Networking

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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The best internet service providers

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

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Staying connected in our modern world is no longer a simple endeavor. Not only will you be choosing between providers for your internet privileges and remote control rights, you’ll also have to choose the technology that powers those entertainment sources. DSL, satellite, fiber-optic, and cable are all options for internet and TV service across the country, and keeping track of the differences can be a difficult and involved process.While DSL and satellite services have great availability, they can hardly compete with the speed and quality that fiber-optic and cable connections offer. The difference between fiber and cable is a bit more nuanced so we’ve pitted the two advanced services against each other to help you navigate your search for the best telco service. The short version: Fiber is faster, more reliable, and more expensive. Cable is slower, but it still supports fast speeds and is more widely available.

What’s the difference between fiber and cable?

Many of the differences between fiber and cable can be chalked up to the way they transmit information.Fiber-optic technology uses small, flexible strands of glass to transmit the information as light. The strands are wrapped in a bundle and protected with layers of plastic, making fiber faster, clearer, and able to travel great distances. Fiber cables can also carry more data than a bundle of copper cables of the same diameter.For traditional cable, data is transmitted via electricity. It uses coaxial cables to transmit data. Inside that coax cable is a copper core insulated with aluminum, a copper shield, and an outer plastic layer. Cable is more susceptible to weather events (like extreme cold, storms, etc.) and electromagnetic interference than fiber-optic because it uses electrical signals.

Is there a disparity in quality?

Because of differences in transmitting technology, fiber-optic services generally offer better quality. Most notably, fiber is faster. Fiber speeds typically range from 250 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps. It would take you less than 10 seconds to download a two-hour movie with 1,000 Mbps (versus 10+ minutes on a 20 Mbps connection). These speeds far outpace the median household internet speed of 72 Mbps (as of September 2017). Fiber-optic internet providers tend to offer symmetrical upload and download speeds, which means you can upload information to the internet just as fast as you can download it. The is extremely unique and will appeal to heavy internet users. If you’re constantly uploading information and data (like video conferencing for work or when gaming), this structure could save you a lot of time and minimize any lag.Cable internet networks typically offer customers download speeds that range from 10 Mbps to 200+ Mbps, although upload speeds are a fraction of those numbers. The higher speed plans are likely to be enough for most households, based on FCC guidelines and our own research. Cable’s lower speed capabilities can cater to smaller households and minimal internet users who just do a bit of browsing and occasional movie streaming. But one of the big drawbacks of cable technology is that you share your bandwidth with neighbors: Your speeds will slow during evenings if the whole block is binging the latest season of “Stranger Things”. Overall, you’re looking at a more unreliable network susceptible to more outside factors.

Is one more available than the other?

For customers, availability will be the starkest difference between fiber-optic and cable service. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has estimated that only about 14% of the U.S. can access fiber-optic speeds of 1,000 Mbps or more. By the same measure, cable internet has 88% nationwide coverage at speeds of 25 Mbps or more. That means you’re far more likely to find cable providers who service your address than fiber-optic ones.Why the exclusivity? Building out fiber technology is a long, expensive process. Analysts have estimated that Google Fiber’s early nationwide expansion plan would have cost the company $3,000-$8,000 per home. If a provider like Verizon FiOS has decided to build out service in your neighborhood — you’ve essentially won the lottery.Businesses interested in a fiber connection as a private, secure, and reliable network option can purchase Direct Internet Access (DIA) fiber and have a dedicated line built out to the office. Homeowners hoping for fiber will have to cross their fingers and watch the market.

Is fiber or cable best for you?

For most people, cable technology offers great entertainment service. Its higher-tier internet speeds can support a full household of internet users. We’d also recommend cable for people who want to bundle their services to keep prices down. From what we’ve seen, fiber’s TV options are pretty limited, and providers will often contract another providers TV service in order to offer a bundle. For the best TV programming and bundle deals, you’re better off with cable service.Fiber speeds are likely more than most people need right now, but it’s worth noting that fiber is future-proof. Every year, the internet is becoming more central to our lives, technology is advancing, and media quality is increasing (from HD to 4K to 8K). Each season sees more 4K streaming content released, which will take more data and speed to run. Nikolai Tenev, the founder of DigidWorks, told us that tech enthusiasts of every kind will benefit from fiber — designers, gamers, software engineers, etc. Tenev said, “Gamers often need to upload video in real-time while playing an online game. Even the slightest drop in connection or speed can result in them losing the match.” If fiber-optic technology is available to your address, internet enthusiasts and large households will enjoy the perks the most.

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Arista Networks, which provides networking for large data center and campus environments, reported better-than-expected second quarter financial results on Monday. Non-GAAP net income for the second quarter was $216.8 million, or $2.72 per diluted share. Revenue was $707.3 million, an increase of 30.8% year-over-year.Analysts were expecting earnings of $2.55 per share on revenue of $540.6 million. Arista had been predicting a revenue between $675 million and $695 million as well as a non-GAAP gross margin of 63% to 65%. “Our record second quarter reflects continued momentum and diversification across our top verticals and product-lines,” said Arista Networks CEO Jayshree Ullal. “We are on the cusp of network software and data driven transformation and look forward to delighting many more customers.”The report sent Arista shares up by 1.81% in late trading.Arista surpassed 50 million cloud network ports shipped cumulatively in Q2, according to the company’s data. 

For the third quarter of 2021, Arista expects revenue between $725 million and $745 million as well as a non-GAAP operating margin of approximately 37%Analysts are predicting a fiscal year revenue of $2.76 billion.”We are pleased with the strong performance of the business in the quarter, as we continued to work with customers and partners to navigate a challenging supply environment,” said Ita Brennan, Arista’s CFO.

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 Internet provider NetZero has been around since the 1990s, providing various types of connection services as technology has shifted. Today, in addition to other products, NetZero offers a 4G mobile broadband plan that is flexible and portable enough to go with you anywhere. With a variety of plans to choose from – even one that’s free – and no long-term contracts, there’s plenty to like about NetZero.PlanPriceMonthly DataConnection TypeBest forFree$0200 MBMobile BroadbandOccasional browsingBasic$17.951 GBMobile BroadbandLight browsing and emailPlus$27.952 GBMobile BroadbandLight browsing and emailPro$45.954 GBMobile BroadbandFrequent browsing and emailPlatinum$63.956 GBMobile BroadbandFrequent browsing, gaming, and streamingPlatinum Plus$79.958 GBMobile BroadbandFrequent browsing, gaming, and streaming* Data effective 3/22/20

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What are NetZero’s estimated speeds?

Since NetZero’s mobile broadband service relies on the 4G network, speeds depend on the strength of the signal and proximity to a cellular tower. However, NetZero advertises download speeds of up to 10 Mbps. This is pretty average for mobile broadband providers; FreedomPop offers speeds of 5 Mbps, while Verizon and AT&T advertise 12 Mbps.

Does NetZero offer a hotspot?

When you sign up for a NetZero plan, you have two options: bring your own device or purchase their hotspot for $59.95. The NetZero Hotspot is a device that connects to the mobile broadband service and acts as a WiFi access point for other devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Up to 10 devices can be connected at once.

What is NetZero’s pricing structure?

NetZero is unique in that it offers a free plan that includes 200 MB per month of data for $0. The caveat is that this plan requires the purchase of their $59.95 Hotspot and only lasts for 12 months. Afterwards, you’ll be forced to upgrade to a paid plan. Still, this isn’t a bad deal if you want to try out mobile broadband or simply need a backup connection to have on hand.

Who is each NetZero plan best for?

200 MBBest for one person, limited use1 GBBest for one person, light use2 GBBest for one person, light use4 GBBest for one person, moderate use6 GBBest for one or two people, moderate use8 GBBest for one or two people, moderate use

Where is NetZero available?

NetZero is available across most areas of the United States, but whether or not you can get NetZero in your specific region depends on the availability of 4G service. The most reliable way to find out if NetZero is available where you live is to visit their website and enter your home address. Speeds and plans may also vary depending on your geographic location.

Other Factors to ConsiderNetZero has no long-term plans or commitments; unlike most internet providers, you won’t be locked into service for months or years if you decide you’re unhappy. To give you additional flexibility, NetZero lets you choose whether you want to bring your own device or purchase one of theirs, although you’ll have to opt for the latter if you want to take advantage of the free plan.However, there are a couple things to keep in mind. NetZero does carry some hidden fees; for example, all plans are charged an additional $3.95 per month access fee. NetZero also doesn’t offer an unlimited data plan, which many competitors do. In fact, even the highest tier plan offered by NetZero is limited to just 8 GB. If you do a lot of heavy streaming, you may need to look at a different provider.NetZero vs. Other Providers Starting PriceAvailabilityDownload SpeedsConnectionContractNetZero$050 states10 MbpsMobile BroadbandNoneAT&T$5050 states12 MbpsMobile BroadbandNone required FreedomPop$050 states5 MbpsMobile BroadbandNoneVerizon Wireless$3550 states12 MbpsMobile BroadbandNone required

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Image: Aussie Broadband
Aussie Broadband reported its fourth quarter results on Monday, with revenue hitting AU$100 million. On the connections front, the company said it now sat at 4.9% of NBN market share. The telco said it reached almost 401,000 customers overall, an increase of 7.4% over 3 months, which consisted of 363,000 residential lines, 35,400 business connections, and 2,100 white label and wholesale lines. The company said it has also begun to break out white label and wholesale customers as it expected it to be a source of growth. Year on year, Aussie Broadband has seen a 50% in residential customers, 92% lift in business customers, and 61% in white label. In April, the company announced its move into the white label space, and said the current numbers did not include its first customer that will launch in the next fiscal year. Over the past year, the telco said it saw its number of mobile customers double to just shy of 22,500. In February, it noticed a switch to Optus that would allow for 4G failover to be available for NBN customers, as well as access to Optus 5G and fixed wireless products. The migration to the new network will happen over the next few months, it said, with 3,000 customers already on the Optus network. See also: Best internet provider in Australia 2021: Top ISP picks During the three months to June 30, Aussie Broadband said it spent AU$1.35 million on NBN CVC overage charges.

“CVC overage for the quarter remained lower than expected due to the effective capacity management using CVC-Bot, the company’s in-house developed automation software,” it said. “CVC-Bot monitors over 280 CVCs within the network and upgrades or downgrades capacity as customer demand changes.” It added that coverage increased as New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia had lockdowns due to COVID outbreaks. Last week, NBN announced it would stump up AU$5.2 million in CVC credit for telcos. It said the credit would cover July and be allocated on each retailers’ share of total national overage. NBN added it would waive charges for ISPs breaching CVC utilisation conditions for the final week of July. “It is expected that New South Wales will remain in lockdown throughout August and as a result the company will continue to see increased CVC overage in this market. Customer utilisation in some areas peaked 24.5% higher in July than the month prior when they were not in lockdown,” Aussie Broadband said on Monday. “As a result of the [NBN CVC] rebate, we expect July’s CVC overage expense to be over budget, but not materially.” Related Coverage More

Over the past few decades, the internet has become more and more ingrained in daily life — everything from shopping to banking to communicating with family can be handled online. For those who were born into this period, the internet and the many ways you can use it are second nature. For others, these things might feel confusing or difficult to keep up with.That’s where we come in. We’re here to make life on the internet easier to understand, and to help you stay safe. We’ve created a guide explaining how to set up an internet connection, personalize your internet experience, and more importantly, feel safe while doing so.Finding Your Internet ProviderFirst and foremost, you’ll need to set up an internet connection. It’s no secret that internet plans can get expensive. And the process of figuring out which providers are both available and affordable can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’ve had your heart set on a certain provider. Unlike cell phone carriers where you’re free to choose the company, most homes are only served by one or two set internet providers. As a result, you may not have access to the provider you want. Check out our review of the best internet providers to see what providers are available in your zip code.Fortunately, most major cable and DSL providers offer senior discounts and programs that accommodate low-income households.

Price: $5-10/mo.Speed: 0.768-10 MbpsRequirementsMust be SNAPMust go through the mail to apply

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Price: $9.25/mo.Speed: VariesRequirementsParticipate in a federally-recognized aid program: Federal Public Housing Assistance, SNAP, Income below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, Medicaid, SSI, etc.

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CenturyLink Lifeline

Price: $9.25/mo.Speed: A minimum of 15 MbpsRequirementsParticipate in a federally-recognized aid program: Federal Public Housing Assistance, SNAP, Income below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, Medicaid, SSI, etc.

Price: $9.25/mo.Speed: 18 MbpsRequirementsParticipate in a federally-recognized aid program: Federal Public Housing Assistance, SNAP, Income below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, Medicaid, SSI, etc.

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Price: $9.95/mo.Speed: Up to 15 MbpsRequirementsMust be 62Must receive federal or state assistance

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Personalize Your Browsing ExperienceOnce your internet is set up, you can start customizing the features that create an experience that’s right for you and your family. Among some of the most useful features are parental controls and font size. Parental controls act as a preventative tool, protecting you and your family from the darker ends of the internet.Parental controlsMost providers now have parental controls built-in to their routers making the installation process, while the technician is present, which is the best time to activate this feature. If you happen to miss this window, most providers give you the ability to activate this feature online in your internet account settings. If all else fails, we recommend reaching out to your provider for assistance.Adjusting font sizeFont size serves as an aiding tool, giving you the ability to increase painstakingly small text. This is especially useful if you’re planning on doing a lot of online reading and researching.

Shortcut functions: To increase font size, hold down Ctrl (for Windows) or Command (for Mac) and tap the Plus (+) key. If you’re looking to decrease, hold down Ctrl or Command and tap the Minus (-) key. Otherwise, here’s how to adjust font size in different browsers:Chrome: In the upper corner of your screen, click on Chrome and you should see an option called Preferences. This will take you to Settings where you’ll find Appearance. Under Appearance, you should see Font Size and Page Zoom.Safari: In the upper corner of your screen, click on Safari and you should see an option called Preferences. After you open Preferences, look for a tab called Advanced. Once you click on this, you should see an Accessibility option that allows you to adjust the default font size.Internet Explorer: In the upper corner of your screen, click Tools and select Internet Options. In this window, located at the bottom of the General tab, you should see Fonts. In this menu, you’ll be able to adjust the default font size.Other features we like include the ability to convert text to speech, increase color contrast, and reduce transparency.Speech toolsText-to-speech tools are primarily intended for disabled users, but they’re also a great feature if you have difficulty reading text, or if your eyes tire quickly from computer screens.Mac users:Go to System Preferences and click on Accessibility. In this menu, you should see Speech. There should be an unchecked box next to “Speak selected text when the key is pressed.” After you check this box, highlight any text and hold down Option + Esc.Windows users: Go to Settings and click on Ease of Access. In this menu, click Use Narrator.High contrast colors and transparencyAnother way to improve your reading experience is through contrast and transparency settings. Some websites use low-contrast colors and various shades in text in an effort to make their page more appealing. The by-product is a minimalist design that ultimately makes for a more difficult read, sometimes even leading to eye strain. Adjusting these settings gives you the ability to experience a website in a way that’s most readable for you.Shortcut functions: For Mac users, hold down Control + Option + Command + Period (.) to increase contrast. For Windows users, hold down left Alt + left Shift + Print Screen to turn high contrast on or off.Mac users: Go to System Preferences and click on Accessibility. In this menu, you should see Display. There should be unchecked boxes next to “Increase contrast” and “Reduce transparency,” as well as a slider to manually adjust “Display contrast.”Windows users: Go to Settings and click on Ease of Access. In this menu, click High contrast. To reduce transparency, go to Settings and click on Personalization. Select Colors from the sidebar. Scroll down and you should see “Transparency effects” under More options.Ways to Keep Yourself Safe OnlineWhether you’re banking online, shopping, or scrolling through social media feeds, everything you do online comes with some level of risk. While it may be impossible to fully eliminate online threats, there are plenty of ways to reduce them. The first thing we recommend is downloading antivirus software. This software will act as your first line of defense by detecting and removing viruses, and other unsolicited malware. This type of protection can be costly as most premium programs range between $20-$100, but it’s absolutely worth it for the safety of your computer. Beyond antivirus software, all you can do is practice safe internet habits:Create unique passwordsUse social media privacy settingsMany seniors use social media as a means to connect with family members and friends. While social media is great for these reasons, there are plenty of privacy concerns. Fortunately, most sites, like Facebook, have extensive settings that allow you to restrict who can see your posts, photos, and personal information.Only shop on secure websitesIf you’re unsure, look at your address bar at the top. Most secure sites have a lock symbol by the website name.Avoid giving out sensitive informationNever give out your SSN online unless you’re absolutely certain it’s a secure website requiring it for legitimate reasons, such as online banking or signing up for a new TV service that requires your social for a credit check.Lastly, we want to place an emphasis on identifying malicious emails and social media scams as seniors are notoriously targeted. One of the trickiest scams to spot are emails that imitate legitimate companies. If you receive a suspicious email that appears to be from a real company, make sure you look at the sender’s email address. More often than not, you’ll find the address is either unrelated to the company it’s posing as, or features an unusual array of numbers, characters, or symbols around the company name. These features indicate the email is fake. Of course, this isn’t the only way unsolicited emails attempt to fool you.Cybersecurity expert Shannon Wilkinson provides further context:”Seniors have faced targeted scams on social media as well with fraudsters posing as grandchildren asking for financial assistance due to accidents or tragedies. The scammers will say that they were traveling, cannot be contacted on the phone, and a slew of other things to give the request an appearance of extreme urgency.”If you receive an email or message that raises even the slightest alarm, it’s always best practice to delete or simply ignore it. If you’re unsure, a good rule of thumb is if something seems too good — or bad — to be true, it almost always is.

Whar are some common email scams?

Emails that imitate legitimate companiesEmails that request urgent actionEmails stating you owe moneyEmails stating you won something or have a personalized offer waitingEmails asking you to fill out a survey

What are some common malware pop-ups?

Pop-ups that say your computer is infected and/or vulnerablePop-ups that ask or “require” you to install softwarePop-ups that start with “warning” and request some form of action

How do you fix the most common internet problems?

Before we break down the various ways to troubleshoot your internet connection, we’ll first explain the device that gives you access to it — the router. Every connected device, such as your phone and tablet, requires an IP address in order to access the internet. A router is the device responsible for connecting your devices and assigning these IP addresses. Put simply, your router serves as a bridge to the internet for all your connected devices. As such, connectivity problems can often be solved by restarting your router. Of course, this isn’t a universal solution to all connectivity problems. Here are some of the most common problems and what you can do to fix them:Your device won’t connect to the internetYour internet connection may not be the problem at all — it could be your device. This may seem obvious, but make sure your issue is happening across all your devices. If you find that it’s only happening on your phone, your problem lies with that one device. If that’s the case, you should try restarting that device.If you’ve confirmed it’s not your device, rebooting your router should always be your next move. Simply unplug your router, wait about thirty seconds, then plug it back in.Your router and device indicate that you’re connected, but your internet isn’t workingMake sure your device is connected to your personal network. Sometimes devices will automatically connect to a public network, especially if you’ve connected to one before.Restart or try a different internet browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Chrome, Safari). Oftentimes, there’s a cache or network problem that you can fix just by closing out of all internet windows.If none of these solutions work, try restarting your device(s).A local outageIf you think your area may be affected, ask a neighbor. If they’re also experiencing the issue, it’s time to reach out to your service provider. Don’t be afraid to ask for a credit on your next bill if this is the case.

Summary

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with friends, take advantage of online shopping deals, or finally see those adorable pictures of your family, the internet has something for everyone. And knowing that most internet providers can accommodate lower-income households, or at the very least, offer senior discounts, the fear of the cost of the service can be put aside. The real challenge is sitting down and devoting time, since the only way you can really learn how to use the internet is to experience it yourself. When you decide it’s time to make that move, you should be well ahead of the curve. More

Trying to find the right internet provider can be difficult, especially when every company only highlights the good parts of their services. We took a look at two of the top internet providers: AT&T and Spectrum, and pulled together a complete overview for consumers like you. We are here to settle the score on Spectrum vs. AT&T internet.We take a look at all the pros and cons of each company, what features they offer, and peek into their customer service. This way you can decide which company will be the best fit for you or your business.AT&T vs. Spectrum OverviewAT&TSpectrumJ.D. Power Rating5/53/5Bundles withSatellite TV, PhoneCable TV, Phone# of states serviced2143Speed range5 Mbps to 940 Mbps.100 Mbps to 940 MbpsInternet typeDSL, FiberCableData Cap1 TB data capNo data capPrice range$49.99$49.99* – $110Contract length1 year1 yearCustomer serviceWe’ll be frank — the internet industry has a bad reputation when it comes to customer service. Whether it’s incorrect billing, being passed through phone trees, no-show technicians, or faulty connections, dealing with your internet provider can be a nightmare. But when your connection goes out, calling is about your only option. To minimize the pain, we dug into third-party ratings from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and the American Satisfaction Index (ACSI), to gauge customer experience.When the question of who has the best customer service is AT&T vs. Spectrum internet, AT&T fares better, but Spectrum follows closely behind and is improving. The 2019-2020 Telecommunications report of ACSI shows a 7% year over year increase in customer satisfaction for Spectrum from a score of 59 to 63, while AT&T had a 1% decrease from 69 to 68. The industry average for internet service providers is 65. At the end of the day, both companies have a reputation for being reasonable and helpful when it comes to customer service. Your own experience will depend on your local agents.Speed packagesAT&TSpectrumJ.D. Power Rating5/53/5Bundles withSatellite TV, PhoneCable TV, Phone# of states serviced2143Speed range5 Mbps to 940 Mbps.100 Mbps to 940 MbpsInternet typeDSL, FiberCableData Cap1 TB data capNo data capPrice range$49.99$49.99* – $110Contract length1 year1 yearThe speed options you have, with both providers, will vary depending on where you live and what technology exists in your neighborhood. AT&T offers both DSL and fiber-optic internet, but rarely in the same area. While its fiber network is widespread, AT&T fiber is only available in a limited amount of U.S. zip codes. To check and make sure that the fiber network covers your area, take a look at their live coverage map. You’ve got a higher chance of having access to AT&T’s DSL, which features multiple high-speed tiers, depending on your location. For example, a resident in one state may have the option of up to 100 Mbps — while a few states over a customer might have access to a higher or lower Mbps. AT&T has the same price for all their internet customers, $49.99, so you’ll pay the same no matter what speed you’re getting with DSL or fiber. But you’ll be happy to know that AT&T got the top rank in our review of the top DSL internet companies in the U.S.Spectrum customers only have the option for cable internet. Depending on your location, the speed capabilities will differ, but customers have choices of up to 940 Mbps. Spectrum’s speed caters to heavy internet users and large households. If all you do is email and web browse, Spectrum’s plans will be an overkill. But users who stream, download, and play online will appreciate the generous runways (especially because the starting price is the same as AT&T). And Spectrum pairs these high speeds with an unrestricted data allowance, which ensures that users are able to fully utilize the speeds offered to them without having to worry about any extra charges at the end of the month. If your current internet is feeling sluggish lately, you may want to try some of our tips to increase your internet speed.Bundling optionsOne of the perks of bundling with AT&T is that you don’t need to add a phone plan to get the best promotions. AT&T acquired DirecTV last year and the merger opened up the options for bundling internet and TV services to save money. In our review of the best TV providers, we found DirecTV to be a fan favorite. It has an impressive DVR, great sports programming, and six channel packages to choose from. The TV/internet bundle will include a free year of HBO Max, and, if ordered online, customers get a $300 AT&T Visa Reward card. And on AT&T’s fiber internet bundles, you’ll also get unlimited data usage.If you’re looking for TV and internet service, Spectrum’s options aren’t as generous. Bundling just those two services will only get you the lower promotional price. While this does not come with as many sign-on perks, it does keep things simple and straightforward. Customers do not have to set reminders on when the free promotions run out so they can either renew or cancel.  One of the most appealing bundle deals is the Triple Play Silver, it features 175+ channels with internet and phone service for $124.97 per month That makes it a better option for trial runs than AT&T, whose plans all come with one- or two-year contracts and steep fees for terminating early.So, which is right for me?AT&TSpectrumJ.D. Power Rating5/53/5Bundles withSatellite TV, PhoneCable TV, Phone# of states serviced2143Speed range5 Mbps to 940 Mbps.100 Mbps to 940 MbpsInternet typeDSL, FiberCableData Cap1 TB data capNo data capPrice range$49.99$49.99* – $110Contract length1 year1 yearHow to Compare Internet CompaniesStart with availability

There’s a pretty good chance your choices won’t be Spectrum vs. AT&T internet, since it’s possible that neither will service your address. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reports that 85% of U.S. households have two or fewer internet options. Big cable companies intentionally avoid competition in places where one provider may already have a dominating presence. As you embark on your search for internet service, it’s essential to first figure out which providers will service your address. You can check by plugging it into providers’ websites or using online resources like Allconnect. Once you know what providers are options, you can start comparing them.Gauge your speed needsAs you’re comparing internet providers, speed plans will likely be the most important point of comparison. In order to know which plan is best for you, you’ll have to gauge how much speed your household needs. The FCC reports that 39 Mbps is the median home internet speed. After consulting with network experts and the FCC’s speed guide, we’ve built a tool to help you find a baseline speed that fits your usage.Internet Speed GuideAT&TSpectrumJ.D. Power Rating5/53/5Bundles withSatellite TV, PhoneCable TV, Phone# of states serviced2143Speed range5 Mbps to 940 Mbps.100 Mbps to 940 MbpsInternet typeDSL, FiberCableData Cap1 TB data capNo data capPrice range$49.99$49.99* – $110Contract length1 year1 yearWe recommend you pair that speed with an appropriate data allowance too. Light internet users won’t need more than 500 GB of data. If your household uses the internet for more demanding activities (like gaming, downloading files, and HD streaming), you’ll be better off with at least 1 TB of monthly data.Consider price holisticallyThe best deal won’t be as straightforward as the lowest price. The value of an internet package has several components to consider. Fees and post-contract price hikes are hidden aspects that could cost you down the line. We recommend reading contracts carefully for any small fees and the price of your plan after your contract is up.Bundling opportunities can add value, too. You’ll often save at least $10 on each service you bundle, and equipment ($5-$15 monthly) and installation fees (upwards of $100) are waived in most bundle promotions.

AT&T vs. Spectrum, who has the best internet service?

AT&T is best for customer service and bundling options, while Spectrum wins in speed and reliability of service. But when it comes down to it, internet providers are pretty similar to each other, the best internet provider for you will depend on what features are a priority for your household — whether that’s speed, price, bundling opportunities, customer service, or equipment capabilities.  Maybe neither AT&T nor Spectrum are available in your area, so you might want to check out our review of all the U.S. top-rated providers for head-to-head comparisons of the nation’s largest providers.

Should I buy my own router?

Our network experts recommend most people purchase their own router. Not only will you save money on rental fees (typically $10-$15 each month), but it can also help increase your internet quality. There’s a good chance all your neighbors are renting the same stock equipment as you, and they all operate on the same frequency — slowing everyone’s internet traffic. You can find routers at pretty much any price point, but we recommend investing at least $70. We found four favorite wireless routers for all kinds of internet users.

What types of internet connections are there?

There are a handful of different internet types — cable, DSL, fiber-optic, and satellite. The best will depend on what you most value from a provider. Cable internet uses coaxial cables built into the infrastructure of your neighborhood. It’s the most popular type and you’ll likely find fair speeds for reasonable prices. DSL uses existing telephone wires, and is generally less reliable but with widespread availability. Fiber-optic internet is the latest technology — it’s super fast and really reliable, but availability is limited. Satellite internet is available in all 50 states, and to many remote locations. But it’s speeds are limited, and prices aren’t competitive.

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