Learn Comcast Data Caps — Cause for Bandwidth Concern?

Comcast Data Caps — Cause for Bandwidth Concern?

Last Updated: November 17, 2015

Written by:

Recently, the word about Comcast planning the expansion of its monthly Internet data caps to other markets filled the technology news. As one of the nation’s leading providers of Internet service, Comcast’s data cap policy might be implemented by other ISPs. If you are someone who leverages your home Internet service to download or stream HD-quality movies, videos, and TV shows, you need to pay attention to see if your ISP plans on implementing data caps.

Let’s take a closer look at the details concerning Comcast’s data cap policy.

Standard Comcast Data Usage Plans Allow 300 GB of Data per Month

Comcast recently announced plans to expand its data cap policy in a variety of markets as of December 1st. These cities include Little Rock, Arkansas; Houma, LaPlace and Shreveport, Louisiana; Chattanooga, Greenville and Johnson City, Tennessee; and Galax, Virginia. You can find a full list here. Chattanooga making this list is surprising considering the city’s own “One Gig” Internet service.

In the locations where Comcast has implemented a data cap, customers can expect to pay an extra $10 for each 50 GB of data used over a monthly 300 GB limit (250 GB in some locations). An option to pay a one time fee of $30-35 on top of your normal monthly service cost for true unlimited data exists in some markets. At this time, only 15 percent of Comcast’s customers are affected by a data cap, but that number is growing.

Comcast feels the data caps are about fairness, as their median customer only uses around 40 GB each month. Less than 10 percent of customers in data-capped service areas consume more than 300 GB of data in a month. Chances are data caps won’t affect you, provided your Internet activity isn’t over the top. A customer needs to stream around 75 two-hour movies per month to exceed a 300 GB limit.

The Future of Data Caps

As more users drop their Cable TV and Satellite subscriptions in favor of streaming options, Internet data usage is expected to grow, especially when 4K and Ultra HD formats are added to the equation. As Google Fiber and other Internet providers increase their national coverage, giving more consumers an ISP option, it becomes difficult for companies to implement a capped-data policy and stay competitive.

Ultimately, the customer must manage household data usage, especially by keeping any HD video streaming to “regular” instead of the bandwidth-intensive 4K or Ultra HD options. Always be sure to perform periodic speed tests to ensure your ISP is keeping up their end of the bandwidth bargain.

It remains to be seen if Comcast data caps (or those from other providers) will ever see a wider rollout into markets where the ISP competition is fierce. Internet customers across the country — no matter their provider — need to stay tuned.

About the Authors

Learn Comcast Data Caps — Cause for Bandwidth Concern?

The iPad Pro — Does Bigger Mean Better?

Last Updated: November 2, 2015

Written by:

The long rumored “big” iPad finally arrived during Apple’s September event focused on the new iPhone 6s. The iPad Pro with its external, attachable keyboard and Apple Pencil reminds one of the Microsoft Surface, albeit with a more robust app market available through the iTunes App Store.

With the new iPad Mini 4 and iPhone 6s Plus also boasting powerful tech specs and iOS app compatibility, is the marketplace really interested in a super-sized iPad? Let’s take a closer look at the details and see.

iPad Pro Features and Specs

The most notable feature of the iPad Pro is its 12.9-inch Retina display, capable of a resolution of 2732 x 2048 pixels. If you enjoy watching movies or TV shows on your tablet, this display is a great reason for upgrading to a larger iPad. Perform regular speed tests to ensure your Internet bandwidth can handle HD streaming with little buffering.

The iPad Pro also sports Apple’s A9X processor and a M9 motion coprocessor, making this the most powerful iPad model to date. The enhanced iSight camera features 8MP resolution as well as a host of features to please shutterbugs, although many users still prefer using their smaller smartphone to take pictures. HD video recording is supported as well.

Surprisingly, one new Apple feature not part of the iPad Pro is the pressure sensitive 3D Touch display available on both iPhone 6s models. Cost is probably the main reason for this decision when considering the much larger touchscreen of the iPad Pro. iPad musicians are probably the most disappointed, hoping for pressure sensitivity to be included in the next line of music creation apps.

The WiFi version of the iPad Pro retails for either $799 (32GB) or $949 (128GB). The one model with both WiFi and cellular connectivity is priced at $1079 with 128GB of storage. The attachable keyboard and new Apple Pencil cost extra. The new iPad is expected to arrive online and in stores in November.

Does a Larger iPad Pro Make Sense for Most Users?

In short, the iPad Pro is larger and more powerful than any previous iPad. Many Apple power users can simply purchase a lower end MacBook for essentially the same price, albeit without the new Pencil. Windows users are probably going to stay with the Microsoft Surface or a similar Windows tablet.

Will the iPad Pro succeed in a tablet market filled with smaller models that many users find are easier to hold and operate? While its large Retina display makes it the arguably preeminent tablet for streaming movies and video, is that enough of a market for Apple to deem the device to be a success? Expect the answers to these questions after this year’s Holiday season once the sales numbers have been tabulated.

About the Authors

Learn Comcast Data Caps — Cause for Bandwidth Concern?

Is the New Apple TV a Video Streaming Game Changer?

Last Updated: October 1, 2015

Written by:

One of the most intriguing product announcements during Apple’s recent iPhone 6 event covered the new Apple TV box and platform. With a new operating system, called tvOS, apps and games are now a big part of a system that formerly concentrated on video streaming.

Apple’s move is aimed at attracting developers to port high-end video games to the device, trying to steal casual gaming fans from the PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii U platforms. If you decide to get an Apple TV or upgrade your current model, you’ll now have more uses for your Internet bandwidth. Let’s take a closer look.

Notable Features of the New Apple TV

For users more interested in video streaming than gameplay, the most significant new feature of the Apple TV is its Siri remote control. Now you can talk to your TV in a similar manner as your late model iPhone. For gamers, the Siri remote is also used for video game action, providing touch and accelerometer functionality, along with a standard gaming controller (available as an extra). So, anyone used to a PS4 or Xbox 360 will feel right at home.

The new Apple TV does come at a higher price — either $149 (32GB) or $199 (64GB). In addition to the memory used for storage, the device now features 2GB of RAM compared to 512MB in earlier models. When combined with the faster A8 processor, users can expect a smoother on-screen interface. Better streaming performance is also promised provided your Internet speed is up to snuff.

Video Game System to Challenge Sony and Microsoft

With the new tvOS and support for a standard video game controller, Apple looks to challenge a gaming market dominated by Sony and Microsoft. Launch titles for the new Apple TV include Rayman Adventures, Guitar Hero Live and the space shooter Galaxy on Fire — Manticore Rising. All that being said, these titles are not really different than the level of games available for the iPad and iPhone. In addition, Apple’s requirement to support the Siri control, even if the user owns a standard video game controller, might scare away some developers and hardcore video game players.

Other apps include Airbnb (the real estate rental service), Apple Music, and the ability to view photos and play music from your iTunes library. Since Apple is strongly courting developers for tvOS, expect more apps to arrive after the Apple TV launches.

If you already own a multitude of Apple products, possibly even an earlier model of the Apple TV, the added voice control and more powerful tech specs make the new Apple TV a smart purchase. Casual gamers looking to join the growing ranks of cord-cutters might also consider the device. The Apple TV is expected to hit the market sometime in October.

About the Authors

Learn Comcast Data Caps — Cause for Bandwidth Concern?

Comparing Different Types of Internet Service Providers

Last Updated: August 31, 2015

Written by:

If you are deciding to get Internet service or moving to a new location with robust competition between Internet service providers, sometimes the multitude of options can be daunting. Cable, DSL, Fiber, Wireless, or Satellite — no matter the type of service, most have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Trying to find the most bandwidth for the buck is your ultimate destination.

Here are some quick explanations of each Internet service type — useful information to have before making a decision on an ISP. Before getting started, be sure to check out what providers serve your location using this convenient page.

Cable Internet Service

Cable Internet service remains a popular option for getting online across the country. You can expect Internet speeds of this type to range from around 1.5 Mbps up to nearly 100 Mbps. As its name implies, cable Internet leverages the existing lines used for cable TV. Also chances are good you can save money by bundling both services together if available.

DSL Internet Service

DSL — which stands for “digital subscriber line” — is another widely available form of Internet service. Its speeds are comparable to Cable, with a slightly smaller download speed, but fewer fluctuations, because, unlike Cable, a DSL line isn’t shared between users. DSL is a solid service option, especially if there are no other choices at your residence.

Fiber Internet Service

Transmitted over fiber-optic lines, Fiber Internet service is the current bandwidth champion, capable of download speeds in the 1 Gbps range. Most major cities are hoping Google decides to pick their locale as the next site for its wildly popular Google Fiber service offering one gig of bandwidth at the same price as most Cable or DSL plans. However, the high cost of installing fiber-optic cables continues to slow the wider availability of Fiber internet service.

Wireless Internet Service

4G LTE Wireless Internet service rivals the speed of Cable or DSL sometimes reaching 10 to 20 Mbps. The main issue with most Wireless Internet service is the monthly data limits — usually from 1 to 10 GB per month. This keeps most popular Internet activities, like streaming video or online gaming, to a minimum, lest expensive overage charges come into play.

Satellite Internet Service

In the rural hinterlands sometimes Satellite Internet service is your only option. It provides a way to get online, but with significant limitations, like peak hour data limits and relatively slow speeds. Satellite service works best as a last resort for keeping in touch with friends and family over email.

Once you decide on an ISP and the service is in operation, be sure to run regular Internet speed tests to make sure your provider is following through on their promises. Finally, always keep an eye out for when Fiber service becomes available in your area.

About the Authors

Learn Comcast Data Caps — Cause for Bandwidth Concern?

Three Tips on Optimizing Home Network Speed

Last Updated: August 27, 2015

Written by:

In this era of Internet streaming video, home automation, and online gaming, the venerable old home network gets a serious workout. Keeping things running smoothly is a must if you want the most out of your bandwidth investment. Knowing how to properly manage your modem (fiber, cable, or DSL) and router plays a big role in the efficiency of your WiFi network.

Here are a few tips on optimizing home network speed to ensure the best possible performance.

Regularly Perform an Internet Speed Test

Get into the habit of performing an Internet speed test on a regular basis. Without a real understanding of your actual bandwidth, and any differences between your test results and your ISP’s promised service level, it becomes difficult to set expectations for the performance of your home network. Keep a log of your test results in case you notice repeated discrepancies between the tested result and the speed promised by your service provider.

Be Sure to Occasionally Reboot Your Modem

No matter the type of connection used in your Internet service, occasionally rebooting your modem by shutting it off for 30 seconds and then powering it on helps to keep your Internet connection running smoothly. Do this at least once per month or more frequently if you experience slow performance. Rebooting your router at the same time can also help. This is another great reason to test your Internet speed on a regular basis.

Read and Understand Your Router Manual

Not surprisingly, your wireless router offers you the best opportunity to improve the network performance at your residence. In fact, investing in a high-end dual band router gives you additional flexibility in management. Devices primarily used for video streaming and other high bandwidth tasks are able to reside on their own band, with optimized performance as a result.

Understanding the more esoteric functionality of a premium router lets you do things like beamforming, which allows optimizing the wireless signal for specific devices on your network. This is a smart trick to play if the family is watching an HD movie on Netflix with too much buffering ruining the show.

Router placement within your residence also matters when it comes to streaming performance. Watch out for too many walls or appliances (especially a microwave oven) between your wireless router and any bandwidth consuming devices.

Here’s hoping these few tricks give you the insight to optimize your home WiFi network’s performance, so you and your family are able to truly enjoy your Internet service.

About the Authors

Learn Comcast Data Caps — Cause for Bandwidth Concern?

Google Alphabet and the Future of Google Fiber

Last Updated: August 25, 2015

Written by:

The news that Google plans to reorganize its corporate structure, creating a new holding company called “Alphabet” hit the tech industry hard recently. The Internet search and advertising giant wants more emphasis placed on the offshoots from its main business. These include the Nest smart home device company, and Google Fiber, the “One Gig” Internet service, currently expanding across the country at a glacial pace.

What other reasons lurk behind Google’s restructuring? Does this mean your dreams for maxing out a Google Fiber speed test are about to come true? Let’s take a closer look at the details.

Are Privacy Concerns Part of Google’s Move to Alphabet?

Some technology pundits speculate public concerns about Google spying on Internet usage through Google Fiber as one of the reasons for their corporate restructuring. The ability to tap into someone’s home life through a Nest device is another worry. Google’s parsing through Gmail users’ emails and serving them advertising related to the content in those emails still haunts many Internet regulars. As separate companies, the hope is that fear becomes somewhat mitigated.

Another major reason to restructure involves quelling investor fears that Google is only able to generate significant revenue through Internet advertising. Ad revenue made up $16 billion of the $17.7 billion earned by Google in its most recent quarter. But simply reshuffling the corporate deck won’t necessarily make Alphabet’s subsidiaries successful by themselves.

Does Project Fi Stay Separate from Google Fiber?

Google’s own wireless Internet initiative, Project Fi, stayed mostly under the radar since its announcement in April. Leveraging portions of Sprint and T-Mobile’s networks, Fi offers an innovative pricing scheme that actually refunds part of your monthly bill if you don’t use your 3GB data allowance. Like Fiber, Fi’s rollout progresses slowly. According to CEO-designate, Sundar Pichai, Google uses the service to highlight innovations it feels the four major carriers need to implement.

Does Google end up combining their Fiber and Fi projects under one umbrella within Alphabet? That remains to be seen, but the company’s earlier comments about Project Fi being used to pressure major carriers into product innovations raises a question whether the ultimate purpose of Fiber itself is similar.

With the recent announcement of San Antonio as the next “Fiber City,” the Northeast and Midwest parts of the country still feel left out. The question remains whether most of the nation gets to enjoy Google Fiber anytime soon. As Google finishes its corporate transformation pay close attention to any Google Alphabet news between now and the end of the year to see if the company speeds up their Fiber rollout.

About the Authors

Learn Comcast Data Caps — Cause for Bandwidth Concern?

Six Ways to Get the Best Internet Service Deals

Last Updated: August 20, 2015

Written by:

Everybody likes a deal, right? When it comes to Internet service, there’s no reason to pay any more than a competitive rate, especially for a non-wireless service. With that in mind, here are six tips for finding the best Internet service deals.

1. Understand the Differences between the Types of Internet Service

Before searching for deals, research the different types of Internet services and their typical maximum speed. $50 per month for 5GB of data on a wireless service isn’t a good deal compared to $75 per month for unlimited fiber broadband.

2. Determine How Much Bandwidth You Need

It is important to figure out how much bandwidth you need based on your Internet usage before shopping for ISPs. If you rarely stream video content, you will be able to get by with less bandwidth than someone who watches 3 hours of Netflix every night. Don’t pay for more Internet than you use.

3 Find the ISPs serving your Location

Finding a great deal on Internet access means little if the ISP in question doesn’t offer service in your area. Simply enter your ZIP code on this page to find great deals on ISPs serving your city.

4. Bundles, Bundles, Bundles

Bundling your Internet service with Digital TV and Phone is a great way to save money. DirecTV and AT&T customers will soon see some interesting package deals after their recent merger. Be sure to read the fine print, since most bundles require a contract with early termination fees.

5. Optimize Your Bandwidth

Investing in a top of the line wireless router lets you get the most out of your bandwidth. This lets you spend a little less on your ISP and still be able to stream videos and other rich media formats with little problem. Check out these tips for optimizing your bandwidth.

6. Know When to Haggle

Haggling with a customer service rep is a great way to get a better deal on your Internet service package. If you live in an area with multiple ISPs, simply threaten to leave for one of their competitors. When subscribing to a bundle package with Digital Phone service — and you aren’t still under a contract — mention Vonage or other similar services. Chances are good you’ll receive a lower monthly payment.

Following these simple tips ensures you won’t spend too much on Internet service. Remember to do your research, and don’t be shy about haggling for the best possible deal.

About the Authors

Learn Comcast Data Caps — Cause for Bandwidth Concern?

5 Tips on Transferring Your Internet Service When Moving

Last Updated: August 12, 2015

Written by:

Relocation remains one of the biggest hassles for anybody. The large number of tasks involved when moving is enough to drive even a grizzled IT project manager insane. Thankfully, transferring your utilities — especially your Internet service — ranks on the lower end of the stress meter.

Let’s take a look at five easy steps that will make it easy to transfer your Internet service when relocating.

Moving Internet service made easy — Moving Internet Service

1. Find Out if Your Current Provider is Available at Your New Residence

The first step when transferring your Internet service involves finding out if your current ISP offers service at your new location. If you are only moving within your metro area, chances are good you can keep your ISP, but you still need to verify its availability since some providers only serve portions of larger cities. Use an online service aggregator to see what ISPs are available at your new abode.

2. Take Advantage of any Service Bundles

Once you’ve decided on a new provider (or even if you are keeping your current ISP) see if there are any bundles available with Digital TV and Home Phone service to save you some money. You may have to sign a contract agreement with an early termination fee, so be sure to read the fine print.

3. Schedule the Service Call for the New Location

Once you are ready to go with your new contract, schedule a convenient time for an installer to turn on your Internet service. Make sure you will be present when they arrive and block out some extra time in case of unexpected delays.

4. Pack up Your Equipment for the Move

Carefully pack up your modem and wireless router (if you have one) for the move. If you are going with a new ISP, you’ll need to return the equipment to their local service center or even ship it to them. Either way, make sure the equipment is well protected.

5. Check Your Internet Speed After Installation

Once the installer gets you online and before he leaves, perform your own Internet speed test to verify you are getting the service level in your agreement. If there are any discrepancies make sure the installer checks the quality of your modem and router as well as any outside equipment. Chances are good you’ll be streaming videos in no time.

Follow these easy steps so you can simplify the process and reserve your real moving stress for packing, cleaning, and unpacking. Transferring your Internet service will be a breeze.

About the Authors

Learn Comcast Data Caps — Cause for Bandwidth Concern?

HBO Now Broadband Considerations

Last Updated: July 19, 2015

Written by:

These days more and more consumers are willing to forego their satellite and cable TV subscriptions in favor on building their own a la carte service using on demand video streaming devices like the Roku, Chromecast, or Apple TV. HBO is helping matters by creating their own standalone service under the moniker of HBO Now. If you are considering a similar cord-cutting move, you’ll need to make sure your resident Internet service is able to properly handle video streaming.

With high quality video streaming in mind, let’s take a closer look at HBO Now and its potential effect on your Internet bandwidth.

HBO Now Exclusive to Apple – For Now

When HBO Now first launched in April, the company gave Apple an exclusive on the service for three months. The app has been wildly successful at the iTunes App Store, topping the revenue charts for the month of May. Consumers are able to download the app for free, but a subscription comes with a monthly fee of $14.99, which provides access to HBO’s library of movies and original content — everything from the Sopranos to Game of Thrones.

With Apple’s HBO Now exclusive about the end, the service will become available on the Google Play Store, Chromecast, and other devices. If you are interested in finding out when you can get HBO Now for your device, submit your email address to HBO at their Now page. HBO also offers an introductory free trial so you can see if the on demand video service warrants spending a monthly fee.

What About HBO Now Broadband Capabilities?

When streaming HQ video over the Internet, a speed of 5 Mbps is a good benchmark to ensure a quality experience without extra buffering or stuttering video. Always perform regular speed tests to make sure your ISP offers enough bandwidth for your streaming needs.

While 5 Mbps works well as a baseline Internet service, if multiple people share the Internet service at your residence, more bandwidth is necessary to ensure everyone enjoys rich media streaming with minimal issues. Video streaming and online gaming tend to use the most bandwidth. Check out these four tips to improve the Internet performance at your house.

Once you get HBO Now, and sufficient bandwidth to handle it, you’ll easily be able to check in on the latest doings in Westeros either at home or on the road.

About the Authors

Learn Comcast Data Caps — Cause for Bandwidth Concern?

Run an Android Speed Test on your Tablet and Phone

Last Updated: July 13, 2015

Written by:

When you’re on the go and unable to connect to your home’s wireless network, your Internet speed is important. Sometimes trying to find network access when traveling can be a hassle, especially when service providers suffering from limited bandwidth are your only option. Owners of Android devices need to know how to run an Android speed test on their mobile devices to ensure all web-based activity performs properly when away from home.

With that in mind, here are some tips on how to run a top notch, state of the art HTML5 speed test on your Android mobile devices.

Avoid Mobile Speed Tests Using Flash

While the Android platform does provide minimal support for Flash, it tends to be slow and buggy — not surprising for an essentially obsolete technology. The difficulty in getting the Flash plug-in to even run properly in a bandwidth-challenged environment makes the whole process not worth the effort for most scenarios. Trying to find and download an app for testing Internet speeds also takes too much work.

The sheer computing power of high-end Android smartphones and tablets, like the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Google’s own Nexus 9, means these devices are able to consume copious amounts of bandwidth. This enables users to cleanly stream videos and music as well as online gaming action away from home. In a nutshell your Internet speed needs to be up to snuff and ancient Flash-based speed tests aren’t the best choice for a piece of leading-edge technology.

Try HTML5 Speed Tests for Mobile Devices

When performing an Internet speed test on your Android device — tablet or smartphone — a test using HTML5 remains the best option. As mentioned earlier, using a web-based Flash option may or may not work on your Android smartphone, and definitely won’t work on an iPhone. The newer HTML5 technology doesn’t require a separate plug-in to work, plus you won’t need to find a speed test app in the Google Play store.

After running a HTML5 speed test, be sure to do a quick screen capture which saves your test result. This makes it easy to reference when searching for the fastest ISP during future travels. At home, these saved results can help in terms of refunds from your Internet provider if they aren’t delivering the promised bandwidth.

The bottom line is simple. When performing an Android speed test — either traveling or at home — a HTML5 test remains your best option.