Networking

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

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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

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Best data plans

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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

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Best customer support

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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Fastest max speeds

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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.

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Best for cheap internet

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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.

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Popular regional provider

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has said that the National Broadband Network does not face genuine competition, and where it does, is only the margins. “Predominantly in specific use cases and where households live in a 5G footprint and are able to afford those more expensive services. However, for the majority of households, NBN is the only wholesale provider of broadband to appropriately support their telecommunication needs,” the consumer advocacy group said in a submission on NBN’s Special Access Undertaking consultation. “Whilst we do not know the cross elasticity of demand between fixed line broadband and wireless alternatives, we would assume that the two goods are indirect substitutes.” The group said having a third of households not connected to the NBN did not necessarily indicate that competitive market between fixed and mobile connectivity. “Given the disproportionately high number of mobile-only households amongst households in lower socio-economic settings, there will be a significant number of households amongst the 4 million not connected to the NBN who do so out of necessity, and not choice,” it said.On the options put forward by NBN, ACCAN said the halfway house model that removes CVC on plans of 100Mbps and quicker was the least worst choice, followed by the reworking of its current pricing structure, and finally the flat priced model that removes CVC altogether. ACCAN pointed out it could use a May 22 proposal to construct cheaper wholesale prices than the melded plan, was concerned about why the flat fee model increased prices on 81% of NBN connections, and suggested the reworked plan did not have overage charges reflective of NBN’s cost of provisioning capacity.

Particularly with parts of New South Wales going through their sixth week of lockdown, ACCAN called on NBN to introduce its low-income product before current pricing discussion was completed. “NBN Co has been consulting on a low-income product for vulnerable households since 2019, and we were led to believe that this much needed product would finally come to market this year. We’re still waiting,” ACCAN CEO Teresa Corbin said. “People need connectivity now; they can’t afford to wait for months and months until the regulatory process is over.” ACCAN said in its submission, the entry-level plan should be the 25Mbps plan, not the current 12Mbps. “The reason for this applying over the duration of the SAU, which lasts until 2040, is that the 12/1Mbps service will become increasingly redundant as households require higher speeds to participate in the digital economy,” it wrote. “Already the 12/1Mbps service does not suit the needs of many households.” The group also called for increasing the rebate paid by NBN for each subsequent month a fixed wireless service remains underperforming, and questioned the threshold used by NBN to deem a service as having a service fault. “ACCAN understands that this threshold currently requires a service to experience 10 or more dropouts within a 24-hour period,” it said. “ACCAN considers that this service fault threshold is too high to ensure a positive experience of the network. In addition, it is unclear to ACCAN what remedies are available to consumers experiencing below 10 dropouts per 24-hour period, who may be contending with regular service drop-outs and interruptions.” In its most recent monthly progress report, NBN reported its right first-time installation metric had 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.” 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 (including SMAX-Go app) component of the system architecture to support the new field contracts under Unify was AU$13.3 million total, over FY19, FY20, and 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 technicians were experiencing when the app launched in NSW was 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,” NBN 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. Related Coverage More

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What is Starlink?

Elon Musk’s satellite internet explained

Starlink is a satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk, the founder of aerospace company SpaceX.The company’s first priority is bringing high-speed internet to rural areas that don’t currently have it.The beta price for the internet service is an upfront cost of $499 for hardware and a monthly cost of $99 for internet service.Elon Musk is famous for his technology innovations when it comes to his companies, Tesla and SpaceX. But his latest project hits closer to home for many people: bringing high-speed internet access to people in rural areas who don’t currently have access to it. Musk is accomplishing that through Starlink, a satellite internet company within SpaceX. Starlink is rapidly growing its customer base and expects to serve even more customers in 2021, according to predictions by Forbes.

What do you need to know about Starlink?

In 2002, Elon Musk founded SpaceX to revolutionize space technology and reduce space transportation costs. In 2020, the company expanded its efforts to provide satellite internet service.According to Starlink, its primary mission and the first order of business is to bring high-speed internet to people who don’t currently have access to it, meaning primarily homes in rural areas. In fact, in late 2020, the Federal Communications Commission awarded SpaceX more than $885 million to help fund its efforts to make high-speed internet more accessible.SpaceX was just one of many companies awarded the grant, and the company has been assigned by the FCC roughly 643,000 locations in 35 states to bring high-speed internet to.SpaceX’s internet service Starlink won’t only be available to rural customers. The company is currently in beta — calling it “Better Than Nothing Beta” — meaning only certain people have access to it. The company is quickly expanding and accepting preorders from people who would like to sign up when the service is available in their area.Because the service is in beta, you can expect it to change and improve over time. In fact, a tweet from Musk in late February indicated it was testing system upgrades, and customers might see much higher download speeds at times.

How does Starlink work?

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Starlink is a satellite internet service, which uses a satellite to transmit a signal to your home. First, the internet service provider gets the internet signal via fiber from satellites in space. Then, the signal is moved to a central location called a network operations center.Finally, the internet company transmits that internet signal to individual customers. In the case of a satellite internet company like Starlink, customers receive it using individual satellite dishes.SpaceX has already launched more than 1,000 satellites into space. And according to Starlink, the satellites are closer to earth, which will reduce latency (the time it takes for the signal to be transferred).

What internet speeds does Starlink offer?

According to Starlink’s website, beta customers can expect to see speeds of anywhere from 50 to 150 Mbps. It expects those speeds to increase as its system is enhanced.But the real question is, how do these speeds compare to other internet providers?To start, 150 Mbps is considerably slower than the speeds of up to 1,000 that many other internet service providers offer. But Starlink is a satellite internet company, and that type of internet is often slower than fiber-optic. When compared just with other satellite internet providers like HughesNet and Viasat, 150 Mbps is actually quite fast.The other good news for Starlink customers is that it doesn’t currently have data caps, meaning customers get the same speeds no matter how much data is used.

How much does Starlink cost?

Starlink’s beta service comes with a price tag of $99 per month. There’s also a $499 upfront cost to cover the Starlink Kit, which includes all of the necessary hardware, such as a small satellite dish, as well as a router, power supply, and mounting tripod.Keep in mind that these rates are just for beta customers. Prices could fluctuate when the service becomes more readily available.

How to pre-order Starlink

Customers can preorder their Starlink kit on the company’s website.Starlink is currently in beta, meaning not everyone can sign up. The service is presently only available to a limited number of users per coverage area, and orders are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis.When visiting the company’s website, customers are prompted to search their addresses and find out if it’s available in their area. In the likely event that the company hasn’t expanded coverage to your area yet, you can preorder your internet service.Customers will pay a $99 up-front preorder cost to reserve a spot on the waiting list, but the full amount will not be due until the Starlink Kit is ready to ship.According to the company’s website, roughly 10,000 customers currently have access to Starlink. It plans to expand into many service areas later in 2021.

Will Starlink be worth it?

If everything that SpaceX claims Starlink will be is true, then maybe. The price tag of $99 a month is steep for speeds of only 50 to 150 Mbps. In context, that’s faster than current satellite internet providers, but not as fast as the top high-speed internet providers, which can reach at least 940 Mbps. However, considering rural internet service is notoriously slow or completely unavailable, Starlink meets an otherwise unmet need for connecting rural homes to high-speed internet. Furthermore, Musk’s indications that higher download speeds could be available after system enhancements means that Starlink could be the next hot ISP.

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