Net Neutrality Pros and Cons Based on the Latest FCC Ruling

Last Updated: July 7, 2015

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The recent FCC ruling in favor of the concept of Net Neutrality remains controversial. Some feel it insures a level playing field for those new companies looking to innovate in Internet-related industries, while others disagree, saying it will stifle the larger companies’ investment in improving their network infrastructure. But how does the ruling affect the individual consumer of Internet services?

If you are interested in learning more about the basics of Net Neutrality, check out this quick primer. And then read on to examine Net Neutrality pros and cons and how the FCC’s ruling might impact your daily Internet life.

FCC ruling on Net Neutrality

Better Internet Access in Rural Areas

According to the FCC’s Net Neutrality ruling the Internet is now classified as a public utility so it is reasonable to expect improved Internet access in rural regions. This one of the reasons the FCC raised the minimum data download rate to 25 Mbps in order to be considered a “high speed” connections. This new FCC standard was actually issued just before the Commission’s Net Neutrality ruling, but the two are definitely related.

If you are stuck in an area where satellite Internet service — along with its throttled data — is your only option, expect wireless and fiber optic providers to soon serve your location. In fact, Frontier Communications recently accepted $283 million from the FCC to expand their service in rural regions, despite complaining about the ruling when it was first issued.

Data Throttling Not Allowed

Internet service providers are no longer allowed to throttle or slow your data if you regularly enjoy streaming video or other rich media content on demand. The FCC ruling explicitly forbids slowing data access from specific websites.  ISPs are also unable to create a tiered system where they charge content providers like Netflix or HBO a higher price for access to an “Internet fast lane.” Of course, the expectation is those higher prices would have been passed on to the individual consumer.

Will a Better Regulated and Transparent Fee Structure Lead to Lower Prices?

One of the reasons the FCC preempted their Net Neutrality decision with a new definition of high speed Internet service was because of the ruling’s new requirements for the regulation of Internet fees. No longer can an ISP sell you a 5 Mbps service and call it broadband. The FCC hopes the added transparency leads to lower prices or at least a more informed consumer.

As with any technical issue, once the politicians become involved, the truth sometimes gets lost. Continue to pay attention to Net Neutrality in the news to see if these promised benefits become reality.

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Streaming Movies with MGO

Last Updated: June 25, 2015

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Streaming movies over the Internet continues to be a growing technology trend in the world of digital entertainment. MGO, or M-GO, is another Internet video on demand service offering a full range of recent movies and TV shows for your streaming pleasure. The service’s major industry competition includes the standard list of names: Netflix, Amazon Prime, iTunes, etc.

Formed in 2013, M-GO offers customers a free subscription, but renting individual shows and movies costs a nominal fee. The service is available on many smart TVs and streaming devices like the Roku and Chromecast.

Streaming movies with M-GO

M-GO Focuses on First Run Movies Before the Competition

One of M-GO’s biggest advantages over the competition involves its deals with a variety of Hollywood studios allowing you to stream movies as soon as they are released on DVD or Blu-Ray. Streaming current TV shows soon after their network air date is another possibility.

As a subscriber you are allowed to rent movies for a 24-hour period; expect to pay a fee between $4 and $6 per movie. TV shows, on the other hand, can only be purchased. The typical price for a whole season ranges from $10 to $40, while individual episodes can be bought for $2 to $3. SD-quality content is slightly less expensive than the HD equivalent.

M-GO’s content prices are comparable to other streaming video services with free subscriptions. Netflix allows free streaming for one nominal fee per month, but that service’s library of content changes on an almost weekly basis. Amazon Prime also offers a host of other benefits, including free two-day shipping, with its service.

MGO Keeps your Bandwidth Burning

Since the M-GO subscription costs nothing, consider it another worthy option for streaming movies or TV shows if you can’t find a certain program or Hollywood blockbuster on one of the other VOD services. As mentioned earlier, the company’s connections in the movie industry sometimes gives it access to the latest films before the other services.

Of course with any video streaming service, make sure your home Internet service is up to snuff. Always perform regular speed tests to ensure your ISP provides sufficient bandwidth to seamlessly stream movies in HD. With all this in mind, M-GO might become your best bet for the latest in digital entertainment.

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Apple Music — Bandwidth Considerations for Streaming Music

Last Updated: June 22, 2015

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Apple’s recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) garnered a lot of press for its announcement of Apple Music, Cupertino’s attempt to gain a share of the Internet music streaming market currently dominated by companies like Spotify and Pandora. Apple brings some heavy hitters from the music industry to the fray, including Dr. Dre and Nine Inch Nail’s Trent Reznor.

Still, most Internet users don’t care so much about music playlists curated by celebrities; they want to know whether or not their Internet service offers the bandwidth to stream high quality music with no buffering or stuttering. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at Apple Music to see if it makes sense for your Internet music experience.

Streaming Apple Music

Details on Apple Music Streaming Service

Using an app only compatible with the iOS platform — for now — Apple Music offers a music streaming service with a variety of features Cupertino hopes distinguish its product from Spotify and Pandora. These include the previously mentioned curated playlists, Siri voice control, and the Beats Connect platform which lets musical artists share blog posts and other content with their fans.

The Apple music streaming service costs users $9.99 per month, after an initial three-month free trial period. Families are able to get everyone in on the streaming action for one monthly fee of $14.99. Apple Music’s Beats 1 radio station is always free.

Apple Music is expected to be available to all current iTunes users by the end of June. Apple TV owners won’t see the service on those devices until sometime this summer. Android fans need to wait until later this year before the app arrives at the Google Play store.

Will You Need More Bandwidth for Apple Music?

Fortunately, music streaming services don’t require the massive amounts of bandwidth as with video streaming. Most Internet accounts, even as low as 1 Mbps,  are able to stream music with little problem. Since Apple Music also offers other content on Beats Connect, you’ll need to pay attention when streaming videos or other rich media formats.

As always, make sure to perform regular speed tests to see if you are getting all the bandwidth promised by your ISP. Remember that an HTML 5 speed test works best on the mobile devices — smartphones and tablets — on which most folks do the bulk of their music streaming.

Whether Apple Music is able to make a dent in Pandora’s market share remains to be seen, but there is no denying that Cupertino is taking music streaming very seriously.

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Have You Tried a Google Hangout?

Last Updated: June 15, 2015

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If you are looking for a modern communication platform suitable for video, text messaging, and more, you might want to check out Google Hangouts. While it can be considered a competitor to Microsoft’s Skype video chat service, Hangouts features many extras including natural integration with the popular Android mobile operating system.  In fact, you probably already have the Hangouts app lurking amongst your Android smartphone’s app library and it could be worthy of further exploration.

Google Hangout app

Google Hangouts Basic Features

Hangouts offers many different ways for you to communicate over the Internet — Voice calls, VOIP, text messaging, SMS — all possible using your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Group video calls are another option, which can be useful in a business meeting scenario, or to let your family get together online for a quick chat.

Google makes it easy for you to share photos and videos as part of the conversation. Even adding emoji to the discussion is possible, (but might not be appropriate for every online business meeting.) The cool thing about each individual Google Hangout is that they never have to end; you can start one on your smartphone and continue the discussion on another device.

In addition to the Android app on the Google Play store, iPhone and iPad users can also join in the fun with the iOS app available at the iTunes app store. One caveat for desktop users is Hangouts requires an extension only available for Google’s Chrome web browser. Once the extension is installed, you can access the service using either Gmail or Google+.

Another feature of Hangouts is its ability to let you “call” another person’s smartphone or even their landline. Calls to the U.S. and Canada are free, and international calls require Google credits unless the called party is another Hangouts user. These landline calls require a separate Hangouts Dialer app.

Make Sure you have Enough Bandwidth for Online Video Chat

Of course, video chatting using a Google Hangout takes a notable amount of Internet bandwidth, so make sure you perform a regular HTML5 speed test on your smartphone to be sure your Internet service can handle it. If your ISP isn’t keeping up their end of the bargain, by all means let them know.

Google Hangouts is definitely a 21st Century way to communicate with friends, family, and business associates. The massive popularity of Android gives Hangouts a better shot at sustained success compared to Google+ so if you wanted to try it out it appears Google Hangouts will be hanging out for quite a while.

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Three Tips on How to Boost WiFi Signal Strength at Your Home

Last Updated: June 10, 2015

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With more and more consumers streaming movies, playing online games, and taking part in other bandwidth intensive activities at home, additional demands are being placed on the venerable wireless router. Often there are multiple persons and devices simultaneously consuming data from your Internet service at your residence.  Whatever the reason, learning how to boost wifi signal strength at your home is a must to ensure everyone gets the most out of their online experience.

With that in mind, here are a few tips for optimizing your home’s WiFi signal.

Home WiFi Boost

Invest in a Better Router

Ultimately, making an investment in a high-end wireless router offers you the most bang for the buck when it comes to improving your WiFi signal. We’ve talked about dual band routers in the past here at Bandwidth Place if you are interested in learning more about the subject, but the bottom line remains: dual band routers work better in scenarios where multiple people are using your Internet service at the same time.

Additionally, routers that support advanced features like beamforming are able to boost the WiFi signal for certain devices on your home network. It is a good idea to use beamforming on any device consuming a copious amount of bandwidth, like Blu-Ray players, HD TVs, and advanced video game systems.

Centralize the Placement of your Router

Be sure to place your wireless router somewhere in the middle of the devices typically accessing it. If your router resides in one side of your house, the signal will obviously be weaker for those devices farthest from its location. If necessary, talk to your ISP to see if placing your modem — whether coax, fiber, or DSL — in a central location to facilitate an optimal router placement is possible.

Watch Out for Any Signal Interference

Certain appliances, most notably microwaves, interfere with your router’s signal. So make sure you place the router where a microwave won’t hamper your WiFi. Additionally, try to keep any walls between your router and your streaming devices to a minimum.

Finally, making the effort to optimize your WiFi signal goes for naught if your Internet service suffers from inadequate bandwidth. Be sure to perform speed tests on a regular basis to ensure you are getting bandwidth you paid for and deserve.

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3 Travel Tips for Getting Internet Access

Last Updated: June 1, 2015

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Even when you are on the go — either traveling for work or on vacation — staying connected to the Internet is vital. It can be hard to stay on top of your personal and professional life without good Internet access when away from home. Smartphones, tablets, and laptop computers make it easy to enjoy a digital life in a remote location, provided you can get online!

With that in mind, here are a few tips for getting Internet access when traveling — either domestically or internationally.

Travel tips for Internet access

Keep on the Lookout for WiFi Hotspots

WiFi hotspots are always a good bet for Internet access while traveling. Bookstores, fast food restaurants, and coffee shops are known for providing free Internet for their customers. Return the courtesy by purchasing something from the place providing you online access.

Additionally, it is never a good idea to access certain private information like your bank or credit card’s website when accessing the Internet using a WiFi hotspot in a public location. Stay smart!

Consider a Prepaid Internet Access Card

Prepaid Internet access cards are another good option for getting Internet access when traveling internationally. Foreigners visiting the United States also are able to leverage this option. Most major American wireless carriers offer them, including AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

These cards work in similar fashion as prepaid phone cards. You pay a nominal fee for a certain number of hours of Internet access. Adding additional Internet time is also an easy process. Remember that no contract is necessary when using prepaid cards.

Watch your Bandwidth Considerations

Don’t expect to stream 4K HD video to your tablet computer when accessing the Internet on the road. WiFi hotspots, hotel Internet service, and even using a prepaid card from a major wireless carrier probably won’t provide the same level of bandwidth as your home Internet service. Make sure to perform regular HTML5 bandwidth tests to verify your current Internet speed before attempting to stream any media content, especially video.

Traveling doesn’t mean you have to forego Internet access. A variety of options exist to keep you connected when on the go. Just be careful when accessing any public WiFi hotspot and check out whether or not a prepaid Internet access card is your best choice depending on your ultimate destination.

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Five Tips to Improve Mobile Internet Speed

Last Updated: May 25, 2015

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Chances are good that a decent percentage of your Internet activity happens on your smartphone or tablet, either at your house, at the office, or while on vacation. Even when away from your home network, it remains vital to keep an eye on your Internet speed. The major wireless carriers constantly trumpet the quality of their networks, and it is important to hold them to their promises.

Performing a regular mobile Internet speed test needs to be part of your schedule along with testing the bandwidth at home. With that in mind, here are five quick tips to improve your mobile Internet speed.

mobile Internet speed test

Leverage an HTML5 Mobile Internet Speed Test on your Device

When testing your Internet speed on a mobile device, Flash-based speed tests aren’t the way to go. They won’t run at all on an iOS device, so your iPhone and iPad are out, and Flash still runs sluggishly on Android, possibly skewing your results. When using a browser-based speed test on a smartphone, HTML5 remains your best option.

Off Peak Hours are better for Heavy Internet Activity

If you are planning on downloading any large files or app updates, perform them during off peak hours, as wireless carriers’ networks are typically less crowded at this time. Avoid doing this activity during the day.

Use a Mobile Ad Blocker

Advertising on websites takes up a significant amount of bandwidth. A variety of ad blocker apps exist for the iOS and Android platforms. Installing one on your smartphone can greatly reduce the amount of data downloaded on a daily basis, which speeds up accessing the content you actually want to see.

Don’t leave too Many Apps Running in Memory

While it doesn’t necessarily relate to raw Internet speed, having too many apps running uses up your mobile device’s internal memory causing overall performance to suffer. So it seems like your Internet service is slow when your smartphone is the actual problem. Be sure to regularly “force quit” apps (or periodically restart your device) to keep everything running smoothly.

Your Case Could Hamper your Mobile Signal?

In some cases, your smartphone case may actually interfere with your device’s antenna. Run two speed tests with the case on and off and see if the test results vary. If you don’t want to give up your stylish case, consider one of the many apps on iOS and Android that help find the best mobile and WiFi signals in your location.

Ultimately, your smartest strategy to improve your mobile Internet speed is to regularly test your bandwidth while keeping track of the test results. Pay attention to any environmental factors at home or on the road that could hamper signal quality. Make sure you get the bandwidth you deserve!

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HBO Online More Available Than Ever With HBO Go and HBO Now

Last Updated: May 19, 2015

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With many content providers and media companies getting in the video on-demand game, it comes as no surprise that HBO also entered the fray with their HBO Go online streaming service. Now you are able to keep up with the Targaryens, Starks, and Lannisters by streaming the wildly popular Game of Thrones no matter your location — Westeros, Essos, or even beyond the Wall.

If you already subscribe to HBO through your satellite or cable television provider, you simply need to download the HBO Go app for either the iOS or Android platforms to stream HBO online content wherever you may wander. Additionally, cordcutters are now also able to enjoy the premium television service by subscribing to the new HBO Now service. Let’s take a closer look at how these HBO online services compare.

HBO Go and HBO Now online

Differences Between HBO Go and HBO Now

As mentioned earlier, the simplest way to look at HBO’s two video streaming offerings is the following. HBO Go allows those who subscribe to the premium movie channel through their cable or satellite service to enjoy on-demand streaming of HBO movies and TV shows on their mobile device. HBO Now, on the other hand, provides the same functionality without first subscribing to cable or satellite TV.

An HBO Now subscription costs $15 per month, which is comparable to paying for the channel on your satellite or cable service. This option launched in early April 2015, exclusively for owners of an Apple TV box or an iOS device, like the iPhone or iPad. After an initial three month period, HBO Now becomes available on other platforms, including Android mobile devices, and probably other video-on-demand products, like the Roku and Chromecast.

iOS users note that the HBO Now app is compatible with iOS 7.0 and greater. For comparison’s sake, the HBO Go app supports iOS 5.0 and greater.

Make sure your Internet Bandwidth handles HD Video Streaming

When using either HBO Go or HBO Now, remember to perform regular Internet speed tests to ensure you’re getting enough bandwidth to stream HD-quality video without hiccups or too much buffering. At least 5 Mbps is a good benchmark for HD video streaming, but 10 Mbps works better, especially if you have multiple users accessing your router.

HBO Go and HBO Now offer users an easy way to stream quality HBO online movies and TV shows when on the go. As more consumers eschew regular cable and satellite TV service, expect more content providers to follow HBO’s lead with their own streaming products. 

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Four Quick Ways to Improve Bandwidth for Streaming Movies

Last Updated: May 5, 2015

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Whether you’re a cordcutter without a subscription to cable or satellite TV, or you want the convenience of streaming content using DirecTV Everywhere or HBO Go, bandwidth remains a vital part of your video-on-demand experience. Trying to enjoy streaming video on a slow Internet service leads to buffering and ultimately a poor experience.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few quick ways to ensure there is enough bandwidth for your video streaming enjoyment.

improve bandwidth for streaming media

First Off — Test Your Internet Speed

Before trying to optimize your bandwidth, make it a point to run a quick Internet speed test to see whether your service supports video streaming. Anything above 5 Mbps works for HD-video quality, although speeds greater than 10 Mbps perform better, especially if multiple users are accessing the same router.

Limit the Number of Users Accessing Your Internet Service

As mentioned at earlier, make sure to limit the number of users accessing your wireless router before streaming a movie. Even if you subscribe to broadband Internet service with a decent speed, multiple users sharing that service often hampers performance for everyone.

Invest in a High-end Dual Band Router

Dual band wireless routers provide you with essentially two different networks: one at 2.4 GHz (the same speed in single band routers), and a faster 5 GHz network that’s optimized for streaming rich media content. A dual band router with a superior range will definitely improve the streaming experience of any device connected to your network.

Additionally, higher-end routers leverage a technology known as beamforming that optimizes the connection between the router and device. In short, if you plan on doing a lot of movie streaming and online videogaming at your house, an investment in a top of the line dual band router is a smart call.

Pay Attention to the Router’s Location at your Residence

Routers are affected by location. Consider placing your wireless router close to your prime television viewing area to improve the overall streaming experience. This helps you get the most out of your bandwidth even without spending extra on a high-end router.

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Fiber Optic Internet Options from Google, Verizon and AT&T

Last Updated: May 4, 2015

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Fiber optic Internet service offers the ultimate in speed and bandwidth for the home user. Unfortunately, its availability tends to be limited; the high cost of installing fiber optic cable being a primary reason. Still, where it is available, it generally leads to healthy competition between the country’s top Internet providers.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at three major carriers and whether or not you can get high speed Internet service over fiber from them.

fiber optic internet service

Google Fiber Continues Slow Nationwide Rollout

Google Fiber is the Internet service on the wish list of many consumers. Its one gigabit per second Internet speed is more than enough to meet the needs of a large family each streaming their own HD movie simultaneously. The price is more than competitive:  around $70 per month for Internet only, and $120-140 per month with an added digital TV service.

The service first became available in late 2012 to residents in the Kansas City metro area, with Provo, Utah and Austin, Texas also slated to get the service shortly. Google started taking Fiber signups in Austin late last year.

In January, Google announced that the Nashville, Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Atlanta metro areas were to be the next metro areas to receive Fiber, with Salt Lake City joining them shortly after. Still, this leaves the vast majority of the country — especially the Northeast — out of luck for the foreseeable future.

Verizon Focusing More on Wireless Business

Verizon offers their own fiber optic Internet service, known as FiOS, which is typically delivered as a bundle with digital TV and home phone. The service launched in 2005 and saw significant expansion up to 2010. FiOS remains available in selected U.S. cities, mostly on both coasts.

FiOS expansion slowed due to Verizon’s poor 2010 financial performance, leading them to focus on their more profitable wireless business. The service’s Internet speed ranges from 25 Mbps to 500 Mbps, depending on the tier. As of May 2013, FiOS is available in 18 million homes, with five million current subscribers.

AT&T U-verse Expanding its Footprint

AT&T’s U-verse is a mostly fiber optic service bundle with high speed Internet, digital TV, and phone. Depending on the service location, AT&T either runs fiber to each individual house or, more commonly fiber to a node, with copper wire then carrying the signal to each subscriber’s home. U-verse, while not available everywhere, is more common than Google Fiber or Verizon FiOS.

With U-verse, Internet speeds vary from 3 Mbps all the way to a one gig service — GigaPower 1G — that became available in Austin, Texas soon after Google announced Fiber was coming to Austin. There is also a different GigaPower tier available in a few cities, but it only offers a 300 Mbps Internet speed.  Here’s hoping more local governments continue to get in the ISP game, like Chattanooga’s successful one gig service.

In the meantime if you want fiber optic Internet service in your location, you may have to wait until the three big providers bring their networks to your city.  Monitor Google, Verizon and AT&T for the latest updates on fiber optic internet availability.

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