Networking

Spectrum is one of the largest broadband internet providers in the United States. Spectrum Internet prices range from $50 to $105, and speeds ranging from 200 Mbps to 940 Mbps with three plans. Their plans come with no contracts, no data caps or extra fees and include a free modem rental, free access to a nationwide network of Wi-Fi hotspots and free security software. However, unless you request self-installation, there is an installation fee.According to the most recent FCC internet report, a Spectrum Internet review shows that the company has some of the most consistent internet speeds compared to other internet service providers (ISPs) and scored better than most in meeting or exceeding advertised internet speeds. While the infrastructure and services provided by Spectrum have seen high ratings, their reputation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is less promising. The BBB gave Spectrum an F rating, the lowest grade possible. This measurement evaluates how a company interacts with its customers and can reflect its customer service. On the 2020 J.D. Power ISP satisfaction survey, which questions customers about their residential ISP satisfaction, Spectrum scored average in most regions of the United States except for the east region, where it scored below average. Benefits One of the biggest benefits of Spectrum Internet is that there are no data caps. This means users do not have to pay extra based on their usage. This is especially helpful to people who stream a lot of video content. Spectrum Internet also does not require users to sign a contract, allowing users to terminate their service at any time instead. Spectrum Internet also comes with several free services, including access to a nationwide network of Wi-Fi hotspots, a suite of security software and a free modem throughout the service term. Drawbacks The biggest drawback to Spectrum Internet is its history of poor customer service, as evidenced by its BBB and J.D. Power reports. Spectrum’s monthly fees are also a bit higher than other cable providers. While users can purchase their own approved router, if you want a router through Spectrum, it’s an additional $5 per month for the basic and Ultra plans. Spectrum internet plans and prices Plan Download Speeds up to: Price per month: Number of Devices: Spectrum Internet200Mbps$49.994-5 Spectrum Internet Ultra400Mbps$64.996-8 Spectrum Internet Gig940Mbps$104.9910+Data effective 1/19/2021

* For more details on these plans, click here to learn more from Allconnect. Pricing With Spectrum Internet, you may request a self-install kit or pay a one-time installation fee of $50 to have Spectrum install its equipment. That’s a lower installation price than some other providers charge, and not all companies allow for self-installation. Two of Spectrum’s plans rely on cable internet and can often be installed with minimal effort, especially if the location already has coaxial lines. Spectrum Internet prices start at $50 per month for 200Mbps, with the middle tier plan being $65 per month for 400Mbps, and the top tier plan being $105 per month with 940Mbps. Although it may not be intuitive, the more expensive plans charge less per Mbps of speed. Contacting Spectrum to schedule an installation is as easy as filing a purchase request on their website or calling the sales phone number. If you want to do the installation yourself, make sure you have the necessary equipment and request a self-installation when you speak with a Spectrum sales representative. Spectrum speeds and data caps Plan Download Speeds up to: Price per month: Number of Devices: Spectrum Internet200Mbps$49.994-5 Spectrum Internet Ultra400Mbps$64.996-8 Spectrum Internet Gig940Mbps$104.9910+ Estimated speeds While Spectrum has speeds listed with each of their plans, it’s important to note these are estimates of top speeds during optimal performance. Although they are well rated for consistently delivering speeds as advertised, it is common for internet speeds to fluctuate based on traffic levels and location. So you may want to purchase a faster internet plan than you otherwise might. For instance, if you need your connection to maintain at least 400Mbps of download speed, you might consider the Spectrum Internet Gig plan. While the Gig plan will often deliver more speed than you need in this case, it should rarely — if ever — drop below that threshold.  For simple tasks such as social media, web browsing, and other basic internet tasks, the Spectrum Internet 200Mbps plan should be sufficient. For slightly more data-heavy tasks, such as online photo and video downloading, the 400Mbps plan is reasonable. For intensive activities, such as streaming HD movies on multiple devices, uploading and downloading large amounts of video content, the 940Mbps plan can be a wise choice. Internet availability Spectrum offers residential broadband cable internet coverage in 41 states and fiber internet to businesses in 41 states and 32 metropolitan areas. As with all ISPs, the speed of Spectrum internet plans varies by location. In general, urban areas with more modern infrastructure experience higher speeds and greater consistency of service. This results from the speed with which infrastructure problems are addressed and how many alternative lines of communication exist within an area. However, rural areas are often capable of high-speed connections but remain more vulnerable to internet disruptions. Spectrum internet additional features Spectrum Internet plans come with several extra features. Each plan includes a rental modem free of charge, meaning you have to return the modem when your plan ends, but you don’t have to pay to use it. Customers gain access to Spectrum Wi-Fi hotspots for mobile internet in public spaces. Each Spectrum account also gives you access to up to six Spectrum email addresses and the Spectrum security suite software, including antivirus and other computer monitoring programs. What we recommend While having speeds of 940Mbps is convenient, the average American family will do excellently with the 200 and 400Mbps plans. The average internet speed in America is around 124Mbps and falls well below Spectrum’s slowest plan. However, as long as your connection is above 25Mbps consistently, your network should be able to handle most basic internet activities.  For homes with only one to five devices and one to two regular internet users, the 200Mbps plan is excellent. For larger households and more devices, the 400Mbps plan is recommended. At the end of the day, though, the best plan for your family will depend on your household’s use. It can be wise to start with a slower plan and upgrade speeds with that provider if it becomes necessary. Just make sure that faster speeds are available for your location before you commit to such a strategy. The Bottom Line Spectrum Internet plans have no data caps, no contracts, and come with a free modem rental. Spectrum broadband internet is widely available, with a presence in 41 states. Three plans are offered, ranging in price from $50 to $105, with speeds ranging from 200Mbps to 940Mbps. The first two plans use cable internet while the third, the highest speed plan, uses fiber. Spectrum delivers quality internet at a variety of speeds, scoring well with the FCC on actual speeds versus advertised speeds and consistency of speed. This same report highlights that Spectrum has above-average latency and below-average packet loss. However, based on Spectrum Internet reviews, the company has a reputation for poor customer service and average customer satisfaction, as can be seen on the BBB and the J.D. Power reports. Nevertheless, their product exhibits many signs of quality, and the lack of any contract makes cancellation easy. 

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

Spectrum Internet Gig is the plan that delivers the most speed. Because it uses fiber, users will experience lower latency issues than with other plans. For those who want the absolute most of their internet, this is the best plan, but it is also the most expensive at $105 per month.

Where is Spectrum available?

Spectrum broadband internet is available in 41 states across the United States. Further, Spectrum offers fiber internet to businesses in 41 states and 32 metropolitan areas. However, speeds and plan availability vary by location within these locales.

How fast is Spectrum Internet?

According to the most recent FCC  report on ISP speed scores, a majority of panelists reported that most of the time, Spectrum (listed as Charter on the report) internet speeds were higher than 95% of the advertised speed. According to this same FCC report, spectrum maintains among the most consistent internet speeds across time and geography. On latency, Spectrum scored slightly higher than average. The final part of the FCC report shows that, compared to other ISPs, Spectrum showed minimal packet loss. Overall, this is good news for Spectrum customers, as it shows Spectrum can deliver on their advertised speeds.

Does Spectrum have data caps?

Unlike many ISPs, Spectrum does not have data caps placed within their plans. This means there is no limit to how much data you can download and upload. The average American household uses  344 gigabytes per month. With many ISPs, it’s necessary to either pay extra for unlimited data or pay overage fees any time you go over your monthly data allotment.

Whom is each plan best for?

200Mbps: Best for 2-3 users with 4-5 devices, or one device used for high bandwidth activity such as HD movie streaming or light online gaming.400Mbps: Best for 3-4 users with 6-8 devices, or two devices used for high bandwidth activity such as HD movie streaming on multiple devices or moderate online gaming.·  940Mbps: Best for 4 or more users with 10 or more devices, or three to four devices used for high bandwidth activity such as HD movie streaming on numerous devices or heavy online gaming.

ZDNet Recommends More

Image: Chris Duckett/ZDNet
The company responsible for the National Broadband Network has informed the Senate it has seen plenty of complaints about its HFC network. “From Feb 2021 to May 2021, NBN Co received a total of 9,970 speed-related/ performance-related faults after which it investigates the actual cause and determines the appropriate resolution of the ticket,” NBN Co said in response to Senate Estimates Questions on Notice. There are around 2.5 million cable connections on NBN’s network, with the company previously saying 97% of connections were able to access speeds of 250Mbps, and 58% were able to get over 500Mbps. By year-end, the company wants 94% of its cable connections to be capable of over 500Mbps. In other responses, the company filled in a little detail from its recent appointment performance declines. According to its most recent monthly progress report, NBN reported its right first-time installation metric recovered to 78% after falling to a low of 74% in May. Similarly, the meeting agreed fault restoration times metric bounced back to 74% after dropping to 70% the month prior. Both metrics had previously been in the high 80% or 90% range. “This metric has been impacted by some unexpected challenges following the recent implementation of a new appointment scheduling system,” the company said in a note attached to the report.

“NBN Co is working closely with phone and internet providers and delivery partners to have these issues resolved as soon as possible.” Responding to the Senate, NBN said in April 8.9% of all scheduled appointments were missed compared to 5.8% in May 2020. “A missed appointment refers to where a technician did not attend the premises within the agreed appointment window, as per the service level schedule,” NBN said. “In many of these cases the technician turns up earlier or later than the stipulated time and still completes the job on the day. The number also includes some cases where bad weather restricted the ability to complete the job.” NBN also revealed it cancelled over 15% of appointments in April, 30,184 of 195,622 appointments, and almost 14%, or 27,790 of 199,742, appointments in May. The company said it was common for appointments to be cancelled when a line resumed service and the appointment was no longer needed, which included situations such as a mass outage due to a fibre cut, or other core network issues. “When a technician calls a customer on approach of an appointment, the customer may cancel the appointment as their service is working,” NBN added. “Sometimes the issue resolves by itself, i.e. the customer may have replaced some of their hardware like the modem which was causing the issue.” The company recently spelled out how its ServiceMax Go (SMAX-Go) app for technicians interacts with its ServiceNow, ServiceMax, and Oracle back-ends, as well as the cost of some of the system. “The cost to develop the ServiceMax (includingSMAX-Go app) component of the system architecture to support the new field contracts under Unify was AU$13.3m total, over FY19, FY20 & FY21,” NBN said. “SMAX-Go went live in Victoria and South Australia on 14 April 2021, followed by New South Wales, Tasmania and Australian Capital Territory on 28 April 2021. The app is yet to go live in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland.” During a hearing in May, NBN said the problems experienced by technicians when the app launched in NSW had arisen because the system was overloaded. “What happened, when literally it was rolled out in New South Wales, the platform went down and we then had, due to literally the doubling of our workforce on the system, we then add the issues around the functionality where it wasn’t syncing properly, so therefore it caused a poor experience,” COO Kathrine Dyer said. Dyer said the software was hit by a trio of factors: A two-day platform outage that hit NBN and technicians; it wasn’t syncing; and it was updating its functionality. In response to a question on whether the system had run over budget, NBN replied the system now fell under its business as usual maintenance and support. “The Unify project was initially due to be delivered in December 2019; however, to avoid seasonal impacts delivery was deferred to May 2020, which was further impacted due to COVID-19 with revised delivery to February 2021. Under Unify, NBN Co launched its Internal Field Workforce in July 2020, followed by a September 2020 launch of its network module,” NBN said in its most recent responses. Elsewhere, NBN said as of 11 June 2021, 1,156,061 premises were ready for service within its brownfields full fibre footprint, and the company purchased almost 60,000 kilometres of copper cable by June 16. “A common misconception seems to be that this copper is replacing existing copper in the legacy network. In fact, this material is necessary to create short connections to new and upgraded components in the network,” it said. “For example, close to 40% of this volume is for specialised copper cable used in the FttC network construction for short extensions of lead-in cables to the FttC DPU location. Copper is also required to connect the local network into new FttN nodes, which are then connected with new fibre to the exchange.” Related Coverage More

San Antonio is the seventh-largest city in the United States, so it’s no surprise it is on the cutting edge of the latest internet technology. There are about five internet providers in San Antonio offering widespread, dependable coverage throughout the city. San Antonio also continues to actively expand its fiber broadband infrastructure in an effort to reach the entire city.With several solid options to choose from, it can remain a challenge to make the choice that works best for you. Your decision will come down to price, speeds, and customer support needs. We researched San Antonio internet providers to help breakdown this decision for you.The best San Antonio internet providers: summed upAT&T InternetSpectrum InternetEarthlink InternetDefining traitBest for fiber-optics connectionNo data capsBest customer support featuresConnection typeDSL Fiber OpticDSLDSL Fiber OpticDownload speeds (Mbps)100, 300, 1,000200, 94015, 30, 80, 100, 200, 1,000Prices starting at$50/month$49.99/month$49.95/monthContract length12 months12 months12 monthsData cap1 TB/month; Unlimited for 1,000 Mbps plansUnlimitedUnlimited

Best for fiber-optics connection

Shutterstock

With attractive perks like a large mobile hotspot network, AT&T remains San Antonio’s largest internet provider. Customers can take advantage of the company’s national AT&T WiFi hotspot network as a part of their internet plan. There are also promotional signup offers, such as waived activation fees for online orders, speed upgrades, and visa gift card offers. Current AT&T mobile customers can benefit from discounts of up to $10 on their internet service.Fiber-optics in some cities is hard to come by. So if your neighborhood has fiber, that’s good news – the nation averages about a 38% coverage area for fiber-optic internet. Bexar County in San Antonio boasts an impressive 61.43% fiber coverage area, which means you can benefit from the lightning-fast internet speeds and technology if you live in the fiber area. If you’re lucky enough to live in an AT&T fiber-optics area, and you want fast speeds, then AT&T internet is the way to go.Price: $50 to $70 per month, plus $10/month equipment fee and no activation fee when purchased onlineSpeed and Data: 100, 300, or 1,000; 1TB per month for Internet 100 and 300 plans with overage charges; unlimited data for Internet 1,000Plans/Packages: Internet 100, 300, or 1,000Contract Options: 12 months

View Now at AT&T

Best data plans

Shutterstock

Our top pick is Spectrum, which provides internet service to most of San Antonio. With no data caps and a free internet modem, as a customer, you can save tons of money each year, unlike the requisite data cap and equipment fees of other companies. With Spectrum’s no data caps, you can use as much of your speed without an overage charge with any plan. You must be on the high plan (1,000+ Mbps) with AT&T to avoid the extra charge.In addition to phone and internet services, they also offer San Antonio residents free home WiFi and free access to Time Warner WiFi hotspots with 24/7 customer support. There are three internet plans for you to choose from, including the Standard, Ultra, and Gig Internet Plans. A free Security Suite is available with your Spectrum plan to protect your devices with available parental controls. They even offer a contract buyout option to help you escape another internet contract.Price: $49.99 per monthSpeed and Data: 200 Mbps or 940 Mbps; unlimited dataPlans/Packages: Spectrum Standard, Ultra Internet, or Gig Internet PlanContract Options: 12 months

View Now at Spectrum

Best customer support

Shutterstock

Around since the mid-1990s, Earthlink is one of the most flexible internet providers in San Antonio. There are a host of internet plans available so you can purchase the right internet speeds for your household with up to 1 Gbps power. Internet plans can also include up to 8 email addresses for your household using EarthLink’s premium email servers. Automatic virus and spam protection are also available.Of all internet providers, Earthlink answered our call the fastest with the shortest wait time of all providers at less than 25 seconds. There is online support, as well as round-the-clock support with 24/7 customer service, which many customers appreciate. However, pricing can quickly get expensive with all of the extra fees, such as installation, equipment rental, and cancellation fees.Price: $49.95 to $99.95 per month, plus $69.95 installation cost, $6.95/month equipment rental, and up to $200 in cancellation feesSpeed and Data: 15, 30, 80, 100, 200, 1,000 with unlimited dataPlans/Packages: HyperlinkTM internetContract Options: 12 months

View Now at Earthlink

How we found the best internet providers in San Antonio

With several providers to choose from, this is how we determined the best provider for San Antonio, Texas.Coverage. As some of the largest internet companies in the country, these three companies provide some of the most widespread and reliable coverage in San Antonio. Other internet providers limit their services to just a few small portions of San Antonio.Value. Internet speeds in San Antonio go all the way to 1,000 Mbps, giving residents a wide choice of internet speeds and pricing. Despite these speeds, pricing remains roughly the same for monthly premiums. However, watch out for additional costs: EarthLink and AT&T both charge monthly equipment fees you won’t find at Spectrum.Customer Satisfaction. J.D. Power offers customer service ratings for top industry providers, with AT&T taking top honors with near-perfect scores across the board. Spectrum receives a rating of 3 out of 5 for the southern region of the country, while Earthlink and AT&T remain unrated. The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) also shows AT&T at the top of the list, second only to Verizon. Earthlink was unlisted.

Who is the best internet provider for me?

These are our top three picks for internet providers in San Antonio, but the best provider for you will depend on several details. Where you live will determine what services are available to you. There are many things you should consider when choosing an internet provider, such as the available packages and costs. For example, Earthlink offers many different internet speed packages up to 1000 Mbps. Not only çan speed vary, but the price of your internet can differ, too, from $49.95 to almost $100. Sometimes, a company will feature a special deal or savings program you can use to receive higher internet speeds at a low price.

What is DSL and fiber optic internet?

Fiber optic internet is a revolutionary new process that uses light to transfer data. In doing so, it offers lightning-fast speeds, especially when compared to traditional DSL, which uses a telephone line. DSL internet usually provides no more than 6 Mbps, while fiber-optic is capable of providing up to 1,000 Mbps.

How do I choose an internet package?

To find the right internet package for you, you must first see what is available in your area. You can visit each provider site and input your zip code to determine what services are available at your home. The number of people in your household also affects your plan, because the more users and devices there are, the higher your internet speed needs to be. Gaming and streaming content will require more power than a household with a single user who surfs the internet occasionally.

ZDNet Recommends More

If you’re a resident of El Paso, you’re in luck: as the 20th largest city in the U.S., El Paso has multiple internet service providers (ISPs) competing for your business. Finding the best one for your own particular needs requires some research — starting with this review.  You can choose from DSL, cable, satellite, and fiber options for your service, depending on where you live and how you use the internet. We’ve selected the best options for each type of connection to help you choose from a range of service plans.   AT&T Spectrum Viasat Defining traitBest package dealBest for speedBest satellite coverage Connection typeFiber, DSLCablesatellite Download speeds (Mbps)Fiber: 300 – 940Mbps; DSL: 50 – 100Mbps100 – 940Mbps12 – 100Mbps Prices starting at$40$49.99$70 Contract length12 months12 months24 months, or optional no-term contract option Data cap1TBNo data capsDepends on plan

Best package deals

AT&T

AT&T fiber-optics is only available in about 25% of households in El Paso.  You’ll need to talk to a customer service rep to see if fiber is available at your home. But never fear: AT&T’s DSL coverage goes anywhere there is a phone line, and unless you are a hard-core gamer, most will be satisfied with the download speeds. In an industry not known for stellar customer service, AT&T ranks high. It’s number two on the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) list, just one point behind Verizon Fios (which is not available in El Paso), so chances are your interactions with reps will be good ones. AT&T offers some very attractive packages: bundling TV with your internet will actually cost you less than the stand-alone internet for your first year. Price: $40-$70, plus equipment and installation feesSpeed and Data: download speed 25 -1000Mbps — 1TB dataPlans/Packages: add TV for a total cost of $39.99 – $54.99 for one yearContract Options: one-year commitment

View Now at AT&T

Best for speed

Charter Spectrum

Unless you’re one of the few who can access a fiber-optic connection through AT&T, it’s worth looking at Spectrum for the speed and reliability of its cable network. Spectrum advertises speeds of up to 940Mbps, more than enough for a multiple-device household or hard-core gamer, and according to the FCC, it meets that goal nearly 75% of the time. Spectrum’s prices are comparable to others in this market, and it offers a few nice perks you don’t often see: no data caps, meaning your connection won’t get throttled with heavy use. The company also stands out with its loose contract requirements: price guarantee and no contract.  Even better, if you’re stuck in a contract with another ISP, it will supply up to $500 to help you get out of it. The only issue we could find was some mediocre rankings for customer service. J.D. Power ranks Spectrum near the bottom of its list, and ACSI gives it 59 points, below the industry average of 62.Price: $45Speed and Data: download speed 100 – 940Mbps — no data capPlans/Packages: Bundle internet with 125+ TV channels and unlimited nationwide calling for $99.97/month for 12 months Contract Options: no contract, but prices are good for one year

View Now at Charter Spectrum

Best satellite coverage

Viasat

Although satellite internet technology can’t give you the speed of, say, fiber-optic cable, there are times when it’s your best option. For those living on the outskirts of El Paso or in pockets where cable, DSL, and fiber don’t reach, Viasat offers plans that can give you reliable internet access — but at a price. Viasat’s four monthly plans are not priced as competitively as AT&T or Spectrum, but the company offers reliable internet with top speeds comparable to DSL and cable. Viasat plans should be more than enough speed and data for most internet users. You can also find TV and phone bundling options.  Price: $50 – $200/monthSpeed and Data: 12 – 100Mbps; after reaching monthly data allowance, you will experience slowdownsPlans/Packages: Add DIRECTV for $35/monthp & phone for $19.99/monthContract Options: 24 months, unless you choose a no-contract option, which requires a $300 non-refundable payment

View Now at Viasat

How we found the best internet providers in El Paso

When looking for the best internet service providers in El Paso, we assessed several things. Of course, we looked at the speed and reliability of the connections. We also compared plan prices to see if there were any hidden gems to unearth. Lastly, we reviewed online customer reviews and customer service rankings to see which ISPs were doing the best job there.Coverage: All our winning choices offer nearly universal coverage in the El Paso region, except for AT&T’s fiber network. Although only a quarter of El Paso’s homes are currently wired for fiber, you can have comparable speeds with extensive coverage with non-fiber options. Our top choices offer coverage that extends well into the El Paso suburbs and beyond.Value: In considering value, there are several things to keep in mind: range of speeds, package perks, contract lengths, and data caps. AT&T has a slight edge over the competition for value in our ranking, especially if you bundle additional services with your internet. It’s worth noting, however, those tempting introductory prices usually go away after the first year, and probably don’t provide a complete picture of what you’ll be paying when you factor in taxes, equipment rentals, and installation fees.Customer Satisfaction: The ISP industry historically has not excelled in customer satisfaction reporting. Consumer Reports, in its Customer Service rankings of 22 leading industries, placed internet providers fourth from the bottom. We looked at customer satisfaction ratings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), J.D. Power, and assessed our choices against industry averages. 

Who has the cheapest internet in El Paso?

We found AT&T to offer the best options, price-wise, but only by a hair. Since your circumstances and needs are unique, you may find another ISP has plans better suited to your situation.

What is the best type of connection: DSL, cable, satellite, or fiber-optic?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Fiber-optic, the newest technology, has the potential for the highest speeds. If cost is your biggest concern, DSL and cable are your best choices for reasonably-priced plans. If you’re worried about serviceability and left without options due to where you live, satellite offers the ability to connect even if you’re in a rural area or out of the reach of most networks.

Is it better to buy or lease my modem and router?

Most providers offer monthly leasing fees in the $10 range — and that can add up, especially considering you can purchase both from Best Buy or Amazon for under $100. But keep in mind if anything goes wrong with your router or modem and you’re leasing, your provider will replace the defective item. If you bought it, you’re out of luck.

ZDNet Recommends More

Both AT&T and Cox offer , phone, and cable TV packages. They’re two of the largest providers in the country, which means both might be available in your area. But which one is better and how should you choose?Below, we offer an in-depth review of vs Cox, analyzing the companies’ strengths and weaknesses, available packages, and pricing so you can find the best fit for your needs.AT&T vs Cox overviewAT&TCox J.D. Power Rating*4/53/5Bundles withInternet, Satellite TV (), and PhoneInternet, Cable TV, and Phone# of states serviced2119Speed range5 – 1000Mbps10 – 1000MbpsInternet type, FiberCableOther No internet data cap when bundling, 190+ TV channels, included Wi-Fi RouterInternet data cap of 1TB/mo, 140+ TV channels, rented equipment starting at $9.99 per monthPrice range$30 – $90$20 – $120Contract length1 year2 years*Average of different regionsData current as of 1/27/2020Internet TypeAT&T and Cox deliver internet services in several ways. Cox’s cable internet is usually faster than AT&T’s DSL. Still, you’re sharing bandwidth with neighbors who are hooked on the same cable line, which could affect your internet speed, especially if you live in a high-rise building or busy neighborhood. Meanwhile, AT&T Fiber offers speeds up to 1000Mbps, and you don’t have to share it with neighbors.FeaturesIf you stream movies and use a lot of bandwidth, an AT&T bundle may be better than a Cox bundle. AT&T does not include internet data caps when bundling, while Cox Wi-Fi caps you at 1TB per month. Additionally, AT&T offers added value by including a Wi-Fi Gateway Router for free, while Cox equipment starts at $9.99 per month. You might be able to save a few bucks with Cox if you own a Cox-compatible router/modem and you don’t need unlimited broadband.Contract LengthAT&T’s contract length is one year vs Cox’s two-year term. If you’re not familiar with the companies and don’t have solid recommendations from a friend or neighbor, you may be safer sticking with AT&T’s one-year contract, so you have the option to switch in a shorter period of time.Speed packagesAT&TCox J.D. Power Rating*4/53/5Bundles withInternet, Satellite TV (), and PhoneInternet, Cable TV, and Phone# of states serviced2119Speed range5 – 1000Mbps10 – 1000MbpsInternet type, FiberCableOther No internet data cap when bundling, 190+ TV channels, included Wi-Fi RouterInternet data cap of 1TB/mo, 140+ TV channels, rented equipment starting at $9.99 per monthPrice range$30 – $90$20 – $120Contract length1 year2 yearsCox is a better deal than AT&T at the lower end, with compromises like data caps and shared cable service that can reduce speeds depending on how many people are online at the time.

Cox’s top tiers are more expensive than comparable AT&T plans, making AT&T a better choice for the fastest speeds, especially since the company will not cap your data usage if you bundle your services. Plus, AT&T offers free and modems.Bundling optionsIf you use a lot of internet data, then AT&T’s bundles are ideal as the company doesn’t cap internet usage with bundled services. And unlike most providers, you don’t need to add a residential phone plan to get the best deals.AT&T Uverse internet pairs with satellite through DIRECTV, a favorite in our best TV providers review. You get about 50 more channels through AT&T Uverse than through Cox’s cable TV service, although satellite TV comes with its challenges. Inclement weather and very cloudy days can interrupt satellite transmission, while cable television is directly wired and unaffected by weather.The AT&T Uverse internet/ TV bundle offers free installation (normally a $99 cost), no activation fee ($35 in savings), no equipment fees, and three free months of premium channels. However, you must sign a one-year contract to get these perks.Cox’s best deals come from its Triple Play internet, cable TV, and phone service bundles. However, the bundles don’t offer the same value as AT&T bundles. The two lowest Cox tiers include a modem, but you have to sign up for a two-year contract. Make sure you understand the promo pricing, as you’ll get the promo rate the first year and the regular rate for the second year. Cox charges between $25 to $50 for installation and various fees for tech support visits.So, which is right for me?AT&TCox J.D. Power Rating*4/53/5Bundles withInternet, Satellite TV (), and PhoneInternet, Cable TV, and Phone# of states serviced2119Speed range5 – 1000Mbps10 – 1000MbpsInternet type, FiberCableOther No internet data cap when bundling, 190+ TV channels, included Wi-Fi RouterInternet data cap of 1TB/mo, 140+ TV channels, rented equipment starting at $9.99 per monthPrice range$30 – $90$20 – $120Contract length1 year2 yearsHow to compare internet companiesStart with what’s available in your areaBefore deciding on what type of bundle you want, check the availability in your area. Most cities are limited to only a couple of internet and TV providers.What are your priorities?Determine what you need most. Do you prioritize a good selection of TV channels, or do you prefer to watch TV through streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu? Do you only use the internet occasionally to check emails, or are you on it all day? Answering these questions will help you decide whether you’d prefer a TV provider that offers internet or an internet service provider (ISP) with additional TV services.Figure out your need for speedWhile fiber, DSL, and cable internet offer similar maximum speeds, several factors can affect the speed on a daily basis. For example, too many neighbors using a cable internet service at once can dramatically reduce your speeds, making DSL or fiber-optic a better choice.The faster the speed, the happier your household will be when several devices are using your home Wi-Fi. Here’s a breakdown of the FCC’s speed guide on how much speed is ideal according to your usage.AT&TCox J.D. Power Rating*4/53/5Bundles withInternet, Satellite TV (), and PhoneInternet, Cable TV, and Phone# of states serviced2119Speed range5 – 1000Mbps10 – 1000MbpsInternet type, FiberCableOther No internet data cap when bundling, 190+ TV channels, included Wi-Fi RouterInternet data cap of 1TB/mo, 140+ TV channels, rented equipment starting at $9.99 per monthPrice range$30 – $90$20 – $120Contract length1 year2 yearsDon’t forget about your data useMultiple devices streaming HD video will use a lot of data, which is an issue with Cox because the company caps monthly data at 1TB. If you’re a light-to-medium internet user, then 1TB per month should be enough. However, if you think you’ll use more, then go with AT&T, which offers unlimited data.Don’t assume the lowest monthly price is the cheapest$20 a month sounds great, but what are the hidden costs? Answer the following questions to determine your overall costs:What is the installation fee?Do you have to pay for equipment monthly?How long does your promotional monthly price last? (Some promotions make you sign a two-year contract but only offer the promo price the first year.)What will your monthly price be after the promo is over?Do you have to pay for tech and service visits?How much are early cancellation penalties? More

Marvell Technologies said Tuesday that it has entered an agreement to acquire networking component provider Innovium in an all-stock deal valued at $1.1 billion. Marvell’s key interest in Innovium revolves around its switching architecture for cloud and edge data centers, which Marvell intends to use to bolster its networking portfolio for cloud computing customers.

Marvell’s purchase of Innovium marks its second acquisition on less than a year that’s focused on the networking space. In October, Marvell bought Inphi, a developer of optical networking chips used in cloud data centers and by wired and wireless carrier networks for 5G infrastructure, in a $10 billion deal that signaled further consolidation in the semiconductor industry. Marvell said its acquisition of Inphi would create a semiconductor “powerhouse” with an enterprise value of roughly $40 billion. Technologically, Marvell planned to combine its storage, networking, processor, and security portfolio, with Inphi’s electro-optics interconnect platform. Going forward, Marvell plans to integrate Innovium and Inphi products to develop performance optimized switch silicon for use in hyperscale data centers. Marvell also announced that Innovium was chosen as a key technology supplier by a Tier 1 cloud customer, and that the deal will spur a significant revenue ramp in calendar 2022.Innovium is also in talks with several other cloud data center customers in building out their future network architectures, Marvell said.”Our acquisition of Innovium and its complementary offerings further extends Marvell’s leadership in the cloud, and I am excited that Innovium has secured significant share at a marquee cloud customer,” said Marvell CEO Matt Murphy. “Innovium has established itself as a strong cloud data center merchant switch silicon provider with a proven platform, and we look forward to working with their talented team who have a strong track record in the industry for delivering multiple generations of highly successful products.”

Marvell expects the acquisition of Innovium to add approximately $150 million in incremental revenue next fiscal year.  More

Houston is a big city, home to Beyoncé, NASA, the Astrodome, and a population of more than two million. Because of its size, Houston has attracted a wide variety of internet providers, and residents may even find a fair amount of hard-to-come-by fiber-optic service options. We’ve spent months researching the nation’s largest providers and found four of the most popular and reliable options for internet in Houston. You’ll likely have a few internet options for your address, but particulars will depend on your exact location. The best internet for you will depend on the internet speed you need, and how you prioritize package perks and customer service.

Best customer service

Shutterstock

One of AT&T’s strongest coverage regions is in Houston. Its DSL service has nearly 100% availability in the city, and its fiber-optic service even has about 40% availability in Houston. Both connection types offer impressive speeds, but DSL will work best for smaller households and mild internet activity. Be aware, though, for some addresses, you can’t get more than 25 Mbps on a DSL plan — not really enough if you like to stream 4K video, stream on multiple screens, or transfer large files. AT&T’s fiber-optic service, on the other hand, can offer up to 1,000 Mbps of internet speed — fast enough to support a house full of smart tech, streamers, and online gaming. AT&T plans come with a generous data cap too: 1TB (1,000 GB), which is a lot of data — enough to stream 6 hours of 4K video every day. AT&T also has a stellar reputation for customer service, often winning awards from J.D. Power and topping the American Customer Satisfaction Index rankings. New customers may also receive promotions like free Wi-Fi equipment and no installation fees.

View Now at AT&T

Fastest max speeds

Shutterstock

With 93% availability in Houston, Xfinity is likely one of your options for internet service. The provider uniquely offers an extensive range of package options — you can find speeds as slow as 10 Mbps for some simple web browsing or as fast as 200 Mbps for streaming HD video. And even more importantly, Xfinity has a track record of delivering those speeds: Both Speed Test and Netflix ranked it as one of the fastest providers. You can also easily bundle your internet with a variety of TV service packages, often starting at $5. Though Xfinity doesn’t have the best reputation for customer service, it’s far from the worst out there. In J.D. Power’s internet study, Comcast placed above Cox Communications, Optimum, Spectrum, and Frontier Communications in the East region.

View Now at Xfinity

Best for cheap internet

Shutterstock

About 50% of Houston neighborhoods have Frontier as an option for their internet service. Frontier offers both fiber-optic and DSL connections, although most addresses won’t have access to both. Most of Houston will be offered DSL connections of around 6 Mbps to 15 Mbps — all with unlimited data usage. Those speeds aren’t the highest in the area, but all of Frontier’s plans come with no-contract and a two-year price lock. This means you get two years of service at the same price, without being locked into a contract. Most providers charge extra for contract-free plans. Frontier has a pretty poor customer service reputation, but if you can handle a few frustrating phone calls, there’s surprising value in its packages. If you’re looking for some bargain internet service, Frontier offers a great deal and simple speeds.

View Now at Frontier Communications

Popular regional provider

Shutterstock

EarthLink is the largest DSL provider in the United States and services nearly 60% of Houston. The actual speed offerings vary by address. Some areas have access to fiber-optic speeds as fast as 1,000 Mbps, while others max out at 12 Mbps with DSL. No matter the speed plan, all of EarthLink’s packages come without a data cap, meaning you can stream, game, and download without worry. Its customer service is pretty hit or miss, so we recommend asking neighbors or friends who use EarthLink about their experience. EarthLink also doesn’t have TV service, so you won’t find any bundling deals and will have to get separate TV service from another provider. Be advised that EarthLink doesn’t score very high for convenience: You’ll have to call to order service and get details on your options, which means a bit more legwork when you’re shopping around.

View Now at EarthLink

What are the key differences between Houston’s best internet providers?

AT&TXfinityFrontierEarthlinkConnection typeFiber-optic, DSLCableFiber-optic, DSLFiber-optic, DSLDownload speeds (Mbps)DSL: 50-100 Fiber: 100-1,000Cable: 10-350DSL: 24-45 Fiber: 500DSL: 15-80 Fiber: 100-1,000Prices starting at$40/mo.$30/mo.$20/mo.$50/mo.Contract length1 year, 2 yearsMonth to month 1 year 2 yearsNone1 yearData cap1 TB1 TBNoneNoneJ.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score5/53/52/5N/A

How did we choose the best internet providers in Houston?

There are a few key features we considered when searching for the best internet provider.Coverage. There’s a fair chance you won’t have many options when choosing an internet provider. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance reported that about 39% of Americans have access to only one broadband internet provider. We generally favored providers with a wider range of coverage and a chance of serving you. For Houston in particular, we looked at the providers that covered the largest percentage of the city.Value. We researched each provider’s offerings and the value they offer consumers. This includes the range of speeds, additional package perks, contract lengths, and data caps. The best internet provider will come with reliable speeds, fair prices, generous data caps, and clear contracts.Customer Satisfaction. Internet providers are some of the most notorious services for having poor customer care. We used customer satisfaction ratings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power to gauge each company’s reputation. Higher scoring companies were favored for their proven ability to satisfy customers in metrics like reliability, billing, communication, and value. While most providers didn’t exactly score highly, we looked to see which providers were above the industry average.You can read more about the search in our full methodology page.

Can you get fiber internet in Houston?

Fiber-optic internet is expensive to build out and not many providers have invested in expanding the technology. Luckily, Houston is a big city and has attracted a fair number of fiber providers. You’ll need to check with your specific address, but both AT&T and Frontier offer some fiber-optic internet access in Houston.

How much does internet cost in Houston?

There are a lot of factors that influence the price of your internet plan — the speed you choose, your location, current promotions, etc. Many internet packages in Houston start around $30 and can be as expensive as $100+ depending on the plan you choose.

What should you look for when shopping for internet?

You can read more about shopping for internet providers in our guide.

ZDNet Recommends More

(Image: Shutterstock)

ZDNet Recommends

The best internet service providers

When you’re comparing internet providers for your business, don’t just look at speed and price. More than anything else, you want the most reliable connection to keep your business running.

Read More

You don’t have to use a phone line in order to get internet. In fact, other types of internet are becoming more and more popular, as most homes can access cheap internet service without a phone line. Depending on where you live, your budget, and the internet speeds you need, there are many options for you. For instance, with satellite, DSL, cable, and wireless (4G), it is possible to get cheap internet service. These are all great and don’t tie up your phone line or require you to pay extra for a phone bill.

What options are available for cheap internet without a phone line?

Satellite: As stated in the name, satellite internet uses a satellite orbiting in space to deliver internet access to your home via a dish antenna. This means even the most rural areas can typically still have access to cheap internet service, without phone line service.DSL: Normal DSL actually does require a phone line for internet, but don’t rule it out yet. You can opt for “Naked DSL” (or, standalone DSL), which provides internet via a standard telephone jack, but you don’t pay for or have use of phone service. This is a great option for getting cheap internet service without a phone line.Cable: Similar to cable television, cable internet uses a coaxial cable network instead of a phone line  to allow you to get online. The cable will deliver internet to your modem, which you can connect certain devices to via an ethernet cable. Or roam the house and use wireless internet by connecting your modem to a wireless router.Wireless (4G): Fourth-generation wireless allows you to access the internet on your mobile device – a great option to get internet without cables, cords or phone lines. It may not be the best substitute for wired connections at heavy-use homes, but bell towers around the world will allow you to surf the web with 4G on your phone or tablet. 

Can you get cheap internet without a cable connection?

You might be surprised to learn that you can get cheap internet service without phone lines or cable connections. That’s right – you don’t need to pay for phone or TV service to get internet. Wondering how to get internet without cable? Satellite, DSL and wireless (4G) are all viable options. Many internet service providers have these technologies to choose from, with a price that fits your budget and speeds that line up with your internet use.

What about fiber-optic internet?

One of the newest technologies offering internet without cable is fiber internet. Fiber internet uses fiber-optic cables that transfer data via light. While not exactly as fast as the speed of light, fiber-optic internet does offer incredibly fast speeds, and therefore is more expensive than the other options for internet without cable or a phone line.

ZDNet Recommends More