Networking

Home to over 2.7 million people, Chicago is known for its fast-paced culture and tourist attractions like Wrigley Field, Millennium Park, Willis Tower, and many more.In a high-speed city that never stops, it is only fitting that the availability of high-speed internet is imperative to keep things moving. As a result, there are numerous internet service providers in Illinois, many of which are available in Chicago.Factors to consider include location, type of internet connections available, download, and upload speeds required to fit your needs, reliability, and what you’re willing and able to pay for monthly. With a multitude of internet provider options in Chicago, we’re here to help narrow down the choices.We’ve reviewed more than 20 of the top providers in Chicago, including each company’s coverage area, connection types, speeds, and customer service, to help you make your decision.

The four best internet providers in Chicago

Everywhere WirelessAT&T FiberXfinityWebPassDefining traitHighest speeds; great customer reviews; locally owned$100 reward card for qualifying internet contractLarge coverage areaNo contract requirementConnection typeFiberFiberBroadbandFiberDownload speeds (Mbps)20, 100, 600, 1,000 Mbps100, 300, 1,000 Mbps25, 200, 300, 600, 1,000 Mbps100 to 1,000 MbpsPrices starting at$19/mo.$50/mo.$20/mo.$58.33/mo. w/contract $70/month w/o contractContract lengthNo-contract optionUnlimited1-year1-year or no-contract optionData capN/A1 TB or unlimited1 TBUnlimitedAll information accurate as of 02/24/2020.

Best overall

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With prices for its fiber internet packages starting at $19 per month and its strong Chicago presence, Everywhere Wireless ranks as our best overall internet provider in Chicago.Everywhere Wireless is one of the only Chicago internet providers that are only available in Chicago. The company is locally-owned and operated with a sole focus on providing high-speed internet to the city’s residents. While there are subscription options available, customers enjoy the no-strings-attached, month-to-month options with Everywhere Wireless.Everywhere Wireless promises a unique Gigabit Internet Network experience, which means faster speeds than any other provider in the Chicago area, some coming in at up to 1,000 Mbps.It is important to note that the lower cost packages (starting at $19 per month) do not offer speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. Everywhere Wireless will recommend a package option applicable to your specific internet needs.Its packages include Basic, Turbo, Extreme, and Gigabit, from lowest to highest cost and speed. By earning nearly five-star reviews on Google Reviews, it is abundantly clear that Everywhere Wireless users are generally happy customers.

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Best for promotional offers

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AT&T is a brand known across the world. Adding fiber internet options to its wide portfolio of services only strengthened its worldwide presence. The company is known for its special introductory offers, like receiving a $100 rewards card when you sign up for the internet or other offers for higher speed packages for the cost of lower speed packages.AT&T’s Chicago Fiber packages start at $50 per month with a 1-year contract, 1TB data, and 100 Mbps speeds, and goes up to $70 per month with a 1-year contract, 1,000 Mbps speeds, and unlimited data. Because of AT&T’s wide variety of service options, it also offers customers bundling opportunities for internet, phone, or television packages.Yelp’s customers don’t appear to favor AT&T Internet, which includes its fiber and DSL options, indicated by a less than two-star rating. However, because the fiber and DSL reviews are combined, it appears that many of the not-so-stellar reviews are related to slow DSL speeds.

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Best for coverage area

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Xfinity offers an impressive coverage area in Chicago. Unlike the other providers we’ve reviewed, the company enables a broadband cable internet connection. Its package options begin at $20 per month, but like many others, the cost of the package has a direct relationship to the speeds offered.The $20 per month package offers up to 25 Mbps download speeds, which will be more than sufficient for some customers while other customers will need their $80 per month package with up to 1,000 Mbps download speeds. All packages are based on a 1-year contract.There are many Xfinity stores in Chicago and the customer reviews on each vary widely. This is because Xfinity, like AT&T, offers a wide variety of services and equipment to customers. Because its high-performing broadband internet is one of many services offered by Xfinity, Yelp reviews are reflective of that, resulting in somewhere around a mid-tier ranking.

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Best for no-contract

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WebPass offers fiber internet to Chicago residents, powered by Google Fiber. Its packages are offered with a no-contract price of $70 per month or $58.33 per month for a one year contract with unlimited data. WebPass also offers early-payment options where customers can pay annually.Setting them apart from any other internet provider we reviewed, WebPass offers one single package with download speeds ranging from 100 to 1,000 Mbps depending on where you’re located and your home’s infrastructure. The company is currently available in seven U.S. states, including Illinois.Customers have indicated favorable views of WebPass, resulting in a 4.5 out of five star review on Yelp. The reviews are full of high praise of the excellent customer service, quick and easy installation, and reliable high-speed internet service.

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How we found the best internet providers in Chicago

When we reviewed the most popular internet providers in Chicago to make our top four selections, we looked for a variety of factors.Coverage: We delved into the providers that offer wide coverage areas in Chicago. While no single provider seems to offer 100% Chicago coverage, the providers we’ve chosen offer the largest percentage coverage in Chicago.Value: We researched each provider’s offerings and the value it provides consumers. We assessed aspects like the range of speeds, contract lengths, data caps, and special offers. The best internet providers in Chicago will come with reliable speeds, fair prices, generous data caps, no hidden fees, and concise agreements.Customer Satisfaction: We used customer satisfaction ratings from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) and J.D. Power to use company reputation as a factor in our evaluation. Higher scoring companies in metrics like reliability, billing, communication, and value were viewed more favorably.Upon assessment of these rankings and reviews, it is clear that internet service providers predominantly face negative customer reviews. This is sometimes a reflection of the company, but it should also be considered that customers who live outside or on the outskirts of coverage areas may not receive the same speeds as others, leaving them unsatisfied.

What types of internet connections are available in Chicago?

Residents of Chicago have a wide variety of internet connection options, including fiber, cable, satellite, and DSL. Each of these options comes with different speeds, costs, and availability. Customers living in more rural areas of Chicago may have fewer options than those living in the heart of the city.

What should I expect to spend on internet in Chicago?

With over many internet service providers in Chicago, residents can find internet options ranging from $20 to more than $100 per month.It is also important to remember that in most cases, download speeds will be directly proportional to cost. Lower cost packages tend to offer lower download speeds, while higher-cost packages tend to offer better download speeds. However, this is not always the case and should be reviewed on an individual basis, and based on your own internet and pricing needs.

How do I pick the best internet service provider in Chicago?

Remember that what constitutes the “best” for you may be different than what it means for someone else. First, assess your own needs for the internet, price, and customer service, among others. Research customer reviews and ask for referrals from friends in your area. For more information on how to select the best internet service provider, read this guide.

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Even with satellite internet being phased out due to its higher pricing and slower speeds, there are still advantages to installing a satellite internet provider dish outside of your home. When comparing the best satellite internet providers, we compared download speeds, data caps and more to choose the best satellite-based internet providers.There may only be two major satellite internet providers in the U.S., but internet users should still pay close attention to their options. Based on rural availability, reliability, price, speed and other relevant factors, one provider may be a better option than the other. We dove into the data to see which satellite provider is the best home internet for you if cable, DSL, or fiber-optic are not available in your area.The two best satellite internet providers of 2021HughesNetViasatBest OverallBest for High SpeedsReviews.com Score3/53.25/5FCC reliabilityOverperformsUnderperformsJ.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Score620/1,000Not RatedSpeed options25 Mbps12 Mbps–100 MbpsData Caps10 GB–50 GB40 GB–150 GB

Best satellite internet overall

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WHY WE CHOSE ITThe FCC reported that most HughesNet customers experience more than double the advertised speeds. Additionally, more than 80% of HughesNet customers got advertised speeds or faster, compared to around 50% of Viasat’s customers.3Reviews Score$59.99/mo.Starting Price25 MbpsDownload SpeedPROSReliable serviceExtra GB allowance per monthNo hard data capsCONSSlower speed optionsHigher equipment costs: $349 to purchaseLow customer service scorePLANS & PRICING10 GB: $59.99/mo.20 GB: $69.99/mo.30 GB: $99.99/mo.50 GB: $149.99/mo.FEATURESNo hard data limits; reduces speed to 1–3 Mbps insteadBonus Zone: 2 a.m.–8 a.m. customers receive 50 GB/month of additional data$14.99/month equipment lease$10/month introductory discount for six months24-month contract

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Best for High Speeds

WHY WE CHOSE ITIf your household is constantly streaming, gaming from several devices and downloading large files and you don’t have access to traditional internet providers, Viasat might be the best satellite internet for you.3.25Reviews Score$69.99/mo.Starting Price100 MbpsDownload SpeedPROSFaster download speed than competitorsHigher data optionsHigher new customer discountsCONSFewer plans than competitorNo option to purchase equipmentNot rated by J.D PowerPLANS & PRICINGIf your household is constantly streaming, gaming from several devices and downloading large files and you don’t have access to traditional internet providers, Viasat might be the best satellite internet for you.FEATURES$20–$50 intro discount for three monthsViasat Shield protects home from online security threats$12.99/month equipment lease24-month contract

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How to choose the best satellite internet for your home

Determine how much speed you needAt 100 Mbps for its highest plan, Viasat currently offers the fastest satellite internet on the market. But do you really need that much speed? On the one hand,  100 Mbps for $200 per month is cheaper per Mbps than 25 Mbps at $49.99 from HughesNet. However, you can accomplish most streaming and browsing with slower speeds. Plus, maximum speeds of 100 Mbps may not be available everywhere.  One of the biggest misconceptions in buying satellite internet is that having more Mbps leads to more usability. If you’re only using it for online shopping and social media browsing, you don’t need a lot of Mbps, no matter what the sales agent tells you. To help you gauge what you can do with different speed thresholds, check our table of estimated usage.12 Mbps25 Mbps100 MbpsUse amountLightModerateHeavyWeb activity*Emailing, web browsing, light SD streamingEmailing, web browsing, SD and some HD streaming, music downloadingMultiple devices streaming HD or 4K video simultaneously, large file downloading, real-time gaming, video conferencing.*Activity estimates assume 4-8 connected devicesFigure out how much data you useData is measured in gigabytes (GB) and is used whenever you send something, receive something, download from, or upload to the internet. Satellite internet plans work similarly to your phone plan: Your data is your allotted internet usage. If you go over your data limit, you won’t be totally cut off from the internet, you’ll just be restricted to slower speeds (typically 1–3 Mbps) until the start of your next billing cycle. This will allow some web browsing, but no video streaming or file downloading — and that web browsing will be slow enough you may resort to the local paper for news and sudoku.To give you some perspective, here is what HughesNet says you can do with 1 GB of data:2 hours of video streamingUpload 300Stream 200 songsLoad 1,024 web pagesSend or receive 2000 emailsIf you stream video at all, you’re more likely to struggle with these data caps. Streaming uses up a huge chunk of data. In fact, Netflix estimates you’ll need 1GB of data per hour to stream SD video. That’s 66 GB to binge all five seasons of Orange is the New Black — more than the top HughesNet plan of 50 GB/month We suggest being mindful of your internet habits and see what activities you lean more toward – if you’re a heavy video streamer, you might want to invest in a heavier data allowance per month. HughesNet and Viasat provide you with ways to check how you’re doing on data within a given month.

What is satellite internet?

Satellite internet is a type of wireless internet connection in which data is transmitted between three points: a satellite in space; a ground unit called the network operations center (or NOC) at the provider’s hub; and a satellite dish located at the customer’s home.

How can you work around the limitations of satellite internet?

Jameson Zimmer from Broadband Now explained that there are two easy ways to maximize a limited ISP. The first: Avoid streaming video. This eats up data fast. Instead, get TV service from a dedicated TV provider. (And, pro tip: Netflix still offers DVDs by mail.) Second, use an ad blocker in-browser (we like AdBlock) to stop banner ads and unneeded videos from sucking up space.If your options are already limited to satellite internet, your TV provider is probably satellite-based too — DirecTV or Dish Network. But no, you can’t use the same satellite dish for both. TV satellite dishes are only capable of receiving signals; internet connections need to both upload and download information.

In what case is satellite internet preferable over other options?

If you have the option for cable or DSL, it’s typically going to be better than satellite internet: cheaper, faster, and no lag. But satellite might still be the way to go if you’re on the fringes of your DSL’s range.DSL internet service relies on a customer’s proximity to something called a digital subscriber access multiplexer (DSLAM for short), the network device that connects you to the internet. These live in local exchange offices in your area, and the farther away from your DSLAM you are, the slower your DSL internet will be. It’s pretty rare, but service on the edge of a DSLAM’s range could be painfully slow — we’re talking 3 Mbps download and a fraction of 1 Mbps upload. If that’s the case for your home, satellite internet is obviously the better choice.

How is satellite internet customer service?

Trustpilot reports that HughesNet earns about 2.9 stars out of 5 from consumers. They note potentially slow speeds and expensive cancellation process as “cons” for signing up with the service. While Viasat also got 2.9 stars, with slow speeds and poor customer support as the main complaints. Bottom line: Satellite internet certainly has some catching up to do when it comes to customer satisfaction.

Methodology

We evaluated satellite internet service providers based on customer satisfaction, data caps, download speed, plans, and customer support to determine Reviews.com scores and create our best internet service provider reviews. To compare internet service providers with other brands across the board, we calculate each Reviews.com score based on the following:Customer Satisfaction: Reviews.com used J.D. Power’s 2020 Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study to calculate an average rating of internet providers across all applicable regions.Top Download Speeds: We awarded higher scores to internet providers with higher download speeds.Number of Plans: Internet providers with more plan options to choose from scored higher in our methodology.Data Caps: No one wants to be left without internet for the rest of the month, so we awarded internet providers with higher scores if they had high or no data caps. Customer Support: We reviewed and compared the number of channels that customers could reach each provider’s customer support representatives. The more channels of contact available, the higher the score.

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A recent study conducted by the Reviews.com Broadband Research Team about municipal broadband found a growing number of U.S. residents are excited about the prospect of internet service as a utility. As interest in public broadband increases, it will be interesting to follow along with potential increases in pressure placed on local politicians to push for public internet. If the below findings are any indication, it seems likely there will be an exponential increase in broadband as a public utility over the next decade.Study Findings

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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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Of the 1,008 U.S. residents surveyed:40.2% of consumers said they would consider immediately switching to municipal broadband if it was made available in their city.10.9% of consumers said they would definitely make the switch, 29.3% said they would at least try it out.59.8% said they prefer their current provider.Demographic Data Among age groups, younger people were relatively more averse to municipal broadband than those older — 34.8% of people under 45 were averse, while 46.2% of people over 55 years old were not.Large cities saw a majority of the population interested in municipal broadband. California, specifically the San Francisco Bay Area, saw the majority of people (56.3%) suggesting they’d be interested. More rural areas were slightly more averse to municipal broadband, with respondents in various states with lower populations suggesting by a notable majority that they would not consider municipal service.The idea that perhaps cities should provide internet service for their residents as a utility isn’t a new concept. The debate has been in place for decades and will likely continue to be for the foreseeable future.Anytime a major city attempts to push municipal broadband, there is pushback from major ISPs who view the expansion of the internet as a utility as a threat to their businesses. In fact, ISPs have spent over $1.2 billion between 1998 and 2018 lobbying in Congress.Despite this, the concept of internet service as a public good continues to gain steam, as this is the highest we have seen numbers surrounding a willingness to switch to municipal service. It seems likely that over time as connection to the internet becomes as valuable as water or electrical service that more local municipalities will make sure their residents have such access. A common solution as of now is a model of cities directly working to provide a hybrid version of municipal broadband through cooperatives. Methodology The municipal broadband survey ran April 9–14, 2021.The survey collected 1,008 responses from residents evenly distributed across the United States.Sample method: representative. More

Boasting the second most wide-reaching fiber network, AT&T Fiber delivers ultra fast speeds with over 99% reliability. AT&T Internet (or DSL), on the other hand, may be slower and less reliable than fiber, but it can compete with cable. These plans range from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps (based on location), enough for a smaller household to regularly stream Netflix and browse social media. In addition to solid speeds, AT&T ranks higher in customer satisfaction than any other major cable company. To gain a better understanding of these offerings, we spent over three weeks analyzing five popular plans, and comparing them across four top providers. What we found is a service that offers plenty of perks and money-saving bundling options. If it’s available in your area, AT&T Internet is a sure bet for good speeds at fair rates.

ProsCustomer satisfactionGreat bundling dealsLow-cost fiber planConsSecond year price jump1-year contract required

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AT&T Internet plans and prices

Wide array of DSL speeds, each requiring a contract

Plan PackageStarting PriceDownload Speeds up toBest forInternet 10$4910MbpsLight streamerInternet 18$4918MbpsLight streamerInternet 25$4925MbpsLight streamerInternet 50$4950MbpsLight online gamersInternet 100$49100MbpsBingewatchersInternet 1000$49940MbpsMega usersData effective 06/14/2020* Package availability depends on location, prices may vary

Pricing

The introductory rates require a 12-month contract. After that, the price will be increased to the standard rate of $59.99 per month. This does not include taxes, which vary depending on which state you are in. Some customers could also find a $10 a month equipment fee and non-government required monthly cost recovery surcharges. There are two possible one-time charges, one for self-install and one for professional install. If you choose the self-install, you’ll need to set up the equipment yourself. The activation fee for this is $35. If you choose the professional installation, you won’t have to lift a finger, but the installation fee is $99.

AT&T speeds and data caps

PlanUpload SpeedDownload SpeedDataCapDSL Service0.218 – 0.435 mbps0.653 – 5.1 mbps150 GBFixed Wireless Internet1 – 9.4 mbps10 – 64.7 mbps250 GBInternet Speed Tiers5.9 – 899.2 mbps6.5 – 925.1 mbps1 TB

Estimated speeds

Internet speed depends on how many devices are accessing the internet and what activities you do on them. For example, if you’re just going to browse every once in a while you can get the slowest internet available if you want. If you and your spouse are using the internet for different things (such as streaming and/or gaming), you’ll need a faster connection speed. If you have four different people on different devices all doing different things, you may want to get the fastest internet speed available with no data caps. 

Fiber plans, speed, and data

Growing fiber connection availability with competitive prices and no data caps

Capabilities: With AT&T Fiber, you can do just about anything — like download a two-hour long HD movie in a matter of seconds — with virtually no interference or data caps.Price: AT&T’s gigabit plan also happens to be one of the more affordable plans on the market. With a starting price of only $70/month, this is a low-cost option compared to other providers like Xfinity ($85) and Spectrum ($110).Availability: AT&T continues to roll out fiber nationwide and, as of January 2020, the company markets ultra-fast speeds across 22 states. However, availability may differ based on which part of the city you live in.

DSL plans, speed, and data

Higher speed DSL connections offered for low to moderate internet usage

Speeds: AT&T offers a wide array of hybrid DSL connections (called IPBB) ranging all the way from 768 Kbps to 100 Mbps. Although lower speeds are becoming increasingly more uncommon, there’s still a chance your household is limited to Internet Basic plans (768 Kbps – 5 Mbps). Capabilities: For these low-speed plans,  you may have trouble doing things like streaming videos in HD or playing games online — and the farther you are from the provider’s central hub, the slower speeds will get. For smaller households planning on gaming or connecting 10+ devices at once, Internet Basic won’t cut it. You would be better served by AT&T Internet (10 Mbps – 100 Mbps), if it’s available where you live.Reliability: Although Performance and Reliability varies by region, AT&T Internet often delivers quality service at prices that won’t break the bank. Data Allowance: AT&T Internet also offers a 1TB monthly data allowance on its standalone service, more than enough for most families. In fact, you’d have to work pretty hard to use up that much data: According to AT&T’s data calculator, it would take about 400 hours of HD video streaming to hit that cap. That equates to 13 hours per day. If you’re still worried about hitting your limit, you can purchase unlimited data for an extra $30 per month.

Who is each AT&T plan best for?

Internet 10 — Best for a single user looking to email and surf the web with one device. Internet 18 — Best for a single user with three to four devices looking to surf the web and check email.Internet 25 — Best for two users with up to five devices looking to surf the web and check email.Internet 50 — Best for three users with up to six devices looking to stream movies and game. Internet 100 — Best for four or more users with up to eight devices looking to stream movies and game. Internet 1000 — Best for more than five users with 10 or more devices looking to stream movies and game. It all depends on how many devices are in use and what kind of use there is. You can go with a slower plan and save some money if you don’t use the internet much or just want to browse. You’re going to need a faster internet speed if you want to stream, game, or work from home.

How fast is AT&T Internet?

AT&T’s reputation reflects competitive DSL speeds and high performance ratings

In the FCC’s latest broadband report, AT&T’s DSL speeds far exceeded expectations, delivering speeds of 86% or better to 90% of its panelists. AT&T is reputed to have speeds that exceed other internet service providers such as CenturyLink and Verizon, although recent findings have faced scrutiny. However, indications of high performing speeds align with J.D. Power’s five-star rating for Performance and Reliability in AT&T’s largest operating market — the south. It’s worth noting that the FCC only measured AT&T’s speeds up to 45 Mbps, meaning it’s “ultra-fast” fiber speed was not taken into consideration. Given that fiber connections are much more reliable than DSL, we expect these findings to only improve over the coming years. Whatever AT&T plan you have available, you can count on receiving the speed you’re paying for. 

Does AT&T have data caps?

AT&T data caps vary from different types of service. The AT&T DSL service has a data cap of 150 GB. The AT&T Fixed Wireless Internet has a data cap of 250 GB. And the AT&T Internet Speed Tiers offered has a data cap of 1 TB. The average American who wants to browse casually can go with either the DSL or Fixed Wireless Internet plans. You’ll need the 1 TB data cap if there are a lot of devices used for streaming and gaming.

Where is AT&T internet available?

Limited availability across 21 states, with an expanding fiber network.Unfortunately, AT&T’s availability is fairly limited, with only 21 states having access to their service. The good news? If you’re lucky enough to have it, the chances of having a fiber connection are much higher compared to other broadband providers like CenturyLink and Frontier. And even if you don’t have fiber available, AT&T Internet should be more than sufficient for moderate use.

Other factors to consider

Simple equipmentBasic equipment that you must rent or purchase from AT&T directly.Setting up your internet service with AT&T requires AT&T’s Wi-Fi Gateway, a modem/router combination device from AT&T that is used to connect your devices to the internet. While some plans may include this gateway at no extra cost, most require you to pay an additional $10/month. And since AT&T doesn’t allow you to use your own equipment, the only way around this monthly charge is by purchasing the gateway upfront (up to $100). Although this hefty upfront cost may hurt your wallet initially, you’ll end up saving hundreds down the road.  AT&T will walk you through the specific equipment needs of your home, and professionals can install the system. The company also offers a self-installation option with a detailed guide and ample resources.Contracts and feesTransparent fees and 12-month minimum commitment, with costs typically increasing after that period.AT&T requires a 12-month contract on all of its internet plans, with a prorated early termination fee of $180 if you decide to cancel before the year is up. While every plan is different, most will go up in cost after the 12-month promotional period is over. Fortunately, AT&T is one of the more transparent providers and clearly states what that second year price will be in the offer details before you’re locked in. There are a few fees when you first sign up too — $35 self-installation fee and $99 professional installation. However, if you sign up with a qualifying bundle, the installation fee may be waived. Notable feesEquipment lease fee: Up to $10/mo.*$99 professional installation*$35 activation (self-installation)**Sometimes waived for certain packages or online orders.

TV bundles: AT&T U-verse and DIRECTV

AT&T U-verse and DIRECTV bundle options available with nationwide availability

If your home needs TV service in addition to internet, you can bundle for a better price on both. Bundling AT&T internet with either AT&T TV or DIRECTV typically starts around $90 per month and comes with free installation. Purchasing an individual DIRECTV package starts at 155+ channels for $50 per month. DIRECTV is a satellite service, which means it’s available nationwide. It also offers some of the best options for sports fans. AT&T TV packages independently start at 65+ channels for $50 per month. With AT&T TV , availability will depend on your location, and so will the exact bundle offers. However, given that the cheapest AT&T TV plan starts at $50, we recommend looking into other TV streaming services — like YoutubeTV — that offer more channels at a similar cost. 

How does AT&T rank for customer service?

AT&T scores at the top among competitors for customer service

AT&T’s customer service continues to outperform every internet service provider, finishing at the top in every market it operates in – South, West, and North Central. In J.D. Power’s most recent Internet Satisfaction Study, AT&T earned a perfect score in Customer Service, far exceeding top providers like CenturyLink, Xfinity, and Spectrum. Furthermore, AT&T earned perfect scores across the board in Communications and Promotions, as well as Billing and Payment. This is no easy feat considering no other provider earned a perfect score in any of these three factors. Where AT&T falls short in contracts and second year pricing, it makes up in how it treats and responds to its customers over this time period.

How does AT&T rank for customer satisfaction?

AT&T ranks #2 for customer satisfaction among competing internet service providers

According to the 2019 ACSI Telecommunications Report, AT&T Internet ranks as no. 2 for customer satisfaction, leading the pack over popular cable internet service providers like Optimum, Spectrum, and Comcast Xfinity. The only service ranking higher, Verizon Fios, is fiber optic internet. The report links AT&T Internet’s customer satisfaction to the expansion of its fiber service, but the company’s sales reps might also have a positive impact on its score. The reps we spoke with were kind, helpful, and patient with our questions. They also never pressured us to buy or to stay on the phone.

AT&T vs. other competitors

Starting PriceAvailabilityDownload SpeedsConnectionContractAT&T$5021 states768 – 940 mbpsDSL, Fiber1 yearCenturyLink$4936 states1.5 Mbps – 940 MbpsDSL, FiberNoneXfinity$2040 states25 Mbps – 940 MbpsCable, Fiber1 yearSpectrum$5046 states30 Mbps – 940 MbpsCableNone*Prices for stand-alone internet service, current at time of publication. Prices may vary by location. Contract length may vary and it’s subject to the starting price presented above.

What is AT&T’s best plan and how much does it cost?

AT&T’s best plan is their Internet 1000 plan, powered by AT&T Fiber. You’ll get a 1000 mbps connection speed. It starts at $50 per month, not including taxes, fees, or surcharges. 

Where is AT&T available?

AT&T is available in 21 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. There are specific areas in each of the states where AT&T provides fiber internet services. It is not yet state-wide. 

The bottomline

AT&T offers a wide variety of internet plans, and you’re sure to find one that suits your needs whether you’re browsing the internet or need a higher speed for gaming, streaming, or working from home. You can get the basic AT&T internet or AT&T Fiber internet for some amazing speeds. AT&T has the best customer service. If you have any questions or concerns call their customer service number. The customer service agents will happily help you in any way possible.  More

Earlier this month, CNBC’s Jim Cramer was discussing Cisco Systems on his “Mad Money” talk show. One of the markets he discusses frequently is the collaboration space, and he called a recent Cisco Webex TV ad “quite compelling.” After he made the comment, I watched the ad and agreed with Cramer because it highlighted much of the recent innovation from the Webex group. Educating buyers on what’s new can be difficult, but showing them how those things can be used can be even more difficult. The real-world uses cases are what I thought made the ad compelling. As an analyst and IT pro before that, I’ve been looking at collaboration tools since the days of the roll-around video carts. During that time, I do not remember a year in which there has been as much innovation as this past one. Much of the recent innovation was driven by the increased reliance on these tools, and many people were forced to work remotely because of the pandemic. One of the challenges vendors like Cisco have is exposing buyers to all the new features that have been added in recent months. Unless one follows the market day after day, like I do as a market research analyst, it would be impossible to know what those are. Webex innovation on display The ad Cramer was referring to can be found on YouTube, and it highlights how the McLaren F1 racing team is using Webex. Here are some of the recent features that are included in the product of which many people are unaware. New devices. At the eight-second mark, a McLaren person named Zak logs on to the new Cisco Deskpro endpoint. On the screen, it states that Zak can tap the screen or open the Webex app to get started. During the past year, Webex has rolled out a number of new endpoints that interoperate seamlessly with the software to make using the technology simple. Apple is near-perfect in this area with consumer technology, and Cisco is doing the same with corporate tech. Mobile app. Historically, most collaboration vendors thought desktop first, with mobile being an afterthought. Now that everyone is working from everywhere, the mobile experience needs to be as good or better than the desktop. At the 16-second mark of the video, you can see a person walking and Webexing on his mobile with six other participants. I’ve used Webex mobile and find the experience to be easy and intuitive. Polling. At 18 seconds, the McLaren team is running a poll through Webex. What is seen on screen is the integration of Slido, a recent acquisition by Cisco that makes audience interaction easier. With Slido, the host of the session could ask something like: “Who has the best fans,” and respondents can type their reply. The popularity of the response is reflected by the size of the font. Apparently, Australia has the best fans.Real-time translation. We work in a global environment, making language an issue with online meetings–particularly if one speaks too fast, as I am often accused of doing. At 30 seconds, it shows the conversation being translated into simplified Chinese, while the speaker is talking in English. This was enabled on a tabled with a tap of the finger. Noise removal. There are many cases when someone is on a video call and the background noise disrupts the call. In this case, the McLaren team member is in a lab and people are working around them. Typically, in this situation, the person would need to leave the room and go somewhere quiet for the call. At the 41-second mark in the video, the person taps Noise Removal, and it eliminates all background noise. I’ve used this feature and can attest to the fact it works as advertised. One more note: the video shows this being done on a Cisco Deskpro, but it’s also available in the desktop and mobile clients.The above is just a small snippet of the new features in Webex. Last month, Cisco held an event where it rolled out its new Webex Suite and modernized logo. ZDNet’s Stephanie Condon provided a summary of the event in this post. In her post, she highlighted that Webex has added 800 new features since last September and 400 since March. Videos, such as the McLaren one, are an effective way of highlighting some features, but it’s critical that businesses do their homework when making a purchase decision. Collaboration platforms like Webex’s are important for hybrid working. Buyers need to understand that the products available today are light years ahead of where they were just a year ago. My word of advice is not to make a purchase based on who the incumbent is or the fact that it comes bundled with other software. Many of the advanced features can make a significant difference in productivity. The right vendor will help the business run smoothly and efficiently, whereas the wrong choice will hold the company back. More

Mediacom boasts impressive high-speed internet ranging from 60 Mbps to a whopping 1,000 Mbps. It’s unlikely that you’ll need speeds that high; even 100 Mbps is plenty for a household of video streamers, although the extra speed is a nice buffer if you live with many online gamers. And if your home has previously had trouble maintaining those high speeds, Mediacom has you covered: Its Xtream WiFi mesh system helps eliminate dead zones.Be warned: Mediacom consistently ranks far below average in surveys from J.D. Power, and the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), with users citing billing issues and frequent outages. However, if you do sign up and are unhappy with your service, Mediacom has a 90-day money-back guarantee for your peace of mind.

The claim

One tagline from Mediacom stands out: The company claims that “every service from Mediacom can be customized to fit your needs.” On its own, this implies that consumers can completely design their services to their specific usage habits.

Is it true?

No.Mediacom’s “customization” really just entails selecting from its speed options. It has a range of high-speed choices: 60 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1,000 Mbps. However, if you want something a little slower (and cheaper) for more basic internet use or fewer users, you can’t “customize” the internet service to anything less than 60 Mbps. And because data caps are tied to speed plans, there is no way to customize that part of your plan, either.

Features

Standout featuresHigh speeds and data limit options, money-back guarantee, Xtream Wi-Fi routerSpeed options60 Mbps100 Mbps200 Mbps500 Mbps1,000 MbpsData caps400 GB-6,000 GBMonthly pricingStarts at $25Extra fees$10 modem rental$10 activation fee$10 per 50GB over your plan’s data limit$100 installation feeJ.D. Power rating2/5ACSI score56/100

High-speed plans

Plans and pricing will vary heavily depending on your location, but we found that Mediacom generally offered affordable high speeds. Mediacom’s internet plans cater to the active internet user, with a vast range of speeds from 60 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps. When setting up your service, you choose a base plan of either 60 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps, 500 Mbps, or 1,000 Mbps. Prices start at $25 and increase by about $10 for each tier.

Xtream WiFi router

Mediacom advertises its version of a mesh WiFi system called Xtream WiFi. Basically, Xtream uses additional router pods to eliminate dead zones and better extend WiFi throughout large homes. Mediacom claims that this is suited for homes between 1,000 and 3,000 square feet, or two or more floors. The system is free for the first three months of service, but anything beyond that costs $5 per month. If you live in a large home that struggles to maintain strong WiFi performance in every area, Xtream is worth considering.

Data caps

Like with speed, Mediacom’s data options will appeal to advanced internet users and large homes. As you increase your speed plans, data limits increase in increments, starting at 400 GB and climbing to 6,000 GB. Though some providers offer unlimited data, 6,000 GB is plenty for most people. For reference, Comcast Xfinity reports that the average data usage of its customers hovers around 130 GB per month.

90-day money-back guarantee

As a small redemption for its subpar customer service, Mediacom does offer a 90-day money-back guarantee. If you experience any grievances within the first 90 days of service, you may cancel your service without penalty. Be sure to follow up about your refund; Mediacom’s guarantee promises a full refund of monthly service and equipment rental only “on request.”

Possible drawbacks

Customer serviceWhen it comes to satisfying its customers, Mediacom falls short. The American Consumer Satisfaction Index rated it 56/100, and it only managed to rank in the West region with 2/5 from J.D. Power, the lowest publishable score. Mediacom complaints typically consist of unresolved issues, frequent outages, and double billing.FeesIn most cities, Mediacom promotes TV and internet service starting at just $40 per month, a bundle that unlocks 100+ channels and 60 Mbps of speed. While it seems like an excellent deal, it won’t be reflected on your bill: You’ll be responsible for a $10 modem rental fee and a $10 local station surcharge each month, plus a one-time $10 activation fee and $100 installation fee.Average reliabilityAcross all types of internet, Mediacom provides fairly average reliability to customers. In 2016, the Federal Communications Commission reported on the performance and reliability of internet providers, including how often their subscribers receive advertised speeds. Mediacom provided advertised speeds about 80% percent of the time. That’s better than Cox, which does so 75% of the time — but it pales in comparison to Comcast, which achieves its advertised speeds just over 90% of the time.

The competition

How does Mediacom compare with AT&T Internet?

AT&T Internet consistently tops the charts for its customer service, the polar opposite of Mediacom. While technically a DSL service, AT&T also offers high speeds and high data limits (though, like any internet service, these plans vary based on AT&T’s limited availability). Package options for internet service alone are pretty limited, and unlike Mediacom, you’ll have to bundle to choose between speeds. If you value customer service and have decent AT&T plan options where you live, it’s worth considering — but for wider range of speeds, Mediacom may still be your best bet.

How does Mediacom compare with Charter Spectrum?

Charter Spectrum doesn’t cap your data, and it offers a few bundling perks. You’ll get a free modem, free DVR service, and free installation with its Triple Play plan — significant savings (nearly $200 in the first year), especially next to Mediacom’s fees. Its plans are simple, with only two options for speed: 60 Mbps or 100 Mbps. However, those speeds are more than enough for most households, meaning Spectrum could very well offer you the better deal.

How does Mediacom compared with WOW! Internet?

WOW! Internet is another provider with no data caps and decent speeds. And at only $40 for 100 Mbps in most areas, it’s a better value than Mediacom’s 60 Mbps for the same price. WOW! is great for streamers and ranks in the top ten on the Netflix speed index (measurements of Netflix performance). In July of 2018, it ranked a full 11 spots higher than Mediacom, proving that it potentially offers greater reliability and greater value.

What is Mediacom’s speed boost?

Mediacom used to offer just two base plans (60 Mbps and 100 Mbps), with the option to add a “speed boost” during checkout to access its faster tiers. It’s since retired this way of framing its plans, instead offering each speed on its own individual plan, but it still refers to each speed tier as a “speed boost” upon checkout.

Where is Mediacom available?

Mediacom has a presence in 22 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Availability varies within those states, so enter your address on Mediacom’s website to make sure it services your ZIP code. If Mediacom doesn’t service your state, check out our review of the best internet providers for other options.

The bottom line

Mediacom offers impressively high speeds and unique options for data limits that will appeal to streaming-heavy households. Still, because its customer service reputation is so poor, you’ll want to weigh which features matter most to you before choosing your internet provider.

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Cox Communications (“Cox”) is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing internet, TV, phone, and smart home security solutions to residential customers across the US over its own nationwide IP network. Currently providing service in 19 states, 1,300 zip codes, and over 6 million homes and businesses across the country, Cox is the largest private telecom company in America. Cox claims to be no. 1 for streaming video according to Nielsen data and an analysis done by Ookla of Speedtest Intelligence data. Likewise, Cox offers the fastest speeds everywhere (in locations where Cox is available), access to over 3 million wifi hotspots while travelling, a free security suite, and Gig speed connections. However, Cox is more than just an internet provider as it vies to compete with the likes of Sling, Hulu, DirecTV, and YouTubeTV as an OnDemand TV provider.   Cox says it’s committed to bringing the fastest speeds to its customers. In October of 2019, Cox announced an automatic increase in speeds for the Connect2Compete customers, the low-cost product targeted at first-time internet subscribers. On the other end of the spectrum, Cox launched its EliteGamer service to enhance the gaming experience and improve connections between servers and players across its footprint in June 2020. Despite efforts to bring faster speeds to all tiers of customers and services, Cox has been imposing slowdowns to internet speeds in effort to curb excessive usage despite unlimited data. All Cox internet plans include 1.25 TB per month of data usage, but users with exceptionally high data usage are being asked to curb their usage or face termination of service.

Best forUser-friendly websiteClearly communicated pricingNot forLow pricesBundling optionsCox internet plans and pricesPlanPriceDownload/Upload SpeedConnection TypeBest forInternet Starter$20/mo10 MbpsCableLight StreamersStraightUp Internet$50/mo25 MbpsCablePrepaid service for those seeking flexibility & no contractsInternet Essential$30/mo50 MbpsCableSocial NetworkersInternet Preferred$50/mo150 MbpsCableFrequent Online GamersInternet Ultimate$70/mo500 MbpsCableHouse of MultitaskersGigablast$100/mo940 MbpsCable/FiberMega UsersData effective 9/28/2020* Package availability depends on location, prices may vary

View Now at Cox

Cable plans, speed, and data

Cox makes shopping for the right plan online easy, eliminating the need to sit on the phone with a sales rep for an hour. After entering your address on the site and confirming service is available in your area, you can view promotional pricing by service or bundle. Post-promotional pricing is also clearly displayed. There are typically six plans to choose from between 10 Mbps and 940 Mbps — speeds for any lifestyle. Pricing ranges from $20 per month to $100 per month and will rise after the first year by about $15 to $30 per month, depending on the plan.Once you select a service, the website will walk you through “customizations” to your service by offering additional products and rental internet equipment. Finally, you will enter your personal information to create a profile and verify your identity and perform a routine credit check. 

Who is each Cox plan best for?

Internet Starter — Best for light streamers, because streaming in SD and downloading photos, music, etc. Uses minimal bandwidth.StraightUp Internet — Best for individuals seeking a no-surprises service. This plan includes a modem and eliminates the annual contract, credit check, deposit and any additional fees. Internet Essential — Best for social networkers, because fast uploads allow you to post photos and videos quicker.Internet Preferred — Best for frequent online gamers, because fast download and upload speeds help guard against lag.Internet Ultimate — Best for a house of multitaskers, because the increased bandwidth supports multiple users across multiple devices.Gigablast — Best for mega users, because gigabit speeds allow you to perform data-heavy tasks lightning fast.

How fast is Cox internet?

In the FCC’s seventh Measuring Fixed Broadband Report, the FCC analyzed the actual speeds customers were receiving from internet providers, against the speeds advertised. Cox performed pretty well, with its customers receiving 95% or more of advertised speeds about 90% of the time. It beat out Comcast, Mediacom, and Time Warner for cable providers. This report tells us you’re likely to experience internet speeds as advertised. 

Internet availability

Cox is one of the most widely available cable internet providers with a presence in 19 states. Its strongest coverage areas include Arizona, California, Nevada, and Virginia. 

Other factors to consider

Simple equipmentYour internet plan will come with Cox’s Panoramic WiFi, its version of a mesh WiFi system. Mesh WiFi uses a web of connected devices to provide better internet coverage throughout the house. Replacing the single router system can mean no weird dead zones in the basement or around corners. It’s $11 per month, a standard fee for renting internet equipment. There’s also a Panoramic WiFi app that lets you view and manage any connected devices and the WiFi connection. You can easily pause it for dinner or set time limitations on certain devices. The device also automatically updates itself for security and firmware updates. Contracts and feesA 12-month contract is standard for Cox internet plans — pretty standard for the industry. If this sounds like a big commitment, Cox does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you’ll have some time to try the service out. You can also opt for a month-to-month contract for $10 more per month. Cox doesn’t have many other fees. It’ll cost $11 per month for the Panoramic WiFi Gateway, and if you bundle TV and internet, there may be a $50 installation fee. Notable fees$10 charge for up to 50 GB of additional data$11/mo Panoramic WiFi Gateway$5/mo Additional Elite Gamer Connections$10/mo Cox Complete Care$50 Installation Fee (on TV/Internet bundles)*Sometimes waived for certain packages or online orders.TV bundlesYou can add a TV package to your internet service for between $16 more per month. The channel packages range from 75 to 250 channels. The Contour TV Ultimate plan, the 250+ channel package, includes NFL RedZone, HBO, Cinemax, and Playboy. Otherwise, these channels are optional on a channel-by-channel basis to the Contour TV plan (140+ channels) only. Customer serviceCox earns pretty average satisfaction ratings compared to other ISPs. In J.D. Power’s 2020 survey, it scored right around the industry average in all three regions it covers. The study polls customers’ opinions on performance, cost, billing, and communication. Cox received lower scores in cost of service and communication, but overall, the company does as good a job as most providers. 

Cox vs. other providers

 Starting PriceSpeeds ConnectionConnectionContractCox$20/mo. *10-940 MbpsCable, Fiber12 months, month-to-month*& no contractsFrontier$40/mo. *DSL: 6-45 MbpsFiber: 50-940 MbpsDSL, FiberNo contractsAT&T$50/mo.*DSL: 10-100 MbpsFiber: 940 MbpsDSL, Fiber1 year*Xfinity$20/mo*25-1,000 MbpsCable, Fiber12 months, month-to-month **Prices for stand-alone internet service, current at time of publication. Prices may vary by location. Contract length may vary and it’s subject to the starting price presented above.

Cox Communications vs. AT&T

While the two providers do have overlap in their coverage area, several factors should weigh into your decision on which carrier to choose as your internet service provider. AT&T provides internet through Fiber and DSL while Cox utilizes Fiber and cable. Fiber is far superior to both DSL and cable, yet access to fiber is highly dependent on your locale. If it comes down to DSL versus cable, Cox will generally offer a better connection than you’d get through AT&T’s DSL. Despite the variables in comparing the speed of the two providers, price-sensitive customers will often find that Cox is the most transparent about its pricing and contract structure. 

Cox Communications vs. Xfinity

Both Cox and Xfinity provide internet service via cable or fiber and offer several plan speeds. Xfinity has a slightly larger coverage area and may be more accessible than Cox. When it comes to value, though, Xfinity provides a little more bang for the buck. For example, Xfinity’s 150 Mbps plan comes in at $55 dollars versus $60 with Cox.

How much does Cox charge for the internet?

Cox offers internet packages beginning at $10 per month for download speeds of 10 Mbps. More robust and sophisticated users can select a range of packages and download speeds up to the Gigablast package offering 1 Gbps of download speeds (via Fiber where available) for $120 per month. 

Does Cox offer the internet only?

In addition to internet service, Cox offers a variety of broadband services ranging from streaming television, phone, and security monitoring. 

How much is Cox internet after 12 months?

Cox offers new customers promotional pricing for the duration of the term of their signed contract. Typically, promotional pricing is offered for a 12 month contract. Upon the expiration of the contract, pricing increases average approximately $30 per month depending upon your package. Cox’s website offers clear visibility into pricing and fees by month to provide more transparency to customers than the average provider. 

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Fast facts:Our analysis of data from major ISPs found that the average customer who rents equipment for their internet service could save upwards of $150 per year by purchasing their own router.In contrast, a top-rated router can be as cheap as $70 as a one-time expense.

Purchasing personal equipment will save consumers $750 over the lifetime of a router and thousands more over a lifetime of internet usage.It’s something that most people don’t think about, but when they sign up for residential internet service, there are often several hidden costs that can drastically increase their monthly bill. One of the most expensive additions is paying to rent equipment directly from the ISP like a router and modem. While most people might not notice a $10-$15 addition on the cable bill each month, over the lifetime of a service plan, those costs can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in unnecessary fees.To get a specific number, we pulled data from all major ISPs to average out how much customers are paying to rent equipment directly from their cable company. For internet service, for example, the average customer is paying between $12-$15 per month to rent equipment like a router and modem.Over the lifetime of a cable contract, this could end up being thousands of dollars. In other words, you could end up making costly payments for a piece of equipment that costs less than $100 that will last years.By researching major e-commerce platforms, consumers can easily find a high-quality router for $50-$70, depending on their needs. This one-time expense will pay for itself in under six months, and will rarely need a replacement or upgrade. Even more expensive, top-of-the-line routers will pay for themselves within a year or two.

There might be an argument that many consumers feel intimidated by managing their own equipment, as things like set up and maintenance can feel technically demanding for the average person. While most ISPs won’t provide service on the equipment you’re not renting from them, it’s rare for a router to need much more maintenance than the occasional reset. Once the initial setup is complete, it would be unusual to need much more technical support.We spoke with several cable customers about their experience setting up their own router, and they found it to be far less complicated than they had imagined.

“It took maybe 15 minutes and I’m not a technical person. I followed the instructions in the box and had my own router working with no issues at all,” one respondent said when asked about their experience.It can be important to upgrade equipment every so often, but it’s not an annual requirement or even every two to three-year commitment. While the demand for faster downloads for things like movies and TV streaming services or online games has never been higher, most routers will be up to the task for years to come. And while technology and security changes may cause the need for an update after five years or so, major brands will continue to support their products.If you are looking for a simple way to trim expenses from your monthly budget, consider purchasing your own router instead of renting it directly from your ISP.

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