📺 Like cable … but different: Comcast’s new Xfinity StreamSaver bundle gets you Netflix, Apple TV+ and Peacock Premium for $15 a month. Before you get too excited, it’s the basic versions of Netflix and Peacock — in other words, lots of ads. But if you’re already on the basic plans, it’s a $10 monthly savings.
Fastest internet providers in the US – Where’s yours on this list?
Sick of slow Wi-Fi? Your provider might be to blame.
Let’s look at the fastest (and slowest) average download speeds for providers across the U.S.
- Spectrum: 243.02 Mbps
- Cox: 241.78 Mbps
- Xfinity: 233.25 Mbps
- AT&T Internet: 210.12 Mbps
- Frontier: 200.95 Mbps
- Optimum: 200.41 Mbps
- Verizon: 184.03 Mbps
Your mileage may vary
Test your connection speed here. Oh, I hear you — “My speed isn’t anywhere near those, Kim.” It depends on your location, plan, number of connections and lots more. Even your devices can limit connection. You won’t see 300 Mbps speeds on a 10-year-old laptop, sorry.
Location, location, location
Router feng shui is critical. Don’t expect a strong signal in the living room if it’s in some far corner of the house.
- Put your router in a central location, away from kitchen appliances, Bluetooth devices and other electronics.
- Place it high up on a bookshelf or mount it to the wall to ensure the signals can go where needed.
- Put kids and guests on their own network: When too many devices share the same network, internet speed can slow to a grinding halt.
Money-saving secret your cable and internet provider doesn't want you to know
When you’re driving, spotty cell coverage is a drag. Music, GPS, and calls just won’t go through. Here’s a quick guide to boosting your service no matter where the road takes you.
What about a travel pro tip if you prefer to fly to your destination? You can see which flights include the most legroom with the right tools. I tell all my tall friends about this trick. Tap or click here for the secret — it’s No. 5 on the list.
Free stuff you get with your cable subscription
Here at Komando HQ, we’ve written a lot of guides about cutting the cord. Here’s a five-step plan you can follow to ditch cable and start streaming. But sticking to cable has its upsides.
In fact, some cable packages include free streaming subscriptions, which means you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, it can be time-consuming to research all the cable TV perks out there.
Good news: Your home internet might get a huge speed boost (at no extra cost)
The pandemic has moved many of our lives online. Some of us have been lucky enough to stay safe by working from home during these strange times. But we don’t log off when the shift is over.
We then turn to Netflix or whatever your streaming service of choice is to stay entertained. All this online activity has probably put your internet connection front and center. If you’re not getting the speeds that you’re paying for, that’s a problem. Tap or click here to report slow internet to the FCC.
Money-saving tip: Find out if you're paying too much for internet service
When you signed up for home internet service, you had to choose from several options. Each plan promises certain download and upload speeds, but how do you know which one is right for you?
Those speeds are a big factor in how much you’ll shell out for the internet each month. Faster capabilities mean higher costs and you’ll pay less for slower speeds. But speed is just one factor when it comes to your internet bill. There are others you might not know about. Tap or click here to change this one setting for faster internet speeds.
Cable TV and internet price hikes coming in 2021 - check the list
As certain as the ball drop in New York City on New Year’s Eve, internet service providers will also be ringing in the new year with a host of price increases.
Fortunately, a new law could help keep your monthly fees in check. You’ll at least get more transparency with your bills. Tap or click here to find out how the Television Viewer Protection Act will impact you.
How to watch NBC's new streaming service for free
It’s truly an exciting time for people who love streaming TV, and not just because of being at home more often. New streaming services are popping up all the time, which gives us a great selection of programming.
On the other hand, signing up for all of these services means a much bigger cost each month. That’s why it’s a good idea to look for deals that give you access to streaming services for free. For example, there’s a way to get a free year of Disney+. Tap or click here to find out how.
Best internet deals to save money and maximize speed
Since you signed up for your internet service, you probably haven’t given it much thought. It works, so why bother? But a new plan might better suit your needs and save some money, too.
But how do you navigate the many internet options? Here’s a quick crash course.