Learn Playstation Vue Alternatives: Best Apps to Replace PS Vue

Playstation Vue Alternatives: Best Apps to Replace PS Vue

Last Updated: November 1, 2019

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The news of Sony’s PlayStation Vue shutting down shocked the streaming world this week. Ultimately, with the PS5 hitting the market next year, Sony wants to focus on its new video game system. The costs of running a separate streaming service apparently are too much for the technology giant.

PlayStation Vue logo copyright Sony.

Let’s take a look at the details of PlayStation Vue closing. We also look at a few PSVue alternatives to help your household cope with the change. There are many quality streaming services out there hoping for your subscription.

Is PlayStation Vue Shutting Down a Sign of Streaming Industry Consolidation?

Sony announced this week that the last day of operation for PlayStation Vue is January 30, 2020. One piece of good news is Sony is billing customers for the last time in December. So current subscribers essentially receive a free month of service in January.

Some technology pundits wonder if PSVue closing is a sign of an upcoming streaming industry consolidation. The number of PlayStation Vue subscribers ranged from 500,000 to 800,000 depending on the source. This ranked behind other services like Sling TV and YouTube TV.

Sony made a mistake by not offering synergies between PSVue and its gaming services like PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now. They’d likely get more Vue subscribers by offering a discount for users of both.

As Sony stated, given the competitive nature of the industry, they made a decision to focus on the PS5. The streaming market is only becoming more cluttered with Apple TV+, Disney+, and HBO Max all joining the fray. Thankfully, users looking for a new cable TV replacement enjoy many options.

The Best PlayStation Vue Alternatives

We recently published a streaming service buyers guide that featured PSVue and two other options. Both YouTube TV and Hulu Live TV are worthy replacements for your PlayStation Vue subscription.

YouTube TV offers essentially the same channel lineup as Vue at a similar monthly price. Its biggest selling point is a Cloud DVR with unlimited storage. You are able to keep programs for up to nine months.

Hulu + Live TV is another winner with similar pricing and lineup. You also get access to Hulu’s full library of content. Pay attention to see if Hulu’s upcoming bundle with ESPN+ and Disney+ adds the Live TV content at a higher price. If so, it’s probably the best deal in streaming.

Philo offers a great channel lineup for only $20 per month. One important caveat is the lack of sports and news channels, except for BBC World News. A host of on-demand content makes up for no Cloud DVR.

Finally, sports fans need to check out FuboTV. You get most of the sports channels as well as extra soccer content. There’s also a good array of news, entertainment, and lifestyle channels.

As always, be sure to perform regular speed tests to ensure your bandwidth can handle HD streaming. 5 Mbps remains the idea benchmark for HD video on one device. Remember, we still have the best Internet speed test in the business!

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Best Internet for Gaming – What you need to know

Last Updated: October 26, 2019

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The best internet for gaming requires something more than speed on your internet connection.

We have all been there. You’re enjoying a great multiplayer session of your favorite videogame and suddenly you can sense the “the lag”. Your action doesn’t match what you see on screen.

Then you start loosing over and over again. Finally you get a message on the screen “Connection Lost” and just like that…. the match is over for you.

It’s a terrible experience for players all around the world.

Let’s dive into some gaming history and what can you do the get the best internet possible for gaming.

Brief History

In 1958 the first video game was invented by the American Physicist William Higinbotham, fast forward to 1972, when Atari, the first home video system was created.

Almost 10 years later, in 1981 IBM launches their first PC, running on Microsoft DOS.

In 1983 the Internet is officially “created” when the World Wide Web is released to the public domain. In that same year Nintendo created their first game console, Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and videogames were so popular that every kid on the block wanted a gaming system more than anything else in the world.

By 1984, BITNET develops MAD, the first game to be accessed by a world-wide computer network. Later in 1986 SGI Dogfight was released, becoming the first game to use the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), even if the game was limited to a single network.

The same year, workstation computers received graphics capabilities.

This is occurring while we have the release of Windows Systems which opens the door for the 2D space battle game XTrek. Then in 1987, with the release of Midi Maze, Atari joins the multiplayer party. Atari ST allows you to connect 16 consoles.

It’s the first time we see the concept of a “death match” in gaming.

We can see now how those events were marking the path of videogames and gaming. This series of events pretty much sealed our destinies as gamers.

The videogame race has not stopped ever since. Games are becoming more realistic and complex, and if there something that tomb raiding-spell casting-sword swinging-dragon slaying- head shooting- zombie killing- monster hunter- weirdos like us enjoy is playing and competing with others of our kind.

Multiplayer is the way to go.

Do you have the best internet speed for gaming?

As time goes by, videogames are becoming more demanding.

Nowadays games have better graphics, better sound effects and better music.

You can have the best computer in the universe, but without the right internet speed to match it, it’s like having a Lamborghini on rough dirt road.

Some games are more demanding than others. This is the main reason why it has become so important for gamers to know what the best internet speed for gaming is.

What are you using the internet for?

To determine how much speed you need, is important to know what you are using the internet for.

Do you have several computers connected? Are you using only one gaming system? How many cell phones and tablets are sharing the connection? How many smart devices do you own?

All these factors will affect your connection, knowing this will help you figure out what is the best internet for gaming.

What kind of games are you playing?

The speed requirement for single player games and multiplayer games is different.

For most single player games, you can make do with a speed of at least 3 Mpbs on the download and 1 Mbps on the upload.

As long as you only have that one device connected to the internet.

If you have several devices connected to the internet, just multiply the number of devices by three and that should give you a ballpark number of how much speed you need.

Is speed the only thing that matters?

Nope. Your connection can be super-fast, but if the response time is too slow, then it’s no use.

The best internet provider for gaming is the one that give you the speed you need and the fastest response time.

When you perform a speed test, the lower the “ping” number is, the faster the communication between your computer and the server is. This is exactly what you are looking for.

The Ping Rate, also known as “latency”, must be as low as possible, to make the game enjoyable and avoid gamer “lag rage” it should be under 150 ms.

Console or PC?

No, I am not going to discuss the forbidden subject. I will not discuss which one is better: to each its own *cough*PC Master Race*cough*.

The speed requirements of the best internet for gaming however, those we can talk about.

For consoles like XBOX One, PS4 and Nintendo Switch let’s say that 4 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload will suffice.

Nintendo Wii is a little less demanding, and you can make do with 1.5 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload.

For PC, however, since there are so many options of parts and games, it makes difficult to recommend a speed.

Just to be on the safe side, it should be a speed of 3 to 6 Mbps download and at least 2.5 Mbps upload.

Keeping it real.

Let’s face it, these recommendations are for one person gaming online at a time. If your household is anything like mine that scenario would likely never happen.

On a regular basis we have three PCs, two smart TVs, four cell phones, three tablets, and two laptops and that is not including whenever we have people over and get the very common question “Can you give me wi-fi?”

Knowing this, even if 50 Mbps should be enough to run our devices. We went for 100 Mbps, because you never know who might come to visit and we wanted to make sure we have the best internet speed for gaming and streaming.

If you need assistance to help you get the best internet for gaming, give us a call completely free. Our experts can help you decide for a better internet service in your area.

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Is Philo the Inexpensive Streaming TV Option for You?

Last Updated: October 25, 2019

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Cordcutters interested in a cheap option for streaming TV need to check out Philo. In competition with other budget services, like Sling TV or AT&T WatchTV, this OTT provider offers a similar low monthly price. When hoping to save money after moving on from cable TV, these inexpensive services simply make sense.

The Philo TV logo. Copyright Philo.

As part of our regular series on streaming services, we train our eyes on Philo. Let’s peruse their channel lineup and other features. You also find out how much Internet speed you need to stream their HD content.

So, here is our profile of the budget streaming service, Philo.

Philo TV Service Plans and Channel Lineup

In short, Philo provides subscribers with more than 50 channels for $20 per month. Their channel lineup includes most popular entertainment channels. Food Network, BBC America, and the MTV family highlight their offerings.

Of course, there’s a catch. In this case, it’s the notable absence of any sports or news channels, beyond BBC World News. So if your household doesn’t care about Fox News, ESPN, or CNN, Philo just might be the perfect option. This service offers no other plans or extra channels. You simply get more than 50 channels (currently 58) for your $20.

Philo TV Supports Most Streaming Devices and More

Like the other OTT TV providers, Philo supports most popular streaming devices. This includes Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more. Of course, it also works with your iOS or Android mobile device. Finally, streaming to your desktop web browser is also possible.

You are able to stream to three simultaneous devices at once. This compares well with the other budget streaming services. 10 personalized profiles per account allows each family member to tailor their own viewing needs.

You also get over 40,000 titles to watch on an on-demand basis. This is a helpful feature, since this service only provides a 30-day Cloud-based DVR. Like most other streaming services, Philo offers a free trial to check out their overall quality.

How Much Internet Speed Do I Need to Stream HD Content?

You need at least 5 Mbps of Internet speed to stream HD video content from any streaming service. Remember they offer three simultaneous streams, so extra bandwidth is necessary in that scenario. Be sure to perform regular Internet speed tests to ensure you get the bandwidth promised by your ISP.

If you want a robust lineup of TV channels and don’t care about sports or cable news, Philo is a great option. More than 50 channels for a $20 monthly fee is a deal that’s tough to beat!

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The Latest Net Neutrality Update and Judge’s Ruling

Last Updated: October 18, 2019

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We felt it’s time to provide a Net Neutrality update with an important judge ruling hitting the news earlier this month. It remains a topic affecting the Internet usage of homes and businesses across the country. If you want to learn more about the topic, check out our overview.

What we said in 2014 still applies today:

“Net Neutrality means that all data on the Internet is equal, no matter its source or its original creator. This is how the Internet has always operated. ISPs provide you the bandwidth and Internet speed you pay for without any say or control of where that data originates: Netflix, Pandora, Amazon — it makes no difference.”

The current administration of the FCC repealed most of the principles around Net Neutrality in 2017. They were promptly sued by Mozilla and others. Additionally, a few states passed their own laws counteracting the FCC ruling. In some cases, these policies are stronger than the original.

The FCC’s newest logo.

The recent federal appellate court ruling focused on the Mozilla suit. On the surface it seemed like a win for FCC head, Ajit Pai. Ultimately, the truth lies in the details. Let’s take a closer look.

A Closer Look at the Federal Court Net Neutrality Ruling

As noted above, Mozilla led the suit against FCC along with a host of other tech companies. Read more about their reasons in this blog post.

The ruling upheld the FCC’s repeal on most of the points raised by Mozilla. In many cases, they felt bound by precedent to allow Ajit Pai’s team to dictate policy. For example, the FCC edict reclassifying broadband as an information service still applies. In short, this allows for fewer regulations for Internet providers.

This portion of the ruling is the main reason the judge’s ruling seemed like a win for the FCC. Remember about the states passing their own Net Neutrality laws after the FCC repeal? Pai’s team argued that the FCC retained full authority to overrule these state laws.

However, the judge struck down that entire portion of the FCC’s new edict. She claimed the FCC doesn’t have the authority to stop any state from setting its own Net Neutrality policies. Considering the strong bipartisan popularity of the “free Internet,” expect more states to follow California’s lead and pass their own Net Neutrality rules.

So What’s Next After Latest This Net Neutrality Update?

Considering this raises a question on states rights vs. the federal government, expect Net Neutrality to eventually reach the Supreme Court. Still, the concept remains very popular view voters on both sides of the aisle. Frankly, not much changed for consumers after the 2017 FCC repeal.

If many states pass their own laws on Net Neutrality, expect Internet service providers the follow these edicts nationally. It makes little operational sense for these companies to implement 50 different Internet usage policies. Ironically, the judge noted by reclassifying the Internet as an information source, the FCC removed its own authority over the states.

For a deeper dive on this month’s Net Neutrality ruling, check out this excellent article at TechCrunch.

Ultimately, don’t expect your Internet service to change too much because of the latest Net Neutrality update. As always, make sure you perform regular speed tests to ensure you get the bandwidth you deserve.

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Improve Your Internet Speed with a Dual-Band Router

Last Updated: October 11, 2019

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So your ISP provides high-speed Internet service but you still encounter buffering when streaming HD video. Is your router actually the problem? Ultimately, a dual-band router is a must to get the fastest Internet speed from your modem.

We previously covered this router technology in the past. Let’s take a fresh look at how dual-band routers provide many benefits to your home wireless network. It’s truly the best way to optimize your home network. Expect more speed reaching your modern streaming devices.

A Closer Look at Dual-Band Router Technology

Older WiFi routers supported the 802.11g standard. They use a 2.4 GHz carrier frequency band to wirelessly transmit an Internet signal throughout your house. Unfortunately, this signal limits the subsequent Internet speed to around 55 Mbps. This is the case even if you pay for faster service.

Linksys Dual-Band Router — A Linksys Dual-band router. Image copyright Linksys.

This same rule applies to the wireless receivers on your computer, older videogame systems, and mobile devices. If they only support 802.11g, your Internet speed maxes out at 55 Mbps. So when you perform an Internet speed test and aren’t receiving 100 Mbps, 802.11g might be the issue.

Newer single-band routers support the 802.11n standard over 2.4 GHz, which removes the 55 Mbps roadblock. Still, if your device uses 802.11g, it’s still stuck in the Internet slow lane. The 2.4 GHz signal also tends to be more susceptible to interference from other household devices, like microwaves.

Enter the dual-band router. These routers essentially broadcast two networks throughout your home or business. One network uses the 2.4 GHz frequency, while the other broadcasts at 5 GHz likely using the newer 802.11ac standard.

This 5 GHz signal is capable of transmitting Internet speeds over 2 gigs per second. Of course, each device receiving that signal needs to support 802.11ac or possibly 802.11n. Understanding how your router works lets you aggregate household Internet traffic to either network based on usage. Let’s take a closer look

Optimizing Your Internet Service Using a Dual-band Router

One of the major advantages of a dual-band router is the ability to route traffic to either network. Any device streaming HD video or online video games needs to use the 5 GHz network. This provides faster Internet speed with less interference.

On the other hand, connect older devices using less bandwidth to the 2.4 GHz network. In fact, depending on the wireless adapter for those devices, they might only “see” this slower network. In short, any computer not normally used for streaming is better served by the 2.4 GHz.

Simply put, picture a multi-lane highway. Make sure your faster cars stay in the left lane with the 5 GHz signal. The better dual-band routers also let you use beamforming to prioritize signals sent to your streaming devices. Take advantage of this functionality if available.

The Future of Router Technology

Some newer high-end routers even feature tri-band technology. This typically includes one 2.4 GHz network and two 5 GHz networks. The two faster networks automatically prioritize traffic based on usage and need. Expect to pay a premium for a tri-band router.

Remember, we recently covered WiFi 6, which is a fancy name for the new 802.11ax wireless standard. New routers and devices supporting WiFi 6 are now hitting the market. However, their largest impact isn’t expected until 2022; likely in tandem with 5G technology. Improved performance, speed, and latency are the big advantages.

Ultimately, the more you understand your router – dual-band or tri-band – the better the Internet performance at your household. This knowledge helps you get the Internet speed you deserve.

For more information on router technology, check out this useful article from Linksys.

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Compare Internet Providers 5 things you need to know

Last Updated: October 8, 2019

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Have you ever wondered what are the characteristics that must be taken into account to compare internet providers?

You need this information to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Today we will give you the necessary tips so that you can analyze the internet speeds you need in your home, and if one internet provider suits you more than another. So, let’s start.

The basic to compare Internet Providers in My Area

If I want to compare internet providers in my area, these are the things I should have as a priority and that you need to consider:

The speed of the connection.
The limit on the use of data (in case it’s not unlimited internet).
Devices that you will have connected simultaneously to the Internet.
How often will you make Internet calls (VOIP) or video chat.
The different types of streaming that you are going to use(Spotify, Netflix, amazon prime, Hulu, Alexa, etc.).
Amount of time playing online with consoles (Xbox, Play Station, Nintendo Switch, etc).
If you’re going to work uploading or downloading large files from the network.

Availability

Let us also take into account that it is not only about comparing the internet providers that we find, the different internet home providers have coverage of areas in a smaller or greater percentage.

This means that the service offered by each provider is distributed by the zip code of each zone. For example, there are cases where your friends who live in another area of the same city have Spectrum, but it turns out that in your area this provider does not have coverage.

Compare Internet Providers – 5 Important Aspects

1 – Let’s define What We Need

The first thing is to determine what we want to do when connecting to the internet.

For example, if it is to attend few activities, such as checking emails or watching a video on YouTube from time to time, a basic package would be more than enough.

Instead, if we use the network to watch movies, series, or to play online with other people, then a powerful connection is required. This is usually associated with higher costs.

Imagine that it is a family of four, for example, it is also advisable to have an effective connection. In a case like this, it would not be surprising to find different devices: 4 smartphones, laptops, videogames consoles, and maybe a desktop.

If all these devices are going to be connected to the network, the connection speed and restrictions on the data limit that can be consumed monthly are definitely very important.

2 – Technical Aspects

There are several questions to ask when trying to compare internet providers:

The first thing is to determine if they have a wireless connection available. If this is the case, it is also useful to know how fast it is. Considering the features of modern devices, a Wi-Fi connection that doesn’t take much time will always be a good option.
We could say that a connection speed of more than 10 Mbps (megabits per second, each equivalent to one million bits) is enough to comfortably perform most of the activities that require the internet.
It is also important to assess whether there is a limit on the downloads that can be made of different types of files. From a realistic point of view, currently the ideal would be to have a speed of 25 Mbps

3 – Security

Security is essential. In these times where there are hackers and there is a risk of massive theft of personal information through the internet.

Ideally, the internet service provider can cover two fronts:

The protection of the IP address (unique number that identifies the computer) against possible attacks. Thus ensuring that there is no risk to the user’s devices.
The e-mails. The company should offer tools to prevent the client from receiving attached files and addresses from websites that contain viruses.

4 – Customer Service

Imagine the following scenario: “Ough! The Internet stopped working and I have an urgency to make a payment through electronic banking… how do I solve the problem now?”

Communication with the company is essential. Does it offer immediate assistance? Or when trying to contact the technical support department are recorded messages heard and we ended up unable to find that immediate assistance?

When there is a problem of this type, which can be extremely frustrating for the user. Everything is summed up in how this type of incident is dealt with and how quickly a solution can be obtained.

5 – Costs

Finally, the price to pay for the internet service. This is a primary consideration, no doubt.

Below we present a list of all aspects to consider in this regard to compare internet providers, evaluate, and make a decision.

The value of the monthly subscription.
Is there an installation cost?
Are the equipment you need for the operation of the service, such as the modem, included in the total price to be paid or must we buy them separately?
What does the package they offer you include? Email, own website, for example? If so, do you need it? If not, it is preferable to consider another option. These services could increase the cost without need.
Are there additional charges that vary depending on the payment method you prefer?
Does the technical support service, antivirus and similar security tools have an extra cost?
The conditions of the contract (if applicable) and the duration of the contract must also be carefully analyzed.

In Conclusion

These have been the aspects you need to compare internet providers. Analyze our options, and select the one that best suits our online needs.

We hope that our little tutorial has been of great help for the doubts you had regarding the internet provider you are looking for.

If you need help choosing a better provider, we’re here to help. Call us now completely free and one of our specialist will help today.

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The 9 Best Internet Providers in NYC

Last Updated: October 6, 2019

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Internet Providers NYC – The Best 9 Providers

Do you live in New York City, and need to find good residential internet providers? Look no further, because we have the solution. You will find the best internet provider NYC has to offer.

We estimate that approximately 99% of NYC residents have access to Internet speeds. Ranging from 250 Mbps or more, compared to 58.19% nationwide.

Most NYC citizens can now have access to high-end broadband providers and fast Internet speeds. In this case, we will make your search much easier among the 9 best NYC internet providers.

Keep in mind that the Internet service providers (ISPs) that you can obtain depend entirely on the area in which you live. We will break down what ISP you can find in each county to help you reduce your decision.

If you need help, you can contact one of our experts. Call now:

Best 9 Internet Providers

What are your options? Okay so, below we will show you a breakdown of the best 9 NYC internet providers that are available in order of popularity:

Spectrum
Verizon
RCN
Xfinity
Mediacom
Optimum
Viasat
HughesNet
Atlantic broadband

Among the internet providers mentioned above, the ones that have stood out the most for their good service and reach are Spectrum, Verizon, Xfinity, and Optimum. Knowing this, then let’s start to break down the internet provider NYC offers and compare them to see which one suits you best:

Spectrum

The most famous provider among internet providers in NYC, Spectrum. It has a greater reach, since it covers most of NY and receives good reviews, because it does not force contracts or data plans to its customers. In other words, you can contract their service and cancel anytime without paying an Early Termination Fee (ETF).

In addition, its network of Wi-Fi access points throughout the city allows you to use your Internet plan both inside and outside your home. Spectrum package:

The maximum speed that Spectrum has available is 100 Mbps, for an initial price of $ 44.99 per month.

Spectrum uses Cable Internet, which uses the same structure has cable television. However their technology and state of the art equipment ensures that customers receives a high quality service. In addition to this, they also offer great promotions from time to time.

Verizon

Verizon has the fastest Internet speeds available in NYC and has the highest J.D. Power ratings. Unlike other providers, Verizon will need a minimum 1-year contract if you want to get their services. Their packages:

Verizon first Internet package offers 100 Mpbs and the initial cost is $39.99 per month.
The maximum speed Verizon has available is 940 Mbps, for an initial price of $79.99 / month.

They are able to achieve these type of speed thanks to their Fiber Optic technology. Fiber Optic allows data to travel within a beam light through a glass and plastic cable. Without any kind of interference data moves at incredible speed therefore, in other words, you get the fastest speed available.

RCN

RCN is not as well known as other ISPs, because it is not available everywhere in NYC, however, it has a very good unlimited internet service and has good reviews. At the present moment RCN offers services to more than 1 million people in NYC.

In fact, RCN internet service is available in some neighborhoods around LaGuardia Airport and Flushing Meadows.

They offer internet plans reaching up to 940 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps respectively.

RCN packages:

The basic package offers – 50 Mbps. Initial price is $34.99 / month.
2nd package – 250 Mbps. Prices starts at $59.99 per month.
3rd tier package offers – 500 Mbps. Starts at $54.99 per month.
Their fastest package offers – 1 Gbps. The initial price is $59.99 / month.

Xfinity

Another of the best internet providers in NYC is Xfinity. In addition is without a doubt one of the preferred Internet companies for Latinos. They have good offers, excellent content on HD TV, fairly fast Internet speeds and many other services. One of their greatest advantages is the price of their services, however, even with a low price their service is outstanding.

Xfinity also has a first class technical support that will help you solve any problem. The maximum speed offered by Xfinity is 1000 Mbps.

The basic package offers between 15 to 60 Mbps. Initial price starts at $29.99 per month.
2nd option – 100 to 150 Mbps. For this package the initial price is $59.99 a month.
3rd package – 250 Mbps. Starts at $69.99 per month.
4th plan – 400 Mbps. The initial price is $69.99 / month.
5th package – 1000 Mbps. Starting at $79.99 per month.

Xfinity also offers their services through Cable technology similarly like Spectrum. However, their prices area little cheaper in some of their packages.

Mediacom

The Mediacom internet service uses DOCSIS 3.0. This technology makes Mediacom cable Internet faster and more reliable than DSL Internet. In other words, better and faster service.

With the Mediacom residential Internet, you can finally have enough speed to meet the needs of the whole family.

Mediacom Packages:

1st package – 100 Mbps. The initial price is $49.99 a month.
On the 2nd package – 200 Mbps. It starts at $59.99 per month.
The 3rd package offers speeds up to 500 Mbps. Pricing starts at $69.99 per month.
4th package you can expect speeds up to 1 Gbps. The initial price is $79.99 per month.

Optimum

Optimum, like Verizon, has great coverage in the Bronx. Their prices are slightly better than those of Verizon and Spectrum in their 200 Mbps and 300 Mbps packages, but their maximum speeds are slower.

So, if you are looking for a faster connection that solves everything, Verizon and Spectrum are more recommended, since they are the best ISPs in these cases.

Optimum packages:

1st package – 200 Mbps. The initial price is $44.99 per month.
2nd option – 300 Mbps. Pricing starts at $54.99 per month.
3rd package – 400 Mbps. The initial price is $64.99 per month.

Viasat

Viasat is an ISP that offers you satellite internet services. This is for cases where other providers do not cover this area.

Satellite Internet is a technology that allows you to connect to the network and enjoy a high-speed connection live where you live. Too easy!

They first install a satellite dish outside your home. Then, we put a modem router inside your home.

And ready! You can now connect to the internet with an Ethernet cable or via Wi-Fi.

Viasat Packages:

1st package – 35 GB. The initial price is $50.00 / month.
2nd plan – 40 GB. Pricing starts at $50.00 per month.
3rd package – 60 GB. Initial price is $65.00 / month.
4th plan – 100 GB. Price starts at $95.00 per month.
5th package – 150 GB. Pricing starts at $150.00 per month.

The only disadvantage about Satellite Internet is that factors like the weather can impact the service. In other words, if you have bad weather in your area, your internet service isn’t going to work properly. However with the new technology implemented in Satellite Internet, you can always count with good service.

HughesNet

If you live in a rural area, a satellite provider may be your only option. Fortunately for you, satellite internet access has come a long way in recent years and you can now get HughesNet.

HughesNet is usually the best Satellite Internet service provider (ISP) that exists. If you need high-speed internet in the middle of nowhere, we recommend Hughesnet. In addition, they offer really competitive pricing.

They offer packages up to 50 GB of data per month.

HughesNet packages:

1st package – 10 GB. Initial price starts at $59.99/ month.
2nd package – 20 GB. The initial price is $69.99/ month.
3rd package – 30 GB. Starting at $99.99 per month.
4th package – 50 GB. The initial price is $149.99 / month.

Atlantic Broadband

Atlantic Broadband is a home internet provider available in the District of Columbia, their largest coverage area. However, you can also find Atlantic Broadband in Massachusetts, NYC, Pennsylvania, and some other locations.

Together with their service, they include the modem and home Wi-Fi. They have speeds of up to 100 Mbps.

1st package – 10 GB. Initial price is $29.99/ month.
2nd package – 30 GB. The initial price is $39.99/ month.
3rd package – 75 GB. Pricing starts at $49.99 per month.
4^th package – 110 Mbps. The initial price is $201.99 / month.

Let’s Compare Internet Providers In NYC

So far, we have seen several NYC internet providers. More than one internet provider covers most areas of NYC, so how do you choose?

To sum up, we did a little digging into internet reliability, customer satisfaction, and noteworthy features. After this, we reduced the options to only 4 internet providers:

Verizon – Fast upload and download speeds.
Spectrum – No data caps or contracts.
Optimum – Highly reliable.
RCN – Highest customer satisfaction.

From all the internet provider NYC has to offer the best one is Spectrum. This is because of their prices, no data caps or contracts and speed. However you should choose the one that best suits your needs.

In conclusion we hope that this information is able to help you in your quest to receive the best internet service you deserve.

If you’re having problems deciding the best option for you, can always call us. We will help you get the fastest option in your area.

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5 tips to choose the best internet provider in Houston

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How to choose the best Internet provider in Houston

It is very important to know how to choose among the best internet providers in Houston according to your needs. Your choice can make a huge difference in your satisfaction as a customer.

If you live in Houston you will have a large number of internet providers to choose from that we have brought to you.

Here are some guidelines on what to look for in an Internet provider available in your area, and the key points to compare between them.

What you need to know about the different types of Internet services?

First of all, it is worth knowing the differences between the types of Internet services available.

This way we will know how to choose the best Internet provider. Broadband is a general term that covers all types of Internet connections, from Cable, Satellite, DSL and Fiber Optic Service.

Here is a summary of the different types of broadband connections available to consumers.

DSL, Digital Subscriber Line. It operates through regular telephone lines (such as dial-up) to offer download speeds as fast as 25 megabits per second. There are two types of DSL: asymmetric DSL (ADSL) and symmetric DSL (SDSL).
Cable Broadband. It operates through coaxial cable and provides download speeds ranging from 30 Mbps to more than 300 Mbps. It is offered by different internet providers that also have cable television and phone services.
Satellite Connection. Uses satellites to transmit the signal through satellite dishes. No matter where you are, it offers speeds of up to 15 Mbps for download and up to 3 Mbps for upload. Hence it’s a great option for people leaving in an isolated location.
Fiber Optic Service. It works through an optical network using light. Fiber optic lines are made of pure glass and it’s thin as a human hair. Through it, data is transmitted using one or several beams of light. At this time, there are several fiber optic internet providers in Houston, TX. They offer speeds of up to 300 Mbps for download.

Call now toll free and to one of our experts. We can help you choose the best option in your area.

How to choose the best Internet provider by download and upload speed?

We all want to surf the Internet faster for the price we are willing to pay. To find the fastest internet provider in Houston, we recommend you give us a phone call to our free number 1-800-444-0846. One of our experts can help you find the internet you need right away.

Some of the key points to take into account while choosing a provider are the following:

Cost and Contract: Some services require that you rent the modem or buy one by yourself, others provide it. Some of them offer free installation, while others charge for the technical visit. Many times there are discounts if we get a package with television and / or phone service. Above all be sure to compare the costs, even after the offer expires. Consider the length of the contract and any possible early termination fee.
Service conditions: Similarly, make sure you know what the service limitations are. There may be limits on data transmission. Like limiting the amount of data that can be used per month.
Add-ons and special features: Many providers offer extras just to make it appear that you are receiving great value. Things like anti-virus subscriptions, email addresses, personal websites, are extras that you probably don’t need. A very good complement, however, is free access to Wi-Fi hotspots.
Reliability: Of course, none of these features matter if you cannot use the service when you need it. Ask your neighbors and check other reliable sources.
Customer service. If you experience any problems with the Internet (sooner or later it will occur), how easily can you get support? Does the provider offer assistance by phone, email or chat? How painful is the installation process?

Those are some important considerations hence with them it will be easier to choose an internet provider.

Top 5 providers in Houston

Here’s the list of the 5 top internet providers in Houston:

AT&T: It’s the largest telecommunication company in the world and also the largest mobile and landline phone service provider in the United States. Based in Dallas, Texas, AT&T also offers great plans on internet service with excellent prices, high speed and reliability. As a result it’s a great option to consider.

Connection Type: DSL & Fiber
Maximum download speeds: 1000Mbps

Xfinity: it belongs to Comcast Cable Communications LLC. This is another company that offers cable television, phone, wireless services and Internet packages at a very affordable price.

Connection Type: Cable
Maximum download speeds: 1000Mbps

Frontier: Previously known as Citizens Communications Company. Frontier used to serve in rural areas and little communities, but nowadays it provides digital television and broadband Internet service in several large cities.

Connection Type: DSL & Fiber
Maximum download speeds: 1000Mbps

CenturyLink: based in Monroe, Louisiana. This company offers security, cloud solutions, Internet and many other network services. CenturyLink has a large presence in many countries across America and Asia Pacific.

Connection Type: DSL & Fiber
Maximum download speeds: 45Mbps

Spectrum: it belongs to Charter Communications. Spectrum provides cable television, phone, internet and wireless services. It is widely considered as one of the best internet provider in Houston because of their price and support.

Connection Type: Cable
Maximum download speeds: 100Mbps

Finally it’s important to know that 95% of the population of Texas has access to broadband speeds of 25 Mbps or more. And Houston, its largest metropolitan area, has average speeds of 20 Mbps.

So if you need any assistance to choose a provider, one of our specialist can help you. Call now

About the Authors

Learn Playstation Vue Alternatives: Best Apps to Replace PS Vue

10 best internet providers in Chicago

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Internet Providers Chicago – 10 Great Options

Are you a Chicago resident and looking for an Internet provider that can meet your specific requirements? Do not say more, today we come to help you choose among the best 10 home internet providers in your area.

Among the different Chicago internet providers that are available and currently have very good reviews there, we can mention the following:

AT&T
Cyberonic
Xfinity
Earthlink
AT&T Fiber
WOW!
RCN
E-vergent
Viasat
Hughesnet

AT&T

AT&T is currently #1, the best provider you can get in Chicago, due to the large percentage of areas it covers. Recommended for all types of use.

DSL connection type.
Provider with greater coverage in Chicago.
Maximum speed of 1 Gbps.
They have the Smart Home Manager service available.
You can control all your devices with the smart Wi-Fi through the AT&T app.
Initial cost of the service US $ 40.00 / month.

Cyberonic

Cyberonic does not have much power when it comes to speed, but it is one of the internet providers that is also available in Chicago, which has a good coverage range. It all depends on the use you are going to give to the service.

Connection types: Fiber, cable internet, DSL, copper and fixed wireless.
Maximum speed of 11 Mbps.
Free usage of wireless equipment.
You can control all your devices with the smart Wi-Fi through the AT&T app.
Free trial of 10 days.
The service works with 3G / 4G.
Requires an activation fee of US $ 249.
Initial cost of the service US $ 99.00 / month.

Xfinity

One of the best Chicago internet providers. Xfinity is an excellent provider with a large area coverage, it has more options in terms of speeds, in fact, it is who has the highest internet speed available.

Connection types: Cable internet, TV, and phone.
Maximum speed of 2 Gbps.
Best provider for gaming.
Also, best provider for streaming.
Delivers the best in-home Wi-Fi experience with the most coverage throughout your home.
Xfinity allows you to switch to the service without risks for a period of 30 days to enjoy the best TV and Internet experience.
Initial cost of the service US $30.00 / month.

Earthlink

EarthLink is a provider that is a leader in Internet services due to the different options in which they can give you access to the service. They offer high-speed internet that is reliable, safe and affordable. No matter the use or device, they have you covered.

Connection types: Fiber, Dial-Up, Satellite, DSL.
Maximum speed of 1 Gbps.
Recommended package: Hyperlink, great for streaming.
Free installation (depends on the location and the package).
Initial cost of the service US $9.95 / month.

AT&T Fiber

AT&T 100% fiber technology internet service. It offers us faster speeds. Stream, surf, download, shop, play, watch, text, all at the same time.

Connection types: Fiber.
Maximum speed of 1 Gbps.
fastest upload and download speeds.
Whole-home WI-Fi connectivity to power your devices.
99% reliability.
Initial cost of the service US $50.00 / month.

WOW!

WOW Internet is one of the largest broadband providers in the United States. Their internet service has speeds of up to 1 GB, they also offer TV service and Voice plans.

Connection types: Fiber, cable internet, DSL, Television.
Maximum speed of 1 Gbps.
Home Wi-Fi Network available
You can get a free email, the calendar and address book are in one place.
You receive free antivirus and firewall protection through F-Secure.
Initial cost of the service US $24.99/ month.

RCN

RCN offers an award-winning high-speed Internet service. You can surf the web, play, stream series, movies, and connect wirelessly to multiple devices through the powerful fiber optic network they currently have available.

Connection types: Fiber, cable internet, Phone.
Maximum speed of 1 Gbps.
Latest equipment so you can get lighting fast speeds.
Low cost subscription to McAfee internet security.
24/7 customer support.
Initial cost of the service US $29.99/ month.

E-vergent

Whether you need high-speed internet service for your business or your home, e-vergent has a solution that will work for you. They know that not everyone needs the same type of internet service, so they provide several speed options. From small families to large families and from small business to enterprise.

Connection types: Fixed wireless.
Maximum speed of 15 Mbps.
No data caps and no overages.
Cloud-based monitoring.
Equipment replacement in the event of failure.
Optimal router placement during installation.
Initial cost of the service US $49.95/ month.

Viasat

Viasat is one of the few satellite Chicago internet providers, these types of providers are good and functional when other ISPs do not have coverage over the area where you reside.

Connection types: satellite, phone.
Maximum speed of 30 Mbps.
They currently have new unlimited data plans that are available in selected areas.
Wi-Fi Modem included in most plans.
Initial cost of the service US $49.99/ month.

Hughesnet

Satellite internet? Depending on the situation, yes, in some cases it is the only option available. Sometimes, a satellite internet provider may be your only option. Fortunately, HughesNet has updated its capabilities and is now much more accessible.

Connection types: satellite and phone.
Maximum speed of 25 Mbps.
They currently have new unlimited data plans that are available in selected areas.
Data cap: up to 150 GB.
Initial cost of the service US $59.99/ month.

Internet Providers Chicago – Make Your Choice

So far we have seen 10 great Chicago internet providers, if you are a resident of this area, we assure you that any of them have coverage in a smaller or greater percentage.

Finally, our recommendation would be if AT&T, Xfinity, or WOW! are available in your area, choose the one that best suits the needs of your home. If those are not available, you can decide on any of the other options.

About the Authors

Learn Playstation Vue Alternatives: Best Apps to Replace PS Vue

A Streaming Services Buyers Guide: PlayStation Vue, Hulu, YouTube TV

Last Updated: October 4, 2019

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Note: Since we published this article, Sony announced it was closing PlayStation Vue. Check out our other article detailing some suitable PS Vue alternatives.

With our ongoing series on the changing television world, it makes sense to publish a streaming services buyers guide. This time out, it’s a throwdown between PlayStation Vue, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV. Cordcutters note, all three offer enough channels to be considered replacements for your cable or TV service.

Our guide takes a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of all three. Note that the monthly price for the three is around $50. For our profiles of the individual services, click on the following links: PS Vue, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV.

The Best Collection of Streaming Channels?

PlayStation Vue, Hulu Live TV, and YouTube TV all offer a similar robust channel lineup. This means each serves as a valid replacement for your cable or satellite TV service. Any preference for one likely lies with the availability of specific channels or special perks.

PS Vue likely serves sports fans better than the rest, with the ESPN family, FS1 and FS2, NBCSN, and much more. Its inclusion of BeIN Sports is sure to attract soccer fans.

Ultimately, the quality of the channel line up is wash between the three streaming services. Note that all three include local channels. Check the website for each to see what’s available at your home.

Which Streaming Service has the Best Cloud DVR?

All three streaming services provide users with a Cloud-based DVR to store programming. Hulu Live TV requires an upgrade to receive the 200 hour storage of their enhanced DVR. Normally, users receive 50 hours.

YouTube TV takes things to another level, however. All subscribers receive a Cloud DVR with unlimited storage. You are able to keep recordings for up to nine months. It’s the major advantage of Google’s streaming service.

Streaming Device Support

All three services support nearly all the major streaming devices, such as Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast. Expect the same support with most smart TVs. Of course, web-browser viewing on your desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone is also possible.

PlayStation Vue offers five simultaneous streams. This compares nicely to YouTube TV’s three, and Hulu Live TV’s two. Keep this in mind if you have a large family.

PlayStation Vue Service Summary

Monthly Price: Access $49.99. Core $54.99. Elite $64.99. Ultra $84.99.
Pros: Superior sports channel offerings. Five simultaneous streams.
Cons: Buggy app for the Roku. (This writer is currently feeling that pain.)

Hulu Live TV Service Summary

Monthly Price: $44.99
Pros: Cheaper price compared to the others. Access to Hulu’s library of movie and TV show content included.
Cons: Only two simultaneous streams. Cloud DVR provides less storage.

YouTube TV Service Summary

Monthly Price: $49.99
Pros: Cloud DVR boasts unlimited storage.
Cons: Google’s well-documented privacy issues.

Ultimately, all three of these streaming services offer similar lineups and features. YouTube TV’s Cloud DVR is a clear winner, but one of the other options might offer a specific channel you want. This is especially the case for sports fans considering PS Vue.

Hopefully, this streaming services buyers guide provides some food for thought before you make a final choice. Remember, you need Internet speed of at least 5 Mbps to stream HD content to one device. 4K content requires at least 25 Mbps. Make sure to perform regular speed tests to ensure your ISP keeps their promised service level.

In the future, expect additional buyers guides. Our goal is to cover budget offerings like Philo, videogame streaming, and music services. Of course, comparisons of non-cable replacements like Netflix, Apple TV+, and Disney+ are also planned. Stay tuned.