp to 25MbpsPrices starting at$40$39.99$59.99Contract length12 months12 months24 monthsData capUnlimited (DSL); 1 TB (fiber)1 TBDepends on plan

Best customer service

AT&T

AT&T has extensive coverage via DSL and, in some areas, fiber-optics. If you’ve got a phone connection, you will be able to access the company’s DSL network. AT&T’s fiber-optic network also includes parts of Detroit — you’ll have to find out if your address is covered by talking to a customer service rep or inputting your complete address online. AT&T scores well above average in rankings by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), with 69 points — that’s a good sign in an industry not known for stellar customer service. It also scores well with J.D. Powers, ranking a very close second in the organization’s 2019 U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study listing. AT&T offers some great introductory prices you can lock into for one year. Even though it is common for most ISPs to raise prices after introductory periods, the AT&T rates go up pretty significantly. Also, the company does not include some supplementary fees, from equipment rental to taxes, which may leave you feeling nickel-and-dimed to death. Features:Price: $40 – $79.99 (introductory pricing, one year contract)Speed and Data: download speeds of 25 – 940Mbps; 1TB data cap (fiber), unlimited DSLPlans/Packages: fiber-optic internet + TV/Phone/Wireless, 1TB data cap, $40/monthContract Options: one year

Widest range of plans

With six basic internet plans, including a fast 1000Mbps option, as well as the opportunity to bundle your choice of Xfinity TV, Xfinity Voice, and two home security options, you’ll be able to customize a plan that best suits your needs. Xfinity’s prices are reasonable, too, though, as with most ISPs, your rates increase after your one-year commitment is up. Xfinity’s customer service is about average. It scores 61 on the ACSI scale, one point below the industry average of 62, and consumerreports.org names Xfinity as a “big name in need of big improvement” in its Customer Service Buying Guide.  That said, if you need a fast connection for gaming, HD streaming, or video conferencing, Xfinity is an excellent choice. In fact, Speedtest.net rates Xfinity as the fastest internet provider in the U.S. for 2018. Features:Price: $20 – $80Speed and Data: download speeds of 25 – 1000MbpsPlans/Packages: starter package with 25Mbps for $20 for the first year; $53 afterwards ($10 discount for autopay brings it to $43, though); includes free self-install kit and Flex 4 K streaming device, plus voice remoteContract Options: one year

Best satellite options

CNET

A satellite internet connection will never out-perform more high-tech options like fiber-optics, but if you’re located in a neighborhood that doesn’t have broadband access, it can be a lifesaver. HughesNet Gen5 satellite network is available throughout the U.S., and the company offers four no-frills internet plans with a contract period of two years — twice as long as our other top choices. It doesn’t nickel-and-dime you to death with additional fees, and sometimes you will see a tempting introductory rate if you’re a new customer. All plans come with built-in WiFi service and a bonus of 50GB of additional data per month. The catch? You need to use additional time during non-peak hours of 2 – 8 a.m. On the plus side, according to the FCC, HughesNet is modest in its speed claims: a 2018 FCC report on broadband performance in the U.S. showed HughesNet providing almost twice as much download bandwidth as it advertised. Features:Price: $59.99 – 149.99Speed and Data: download speeds up to 25MbpsPlans/Packages: range from 10GB to 50GB of data, with a bonus pack of 50GB additional — but for only a few hours a dayContract Options: 2 years

How we found the best internet providers in DetroitWe spent a great deal of time scouring ISP websites to find data for this report. We also looked at rankings for ISPs with federal and non-profit organizations and checked out consumer reviews at the BBB and other watchdog groups.Coverage. We were looking for providers who had the most saturation in the city, and thus were available to most residents of Detroit and its suburbs. AT&T DSL was the winner here, though our other choices also work for most Detroit addresses. Fiber-optics are still sparse throughout the country, which was true of Detroit, but AT&T’s fiber network does include parts of Detroit. HughesNet offers satellite coverage that is steady and always on, if not available, at the highest speeds for those on the outskirts of the city or in more rural areas.Value. Of course, you want to pay as little as possible for your internet access, and that can be a tricky proposition. Many ISPs list a temptingly low introductory price and then slam you with smaller but still considerable fees for installation, equipment rental, and taxes. The introductory rate is likely to disappear after your first year, too. Xfinity gave us the broadest range there, but your rates will vary depending on your needs and the package you choose. One takeaway: speed costs more. If you, like many people, use the internet mainly to check email, scan your social media, and watch the occasional Netflix special, you can generally get by with a lower-end plan.Customer Satisfaction. We look at customer satisfaction ratings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power. The caveat here is internet service providers, as a whole, have pretty dismal ratings for customer service. Consumer Reports rates the industry near the bottom of its Customer Service Rating List. The internet is rampant with tales of customers on hold for hours or made to deal with surly representatives. In looking at the rankings, we weighed each company against the industry averages. Our choices all featured near the tops of most lists (although HughesNet, being a smaller company, is not as widely rated). 

How do I get connected to the internet in Detroit?

You’ll want to do your homework — start by reading our coverage of the best internet service providers in Detroit. Think about how heavily you use the internet, and this will give you a good idea of the right plan for you.If you’re not sure, check out our chart of what constitutes light, medium, and heavy internet use.

Why is download speed important?

Most people download files — from movies to large photos — more than they upload, so the download speed is a good indicator of the overall speed of your connection. Plus, for most home internet set-ups, the download speed is considerably more than the upload speed, so ISPs like this as an indicator of the quality of their network.

Who has the cheapest Internet in Detroit?

Of the Detroit ISPs we looked at, Comcast Xfinity had the cheapest rate at $20 for 20Mbps for the first year. Your rate will depend on how you use the internet. If you’re a heavy multiplayer gamer or spend your evenings watching HD Netflix videos, you’ll pay more — probably in the three digits — for the speed you need.

Can I install an internet connection by myself?

Yes, most ISPs offer a self-install kit if you’re getting a DSL or cable installation and already have the wiring available in your home. If you’re going with a fiber-optic connection or don’t have phone or cable wires coming to your home, you’ll need to have a professional installation, which may cost as much as $125. More

Cellular connectivity in the enterprise has been hyped for more than a decade, but it had largely flopped because WiFi has remained the only viable option for wireless. Older versions of cellular, such as 3G and 4G, didn’t have the necessary speed or ease of deployment to compete with WiFi, even though the latter does have reliability problems. Many industry analysts, myself included, look at 5G as a game-changer, because standards such as CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) bring speeds that exceed WiFi with the reliability of cellular. Some businesses will choose to deploy the technology themselves, but many will defer to a managed service because of a lack of familiarity. 5G is fundamentally different than 4G and every other version of wireless because it is the first cloud-era technology standard in networking. It uses modern software-defined principles, strict policy enforcement, and cloud-native microservices. With the latest advancements in this space, organizations have the opportunity to deploy private 5G (P5G) networks that are specifically customized for their business and highly adaptable to changes; however, a lack of best practices could create some risk, and managed services de-risk deployment. NTT launches managed private 5G service using Celona Telecom provider NTT has launched the first globally available private P5G Network-as-a-Service platform that can be deployed via cloud, on-premises, or at the edge. The platform is pre-integrated with an end-to-end stack of services from various network and software partners, giving enterprises flexibility when implementing it.The primary 5G provider for this service is Celona Networks, a startup that developed an enterprise-class P5G that configures, and is managed, like WiFi. The technology uses a technique called MicroSlicing, which is based on a 5G multi-tenancy principle in which a single physical infrastructure has multiple tenants or slices. MicroSlicing automatically enforces and tracks key service levels, including latency, jitter, and packet error rates. This allows applications to perform over a wireless network much as they would over a wired network.The P5G platform goes beyond connectivity to help organizations build highly agile enterprise networks, NTT’s Shahid Ahmed told ZK Research in an interview. Ahmed recently joined NTT as Executive Vice-President of New Ventures and Innovation to lead the company’s P5G service portfolio. The portfolio includes a rich ecosystem of network and edge devices.NTT will offer public/private 5G roaming “Out of the gate, we’ll be offering public-private roaming. That’s a key use case for many of the transportation logistics companies, but also increasingly for warehouses,” Ahmed said. “Whether they’re using a phone or a RealWear (wearable industrial) device when performing a complex task or workflow in a warehouse, we’re going to work with our third-party partners to enable digital transformation for that frontline worker.”

NTT is taking a subscription-based approach with the platform, rather than a pay-per-use approach. Organizations will have cost certainty by choosing different tiers of service based on the network design and their needs, similar to Amazon Web Services. The intention is to provide organizations with an end-to-end solution that offers full visibility and administration of P5G networks, said Parm Sandhu, Vice-President of Enterprise 5G Products and Services at NTT. Using the platform, chief information officers and IT administrators can control items such as policy management, security management, and configuration management—all from a single self-service portal.Security intrinsic to NTT solution Security is another major factor why some compliance-driven industries might prefer an end-to-end solution. Health care, for example, has strict regulations for how data moves around the network. To meet the needs of those organizations, NTT’s P5G platform uses zero-trust network access (ZTNA) principles to secure access to applications and services both on-premises and in the cloud. With ZTNA, access to network resources is tightly managed and various restrictions can be applied down to the app level.”Security must be built into network design,” Sandhu said. “There’s no way a telco is going to integrate any kind of authentication into the land network an enterprise is using. So, there are some really exciting future things we’re going to be doing by bringing 5G into the enterprise.”It’s important to understand that P5G should not be viewed as a replacement for WiFi–at least not yet, because the number of WiFi-connected devices dwarfs 5G-capable ones. Businesses should look at augmenting their WiFi deployment with P5G and use it when network reliability is a must. Manufacturing, health care, facilities, and factories are great examples. Also, many of the IoT devices that will be used to ensure that the workplace is safe should use P5G, but the typical knowledge worker use case is fine using WiFi. NTT’s managed service can help organizations plan where best to use the two technologies.The promise of cellular as an enterprise technology has been on the horizon, but the hype never lived up to the reality. The most recent version of cellular, 5G, has been completely redesigned to address a world where everything is connected, making it something all businesses should consider. More