Networking

Residents of Los Angeles enjoy a vast array of internet options, more than what’s typically available in rural areas of America.  Angelenos have access to broadband, fiber optic cable, and generally some of the highest-performing internet around as well as a bounty of provider options. Whether you want to use your internet to stream shows, work from home, connect using video chat or all of the above, there is a standout provider in LA to meet your needs. We’ve rounded up the best internet providers in Los Angeles in a few important categories to help you narrow the field. The three best internet providers in Los AngelesThe best Los Angeles internet providers: summed upAT&TStarrySpectrumDefining traitSuper Fast DownloadsAffordable with No Hidden FeesGood BundlesConnection typeDSL, Fiber OpticFixed WirelessCableDownload speeds (Mbps)DSL: 0.2-100 Mbps Fiber: 100-1,000 MbpsFixed Wireless: Up to 200 MbpsCable: 100- 940 MbpsPrices starting at$49.99/month$50/month$49.99/monthContract lengthNo annual contractNo annual contractNo annual contractData cap1 TBNoneNone

Best download speeds

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AT&T has some of the fastest download speeds on the market, with a connection speed up to 1,000Mbps and an upload speed up to 35Mbps on their fiber internet network.Even users who are on the company’s DSL internet enjoy fast download speeds. The service’s connection speed reaches up to 100Mbps — some of the fastest DSL internet we’ve seen. We’ve awarded it the best for downloads, because you’ll notice a speed difference over other providers even if fiber is not yet available in Los Angeles. The 1 TB of data per month offer should also keep the entire family streaming, downloading and uploading work documents, and connecting with the household virtual stable, even when everyone is connected at the same time. AT&T requires no annual contract for internet service in Los Angeles, but the introductory price only lasts for 12 months of your service. As of May 4th, 2020, internet prices start at just under $50/month, with internet and TV bundles beginning at $79.98/month.

Best affordable internet

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This small internet company offers consistent, all-in pricing with no long-term obligation, making it perfect for most renters on a budget. Starry Internet covers about 2 million households in the Los Angeles area, and they also do business in NYC, Boston, D.C., and Denver. The company charges $50 flat, with no added fees, and no introductory period. While other companies may offer a similar price model for the first 12 months, Starry customers continue to pay the same monthly charges. Included in the $50 monthly fees are the wireless router, 24/7 customer service, all fees and taxes, and up to 200 Mbps speed.No long-term contracts are required, and there is no data cap. Starry only deals with internet service, so there are no bundles available, which makes the company a good option for customers who do not need cable TV and only care about reliable streaming speeds. 

Best internet, cable, and phone packages

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If you want internet, cable, and a landline, Spectrum helps you get the most bang for your buck. For less than $100 per month, you can get all three major services. If you’re willing to commit to 24-months of service, you can get bundles for under $90. The company doesn’t require contracts and signing up for a bundle with Spectrum qualifies you for their contract buy-out program. That means if you’re stuck in a contract with another provider, Spectrum will pay the fees associated with early cancellation, up to $500. With internet speeds that start at 100Mbps, you can rest assured that your household can stream and video chat at the same time. The most affordable Spectrum package offers more than 125 cable channels – more than most other major competitors in Los Angeles. 

How we found the best internet providers in Los AngelesHere are the primary factors we considered when recommending internet providers in Los Angeles.Coverage: AT&T, Verizon, and Spectrum have some of the broadest internet coverage in Los Angeles. While other internet providers, such as Frontier or HughesNet, may also offer fast service or great prices – they only cover very select areas of Los Angeles. We stuck to the providers most relevant to a wider audience. Value: We also considered the value of each internet service. We considered each provider’s offerings, the range of speeds, intro pricing periods, data caps, and other services important to the average internet user. Customer Satisfaction: The companies we’ve chosen are rated very highly by the J.D. Power Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Survey (AT&T and Spectrum) and TrustPilot (Starry Internet). Los Angeles internet FAQ 

Who offers fiber-optic internet in Los Angeles?

AT&T, Frontier, Sonic, Spectrum, and Race Communications all offer fiber-optic internet service in Los Angeles.

What is the fastest internet in LA?

AT&T and Sonic have the fastest internet in Los Angeles with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps (or 1 Gbps).

What internet providers are available in Los Angeles?

LA has more than a dozen internet providers, some with more availability throughout the city than others. AT&T and Spectrum have the broadest coverage areas. The best way to determine if a provider is available in your neighborhood is to use the provider’s website to “Check Availability” at your address. More

Fort Worth is known as the city; “where the west begins.” However, it’s no longer a small Texas town of the Old West — there are nearly one million residents living in Fort Worth. While you can still find remnants of its past, such as the Log Cabin Village, Fort Worth has become a modern and vibrant city with high-speed internet available throughout.If you’re moving to Fort Worth, Texas or you’re ready to comparison shop the best local internet providers, you may find this review helpful. We’ve analyzed several of the top Fort Worth internet providers to give you guidance on which broadband service plans may work best for you.

The three best internet providers in Fort Worth

AT&T – Best for Fastest Internet SpeedsFrontier – Best for PriceSpectrum – Best for No Commitments

AT&TFrontierSpectrumDefining traitFastest Internet SpeedsBest PriceBest for No CommitmentsConnection typeFiberDSLDSLDownload speeds (Mbps)100 Mbps300 Mbps1000 Mbps6 Mbps25 Mbps115 Mbps200 MbpsPrices starting at$50 per month$27.99 per month$49.99 per monthContract length12 months24 monthsNoneData cap1 TB or unlimitedNoneNone

Fastest internet speeds

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If your household has several family members who stream videos, shop online and web chat at once, high-speed internet is essential. Without it, your family can experience slow page loads and lag times when streaming music or movies. Fortunately, AT&T offers fiber optic internet service in Fort Worth so that you can take advantage of the fastest speeds in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.Price: Fort Worth AT&T internet prices start at $50 per month for 100 or 300 Mbps download speeds. The fastest tier comes in at $70 per month.Speed and Data: AT&T Fiber in Fort Worth is available at three speeds: 100 or 300 Mbps with a data limit of 1 TB, or 1000 Mbps download speeds with no data cap.Plans/Packages: Fort Worth residents also have the option to bundle fiber optic internet and TV for $79.99 per month the first year, although that price jumps to $121 per month the second year.Contract Options: AT&T internet in Fort Worth requires a minimum 12-month service agreement for internet service. If you add TV to the bundle, the TV portion of the agreement comes with a longer, two-year agreement.

View Now at AT&T

Best internet price

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Frontier Communications makes our list of the best Fort Worth internet providers for its low prices. Besides high-speed internet, the company provides satellite television through Direct TV and phone services. Frontier claims its internet speeds are faster than those of cable internet providers because you won’t have to share the broadband connection with neighbors — Frontier directly wires internet to your home.Price: Internet prices from Frontier are the lowest in our Fort Worth internet review. Plans start at $27.99 per month for 6 Mbps download speeds, which is adequate for a small number of connected devices and light internet use. Upgrade to 25 Mbps for $34.99 or up to 115 Mbps starting at $44.99 per month.Speed and Data: Frontier offers three speed options in Fort Worth: 6, 25, or 115 Mbps. As an added bonus, Frontier does not cap or throttle the data on any of its internet plans.Plans/Packages: Frontier currently offers three internet bundles to Fort Worth residents. The first is a Double Play bundle for $37.99 per month, which includes internet and digital phone with unlimited nationwide calls. The Triple Play bundle adds over 250 Direct TV channels for $105.99 per month. For even more channels (over 340), you can choose the Triple Play bundle for $122.99.Contract Options: Accessing Frontier’s low rates requires a 24-month commitment.

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Best for no commitments

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Spectrum may be the best choice if you prefer not to fuss with the fine print. This Fort Worth internet provider does not lock you into a long-term contract to access their internet services. You also won’t be limited by data caps or speed throttling on your internet plan.Price: Spectrum offers 200 Mbps speeds for $49.99 per month to Fort Worth area residents. Spectrum also offers free access to hotspots nationwide so you can connect your phone, tablet, or other devices to the network wherever you may be.Speed and Data: Speeds vary according to zip code, but expect to surf somewhere between 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps.Plans/Packages: Besides internet service, you can add Spectrum TV for live streaming of your favorite channels. Download the Spectrum TV app to take advantage of your TV subscription anywhere.Contract Options: Spectrum won’t lock you into a contract, so you can enjoy your service for as long as you need. Internet prices are guaranteed for one year but are subject to increase after the introductory 12-month period.

View Now at Charter Spectrum

How we found the best internet providers in Fort Worth

We analyzed a dozen companies to find the best internet providers in Fort Worth. Some of the key features we looked for include:Coverage: The winners in our Fort Worth internet review offered good coverage for the area. We wanted to ensure the plans reviewed are available to as many readers as possible.Value. We reviewed pricing and features of many Fort Worth internet providers to compare speeds, data caps, packages available, and contract lengths to decide on which internet providers in Fort Worth provide area customers the best value.Customer Satisfaction. Customer experience is a significant factor in determining the winners. We reviewed satisfaction ratings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power. The bulk of the internet service providers don’t score well in customer satisfaction, so analyzing each internet provider individually and comparing them to industry averages provides a better picture of which broadband companies are most responsive to customer service issues.

Is 6 Mbps enough for gaming?

If you’re the only connected device to your broadband router, 6 Mbps may be just enough to stream a high-definition game or video. To be safe, you may want to upgrade to 25 Mbps or higher so you avoid lag time, especially if you’d like to connect more than one device.

How fast is internet service in Fort Worth?

Depending on the neighborhood, you’ll have access to speeds ranging between 6 Mbps to 1000 Mbps.

What is a data cap?

Many internet providers limit how much bandwidth you use to download large files, stream movies, listen to music, or video chat. Data cap limits are usually included in the fine print. Some internet providers may not have a data cap, but may slow down or throttle your internet speed to limit how much data you’re using. More

In a recent study, we found that out of nearly 700 parents questioned, more than half of the respondents felt guilty about how much screen time their children were getting. Whether they’re soaking in too many TV shows, playing hours of games, or constantly scrolling through their phones, kids of all ages seem to be spending more and more time on the internet and in front of their screens. However, there are ways to encourage them to make more productive use of their time by learning how to limit screen time. The effects of too much screen time on childrenIn general, too much screen time for kids can have negative effects, such as trouble sleeping, mood problems, self-esteem issues, and weight problems. For one, using your mobile phone right before bedtime can hinder sleep. Plus, kids who spend an excessive amount of time on their phones are less likely to be active and productive because their time is all spent in the “phone zone.” Kids can also find themselves in trouble on the internet if they’re not careful. It’s easy to be preyed upon by internet predators or even fall into gambling traps if a child isn’t careful and if parents aren’t fully aware of what’s happening.But it’s a bit tricky to analyze how much time in front of a screen is acceptable because children can really learn from educational programs on their devices. Though the research on kids’ screen time is still a bit limited, the general rule of thumb is that children under 18 months shouldn’t have any screen time beyond video chatting with family. However, kids ages 18 months to 5 years old should have less than one hour of screen time a day, and it should be limited to something educational. The American Psychological Association notes that young children don’t learn much from screens because they’re not developed enough to understand what’s happening, unlike older children. After age 5, it’s really up to parents to decide an appropriate amount of screen time, which means considering what part of that screen time is educational. There’s no right or wrong answer here, and the plan will be unique to each family. How to reduce your kids’ screen time Ultimately, it’s up to parents to create a regimen for when kids can use their devices (outside of educational purposes). Here are some tips for what you can do for structure.Turn Wi-Fi off at certain hoursOne of the most straightforward ways to regulate internet use at home is simply turning off the Wi-Fi. 

Consider doing this during the night and whenever else you need your child to be engaged in something else (perhaps homework or family mealtime). One thing to keep in mind here is making sure your child doesn’t have the ability to turn the Wi-Fi back on. If possible, keep your modem or router in a place only you can access so only you have the power to turn it on and off. Or maybe you simply unplug it from the wall and hide the cord. Remember, though, that many devices operate with data as well, which is another thing to keep in mind as well. Turning off the Wi-Fi may not knock out their cell phones that connect to the internet with data. Take their phones away at certain hoursJust like many kids have to turn their cell phones in during school hours, maybe you have them do the same thing at home during certain hours. Let the child have their devices for periods of time but consider having them hand them over at mealtimes, bedtime, and any other time determined to be device-free. Of course, you don’t want to take their phones away when they’re out — especially without you — but devices aren’t always quite as necessary at home. Plus, if you’ve taken their phones away in the evenings at home, they’ll (maybe) spend more time with you, which is something many parents may value.Use parental controlsMany devices and some apps have parental controls available to limit use. For instance, on streaming services, parents can set up a limit of what kids can watch on their accounts, which means you can limit what they have access to. If your child has Android devices, Google has a helpful how-to guide to set up parental controls on the devices through Google Play, and this will limit all aspects of what the device can be used for. Similarly, Apple has a parental control guide for iPads, iPod Touch, and iPhones to set limitations on what your kid can do on their devices. Again, this will limit all aspects of the device, including web searches, Siri functionality, and app downloading.Use time-limiting appsThere are a few ways you can glean more info about how much screen time your child is actually using, as well as try to limit it with apps. If you’re using an Apple device, you can monitor the screen time by going to the Settings app, then Screen Time. From here, users can set timers on certain apps, block content, and schedule downtime. If your child has an Android device, you can similarly monitor the screen time by going to the  Settings app and then select Digital Wellbeing. Just like with Apple, you can set timers on apps, limit the content, and customize what apps can be used when. Beyond these built-in functions, there are other apps that will expand on this functionality and give you even more influence over what can be used and when. Encourage other activitiesIt’s easy for us to tell you to ask your child to get off their phones and do something else, but it may not be that easy to get them to listen. Instead of just telling them to put their phones down, try encouraging other activities. And beyond just encouraging them, join them in those activities. Spend time with your child playing outside, going on adventures, exercising, crafting, or anything else you can come up with that doesn’t require staring at a screen. Not only are you encouraging them to put their phones down, but you’re doing the same. You’re leading by example and spending quality time with your kids, which is something that most likely both of you will be grateful for years down the line.More parent resources More

Fort Worth is known as the city; “where the west begins.” However, it’s no longer a small Texas town of the Old West — there are nearly one million residents living in Fort Worth. While you can still find remnants of its past, such as the Log Cabin Village, Fort Worth has become a modern and vibrant city with high-speed internet available throughout.If you’re moving to Fort Worth, Texas or you’re ready to comparison shop the best local internet providers, you may find this review helpful. We’ve analyzed several of the top Fort Worth internet providers to give you guidance on which broadband service plans may work best for you.

The three best internet providers in Fort Worth

AT&T – Best for Fastest Internet SpeedsFrontier – Best for PriceSpectrum – Best for No Commitments

AT&TFrontierSpectrumDefining traitFastest Internet SpeedsBest PriceBest for No CommitmentsConnection typeFiberDSLDSLDownload speeds (Mbps)100 Mbps300 Mbps1000 Mbps6 Mbps25 Mbps115 Mbps200 MbpsPrices starting at$50 per month$27.99 per month$49.99 per monthContract length12 months24 monthsNoneData cap1 TB or unlimitedNoneNone

Fastest internet speeds

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If your household has several family members who stream videos, shop online and web chat at once, high-speed internet is essential. Without it, your family can experience slow page loads and lag times when streaming music or movies. Fortunately, AT&T offers fiber optic internet service in Fort Worth so that you can take advantage of the fastest speeds in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.Price: Fort Worth AT&T internet prices start at $50 per month for 100 or 300 Mbps download speeds. The fastest tier comes in at $70 per month.Speed and Data: AT&T Fiber in Fort Worth is available at three speeds: 100 or 300 Mbps with a data limit of 1 TB, or 1000 Mbps download speeds with no data cap.Plans/Packages: Fort Worth residents also have the option to bundle fiber optic internet and TV for $79.99 per month the first year, although that price jumps to $121 per month the second year.Contract Options: AT&T internet in Fort Worth requires a minimum 12-month service agreement for internet service. If you add TV to the bundle, the TV portion of the agreement comes with a longer, two-year agreement.

Best internet price

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Frontier Communications makes our list of the best Fort Worth internet providers for its low prices. Besides high-speed internet, the company provides satellite television through Direct TV and phone services. Frontier claims its internet speeds are faster than those of cable internet providers because you won’t have to share the broadband connection with neighbors — Frontier directly wires internet to your home.Price: Internet prices from Frontier are the lowest in our Fort Worth internet review. Plans start at $27.99 per month for 6 Mbps download speeds, which is adequate for a small number of connected devices and light internet use. Upgrade to 25 Mbps for $34.99 or up to 115 Mbps starting at $44.99 per month.Speed and Data: Frontier offers three speed options in Fort Worth: 6, 25, or 115 Mbps. As an added bonus, Frontier does not cap or throttle the data on any of its internet plans.Plans/Packages: Frontier currently offers three internet bundles to Fort Worth residents. The first is a Double Play bundle for $37.99 per month, which includes internet and digital phone with unlimited nationwide calls. The Triple Play bundle adds over 250 Direct TV channels for $105.99 per month. For even more channels (over 340), you can choose the Triple Play bundle for $122.99.Contract Options: Accessing Frontier’s low rates requires a 24-month commitment.

Best for no commitments

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Spectrum may be the best choice if you prefer not to fuss with the fine print. This Fort Worth internet provider does not lock you into a long-term contract to access their internet services. You also won’t be limited by data caps or speed throttling on your internet plan.Price: Spectrum offers 200 Mbps speeds for $49.99 per month to Fort Worth area residents. Spectrum also offers free access to hotspots nationwide so you can connect your phone, tablet, or other devices to the network wherever you may be.Speed and Data: Speeds vary according to zip code, but expect to surf somewhere between 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps.Plans/Packages: Besides internet service, you can add Spectrum TV for live streaming of your favorite channels. Download the Spectrum TV app to take advantage of your TV subscription anywhere.Contract Options: Spectrum won’t lock you into a contract, so you can enjoy your service for as long as you need. Internet prices are guaranteed for one year but are subject to increase after the introductory 12-month period.

How we found the best internet providers in Fort Worth

We analyzed a dozen companies to find the best internet providers in Fort Worth. Some of the key features we looked for include:Coverage: The winners in our Fort Worth internet review offered good coverage for the area. We wanted to ensure the plans reviewed are available to as many readers as possible.Value. We reviewed pricing and features of many Fort Worth internet providers to compare speeds, data caps, packages available, and contract lengths to decide on which internet providers in Fort Worth provide area customers the best value.Customer Satisfaction. Customer experience is a significant factor in determining the winners. We reviewed satisfaction ratings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power. The bulk of the internet service providers don’t score well in customer satisfaction, so analyzing each internet provider individually and comparing them to industry averages provides a better picture of which broadband companies are most responsive to customer service issues.

Is 6 Mbps enough for gaming?

If you’re the only connected device to your broadband router, 6 Mbps may be just enough to stream a high-definition game or video. To be safe, you may want to upgrade to 25 Mbps or higher so you avoid lag time, especially if you’d like to connect more than one device.

How fast is internet service in Fort Worth?

Depending on the neighborhood, you’ll have access to speeds ranging between 6 Mbps to 1000 Mbps.

What is a data cap?

Many internet providers limit how much bandwidth you use to download large files, stream movies, listen to music, or video chat. Data cap limits are usually included in the fine print. Some internet providers may not have a data cap, but may slow down or throttle your internet speed to limit how much data you’re using. More

You are in the middle of your favorite streaming program when you unexpectedly experience the much dreaded “spinning wheel.” You thought you’d chosen the fastest internet speeds. So why is this happening? There are actually two separate speeds you may not have considered: download speed and upload speed. To help you understand the difference between the two speeds, we’ve created a primer on both types of speed, why they matter, and what you can do to optimize them for the best internet experience.

What’s the difference between download and upload speed?

To understand the difference between download and upload speeds, you first have to take a look at how internet speed is measured. It’s all about how fast data can transfer to or from your computer, which measures in megabits of data that can be transferred per second (Mbps). The download speed refers to how fast the data can be transferred from the internet to your computer, while the upload speed refers to how fast the data can transfer from your computer to the internet.  

Why does download speed matter?

For most people, the bulk of their internet usage relies on fast download speeds. The download speed affects everything from loading web pages and images to listening to music, downloading files, and streaming video. Streaming activities, especially, require a fast download speed. Without it, you might experience a lot of buffering, images that won’t download, or web pages that are slow to load. 

Why does upload speed matter?

The majority of us upload data to the internet much less frequently, but some activities do require you to send data in the opposite direction.Sending emails, uploading YouTube content, and enjoying a live video call with a friend are all examples of activities that require a good upload speed.

How to optimize for ideal download/upload speed

If you’re looking for ways to optimize your internet speeds, there are a few things that you can do to make sure you’re getting the best experience possible.Run an internet speed test: Before you can go about fixing your connection, you need to know what you’re working against. Run a free internet speed test to start to get a sense of where your download and upload speeds are. Then, once you’ve completed some of the suggestions below, run it again to track the change.Reset your router: Routers should be reset every so often to refresh your internet connection. To do this, it’s as simple as turning the router off, waiting 30 seconds, and turning it back on again. Know that it won’t drastically change your internet speed, but it will help a bit.Clear your cache: As you visit websites, your browser collects information about you and your browsing habits in the form of cookies. Marketers use this information to produce ads that are relevant to your interests. However, when your browser stores too many of these cookies, your internet can get sluggish. You’ll need to clear your cache in order to get rid of them. Try a different internet service provider (ISP): If slow internet has really got you down, one thing that you can do is try to negotiate with your current ISP to see if they can move you to an upgraded plan or to switch service providers entirely. You may even be able to save a little money if you move to a new company. More

Wide Open West, or WOW!, offers internet service in nine states throughout the Southern and Midwestern U.S. This internet provider features packages with extensive bandwidth at lower-than-average rates. However, internet users will need to sign up for 24-month contracts to get the best rates from WOW!. And the company’s limited availability means that many people will have to look elsewhere for their internet needs.Pros:High speeds at affordable pricesOffers bundled packagesCons:Limited availability Best prices require long contractsWOW! Internet Plans and PricesPlanPriceDownload/Upload SpeedsConnection TypeBest forInternet 100$24.99 per monthUp to 100MbpsCableMultitaskersInternet 200$34.99 per monthUp to 200MbpsCableBinge-watchersInternet 500$44.99per monthUp to 500MbpsCableHouse of MultitaskersInternet 1 Gig$64.99per monthUp to 1,000MbpsFiberMega UsersData effective 3/18/2020Estimated SpeedsAll of the internet plans WOW! Their customers are based on cable connections — except the Internet 1 Gig plan, which is based on a fiber connection. Even the lowest plan WOW! offers at “up to 100Mbps” will be enough for many users, and because the plans are affordable, people who would normally select the most economical option might be interested in a higher package. However, each plan lists the maximum speed available and does not necessarily reflect the actual speed a client will receive, so it is advised to double-check which speeds are available in people’s locations. All plans come with no data cap. Pricing

As with most internet providers, the plans WOW! offers differ by location. But regardless of the location, if WOW! is available, they probably offer one of the best rates in the area. These rates, however, come with strings attached. For internet users to get the best price, they will need to sign up for a 24-month contract and use auto-pay as their billing option. After the contract ends, the plan’s monthly price goes up — so make sure to keep track of the end date to reevaluate the value of the service under the new rate. Most of the plans go up about $20 after the contract runs out.

Whom is each plan best for?

Internet 100: Best for a small family with 1-3 devicesInternet 200:  Best for a small family with 1-5 devicesInternet 500:  Best for medium to large families with 1-10 devicesInternet 1 Gig: Large families of frequent internet users with 10+ devices

How Fast is WOW! Internet?

The latest FCC report on internet access services, which collects internet usage data from 2017, found that only 37.5% of the internet connections in the U.S. were “at least 100Mbps.” WOW! internet plans begin with 100Mbps and rise fast from there. This provider caters to internet users who require significant bandwidth from their internet connection. And now, with the fiber connection that WOW! has made available to their customers, even those with substantial internet needs will be satisfied by the company’s offerings. 

Where is WOW! Internet Available?

As an internet provider, WOW! It is only located in the Southern and Midwestern U.S., making its offerings rather limited. . The company offers internet plans in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and within those states, the plans are only available in select areas, rather than statewide. To find out which WOW! covers areas within the states, head over to the company website and select the applicable state and region below it. 

Other Factors to ConsiderWhen signing up for a new internet plan, WOW! gives their customers flexibility on what equipment will be used. Customers can use their own modem or lease one from WOW! for $10 per month. The modem WOW! provides can receive up to “1 Gig Internet” service. WOW! claims to offer plans that feature unlimited internet with no data cap. Frequent internet users who are worried about going over the monthly data limit and having their connection throttled will appreciate the lack of a data cap. But in the fine print, WOW! specifies that they reserve the right to “impose additional charges upon residential customers that use excessive bandwidth, which WOW! considers being bandwidth that is inconsistent with residential use.”If an internet user wants to sign up for a WOW! plan without a contract, they don’t need to worry about any early termination fee. But WOW! does charge an early termination fee if a customer signs on to a contract and then terminates that contract before the term limit is finished. This fee will be determined based on the services or equipment you purchased and the agreed-upon minimum length. As WOW! states in its “Minimum Term Plan document, “for the 12-month service plan, the ETF is $165 and will be reduced by $15 for each complete month during the Minimum Term Plan that you maintain and timely pay for all of the Minimum Term Plan services and other services you receive from WOW!. The ETF for the 24-month plan is $345 and will be reduced by $15 for each complete month”.WOW! also offers bundled services that vary widely by location. Depending on where the customer lives, WOW! will have bundles that include internet and cable TV and home phone services. Once again, because these bundles are heavily localized, people should check what is available in their area. More

In the United States, gaming is a $35.5 billion industry, with an estimated 211 million people playing online games — which adds up to 67% of the population. 

In addition to the general allure of gameplay and competition, online gaming platforms also establish connections between people, allowing gamers to strike up conversations with friends or complete strangers and to build what can sometimes turn out to be long-lasting relationships. However, the ability to easily connect socially through a simple internet connection also means there’s a platform for negative social interactions, leading to instances of online harassment.  A 2019 study by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) revealed 74% of gamers had experienced some form of online harassment, and 65% of people playing games online have experienced “severe” online harassment, which is defined as including sustained harassment, physical threats and even stalking.What does online harassment look like?Online harassment can include a variety of damaging behaviors such as threats, hateful messages, defamation, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Typically, the end goal of the harasser is to drive the victim off of the gaming platform or to harm them in some way through a series of threats, by broadcasting personal information online (also known as doxxing), or otherwise threatening their personal safety — not just virtually, but in real life.According to the ADL study, 29% of online gamers reported being victims of doxxing. This form of online harassment entails divulging personal information about someone without their consent, such as a home address, telephone number or a gamer’s real name. In some cases, this can lead to additional harassment from others who come across that information.Once this information is online, the harassment can then escalate to swatting. Swatting occurs when an ill-intentioned gamer reaches out to emergency services and law enforcement agencies and asks that they respond to a fake emergency at the victim’s house. When law enforcement enters what they believe to be a dangerous situation, such as the fallout of a shooting or a hostage situation, people can get hurt in the confusion.When harassment transcends the boundaries of the internet, there are far-reaching consequences. To prevent online harassment from escalating and to keep online gaming fun for the entire gaming community, gamers need to report instances of online harassment early to the gaming company or service provider of the gaming platform. Companies need to know about the incident in order for them to step in and remedy the situation. People found guilty of harassment are commonly banned from the game, making the game more safe and more fun for other players. How are companies addressing harassment?

Most large tech and gaming companies are aware of the possibility (if not prevalence) of online harassment happening on their platforms. And many of these companies have put measures in place to help players report online harassment or digital abuse. Console gaming tycoons Xbox (owned by Microsoft) and Playstation (Sony) each have a clearly defined code of conduct outlining the boundaries of behavior accepted on the platforms. Microsoft’s Community Standards and Sony’s Community Code of Conduct leave very little room for misunderstanding where the boundaries of acceptable and unacceptable online behaviors lie.On top of these overarching guidelines, Xbox and Playstation have created clear, step-by-step procedures for how to block players, file complaints and report incidents of online harassment. Of course, the options of blocking other players or filing reports of online harassment are not limited to the world of console gaming. Just about every online gaming platform has similar options available to players. For example, the online gaming platform Steam has posted rules and guidelines and a Steam Online Conduct guide, both of which clearly outline what is considered inappropriate behavior that will not be tolerated. Steam users are also encouraged to file a complaint should they experience harassment or come across inappropriate content.Harassment and defamation are not the only things gamers need to report. Gaming platforms encourage people to report a wide range of incidents. Some of these include (but are not limited to) cheating, posting spam, posting inappropriate or offensive content, or using inappropriate profile pictures and player names.What are the steps to take when targeted?In most cases dealing with online harassment isn’t a matter of toughing it out. Being proactive means, you’re more likely to get the behavior to stop. Luckily, there are several steps you or your child can take to deal with online harassment. Let’s look at a few:Step 1: Document and gather evidence. Gathering evidence in the form of digital records is incredibly important if you are being harassed. The evidence is crucial for when you need to take criminal or legal action against your aggressor. Since online harassment can cross into real life, you need to have proof of everything that has happened in the digital world. Document all of your interactions with the person harassing you. This means taking and printing screenshots and getting timestamps whenever you can. (Tip: Screenshots often save with a file name that doubles as a timestamp.)Step 2: Tell them to stop, but don’t initiate a dialogue with the harasser. This is an important step to take when you’re dealing with online harassment. As a one-time action, tell the person they need to stop harassing you. Engaging with the harasser can lead to escalation.Step 3: Try not to take it personally. Regardless of the level of harassment, remember that someone else is behaving badly, and their words and actions are not a reflection of you. Try to distance yourself from the scenario emotionally. In a nutshell, don’t let them push your buttons. By refusing to engage, you are taking away their power over you.Step 4: Block and report them. Most games provide players with the option to block and/or report other players. You can ensure you won’t be paired up with them again by blocking a player, and hopefully, the harassment will end there. If the harassment is more serious in nature, you should report the player as well. Filing a formal complaint might mean the aggressor is completely banned from the game as a consequence.Step 5: Speak to the other players. It takes a tribe. Speak to the other players in your game about the player targeting you. Chances are, some of them will have had similar experiences. The chances of having an aggressor banned from the game are much higher if multiple complaints are filed against them.Step 6: Reach out to the game moderators. Game moderators can act as both the police and peacekeepers. If your game has a moderator, you can reach out to them and make them aware that another player is harassing you.Step 6: Know your legal rights. Stay prepared by knowing your rights if you encounter online harassment. Carla Franklin, a cyber abuse expert, survivor and advocate for victims, offers this tip on her website: “Even if you have a lawyer or the police involved in your situation, you are your own best advocate and know your case better than anyone.” We’ve provided a list of resources below. Step 7: Contact the police. If the person who is harassing you makes threats or does something that is considered illegal in the real world, you should contact the police. If another player threatens your life or causes you harm, it is time to get law enforcement involved.Step 8: Step up your internet security. Some people may be more tech-savvy than others in gaining information on you and your online activities. They may go so far as to try to access your email or social media accounts. But you can make it harder for others to engage in doxxing by tightening up your online security. It is incredibly important to have two-factor authentication and a very strong password for each account. Have a good look at how much information you have posted about yourself and your whereabouts online. It may not seem important to you at the time you post something, but for an aggressor who is gathering sensitive and personal information about you, your social media accounts can be a goldmine.Step 9: Reach out for support. As with any other traumatic experience in life, you should reach out to your support network and possibly even a licensed mental health professional for help. Being the target of online harassment is something you shouldn’t have to deal with by yourself. Samantha Silverberg, the co-founder of the Online SOS Network, told Psychology Today, “People don’t realize how big of an issue it is from a mental health perspective. It’s really hard to quantify what’s happening.” Online harassment can have a massive impact on an individual’s mental health, so getting help and reaching out for support is incredibly important in many cases.Step 10: Look out for others. Anyone is at risk of becoming a victim of online harassment. Don’t be a bystander if you see someone harassing another player. The gaming community is meant to be a safe space for everyone, and identifying and dealing with a troll often needs to be a collective effort. Emily May, the co-founder and executive director of Hollaback! and HeartMob, which supports people who are being harassed online, reported to Vice, “We have to depend on one another and work together to change the culture that makes online harassment acceptable.” What resources are there?Because online harassment is such a big issue, there has been an increase in people and groups advocating for the victims of online harassment. These individuals, support groups, and nonprofit organizations aim to end all online harassment and have made many available resources on the topic. Here are a few resources you can turn to if you, or someone you know, is being harassed online:HeartMob: A nonprofit organization powered by activists that aim to end online harassment. The platform provides real-time support for anyone who experiences online harassment and has made available a long list of resources, including helpful guides and more information on the topic of harassment.Crash Override Network: A crisis helpline, advocacy group and resource center for people who are experiencing online abuse. The group has made various resources available, including educational materials, referrals, guides and interactive tools, which people can use to inform and educate themselves on online harassment.   Cyber Smile Foundation: A nonprofit organization working towards ending online harassment and cyberbullying and promoting kindness, diversity and inclusion online. They offer several articles and guides aimed specifically at the gaming community. International Game Developers Association (IGDA): A nonprofit organization with extensive resources covering how to respond to online harassment. Online SOS: A platform providing information and tools to help empower people dealing with online harassment. The nonprofit also offers services such as crisis coaching and referrals to experts.Feminist Frequency: A nonprofit educational organization that has put together an extensive guide on how to protect yourself from online harassment.  Data & Society Research Institute: This nonprofit research organization has compiled a detailed report on America’s online harassment, digital abuse, and cyberstalking.  The bottom lineThe majority of people looking at online gaming as a source of entertainment want to join a community of people who have one thing in common: a love for games. Unfortunately, not everyone is doing their part to create a safe and positive online gaming culture.Two-thirds of online gamers in the U.S. have experienced some form of online harassment, and often the harassment does not simply end when a player logs off. Luckily, there are many steps a victim of online harassment can take to empower and protect themselves. There are also many resources available to educate yourself further on the topic of online harassment. Take control of your gaming experience and do your part to spot and report online harassment early to help ensure a safe and fun gaming community for everyone.

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To no great surprise, Ookla found Starlink beats HughesNet and Viasat handly. The company found that “Starlink was the only satellite internet provider in the United States with fixed-broadband-like latency figures, and median download speeds fast enough to handle most of the needs of modern online life at 97.23 Megabits per second (Mbps) during Q2 2021. HughesNet was a distant second at 19.73 Mbps and Viasat third at 18.13 Mbps.”As for latency, the time between when you start an activity over the internet and when you get a response back, it’s not even a competition. Starlink’s median latency, 45 milliseconds (ms) is close to fixed broadband’s 14 ms. Low latency is vital for voice and video calling, gaming, and live content streaming. By comparison, Viasat, 630 ms, and HughesNet, 724 ms, are almost unusable for these purposes. Why was there such a huge difference? It’s simple physics. Unless we ever get quantum networking, we can’t network faster than the speed of light. Starlink uses low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, flying above us at a relatively close 550 to 1,200 kilometers (km), while HughesNet and Viasat have far higher geosynchronous orbits of about 35,000km.Of course, even Starlink isn’t as fast as cable or fiber-based internet. According to Ookla, the median fixed-broadband in the US is 115.22Mbps with a latency of 15ms. But, Starlink was never meant to compete with Earth-bound internet in cities and suburbs. It’s meant to offer an alternative to people living in the country. There I know people who are still using — yes, I’m serious — dial-up modems and slow-as-dirt DSL connections with speeds that go all the way down to Kilobits per second (Kbps). For these users, Starlink is clearly the better choice. But, Starlink is still being rolled out. This means some places at some times get much better performance than others. Ookla found at the top were users in Morgan county, Alabama at 168.30 Mbps, while lagging more than 100 Mbps behind were the residents of Madison County, Indiana.Generally speaking, due to how the Starlink satellite constellations are currently set up, the farther North you live, the better your connection. But, as Morgan county shows, that’s not a hard and fast rule. For example, in Canada Starlink’s median download speed of 86.92 Mbps exceeded the country’s median fixed broadband speed of 84.24 Mbps. 

In other countries, such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom Starlink’s speed vastly beats terrestrial internet speeds. In France, Starlink’s download speed 139.39 Mbps, easily outran the country-wide fixed broadband average speed of 70.81 Mbp. With Germany, the difference is even larger. A German internet user can expect to see a Starlink speed of 107.98 Mbps while its Earth-bound competitors come in at 58.17 Mbps. While in the UK, and not just in those areas of Scotland far away from the usual internet providers, Starlink’s 108.30 Mbps beats fixed broadband, 50.14 Mbps, hollow. Of course, in all cases, Starlink’s latency will be slower than its territorial competitors. You can’t beat physics. You might be wondering how HughesNet and Viasat can stay in business. The reason for that is simple. They’re the only internet game in town in many countries. For instance, in Brazil, Viasat’s 60.30 Mbps download speed is comparable to fixed broadband’s 61.38 Mbps. If you live in the campos, the countryside, you can get Viasat, where you may not have a practical alternative. But, while Starlink may sound wonderful, its manufacturing lines are still lagging far behind demand. I, for instance, have yet to see my Starlink Terminal and I ordered it almost six months ago. In theory, Starlink will be available around the world by September. In practice, I’m not counting on it. Is Starlink for everyone? No. But, if you live beyond the reach of conventional high-speed internet or areas with poor general internet service, you’ll want to try to get it. Once in hand, it’s clearly the best satellite internet service.Related Stories: More