Learn Cox Speed Test – Improve your speed today

Cox Speed Test – Improve your speed today

Last Updated: September 30, 2019

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Welcome to the Cox speed test, this will show you what speed has been designated for uploading and downloading all your media.

Internet speeds are measured by Mbps, but how can you understand these speeds shown in this test? Easy, let us explain:

Your internet connection speeds are the ones in which data or content travels from the web to your computer, tablet or smartphone. The speed of this data is measured in Mbps (megabits per second).

Mbps: megabits per second. You need eight megabits per second to move a file of one megabyte, that is, the bits move bytes. Therefore, higher Mbps means faster file transfer, such as photos, videos, documents, etc.

The difference between download and upload speeds can be explained as follows:

Download speed refers to the speed at which digital data is transferred from the Internet to your computer (measured in Mbps).
Upload speed is the rate at which transmits data online from your computer to the Internet.

First of all before starting the cox speed test, if you want to get the best results, we recommend that you connect your computer directly to your home router via an Ethernet cable, not via Wi-Fi.

This is because connecting it through Wi-Fi may not give you the actual results of your internet speed.

Are There Factors That Affect the Speeds of My Internet?

Yes, there are several things that can affect the speed of your Internet connection. What kind of details? Now we will show you:

The type of Internet connection you use (speeds vary, for example, dial-up connection, DSL (digital subscriber line), cable or satellite.
Sometimes, the capabilities of a website or an Internet network can affect speeds. This occurs by breaking down the limits on which users can download, upload or transmit data.
Internet speeds may vary depending on the configuration and operation of computers. Factors like hardware, software, applications and other computer systems can impact the speed.
Running multiple devices on the same home network will increase the demand for your home’s Internet system and may affect the speed or Internet connection.

How Do I Know If My Internet Speed Is Good Enough for What I Need?

Well, I already did the Cox speed test, how do I know that the Internet speed I have is good? Before determining the best Internet speeds for you, consider the following points:

Purposes for which you will use the Internet, recreational activities or business projects.
If you will be streaming movies, series, or video games, or if you love having fun on YouTube watching your favorite channels.
Planning on watching your series in high definition or you usually download heavy files.
If you chat with friends, use social networks, or casually browse the Internet.

Regardless of the magnitude of your home activities, it is recommended that you look for an Internet plan or service that can meet your unique needs. You can change your current Cox Internet Plan to a faster one.

It is possible that certain home computers, laptops or mobile applications may require high-speed Internet to function better. This is because certain programs or softwares need to maintain a constant connection to the internet.

Before You Leave

We hope that the Cox speed test has resolved doubts regarding the speed of your Cox internet. Return whenever you need to measure the results again.

Once you have understood the information about how Internet speeds are measured and the factors that are involved, you will be ready to select a high-speed Internet plan suitable for you and the various needs in your home.

If you are not happy with your results, then maybe it’s time to find a different provider. Call us toll free and one of our experts will help you find a better service in your area.

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How to Run an AT&T Speed Test

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Sitting behind your phone or computer screen waiting for a website to load, file to download, or video to buffer can get on anyone’s nerves. We live in a fast-paced society and expect immediate results, which means we need reliable internet with quick speeds to keep up with the world around us.

If you’re having trouble with your internet connection, running a speed test can help provide you answers. When choosing an internet service provider (ISP), you want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. An internet speed test will be able to tell you whether your ISP is living up to your expectations.

AT&T is the world’s largest telecommunications company and offers a variety of services, including broadband internet. Whether you’re one of the millions of AT&T internet provider users or are considering their services, you may be curious about their internet speeds.

No matter the ISP you have, occasional lag and slow internet are inevitable. But if you’re regularly having problems with your internet speed, there may be something else going on. That’s where a quick and reliable speed test comes in handy. The AT&T speed test tool measures your AT&T internet speed using a variety of metrics, such as how long it takes to download and upload files to a server.

In this guide, you’ll find steps needed to conduct an AT&T internet speed test, along with information on how to understand your results, speed up your internet, and more.

What is an internet speed test?
How do you run an AT&T internet speed test?
Understanding an internet speed test
What should my AT&T internet speed be?
Why is my AT&T WiFi so slow?
How can I speed up my AT&T internet?

What is an internet speed test?

An internet speed test works by sending a sample file from your ISP server to your computer (download) with directions to send back (upload). The internet speed test then calculates how long it took your computer to download and upload the sample file sent to and from the server.

An internet speed test measures a few key metrics, including:

Download speed
Upload speed
Bandwidth
Ping
Jitter

It’s standard for internet speed tests to provide you with your upload and download speeds. However, not every speed test will provide bandwidth, ping, and jitter.

How do you run an AT&T internet speed test?

Running an AT&T internet speed test is simple. To get started, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Disconnect all devices besides the one you’re testing

Before running your AT&T speed test, you want to disconnect all devices that are hooked up to the internet, besides the one you’re using to run the test. Running a test with multiple devices connected to the internet can result in an inaccurate reading. This includes disabling:

Software, such as anti-virus software and multiple browser tabs
Hardware, such as firewalls and intrusion prevention systems
Bluetooth devices, such as wireless phones, baby monitors, and wireless video devices

Step 2: Prepare your surroundings

Once you’ve disconnected all devices that can result in WiFi congestion, prepare your surroundings to optimize your results. Some preparation tips include:

Placing your WiFi router away from electronic devices that can interfere with the connection, such as cordless phones and other devices connected to WiFi
Positioning your wireless device about 10 feet away from your WiFi gateway
Checking your computer’s Task Manager or Activity Monitor to ensure your computer isn’t downloading any files in the background
Connecting to your modem directly with an ethernet cord, if possible, as a direct connection results in faster speeds compared to a wireless connection

Step 3: Access the AT&T Speed Test

To begin your AT&T internet speed test, simply click “Start.” The test should only take about 30 seconds, and once complete, your results will appear on your screen.

Step 4: Read your results

Using our glossary of speed test terms in the previous section, start reading your AT&T speed test results. Your results will show you your download speed (in Mbps), upload speed (in Mbps), and latency (in ms). Your results should resemble the speeds your ISP’s service plan states.

If you don’t remember the details of your plan, log into your ISP’s user portal to find the information on your subscription. There, you should be able to see what internet speed you’re paying for. If you don’t have access to a user portal, try giving your ISP a call. Before you do call to demand a refund, though, it’s important to note that most internet speed tests provide an approximate speed, not an exact, so your results might not be completely accurate.

Note that your download speed will typically be faster than your upload speed, as most internet connections are designed to download files faster than they upload. Think about it: whether it’s just loading a webpage into your cache or downloading documents for work, you’re usually downloading much more often than you’re uploading. ISPs prioritize downloading to optimize service.

Understanding an internet speed test

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to conduct an AT&T WiFi speed test. Typically, all you have to do is click a button, and the speed test will run automatically. However, understanding the results of your internet speed test might require some baseline knowledge. Take a look at some common speed test terms you may come across below.

Download speed

Download speed is the time it takes for you to retrieve data from the server. Generally, most bandwidth connections offer faster download speeds than upload speeds. This is because a majority of online activity, such as streaming videos, playing video games, and loading webpages, require a fast download speed, which is measured in megabits per second (Mbps).

Upload speed

Upload speed, on the other hand, is the time it takes for you to send data back to the server. Online activity, such as sending emails, video-chatting with friends and family, and posting photos to social media channels, require quick upload speeds. Upload speed is measured in Mbps.

Ping

Ping refers to the responsiveness of messages sent between computers. When you send out a request, such as shooting a basketball in an online multiplayer video game, you get a response, such as an opponent blocking the ball. This response time is your ping rate, and the lower, the better.

A high ping rate can result in lag between computers, which isn’t ideal for programs where timing is imperative, like online gaming or a time-tracking app your work may use when working from home. Ping rate is measured in milliseconds (ms).

Latency

While your ping rate is the signal that’s sent from your computer to another on the same network, latency is the time, in milliseconds (ms), for the ping to be sent back to your computer. Latency is more about the quality, rather than the speed of your internet connection.

Mbps

Mbps, which stands for Megabits per second, is the unit of measurements for internet connection speeds. The more Mbps, the faster your connection will be, because more data can be transferred each second.

What should my AT&T internet speed be?

The FCC’s broadband benchmark rates for download speeds is 25 Mbps and 3 Mbps for upload speeds. If your internet speed doesn’t meet these benchmark rates, it’s not considered broadband in the eyes of the FCC. Unfortunately, over half of all rural Americans and 17% of the entire American population don’t have access to 25 Mbps/2Mbps service. More action is taking place to provide Americans with high-quality services to receive voice, graphics, video, and data in a timely manner.

A 25 Mbps/3 Mbps internet speed enables users to access HD videos, online gaming, music downloading, and other online activity in a speedy fashion. Any internet speeds below the FCC’s benchmark rates are considered slow, which means it can be difficult to connect web-enabled devices, stream videos without buffering, and enjoy surfing the web without experiencing connectivity issues.

Why is my AT&T WiFi so slow?

Whether you’re just trying to get through your favorite Netflix movie without it buffering every few minutes or you need to submit your final essay by the deadline, dealing with a slow internet speed is never ideal. Take a look at some common reasons why your AT&T WiFi is so slow with some easy solutions below.

1. Too many devices are connected to the internet

If a lot of people are connected to the same internet connection at the same time, it can result in slow internet speeds. Each device, such as tablets, computers, mobile phones, smart TVs, and video game consoles, share a portion of your internet signal. If all devices are connected and running at once, you may experience issues with streaming, downloading, or gaming.

Like most internet service providers, AT&T offers different plans you can choose from, such as Internet 10, Internet 18, Internet 25, Internet 50, Internet 100, and Internet 1000. The number for each plan represents the expected download speed. For example, AT&T’s Internet 100 plan has download speeds of 100 Mbps. The lower the plan, the less bandwidth, which means you may experience connectivity issues if multiple users or devices are on the internet.

To solve this problem, consider upgrading your internet plan to one with faster download speeds and more bandwidth to handle multiple users and devices.

2. Interference from other electronics is disrupting your connection

Electronic devices, such as speakers, sound systems, and video game consoles, emit frequency interference when they’re plugged in and running. If these devices are located near your modem, the interference can affect your internet speed and cause it to slow down.

To improve your modem environment, make sure the area around your modem is free of any electronics, is off the floor and located on a hard surface, and is in the open for proper air circulation.

3. Your modem is outdated or needs to be reset

Like all electronic devices, your modem can become outdated and slowly lose its performance. If this is the case, you may need to upgrade to a new modem if you’ve had your current one for a long time. Or, your modem might just need to be reset.

To reset your AT&T modem, press and hold the red reset button on the back. You may need to use an unfolded paper clip or pin to reach the button, as some models house it within a small hole to keep it protected from unintentional presses. Once the modem turns back on, if nothing else is wrong, your internet speed should go back to normal.

4. Your computer has a problem

Sometimes, it’s your computer, not your internet connection, that is causing slow internet speeds. If your computer rig isn’t able to keep up with your daily commands, it might be outdated or need to be repaired. To test if your computer is the problem, disconnect it from the internet and use a different device, such as your smartphone or tablet, to run an internet speed test. If the internet speed test is faster on this device, your computer might be the problem.

To resolve this issue, you can try clearing your cache, deleting files you no longer use or need, emptying your digital trash can, and freeing up space on your hard drive. Most of the time, however, simply turning your computer off and then turning it on again will cycle the system and clear blockages keeping you from properly connecting. If this doesn’t work after multiple tries, there may be something more serious occuring.

5. The wireless channel needs to be changed

The wireless channel is where networks can receive and send data. Sometimes, you may experience dropped signals if your wireless channel is shared by two gateways, such as a cordless phone and WiFi gateway. The same can happen if two frequency channels are located near each other.

To fix this issue, you can change the channel, which reduces frequency interference. You may need to go through some trial and error to find a channel that works best to improve your internet speed.

How can I speed up my AT&T internet?

Dealing with slow internet speeds can be extremely frustrating. After running your AT&T internet speed test and finding that your internet speed is performing below the speeds outlined on your service’s plan, it’s time to take action. Below are ten tips on how to increase slow AT&T WiFi speed:

Using a wired connection, as this tends to be faster than a wireless connection
Disabling bandwidth-hogging programs, such as streaming, video-calling, downloading large files, and gaming
Disconnecting devices you aren’t currently using that are connected to the internet
Place your WiFi devices closer to the router to get a stronger signal
Place your WiFi router in the center of your home or the area where you use the internet the most
Keep your WiFi router upright and off the floor
Keep your WiFi router from obstructions like metal, brick, and wood, along with sources of interference like baby monitors, microwaves, and Bluetooth devices
Invest in a WiFi extender that increases signal strength and improves internet coverage
Update anti-virus software, firmware, and computer software
Close out of streaming apps, such as Netflix and Spotify, when you’re done watching or listening

There are plenty of reasons why your internet speed may be slow. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy fixes that can speed up your AT&T internet.

However, if your internet speed continues to be a problem, it may be time to contact AT&T support. Before calling, make sure you’ve tried all the tips to increase your internet speed on your own. If nothing works, call with a solid plan and an idea about the prices you’re willing to pay. AT&T’s service representatives will help you troubleshoot any problems you’re experiencing and can help you make the decision on whether you should upgrade your internet plan.

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Rural America Needs Faster Internet Speeds

Last Updated: May 3, 2016

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With Google Fiber, AT&T GigaPower, and other gigabit services increasing their network footprint across the country, they tend to concentrate in urban areas where the majority of potential customers live. At the same time, the nation’s hinterlands struggle to get even basic Internet service based on the original definition of broadband, not the FCC’s new faster standard. Subsequently, performing Internet speed tests in Rural America only serves to bring disappointment.

A variety of organizations, including the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), are taking steps to connect the entire country to broadband Internet service. The hope is to drive economic growth in these under-populated regions, while also allowing farmers and ranchers to make their operations more efficient by access to Internet-based technologies. Let’s take a closer look.

High Costs Stifle Growth of Rural High-Speed Internet Access

Considering the relatively low population of the country’s rural areas, it becomes difficult for private companies to justify the cost of building high-speed Internet networks for so few customers. The same logic applied earlier in the 20th Century, when access to electricity was slow-going for those living outside large and medium metropolitan areas. The FCC recently noted that only 39 percent of rural Americans enjoy access to high-speed Internet service.

Therefore, it stands to reason rural electric cooperatives are leading the charge to connect the non-urbanized portions of the country to broadband. The NRECA feels the Federal Government needs to support initiatives providing fast Internet access to underserved areas of the nation. The organization also notes many of their member cooperatives leverage their own infrastructures today to bring high-speed Internet to these regions.

Giving Farmers the Advantages of Internet Technology

While Americans living in the country stand to benefit from being able to enjoy video streaming and other perks of fast Internet access, rural businesses — most notably farmers and ranchers — can also take advantage of broadband to improve their yields. Terry Griffin, an assistant professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University, commented on the benefits of high-speed Internet for farmers:

“Internet connectivity is what I would consider an enabling technology. Without it, precision ag devices and other special technologies cannot be fully utilized until this infrastructure for wireless connectivity has been completed.”

Other related technologies offering benefits to farmers, like telematics and GPS-based navigation, rely on fast Internet speeds. Considering the entire nation depends on American agriculture, broadband in the rural portions of the country ultimately benefits everyone. Here’s hoping the rural hinterlands can soon experience the myriad benefits of a high-speed Internet connection — for both entertainment and economic purposes.

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Internet Nutrition Labels for Broadband Shoppers

Last Updated: April 28, 2016

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The myriad of information to sift through by customers shopping for Internet service can seem daunting at times. Download speeds, upload speeds, and those dreaded data caps all combine to confuse some consumers, especially when also considering bundles, two-year contracts, and early termination fees. Could the equivalent of a food nutrition label for the Internet make things simpler?

Here at Bandwidth Place, we offer an easy to use web page where you merely enter your ZIP code to see deals from Internet providers in your area. Now the FCC hopes to make parsing through ISP information easier with voluntary labels similar to what you see on food products on a daily basis. Let’s take a closer look at these new Internet nutrition labels.

Internet Shopping Labels Still a Complex Read

A glance at a sample Internet shopping label from the following article reveals a relatively complex listing of information. The design of the label, including the font, reminds one of the nutrition label seen at the grocery store with about ten times the amount of information. The format is the result of a committee made up of consumer advocates and broadband industry groups, in addition to the FCC itself.

Under a top heading of “Broadband Facts,” similar to the “Nutrition Facts” heading on food products, the shopper is confronted with a range of information starting with monthly prices for the service, both month-to-month and two-year plans listed if relevant. Also included is the presence of a cap on monthly data and any associated overage charges or speed throttling. Other optional information can include modem and wireless router leases, installation and activation charges, as well as the presence of an early termination fee.

The “Performance” subheading contains information of interest for folks who like to run Internet speed tests before enjoying streaming rich media content using their broadband connection. Typical upload and download speeds, latency, and packet loss are detailed within. The rest of the label includes network management and privacy information as well as a number to call to complain about less than promised service levels.

New Labels Part of the FCC’s Transparency Requirement

The new labels are part of the transparency requirement instituted by the FCC in concert with their recent Net Neutrality ruling. Even though the Internet labels are voluntary, ISPs providing the labels are immune from regulatory action related to those transparency rules. The FCC noted it receives thousands of complaints each year from consumers frustrated with unexpected charges on their Internet service bills.

If it all sounds confusing Bandwidth Place is always a reliable source of information. But FCC head, Tom Wheeler, hopes the new labels help to mitigate customer complaints. “It is very straightforward. It’s very clear-cut. Hidden fees have no place to hide,” said Wheeler. Even with a large amount of information contained on the new label, the standardized look hopefully provides customers a more-informed ISP shopping experience.

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Verizon Wireless Buying XO Communications’ Fiber Optic Network

Last Updated: March 28, 2016

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While many technology pundits feel future Internet access will be primarily delivered over wireless networks, there’s no denying the extra bandwidth provided by fiber optic cable. It remains the primary reason why many cities hope Google Fiber and AT&T GigaPower come to their town soon. One gig Internet service is simply the current gold standard for home customers.

One company largely left out of the residential Fiber game so far is Verizon. Their FiOS service hasn’t seen significant expansion in a few years. But it looks like things may be changing as Verizon announced plans to buy the fiber optic network of XO Communications. Read further for more details on Verizon’s strategy and how it may affect the Internet providers in your city.

XO Purchase Gives Verizon More Than Fiber

Diving more deeply into the details of Verizon’s XO fiber optic network purchase reveals the move doesn’t necessarily mean Big Red is planning on increasing its residential fiber footprint. In fact, most of XO Communication’s fiber network serve businesses.

With the wireless market becoming increasingly saturated, Verizon is simply looking at other revenue sources to better compete in all markets. The existing XO network gives Verizon valuable fiber and Ethernet connectivity it can now market to business, as noted in Fierce Telecom. But there is another reason behind this XO acquisition.

Verizon Gains Access to Wireless Spectrum for 5G Testing

Part of Verizon’s XO Communications deal gives them the ability to lease LMDS wireless spectrum in the 28 GHz and 39 GHz bands with an option to buy. LDMS stands for Local Multipoint Distribution Service. If that seems overly technical, simply understand that Verizon wants access to those bands to facilitate testing of its 5G wireless network technology.

In fact, this is arguably the news from Verizon’s XO purchase with the greatest potential to affect how you get your Internet access. The company plans to ramp up testing of 5G with an eye at getting the technology into customers’ hands within the next 2-3 years. Verizon’s Vice President of Network Technology and Planning, Adam Koeppe commented on Big Red’s big plans.

“We see enough innovation today that’s occurring that’s going to turn into 5G to act now, and to act fast. Personally, we don’t want to wait for 2020, or even 2018. And we don’t think we need to,” said Koepp. “We don’t think we’re going out on some crazy limb here.”

In short, Verizon expects to be the first major carrier with 5G service. Needless to say, both T-Mobile and AT&T raise doubts about Verizon’s claims, worrying about network fragmentation and other issues. Stay tuned to this battle over a new wireless standard for the next two years. Maybe you will be able to test your Internet speed over a 5G network isomer than you think.

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The FCC Looking at Sponsored Data Plans

The FCC recently became interested in the major ISPs use of sponsored data plans, also known as “zero-rating,” which exempts certain content from a user’s monthly data allowance. As noted in the linked article from December, Comcast, AT&T, and T-Mobile were requested to talk about the issue with the FCC by January 15th.

FCC Chairman, Tom Wheeler commented on their request, “This is not an investigation. This is not any enforcement. This is to help us stay informed as to what the practices are, as we said we would do in the Open Internet Order.” The Commission simply wants to understand how the services operate while still providing for a “free and open” Internet.

The three mentioned companies exempt data in different ways. Comcast uses it for its own “Stream TV” in-home streaming service. T-Mobile’s Binge On service doesn’t count against a monthly data allowance, but the company reduces the quality of the video for users who don’t opt out of the exemption. AT&T charges advertisers a fee to deliver their content without it counting against someone’s mobile data cap.

What Should the Average Internet User Do?

Most Internet users needn’t worry about taking advantage of a sponsored data plan if it becomes available. If the video or music content in question is of interest to you, by all means enjoy it without any worries. The FCC is responsible for enforcing Net Neutrality regulations, and since this practice is a borderline violation, obviously they need to find out more.

Stay tuned for any further news about Net Neutrality in the coming year. In the meantime, check your Internet speed regularly to ensure your ISP is keeping up their end of the bargain!

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Is Your ISP Gaming Your Internet Speed Test?

Last Updated: February 3, 2016

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When you run an Internet speed test, you want to know the results reflect an accurate representation of your current streaming capability. Maybe you are trying to watch a 4K video or take part in a graphics-intensive MMORPG? If your ISP knew how to manipulate the test to make your service appear faster than reality, who can you trust?

It was recently discovered that an ISP was inflating speed test results by running the test on Internet port 8080, which is relatively free from traffic compared to ports 80 and 443 used for most Internet traffic. This causes the test results to be inflated by a factor as high as 200 percent. Unfortunately, you are generally unable to use port 8080 for typical Internet activity.

What Internet Speed Tests Should Reveal

Making sure your ISP is providing the service level you pay for remains a major reason for running an Internet speed test. If you subscribe to a 50 Mbps tier, a speed test should verify that fact. In this situation, running a test on port 8080 usually gives an accurate result.

On the other hand, if multiple users are accessing your home Internet simultaneously, this tends to eat up bandwidth, causing buffering when viewing HD video content. If your speed test still returns close the same result, it’s probably due to using port 8080 for the test. That port doesn’t take into account the extra activity all competing for its own slice of bandwidth.

It is important for your speed test to return meaningful results relevant to your current Internet usage patterns. This way you are able to make any changes to your home network to improve performance. Sure, an ISP needs to know they are meeting their end of the bandwidth bargain, but many speed tests don’t take into account the real world situation on your network.

A Useful Internet Speed Test

A truly useful speed test considers all the other activity fighting for bandwidth — either on your home network or when accessing a public WiFi network while on the go. Techniques like testing over port 8080 or using multiple threads during the test only serve to inflate the results and confuse users. While there is some value to know your Internet service reaches 50 Mbps speeds, it doesn’t matter as much if separate devices on your network barely reach 10 Mbps when used simultaneously.

In short, when choosing a speed test during heavy Internet activity, be sure to choose wisely.

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Google Fiber Looks to the North and Southeast

Last Updated: January 26, 2016

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As other ISPs — most notably AT&T and their GigaPower offering — continue to expand fiber-optic one gigabit service across the country, Google Fiber approaches things at a more deliberate pace. At this time, Kansas City, Austin, and Provo are the only cities where Fiber subscriptions are actually available.

Recently, however, the technology giant announced that two cities in the upper half of the U.S. — Chicago and Portland — are being considered for the service. This is the first time Google has looked northwards for Fiber expansion. What other cities are slated for Google Fiber? Read further to see if your town could be next.

The Southeast On Google Fiber’s Short Term Docket

Despite considering two Northern cities as future possibilities, the Southeast is Google Fiber’s expansion focus for the short term. It’s been about a year since Google announced Fiber was coming to the Nashville, Atlanta, Raleigh-Durham, and Charlotte metro areas; covering many of the major cities of the Southeast. San Antonio is also slated to join Austin as Texas cities with the service, while Salt Lake City is being added to Provo in Utah.

A glance at Google’s Fiber expansion map reveals potential cities other than Chicago and Portland being looked at over the long term. These include Jacksonville and Tampa in Florida, Oklahoma City, Louisville, and a variety of locations in California, including San Jose, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Seattle is one of many cities applying to Google for Fiber consideration.

Considering Google Fiber installations take a lot of heavy lifting — both physical and political — if you live in one of those locales, don’t expect Fiber to be available for at least one to two years. Some cities, including Houston, New Orleans, Hampton Roads, and Atlantic City were actually eliminated from consideration — on a temporary basis — due to climate and other terrain issues.

What Is Google’s End Game for Fiber?

Many technology pundits wonder about Google’s ultimate reasoning for entering the ISP market with Fiber. Are they only hoping to shake up the scene, forcing existing players to change their pricing models, as with their wireless initiative, Project Fi? According to Time Magazine, Google’s motives appear to be ultimately altruistic, hoping to increase average Internet speeds across the U.S.

Considering the country’s relatively poor standing worldwide when it comes to overall Internet speed, Google’s efforts are to be lauded. According to the Akamai Internet speed rankings, the U.S. moved from 33rd in 2013 to 12th in 2014, showing an increase in average speed from 6.0 Mbps to 11.5 Mbps. It looks like the search giant is making a positive impact.

Whether or not Google Fiber is coming to your neighborhood in the near future, be sure to regularly check your Internet speed to ensure your ISP is providing you with the bandwidth you deserve.

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Google’s New Chromecast Ups the Ante for Cord Cutters

Last Updated: December 10, 2015

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With Cupertino upping the video streaming competition with their new Apple TV and its tvOS operating system offering a platform for games and apps, Google naturally counters that action with an enhanced Chromecast. As more users take advantage of fast Internet speeds to watch TV shows and movies, the market for video streaming devices continues to grow.

Does the updated Chromecast 2 offer enough new functionality for current owners to upgrade or interested cord cutters to make the leap? Let’s look more closely at its new features.

The Chromecast Offers an Inexpensive Entry Point into Video Streaming

The best feature of the Google Chromecast is quite possibly its price, assuming your Internet provider offers unlimited bandwidth. (If not it’s always imperitive to watch your data usage when streaming rich media content over the Internet.) At only $35, the Chromecast 2 ranks at the lower end of the price range compared to similar devices, like the Roku or Apple TV.

The Chromecast allows you to “cast” rich media content to your TV at 1080p resolution from your iOS or Android mobile device or your laptop running the Windows, OS X, or Chrome operating systems. The new model supports dual band routers (2.4 and 5 GHz), including Google’s own OnHub. You also have the option to use a wired Ethernet connection for streaming, which is probably only useful if your entertainment center is close to your modem.

To initiate streaming you access an app or browser on another device, but you are then able to use that device for other activity while the Chromecast streams the content uninterrupted. It also offers built-in support for Google Play content, YouTube, a photo browser, and the Chrome web browser. The new Chromecast model sports a small HDMI cable, offering added flexibility when connecting it to your TV or AV receiver.

Chromecast Support on a Wide Array of Apps, Including Sling TV

Many streaming media apps offer support for the Chromecast. In fact, Sling TV just introduced support in early November. The company is even offering a free Chromecast device when subscribing for three months of Sling TV at $20 per month — a deal worth considering if you are new to either product.

The updated Chromecast app provides a neat feature that allows you to download any app that supports casting to the device in one fell swoop. This new app is even available for the original Chromecast, so be sure to update yours if you haven’t yet. The new cross platform search feature lets you look for content in any compatible app using either text or voice.

Ultimately if you already own a Chromecast you probably don’t need the new model unless you want to take advantage of a dual band router. Support for the routers does ensure a great streaming experience providing your Internet speed is good. But if you are interested in an easy to use and inexpensive video streaming device – music too – the Chromecast needs to be considered. Its compatibility with nearly every mobile and desktop operating system makes it a smart choice for many.

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Sling TV — Valid Alternative for Cord Cutters?

Last Updated: November 18, 2015

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With more people eschewing their digital TV subscriptions to take advantage of an Internet connection to stream movies and TV shows, new services hope to attract these potential customers by bundling some of the more popular Cable channels under one offering. Sling TV site, a subsidiary of the Dish Network, is a notable example of this new kind of television service.

Sling TV is available by using an app for nearly every computer and mobile operating system. It is also compatible with the Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast — three of the most popular TV/Video players. If you are planning on joining the ranks of cord-cutters, here’s a closer at Sling TV’s programming and subscription options.

Many Popular Cable TV Channels Found on Sling TV

A basic Sling TV subscription costs $20 per month, and you also get a 7-day free trial period to see if the service meets your viewing needs. It is generally easier to unsubscribe to streaming services compared to Cable and Satellite TV providers, so be sure to take advantage of any free trials coming your way. Sling TV typically offers free or discounted video players (Roku, Chromecast, etc.) for new subscribers, so check out those deals when subscribing.

For the $20 monthly fee, Sling TV provides over 20 channels covering a wide range of subjects — sports, food, news, and more. ESPN, CNN, HGTV, and the Travel Channel are some of the channels included with a basic package. HBO — both live and on demand — runs an extra $15 per month — the same price as an HBO Now subscription.

If your television viewing tastes are focused on a specific subject, a variety of add-on packages are available for an extra five dollars per month. A Sports Extra package includes the SEC Network, Universal Sports Network, a host of smaller ESPN networks, and others — nine in total. Other extra packages focus on kids, lifestyle, and a variety of foreign channels.

Sling TV tries to aim for the a la carte channel model desired for years by many Cable and Satellite subscribers.

Make Sure your Internet Bandwidth supports HD Video Streaming

Speed test to ensure your Internet service is able to handle streaming HD video from Sling TV without buffering or other problems. Anything over 5 Mbps should be good enough, provided no one else on your network is also consuming bandwidth. In that situation, consider investing in a Router review to optimize your home network performance.

If you are looking at streaming services to use with a video player, Sling TV definitely belongs on your short list. Be sure to take advantage of any special deals if you haven’t yet purchased a device.