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Your Complete Internet Buying Guide

Everything you need to know before choosing an internet plan — written by people who help thousands of customers switch every month.

Topics

What Would You Like to Learn?

Which technology is right for you? Speeds, reliability, pricing, and availability compared.

Setting up internet when you move — 30 days out, moving day, first week.

Hidden fees, negotiation tips, discount programs, how to lower your monthly bill.

Mbps

Megabits per second — the unit for internet speed. Higher = faster.

Gbps

Gigabits per second. 1 Gbps = 1,000 Mbps — for the fastest fiber plans.

Fiber

Internet delivered via glass fiber-optic cables. Fastest, most reliable.

Latency

Delay in milliseconds before data reaches its destination. Lower = better.

Data Cap

Monthly limit on data usage. Exceeding it may cause slowdowns or fees.

Modem

Device that connects your home to the internet via your provider.

Router

Device that creates Wi-Fi in your home. Often combined with modem.

ISP

Internet Service Provider — the company selling you internet.