Getting broadband internet: Everything you need to know

In the market for reliable home internet? You may want to follow the footsteps of millions of Americans by getting connected with broadband.

Between 2019 -2020 alone, over 1.3 million homes across the US joined the broadband internet family — fast proving that broadband is the way to go when choosing an internet connection. Beyond 2021, over $65 billion is expected to be poured into
‍expanding broadband infrastructure across the US — making it a widely available internet option. HomeLinkd takes a look at why you should consider broadband internet, and how you can get connected
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What is broadband internet?

Broadband is a term we hear getting thrown around as a euphemism for “the internet”, however, broadband falls into a specific category of internet: high-speed, with a minimum download speed of 25Mbps and an upload speed of 3Mbps. Broadband can be received through fiber, a wireless connection through radio wavelengths, cable, DSL or satellite.

Over the last 10 years, the speeds of broadband internet have gotten quicker and better. From 2020 to 2021 alone, the average broadband speed in the US increased from 138Mbps to 204Mbps. As speeds increase, broadband internet becomes the number one choice for homes and offices, especially since higher speeds mean you can enjoy HD or 4K streaming, multi-player gaming, and a seamless home office experience for hours on end.
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The pros and cons of broadband internet

The Pros:

1. Professional performance

Because broadband internet is all about high speeds, it’s the top choice for those who use the internet for work. Whether you’re a professional gamer, online poker player, coder, blogger or designer, or if you’re an at-home student — speedy internet is needed for you to get the job done lag-free.

2. Reliability

Fiber optic cables take the cake when it comes to broadband reliability for two reasons: They’re not reliant on radio wavelengths —which can be affected by weather — and their glass composition makes the transmission of data move as fast as light. Traditional satellite is also considered one of the most reliable sources of broadband, especially if you are living in a rural or mountainous area.

3. Uncapped and capped options

Depending on your home or office (or home office) needs are, you can choose between capped and uncapped broadband packages. Capped broadband packages are best for those who only need the internet for general surfing, some emails or checking social media. Uncapped broadband internet is ideal for those who don’t want to worry about their internet connection suddenly ending.

4.Connect multiple devices

From Smart TVs for streaming, to smartphones, tablets or laptops in the home — broadband allows multiple devices to connect to it. This is also ideal for couples, friends, families or work colleagues
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The Cons:

1. Cost
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Because broadband offers higher speeds, it may cost more than internet alternatives with low upload and download speeds. It’s important to compare and choose the right broadband package for you, and your budget.

2. Signal issues

Wireless broadband relies on radio wavelengths to transmit data from your router to a server. This means that weather, electricity outages, natural disasters and physical obstacles like buildings or mountains can affect the signal.

3. Privacy issues

If you’re using wireless broadband, you’ll need to do a couple things to improve its security — otherwise your router may be prone to hackers. It may be a good idea to change the default settings such as the IP address and the password given to you. Read some more tips on how to stop router hacking.
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Three questions to ask yourself before choosing a broadband provider

Are there any additional costs other than the monthly fee?

Some broadband internet providers require you to pay for installation and additional equipment. Make sure to compare and check if this is included in your package, or if it’s counted as an extra cost
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What are the contract options?

When selecting a broadband connection, make sure you read the fine print and terms. Consider whether you’d like a more flexible option that offers a month-to-month package with no cancellation penalty feels — Or if you’re okay with a long-term contract of 12to24 months.
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Are the upload and download speeds matched?

Matched upload and download speeds are not a compulsory feature of fast, quality internet — but if you want the same speeds for various tasks like streaming, sending emails, posting on Instagram, downloading movies or gaming, then matched speeds is a key feature.
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Top broadband packages for the home or office

Choosing a broadband internet service provider can be overwhelming with the amount of options available. Make it easy for yourself by using HomeLinkd’s helpful comparison table offering prices, bandwidth information, extras and more!
Compare and choose a broadband internet provider that’s right for you!

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