Since the pandemic started, more businesses are switching to remote work setups. Working from home has its perks – having better control of your time and cutting transportation costs.
But if you try working from home, you will certainly encounter an Internet problem. It can be anything from endless buffering, choppy video conference calls, and hefty charges from using more data.
That is because your home internet service provider (ISP) may not be up to par with your remote work needs. This article lists ISPs you can consider to ensure that you will have the most comfortable work-from-home setup. Read Spectrum Mobile reviews, Visible unlimited data plans, AT&T’s fiber optics connection, or this article to know more.
But first, a quick introduction to the factors you need to consider when choosing an internet service provider. Unfortunately, most residents in the United States only have a handful of ISPs available to them. However, if your area of residence offers more options, we encourage you to keep reading! It will save you from paying more for a service you do not need or getting stuck in a contract that does not match your needs.
There are three kinds of ISPs that we recommend for WFH setup. First is fiber, the most advanced technology among the three that offers unparalleled speed and stability. The catch is that fiber is only available in a handful of areas in the US.
Second is cable, the most widely used Internet type in the US. It lags behind fiber in terms of speed and reliability, but cable internet usually meets the needs of an average worker.
Lastly, 4G/5G home internet uses the same signal that your phone does. If you get a speedy and stable reception where you live and work, this might be the plan for you.
If you regularly use work apps like Zoom, Google Meets, and the likes, you would need a minimum of 3 mbps Internet speed. However, some ISPs deliver a slower connection than is advertised. To ensure that your online conferences go smoothly, it is best to get a plan with 10-15 mbps speed.
You should also check which apps you use and whether you need more download speed than upload speed. To find out the Internet speed your current ISP is providing you, do a quick speed test on your browser.
Lastly, the average WFH worker uses a 10 GB minimum of data per month. Most plans have a data cap. If your usage exceeds that, you might get stuck with a slower speed for the rest of the month, or you might have to pay extra for the additional data you consume.
Verizon’s Fiber-Optic Internet plan starts at USD 24.99. For its price, it offers a 300 Mbps internet connection that can meet your productivity needs, as well as your family’s. Verizon boasts their nearly symmetrical upload and download needs that work for uploading large files, online video conferences, as well as streaming videos, and gaming. It’s the best bet if you have multiple Wi-Fi users in your house who need a reliable connection.
According to Spectrum Mobile reviews, Spectrum offers two plans that you can consider – the Unlimited Data and By the Gig. Starting from USD 45 per month, Unlimited Data runs at 5g/LTE for the first 20 GB, and at a slower speed after you reach the cap. On the other hand, By the Gig costs USD 14 for a single line for 1 GB. We recommend the Spectrum Cable for those who don’t need the lightning-fast speed but favor the extra gigabytes.
If your work demands a higher internet speed, the AT&T Fiber may be your best choice. At USD 80 per month, you will get up to 1 GB of upload and download rate. It’s on the pricier side, but the AT&T plan has no data cap. This means you don’t have to worry about budgeting your consumable data. At this rate, AT&T Fiber can give you a breezy experience using your productivity apps, and you can wind down guilt-free with your entertainment apps.
For users who have good 5G/LTE reception in their houses, you might want to consider Verizon’s 5G plan. It costs USD 50 monthly for a max speed of 300 Mbps and no data cap. You can also opt to merge your Wi-Fi plan and existing Verizon Wireless $30 phone plan for a single bill that may be cheaper. What’s more – Verizon is currently offering this package free for the first three months, as well as a free month for YouTube TV and Disney+.
WOW! The Internet gives you a bang for your buck. For USD 19.99, this cable plan can give you up to 100 Mbps in speed. It’s the most recommended option for 1-2 users who need moderate speed for basic work and productivity apps. WOW! is the cheapest plan on the list; but the downside is that it’s only currently available in 9 states.
Not all who work in a remote setup are working from home. With work hours becoming more flexible, some users may opt for an internet service provider that can get them the best connection wherever they go. Verizon’s Visible plan offers unlimited data, calls, text, and hotspot and no speed cap for USD 40 per month. Since it is powered by Verizon, Visible also offers coverage in the majority of the states in the US.
For maximum savings, you can try Visible’s Party Pay option, where you can get the same deal for USD 25 if you join a plan with 3 of your friends or family.
There you have it – everything you have to know about what you need from your internet service provider and the best options to choose from. Still curious? Visit CellularNews.com to find out the latest about technology, the Internet, and gadgets you might need when working from home.
Alexia is the author at Research Snipers covering all technology news including Google, Apple, Android, Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung News, and More.
