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CNET
44 minutes ago
- Business
- CNET
You're Buying Your Internet Wrong: Avoid These Top 10 Mistakes To Save Money
You don't need to be a genius to pick out a good internet plan, but you do have to do a little research. Important information is often buried in the terms of service beneath marketing and industry-speak. I've spent hours reading through internet service provider offerings -- and the customer service reviews about those offerings. It's boring, but the key to getting a decent internet deal -- one that saves you money and comes with enough speed -- is reading the fine print. If you share the sentiments of thousands of Americans who hate their internet service providers, you're probably not thrilled about the prospect of sifting through ISP promotional offers for hours. When the time comes to shop for home internet, it can be tempting to just buy whatever convenient internet plan your friends and neighbors are using and move on with your life. While our internet options are sorely limited depending on where we live, keep in mind that you'll have to live with the internet plan you pick. If it's too slow, you'll be picking up the phone in a few months to call customer service again. If you're getting lured into a plan with hidden fees and promo pricing, you might find your bill doubling after a year or a few months have passed. We rely on the internet for nearly everything these days. With fears of a looming recession and prices rising due to tariffs, it's crucial to find ways to save a little money on such an essential service. Here's my fool-proof method for finding the best internet plan for you. 10 common mistakes made when picking internet plans A little patience and some reading will go a long way with buying an internet plan -- but there are some specific aspects of the plan to look out for. Before you even start shopping, you should have a good idea of how much speed you'll need and your budget. Locating local internet providers ISPs often use flashy advertising or marketing to distract you from the hidden fees or price increases in your internet bill. You don't need a computer science degree to make sense of the internet plan you're paying for. Often, the clues to what your internet service bill will look like and the plan's speed are right in front of you, albeit engulfed in jargon; you just need to know what to look for. Here are the top 10 mistakes I've noticed people making when picking out an internet plan: We'll go over each of these in depth below so that when it comes to finding a good internet service provider, you'll be a pro. 1. Paying for internet speeds you don't need Getty Images Internet is already expensive once you factor in the equipment fees and hidden fees (more on those later). Don't overpay for internet speeds that you just won't use. And don't settle for a low tier only to go crawling back to customer support for an upgrade to a higher tier later. The easiest way to avoid that strife is to take stock of how much internet speed your household is actually using before you begin shopping for a new plan. To start, count the number of gadgets and smart home devices in your home. Smart devices can be sneaky bandwidth hogs, often overlooked when considering internet usage. If you have more than 10 devices online concurrently during a typical day, with internet usage involving more than just browsing the web, a good rule of thumb is to stick to speeds of 500 megabits per second or higher. If you only have one or two devices on during the day and only one or two internet users working remotely, browsing the web, streaming or gaming at a time, you should be safe with 150 to 300Mbps. Since I work remotely and typically only use two devices simultaneously, AT&T Fiber's cheapest 300Mbps tier works just fine for me. If you've experienced excessive lag, buffering and Wi-Fi issues with your current tier, it might be time to size up. Your Wi-Fi setup could be to blame for your internet connectivity issues, so run down the list of possible solutions before upgrading. Advertised vs. actual speeds On that note, keep in mind that what your ISP is advertising as a maximum speed (in my case, 300Mbps), may not be the actual speeds you'll get consistently. Your actual speeds will likely be much slower -- especially if you're relying on Wi-Fi and connecting multiple devices to your network. Even 1,000Mbps tiers may face congestion and slowdowns, as CNET's Trisha Jandoc discovered in her home. When looking for a reliable internet plan, make sure you're taking a holistic look at your speed usage and factoring in slowdowns you may experience depending on the number of devices, the type of internet users in the house and the internet connection type. 2. Not considering the internet connection type Did you know there's more than one type of internet connection? You may have multiple internet connection types at your address; evaluate them all instead of opting for whatever is most convenient. Here's a quick rundown: Fiber internet : Typically considered the gold standard of broadband, fiber internet can deliver symmetrical upload and download speeds -- a feat no other internet connection type can boast of yet. You may be eligible for fiber internet at an address previously only serviceable for cable, so it's worth asking your landlord or calling a fiber provider to see if you can get fiber. : Typically considered the gold standard of broadband, fiber internet can deliver symmetrical upload and download speeds -- a feat no other internet connection type can boast of yet. You may be eligible for fiber internet at an address previously only serviceable for cable, so it's worth asking your landlord or calling a fiber provider to see if you can get fiber. Cable internet : Since fiber internet is much less available than cable internet, you're much more likely to be serviceable for cable instead of fiber. Cable is a decent second-best option, with speeds that can reach multi-gig levels (though upload speeds remain sorely lacking). : Since fiber internet is much less available than cable internet, you're much more likely to be serviceable for cable instead of fiber. Cable is a decent second-best option, with speeds that can reach multi-gig levels (though upload speeds remain sorely lacking). 5G or fixed wireless internet : If you can't get either fiber or cable, consider 5G internet. Wireless internet is becoming increasingly popular, and Verizon 5G and T-Mobile Home Internet have dominated the space in recent years. Verizon's 5G home internet plans claim to offer speeds up to 1,000Mbps and T-Mobile just boosted its speeds and added a new speed tier. : If you can't get either fiber or cable, consider 5G internet. Wireless internet is becoming increasingly popular, and Verizon 5G and T-Mobile Home Internet have dominated the space in recent years. Verizon's 5G home internet plans claim to offer speeds up to 1,000Mbps and T-Mobile just boosted its speeds and added a new speed tier. Satellite internet: With nearly 100% availability, satellite internet is a safe bet for rural communities or those on the go, but it tends to be high in costs and is prone to network congestion. Unless you don't have another option, consider satellite and DSL internet a last resort. 3. Falling for promotional pricing and flashy advertising A recent CNET survey found that 63% of adults are paying more for their internet than they paid last year. Internet providers are profit-motivated first. If you stumble upon a cheap internet plan or deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Plus, if you decide to call before you do some research, your customer service representative will probably try to talk you into either upgrading to a faster (more expensive) plan or adding some services you simply don't need. Xfinity's FCC-mandated broadband nutrition label displays the "post-introductory price" after one year of service: the monthly cost jumps from $55 to $89. Screenshot by Cierra Noffke/CNET Pricing traps and promotional bait are popular among ISPs. Always read the fine print -- especially before you call. If you're not careful, you could be roped into a two-year contract, with your bill increasing exponentially in the next year. Cable providers Xfinity, Astound and Spectrum are notorious for price increases that can range from $20 to $30 more after a promotional period. In the case of Xfinity, your bill might double after the first year, unless you sign up for a price-lock. If you closely examine the FCC-mandated broadband nutrition labels, you can see what your monthly bill will look like after the promo period ends. 4. Not reading the fine print to look for contracts, hidden fees or data caps OK, I know it's boring and arguably the worst part about picking a good internet plan, but reading through the terms of service is the best way to figure out what the internet plan you're looking at actually entails. Consult your ISP's broadband nutrition labels for basic facts and read their full terms of service for any follow-up issues you uncover. If you still have outstanding questions, write them down and make sure you ask them when you call. First, make sure you're not signing up for a contract unless you have no other option. Contracts require you to stick with an internet service for the entire term. If you decide your internet plan isn't working for you halfway through, you'll either suffer for the next six months or pay a hefty termination fee. Screenshot of Sparklight's broadband nutrition labels across three plans. Notice how Sparklight describes the data included with each plan as "Unlimited." If you read the fine print, you'll find it actually enforces a soft cap of 5TB. Screenshot/CNET Next, make sure you're checking for data caps. The broadband nutrition label should indicate any data caps, but sometimes, ISPs won't use the broadband labels to clearly state whether they're enforcing a data cap (looking at you, Sparklight), so you'll have to read through the fine print. Also, sometimes ISPs enforce "soft caps" or use "priority data," which means your internet speeds will be throttled once you max out your allotted data. Lastly, are there any hidden fees or junk fees you should worry about? That promotional price of $30 a year for 150Mbps may seem attractive initially, but if your provider leases equipment for an additional $15 and enforces a maintenance fee of $12 monthly, you're looking at $57 monthly. In some cases, you may be able to call and negotiate with your ISP to waive a few of those fees. If you're trying to cut back on initial internet costs, consider installing your internet yourself. 5. Not calculating the cost per Mbps The cost per Mbps is a great way to gauge how good of a deal your internet plan is. Internet prices fluctuate depending on the internet connection type, regional pricing or related market issues. The cost per Mbps is the ratio between the monthly rate (excluding taxes and extra fees) and the advertised speeds -- or the price you're paying for 1Mbps of speed. You can find the cost per Mbps by dividing the monthly rate by the plan's max speed. A good rule of thumb is to stick to a cost per Mbps between 10 and 25 cents or lower -- if you can. Anything lower than 10 cents per Mbps is usually a good deal. I'll caution that the high speeds of fiber internet plans can make using the cost per Mbps approach confusing. For example, AT&T's fastest tier of 5,000Mbps costs $245 a month. That's a hefty price for a lot of speed. The cost per Mbps of that plan comes out to 5 cents, which is pretty good by broadband standards but an unrealistic monthly rate for home internet. If you're thinking of picking a plan with promotional pricing, compare the cost per Mbps for both the introductory and post-introductory rates. Spectrum's $50 for 500Mbps plan comes out to a decent 10 cents per Mbps, but if you stick with that plan for a year, your monthly rate will jump to $80, which is a much higher 16 cents per Mbps. In that case, consider shopping around after your promo period ends. 6. Not comparing internet plans or reading customer reviews I know, I know, I've already asked you to read the terms of service for one ISP, and now I'm asking you to cross-analyze the offerings from multiple ISPs. It's tedious work but the only way to ensure you're getting the best deal is to carefully read and compare the terms of service of all the ISPs in your area. Now that you know what to look for, you can compare the cost per Mbps and terms of service across different ISP plans. If you're one of the lucky few who can choose between more than one or two decent internet providers, you should choose carefully. The terms of service will give you a good sense of what to expect from your internet plan but those words are written from an ISP perspective. You should always take customer reviews with a grain of salt but they're usually an honest portrayal of how those service terms actually play out. For example, if people express consistent confusion about price hikes, consider that a red flag about promotional pricing traps. You can turn to resources like Reddit for city-specific threads about ISPs or the Better Business Bureau for a closer look at what people didn't like about their service. 7. Ignoring tech support and security We usually don't think about our internet until something starts going wrong. Like most internet shoppers, you're probably not planning for connectivity issues and if you pick a good ISP and speed, hopefully, you won't have to deal with those issues. But internet connectivity problems are inevitable, whether it's a problem with your equipment, your Wi-Fi setup, outages your provider is experiencing or more significant problems beyond your control. If you can choose between a good ISP without free tech support and a good ISP with free tech support, opt for the support. You'll never know when you'll have to make a phone call to troubleshoot your connection or your equipment. 8. Not buying your own routerBefore I started writing about home internet, I never considered my router and I couldn't tell you the difference between a modem and a router. But now I know that it can save you money to buy your equipment upfront instead of paying an extra $10 to your ISP every month. Most routers cost $200 or less, which will pay for itself in a little more than a year. Plus, you won't have to worry about racing to return your equipment when your plan ends. There's also a chance your router can offer better performance than the one your ISP offers. CNET's Joe Supan saved nearly $1,000 by buying his own router instead of renting from Xfinity and he noticed improved upload speeds after doing so. Just note that if you buy your own router, you likely won't be eligible for tech assistance from your ISP anymore, and they may even try to blame your internet connectivity issues on your router. Most router manufacturers -- notably TP-Link, Netgear, and Linksys -- offer their own customer service support anyway. 9. Not looking at mobile bundle discounts (or other deals) The best home internet discounts typically come from bundling with your ISP's mobile service. Switching over your mobile service provider can be a hassle if you don't already get service from the same company but you could save as much as $35 each month on internet by doing so. Astound and Mediacom offer some of the best mobile discount opportunities but you may have other options, too. ISPs often try to lure customers with low pricing or other add-ons, and while some deals aren't worth signing up for, others, like T-Mobile's $300 gift card and Frontier Fiber's $30 plan for 500Mbps, are worth a try. 10. Not thinking twice about your router placement Last but not least, after you've done your research and committed to a plan, you'll have to pick a date for installation. Most people trust that the technicians who install their equipment will pick the best place in the house, but that's not always the case. Wi-Fi works best with an optimized setup. If you can place your router/modem in a central spot in the house, closest to where you're working or where your most used TV is located, work with your technician to make that happen. You can always invest in some Wi-Fi extenders or a mesh network if you think the connectivity will be an issue but don't assume your technician knows what's best. After all, this is your internet plan, and you'll be using it every day. FAQs Should I rent or buy my modem or router? It may seem daunting to buy your own router, but the decision could save you money in the long run. Most routers cost around $200, which should pay for itself after a year since many ISPs charge $10 to $15 for equipment rental. If you buy your own router, your ISP won't be able to offer tech support if there's an issue with the equipment, but router manufacturers often come with their own tech support anyway. Plus, newer routers often perform better than the routers ISPs rent out -- CNET broadband writer Joe Supan bought his own router (which saved him nearly $1,000), and he saw improved upload speeds with his cable internet.
CNET
3 days ago
- Business
- CNET
I Chose to Buy My Own Router Instead of Renting From Xfinity: I Saved Nearly $1,000
I like to think of myself as an expert when it comes to broadband -- after all, I've been writing about it for over 6 years. Yet, despite my expertise, I have carried around a shameful secret: I rented a Wi-Fi router from Xfinity for years. I know. I've always advised CNET readers to purchase their equipment, but my rented modem and router worked fine. That being said, I did know in the back of my mind, I was wasting money. For most people, a monthly charge of $15 for internet equipment doesn't seem too bad when you're first signing up for internet. In fact, it seems the smart thing to do to avoid the stress of purchasing your own router and keeping it updated over the years. But the reality is that, after a few years of paying that monthly fee, it all adds up -- and you'll have wasted hundreds of dollars on something that you could have easily avoided. As I reviewed my old bills, I discovered that I spent a staggering $873 on Xfinity's equipment fees over the last six years. Not only was I shocked, it gave me the kick in the right direction. I went ahead and bought my own router and modem. As much as I appreciated my Xfinity equipment, owning your own gear is the superior choice. For one thing, you'll see significant performance improvements. My upload speeds skyrocketed by over 2,000%. Better yet, investing in your own equipment typically pays for itself within one to two years, making it well worth the investment. The average internet bill in the U.S. is $78 per month, excluding extra taxes and fees found on your ISP's broadband label. While some charges are necessary, equipment rental fees aren't and again, we advise you to purchase and manage your gear. Also, depending on your circumstances, you may be able to take advantage of any low-income discounts available in your state if you qualify. Locating local internet providers For more information on making the switch from rented equipment to purchasing equipment of your own, check out our guide below. How to choose the right modem and router The best internet is the internet you never notice, and I can't remember the last time my connection went out or I saw a buffering wheel in my home. And this is all with a device from 2017 that Xfinity describes as an "old Wireless Gateway with limited speeds and functionality." This goes to show how much the type of internet user you are has to do with what kind of equipment you need. I live in a 750-square-foot apartment, and my internet needs are mostly limited to video calls and TV streaming. If you live in a larger home with multiple floors, the same router likely won't cut it. Similarly, activities like online gaming hinge on split-second reactions. If this instantaneous responsiveness is important to you, it's probably worth investing in a gaming router that minimizes lag. Wi-Fi routers run the gamut from entry-level models like the TP-Link AC1200 for $30 to ultra-advanced mesh systems like the Netgear Orbi 970 Series for $1,500. To test each Wi-Fi router, CNET runs three speed tests in five different rooms in our testing facility, logging results for download speed, upload speed and latency. That process is repeated six times, accounting for variations in network performance at different times of the day. Ry Crist/CNET After consulting our picks for the best Wi-Fi routers, I decided to go with a budget pick: the TP-Link Archer AX21, of which my former CNET colleague and router connoisseur Ry Crist wrote, "It's nothing fancy, but it offered near flawless performance for small- to medium-size homes in our tests, and it's a cinch to setup." I get only 200Mbps through my Xfinity plan, so the 700Mbps speed the TP-Link hits at close range is more than enough juice and only cost $85 when I bought it. (Several government agencies have since opened investigations into TP-Link for ties to Chinese cyberattacks. But I don't have any plans to replace my TP-Link router just yet.) A cable modem like the Hitron CODA connects your home to your internet provider through a coaxial cable. Hitron Do you need to buy a modem? Depending on your internet connection, you may need to purchase a cable modem in addition to your router. Some ISPs, like Spectrum, include the modem for free but charge extra for a router. The main thing to look for in a modem is compatibility. Your internet provider will have a page on their website that lists all the models that it works with, and you shouldn't stray from this. You may also have a choice between DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1; the newer standard provides faster speeds, but DOCSIS 3.1 modems are typically more expensive. (Note: Although some ISPs have DOCSIS 4.0 modems available to rent, most are not yet widely available for purchase.) Other things to consider are the modem's speed limits -- make sure they're equal to or above your internet plan -- and the number of Ethernet ports. Xfinity doesn't provide a free modem, so I had to buy one in addition to a Wi-Fi router. I opted for the Hitron CODA Modem -- a DOCSIS 3.1 model that's one of the cheapest Xfinity-compatible models I could find for $100 at the time I purchased it. It supports download speeds up to only 867Mbps, but that's still far more than my Xfinity plan. How to set up your new modem and router Ordering the equipment is the easy part; the ordeal of setting up third-party equipment is what keeps many customers on the hook for years. The process is largely the same whether you're starting service fresh with a new provider or swapping out old equipment. Here's everything you'll need to do. 1. Activate your new modem with your ISP The modem is the piece of equipment that brings the internet to your home through a coaxial cable connected to your internet provider's network. Before it can work, ISPs need to tie your specific modem to your account. If you're replacing old equipment, they will also turn this off as they activate the new modem. ISPs do this by logging your MAC (media access control) number, which can be found on the bottom of the modem. You can typically do this through your internet provider's app, in a live chat or by calling a customer service number. 2. Connect the coax cable to your modem After your new modem's MAC address is registered with your ISP, you'll be prompted to connect your modem to the cable outlet in your wall and plug it into a power outlet. You may have to wait up to 5 minutes, and your modem's lights will tell you when it's receiving the internet signal. Once the indicator lights are on, you're ready to set up your wireless router. This TP-Link router offers wireless access to your modem's connection with the web (hence the antennas). Ry Crist/CNET 3. Set up your Wi-Fi router Each Wi-Fi router has its own setup process, so you'll want to follow the instructions provided. In the case of the TP-Link Archer AX21, that meant unplugging the modem's power, connecting the modem to the router's WAN port via an Ethernet cable, powering on the modem and then plugging the router into a power outlet. From there, I set up my new network through the TP-Link app. That's the short version. There's a lot more to consider when setting up a wireless router, including choosing the optimal location, setting up parental controls and protecting your privacy. For my purposes, though, I was ready to start testing out my new internet connection. Speed comparison: Which setup is fastest? I wanted to see how my new modem and router would compare with my old equipment, so I ran speed tests before and after I was connected: one from my desk next to the router and one from the furthest corner of my apartment (regrettably, the bathroom). My old modem and router returned 164/5Mbps speeds from my desk and 143/5Mbps from the bathroom -- not bad for an internet plan that advertises 200/10Mbps speeds. But the speeds with my new equipment were eye-popping: 237/118Mbps at both my desk and my bathroom. I didn't just save money by purchasing my own equipment -- I'm actually getting a significant speed boost, too. Joe Supan / CNET I have no idea why my new equipment picked up 10 times the upload speeds of my old one. I subscribe to Xfinity's Connect More plan, which is supposed to get only 10Mbps upload speeds. In 2022, Xfinity announced that it was increasing upload speeds on my plan to 100Mbps -- but only for customers who pay for its $25-per-month xFi Complete equipment. Apparently, I'm reaping those same benefits with my new modem and router. My best guess is that the upgrade from a DOCSIS 3.0 to a 3.1 modem is the main reason for the jump in upload speeds. How to save yourself some headaches I eventually got my modem and router set up properly, but I made plenty of mistakes along the way. Here's what I would do differently: Buy your modem and router on day one . Moving is a pain, and no one wants to make their to-do list even longer, but this is one task where the extra effort pays off (nearly a thousand dollars in my case). A technician may need to visit your house to set up your internet, so it's best to have your modem and router ready in case of any issues. . Moving is a pain, and no one wants to make their to-do list even longer, but this is one task where the extra effort pays off (nearly a thousand dollars in my case). A technician may need to visit your house to set up your internet, so it's best to have your modem and router ready in case of any issues. Use your ISP's list of compatible modems . Routers aren't tied to specific providers, but if you have to purchase your own modem, you'll need to make sure that it works with your ISP. Don't cut corners here. I searched Amazon for a modem that claimed compatibility with Xfinity and ended up having to return it a week later, after several hours of phone calls. Your provider should have a page that lists all the modems that it works with -- don't stray from this. . Routers aren't tied to specific providers, but if you have to purchase your own modem, you'll need to make sure that it works with your ISP. Don't cut corners here. I searched Amazon for a modem that claimed compatibility with Xfinity and ended up having to return it a week later, after several hours of phone calls. Your provider should have a page that lists all the modems that it works with -- don't stray from this. Pay for only the speed you need. Internet equipment is expensive, and there's no reason to pay for a modem certified for 2,000 Mbps when you're getting only 200 Mbps with your plan. The same goes for routers -- you don't need to pay top dollar for a gaming router with exceptional latency if you're just streaming TV and scrolling the internet. My final thoughts Setting up a new modem and router is not fun, but it's absolutely worth it. My internet speeds have dramatically improved, and I'm paying significantly less for them. I'm saving $15 per month on equipment, and somewhere along the line, an Xfinity agent bumped my plan price down for the following year. My monthly bill went from $78.54 to $50. That's far more than I expected to save, and my new equipment paid for itself within the first six months. My only regret is that I didn't make the leap sooner.
CNET
3 days ago
- CNET
Get Your Internet Up to Speed: Here's How to Fix Lag
It's not cheap to get high-speed internet, so if you're paying top dollar for top speeds, you should ensure you're getting your money's worth. Although the advertised speeds may be coming into your home from your internet service provider, there could be other factors slowing your connection. Before upgrading to the next speed tier or buying a new router, let's go back to the basics. If you can determine that your ISP isn't throttling your internet connection, try restarting your modem and router or investing in Wi-Fi extenders or a mesh network. But before you do anything permanent, start with a simple speed test to know what you're working with. Read on for some tips you can follow to improve your connection. First things first: What are download and upload speeds? You've probably heard your ISP talk about these terms, but what do they mean? In simple terms, those measurements gauge how quickly data travels from the internet to your device. Those speeds are measured in "megabits per second," or Mbps. Download speed measures how quickly you can receive (or download) data from the internet; it's also referred to as "downstream" speed. Catching up on the latest season of The White Lotus, scrolling through Bluesky or playing music on Spotify all require a decent download or downstream speed. Locating local internet providers Typically, when ISPs advertise speeds, they advertise the download speeds first. Until recently, upload speeds were considered a secondary necessity to a good internet connection, but both are important. Upload speeds (also referred to as "upstream" speed) measure how quickly you can send data to the internet. Using Zoom, gaming online, uploading content to Instagram and emailing all require a decent upload speed. Typically, upload speeds are much slower than download speeds, though it varies by internet connection type. For example, upload speeds in a cable connection tend to max out at 20 to 30Mbps. A fiber connection, on the other hand, nearly always delivers symmetrical download and upload speeds. If you're paying for a fiber connection with 1,000Mbps in download speed a month, you should also get 1,000Mbps in upload speed. So how much speed do you need? It depends on the number of devices in your home and your household's internet usage. If you have some heavy bandwidth users (like gamers, remote workers, students, etc.) and multiple smart home devices, you should consider a speedy 1-gig tier. You can consult CNET's internet speed guide for a closer look at recommended speeds. The Federal Communications Commission published a guideline for household broadband speeds based on the number of devices and people connected to the same network that we use as a basis for our internet speed guide. Basic service ranges from 3 to 8Mbps download/upload and will be good enough for light usage (browsing, email, video calls, streaming HD video, etc.). The FCC gives some recommendations on how fast a connection you'll need based on your usage. FCC/Screenshot by CNET Medium service is classified as 12-25Mbps and is best for up to three users or devices simultaneously, with medium to high usage depending on the activity. Finally, advanced service is any connection speed over 25Mbps and is best suited for those with more than four users or devices using the connection simultaneously for more than light usage. Despite the household broadband guidelines, the FCC defines a broadband connection as 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload. Even if you're using different levels of bandwidth throughout the day, you should have a minimum internet connection of at least 100Mbps for consistent, reliable speeds. Next, run a speed test on your computer, phone or tablet Before you can start troubleshooting your internet connection, you need to figure out what the actual speeds in your home are. Now that you know what download and upload speeds are, let's take a free internet speed test to see how much speed you're actually getting. You can use a slew of free apps and websites to gauge your speeds, notably or CloudFlare. (Disclosure: Speedtest is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) Whether you install an app or run the test in your browser, a good rule of thumb is to run the test multiple times a day, occasionally in different places in your house, to get a thorough sense of your internet connection performance. The tests typically take less than a minute, so the process shouldn't take long. Screenshot by Cierra Noffke/CNET Typically, internet connection speeds vary based on the time of day and how many devices are connected, among other reasons. For a better overall picture of your home's internet speeds, I suggest running the speed test multiple times over a day or two and to record your results. If you have a Raspberry Pi, you can run internet speed tests on a set schedule that also uploads results to a file in your Google Drive. Ideally, you'd connect your computer directly to your ISP's modem with an Ethernet cable to run a speed test, but that's not always possible. Another option is to use your wireless router's app. You can do a speed test on your wireless router Depending on your wireless router, you can run a speed test through its dedicated app. For example, Google's Nest Wi-Fi can run a speed test in the app or ask Google Assistant how fast your internet connection is. Getty Images Eero, Linksys and Asus ZenWifi routers also include the same capability, although not all support asking a smart speaker to run the test. It's best to start by looking at a dedicated app. Using your wireless router's speed test may prove more accurate -- in theory, at least -- because the router is connected directly to your modem. You don't have to rush out and buy a new router if the speed test results are lower than you expect or are paying for. It could be the issue, depending on its age. Router technology, like any other technology, often changes, and that can lead to performance issues. For example, if you have cable internet, most ISPs recommend a DOCSIS 3.1 modem or gateway to handle higher speeds. Are your internet speeds slower than they should be? If you're finding that your speeds are typically much slower than those you're paying for, try taking several easy steps to boost your Wi-Fi connection. First, try simply turning your modem and router off for about 60 seconds before turning them back on. It's a tried-and-true trick that helps clear any bugs, glitches or software issues from your devices and allows them to reload with a fresh memory. If that doesn't help, and you've already tried optimizing your home for Wi-Fi, you can check to see if your ISP is experiencing an outage. For example, the first thing to do when your Comcast Xfinity connection is flaky is open the Xfinity My Account app and look for any service issues. The app will give you an estimated restoration time when there is one. Knowing that the issue isn't anything on your end means you can forgo any troubleshooting. If none of those solutions prove effective, the issue may be your internet connection type. Speeds offered by DSL, fixed wireless and cable providers are often slower than a fiber connection's lightning-fast reliability. If fiber is available to you, consider an upgrade. If not, it may be time to jump to a higher speed tier with your ISP to ensure your internet connection stays fast and reliable. FAQs What do download and upload speeds mean? Download and upload speeds refer to how quickly data gets downloaded and uploaded from the internet to your device and vice versa. Internet speeds are measured in megabits per second or Mbps. Download speeds are typically what internet providers advertise first. You need them for everything from streaming in 4K HD to scrolling through social media. Upload speeds are essential for uploading content to social media or to the web, gaming online or using Zoom. How do I test the speed of my internet? There are many free, convenient ways to test your internet speeds. CNET's favorite internet speed test is Ookla because it keeps a record of your tests, is user-friendly and shows metrics besides download and upload speed like latency. (Disclosure: Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) There are plenty of options that you can use either in your browser or by downloading an app, like M-Lab or
Zawya
3 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
International Schools Partnership named among the Middle East's best school groups for teacher wellbeing, working environment and culture
GCC: International Schools Partnership's (ISP) schools in the UAE and Qatar have been named among the world's best schools for teachers to work at. ISP earned Best School to Work Certified Group: Middle East status for its exemplary work in building the very best school culture and working environment and for placing the wellbeing of its staff front and centre. The Best School to Work programme is the gold standard of school culture. Developed by T4 Education in collaboration with its community of over 200,000 teachers and school leaders, it is an independent, evidence-based mechanism to certify schools for their working culture, helping them to create environments in which education flourishes because educators thrive. School groups can only attain Best School to Work Certified Group: Middle East status if over half of their schools in the Middle East are certified as a Best School to Work after scoring highly in a detailed, anonymous staff survey. This recognition is a reflection of ISP's sustained efforts to prioritise the wellbeing and development of its staff. From organising physical fitness activities and routine health checks to hosting sporting events and interactive wellness sessions, ISP adopts a holistic approach that ensures team members feel both valued and connected. Dedicated Wellbeing Weeks are observed across all schools, encouraging staff to focus on their mental, emotional, and physical health. These efforts are further supported by access to professional coaching and development opportunities, including Leadership 401 training, which helps educators pursue their goals in a safe, supportive environment. In addition, many staff members have received training in mental health awareness and wellbeing, empowering them to recognise when colleagues, students, or parents might need one-to-one emotional support. This culture of care is reinforced through regular newsletters, employee appreciation awards, staff discounts, and social events, all contributing to a workplace where people feel recognised, engaged, and included. Bharat Mansukhani, Divisional Chief Executive Officer – ISP Middle East & Asia said: 'The region, and particularly the UAE, continues to lead in driving meaningful educational reform, consistently striving to raise standards and improve outcomes for students and schools alike. It's within this progressive environment that ISP proudly took part in the Best School to Work programme, a natural step aligned with our strategy, which places equal emphasis on student success and staff development. At ISP, we are committed to nurturing the world's most curious and confident minds, and that begins with creating a workplace where our educators feel valued, supported, and empowered. Earning this certification is a powerful reflection of that commitment and reinforces our ambition to be the school of choice for both students and teachers across the region.' Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and Best School to Work, said: 'Congratulations to ISP Middle East on attaining the highly coveted Best School to Work Certified Group: Middle East status. Through your outstanding leadership, you have shown that a commitment to your staff is the secret to ensuring a great education for your students. It is my hope that this mark of distinction will put your school on the map and allow you to recruit and retain the very best educators in the UAE and Qatar. And I hope you inspire many others to follow where you have led.' How Best School to Work certifies schools: Once a school signs up to the Best School to Work programme, T4 Education sends all of its teachers a detailed, anonymous survey to independently assess the school on four pillars: Leadership: T4 Education examines the many factors that make great school leadership, from having a vision to communicating it well and leading by example to build a culture of trust and respect and also providing good professional development opportunities for staff. Collaboration: T4 Education takes a forensic look not just at schools' teaching community and their collaborative efforts to reflect, grow and share best practices together, but the wider ecosystem around the school including students, parents and the community at large. School Environment: T4 Education delves deep into schools' working environments, looking at inclusivity and positivity, support for staff, and good relationships between colleagues. Professional Wellness: T4 Education grades schools on staff wellbeing, workload and contracts and remuneration. The answers given by all teachers to the different questions are weighted using an algorithm to produce a final score. Only the highest-scoring schools achieve certification under the Best School to Work programme and only groups that see over half of their total number of schools certified can become a Best School to Work Certified Group. For further information, please contact: Salman Shaheen - salman@ About International Schools Partnership: Moved by curiosity and empowered by self-confidence, students from ISP Schools thrive throughout their lifetime. International Schools Partnership (ISP) is a global community of over 100 international schools across over 25 countries. We champion a transformative approach to learning that goes beyond the classroom. By igniting our students' curiosity and growing their self-confidence, we empower them to become the next generation of changemakers. Our unique approach to learning recognises our students as collaborators in the learning process. We focus on developing the knowledge and lifelong skills that help them thrive beyond their time at school. ISP students benefit from teaching excellence, international opportunities, and careers guidance. Our schools have access to a global network of experts and our teachers and leaders are supported to continuously improve through extensive professional development programmes. ISP Schools in the Middle East include The Aquila School, Nibras International School, Star International School, Al Twar, Star International School, Mirdif, The English College and Smart Vision School in Dubai; Aspen Heights British School and Reach British School in Abu Dhabi; and The Hamilton International School, Park House English School and Durham School for Girls in Qatar. ISP. Where confidence grows. About T4 Education: T4 Education believes every child, everywhere, deserves a good education. It is building the world's largest community of teachers and schools to achieve this. Its digital media platform provides opportunities for educators to network, collaborate, share good practices, and support each other's efforts to improve learning and school culture. It works to amplify teachers' voices because the world we want to see will only be built by listening to those at the heart of education. For media enquiries, please contact: Janine Alamir
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Springfield representative listed in notes of Minnesota shooter, she said
A congresswoman from Illinois was listed in notes belonging to the man accused of murdering a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband, the congresswoman said. U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski wrote on the social media platform X that Capitol Police informed her that her name was included on the murder suspect's notes. Budzinski offered condolences to the family of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were both killed after Vance Luther Boelter, 57, allegedly entered their home, a federal affidavit said. Prior to that killing, Boelter allegedly went to the home of Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman, shooting him and his wife, Yvette, disguised as a law enforcement officer and wearing a silicone mask covering his head and face, prosecutors said, which was early on June 14. The two underwent surgery and were expected to recover, USA Today reported. Budzinski in the post lastly decried political violence. "As I've said before, there is absolutely no place in this country for political violence. We must be a nation that values civility and mutual respect - always," she wrote. Drew Evans, who is the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent, said officials from Illinois were listed, as well as officials in Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, and Nebraska. This "Manifesto" listing other potential targets, according to the St. Cloud Times, was found when authorities searched a vehicle left behind by Boelter. Boelter was arrested on the night of June 15 after an intense manhunt and faces both state and federal murder charges, including multiple counts of murder and stalking. More: 11 Wisconsin lawmakers named in manifesto of Minnesota gunman Authorities recovered more than 600 names, but "very few" Illinoisans were listed, Gov. JB Pritzker said at a news conference. Pritzker received a call from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz following the shooting, letting him know what had happened, Pritzker said. Pritzker was reportedly the keynote speaker at a dinner in Minneapolis on June 13. Pritzker is in communication with Illinois State Police among others in monitoring the situation, he wrote in a statement. The Illinois State Police issued the following statement to the SJ-R regarding Illinois lawmakers being a potential target: "The Illinois State Police (ISP) takes all threats to elected and public officials very seriously. ISP has communicated with House and Senate leaders about security steps legislators can take, as well as provided ISP contact information should a legislator need additional/specific security recommendations based on their specific situation or environment. The suspect in the shootings in Minnesota is in custody. The incident appears to be the work of that single individual and there are no broader threats at this time. ISP is vetting information found among the suspect's property and provided to ISP by Minnesota and federal law enforcement agencies, as it relates to Illinois elected officials, potentially in both paper and electronic form. ISP will continue to communicate with Illinois legislators as additional information is available and assessed." Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@ This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: US Rep. Budzinski was listed in notes belonging to Minnesota shooter, she said
