Plug in your address to see if you’re overpaying for internet
Your router is years old, but you don’t think about it because it just sits there, pumping connection to your devices. Before you upgrade, know this: You need one that’s Wi-Fi 6 ready.
Maybe your router and modem are fine until your internet gives out. Here’s the right way to reset things. Don’t just unplug, plug it back in immediately and call it good!
By now, we all know how important it is to have a strong connection for work, school, fun and life. But what happens if you move and realize, “Uh-oh, the internet here stinks”?
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Do this before you start packing
Here’s a must-do step: Check the internet before you sign that lease or fork over a down payment. There’s a decent chance the prices and speed you’re used to are vastly different in your (potentially) new neighborhood.
Most major U.S. cities have the same carriers, like Verizon, AT&T and CenturyLink. But depending on your location, you could get a drastically different internet speed than in another city … at the same price point.
The Markup created a handy map tool to check the internet speeds in 45 major cities. Here’s the lowdown on what they found and how to use the map yourself.
It’s easy to sign up and easy to cancel.
Even if you’re not moving
Markup analyzed data from over a million internet plans across 45 U.S. cities from four of the nation’s biggest internet providers: EarthLink, CenturyLink, Verizon and AT&T.
They found the worst internet deals popped up disproportionately in the poorest, most diverse and historically redlined neighborhoods in all but two investigated cities. Oof.
Fix your Wi-Fi: 10 ways to get faster speeds
You’re relaxing on your sofa with a bowl of popcorn and a remote. You start to stream a popular show, but the dreaded buffering circle rears its ugly head. Nothing is playing, so you whip out the nearest internet-connected device and type, “How to get faster speeds for streaming” or “Tips to speed up a slow streaming service” into the search bar.
Powerful Wi-Fi network analysis and diagnostic tools
I can’t stress how important it is to stay on top of your home’s Wi-Fi connection. If it’s not secure, thieves can use it to walk right in your digital front door and steal your information. Turning on encryption on your router is a good start, but you can also download two of the best Wi-Fi analyzer apps out there.