A Play-by-Play Guide to Sports Viewing

Huddle up, sports fans! With NCAA March Madness upon us and MLB Opening Day just around the corner, it’s time to step up to the plate and find a better way to watch sports without the hassle of cable. Say goodbye to those costly and cumbersome cable packages and hello to high-speed fiber Internet and streaming services!

Score Big with Streaming Services

If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to stream sports, look no further than the streaming services available on the market. With platforms like Paramount+, ESPN+, MLB.TV, Sling TV, fuboTV, YouTube TV, and DIRECTV STREAM, you can enjoy live and on-demand content from your favorite sports leagues and teams.

  • Paramount+. First things first: March Madness. You can stream all of the live CBS coverage of the NCAA tournament, up to and including the NCAA National Championship game (Monday, April 3) with Paramount+.
  • ESPN+ is a top choice for sports fans who want access to ESPN’s extensive library of live and on-demand content, including every game from March Madness. It also includes MLB games, exclusive UFC fights, college football, basketball and so much more. 
  • MLB.TV is a regular-season package you can subscribe to with Prime Video Channels. Subscribers get live access to out-of-market feeds for all regular season Major League Baseball games that aren’t subject to a regional, national, or other blackout. 
  • Sling TV offers an impressive lineup of sports channels, including ESPN, NFL Network, and NBC Sports, as well as add-ons for additional sports coverage.
  • FuboTV is a home run for sports fans, offering access to a grand slam of live sports channels and add-ons.
  • And with YouTubeTV or DIRECTV STREAM, you can catch all the action from major networks like ESPN, NBC and Fox, as well as regional sports networks.

Network Apps for Streaming Sports

You don’t need cable to watch sports on the major networks. Many networks offer free streaming apps that allow you to watch live and on-demand sports content from their channels. These apps are a great option if you’re looking to catch specific games or events and don’t want to sign up for a subscription streaming service like the choices above.

  • NBC has a streaming app called NBC Sports that provides live streaming and on-demand content for a variety of sports, including NFL, NHL, Premier League soccer and golf.
  • ABC offers sports content through its Watch ABC app, which includes coverage of NBA games and other sports programming.
  • Through its Fox Sports app, Fox has coverage of a wide range of sports, including MLB, NFL, NASCAR and more.
  • CBS has you covered with its streaming app, CBS Sports. With coverage of college football and basketball, the NFL and more, you can catch all the action you want.

These streaming apps are available on smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.

Using an Antenna for Local Stations

Looking for a budget-friendly way to catch live sports on local channels? We’ve got you covered! One option is to use an antenna to pick up free over-the-air channels, including popular sports networks like CBS, NBC, ABC, and Fox. Best of all, once you’ve purchased the antenna, you won’t have to pay any monthly fees to access local channels.

While an antenna may not offer as many channels or as much content as a streaming service, it’s a great option for sports fans who want to watch major events like the Super Bowl or the World Series without paying for a service. Just set up your antenna, scan for channels, and tune in to catch all the action in high definition!

Maximizing Your Sports Viewing Experience

 To make the most of your sports viewing experience, here are a few tips:

  • Make sure you have a reliable internet connection for smooth streaming
  • Consider combining multiple streaming services for more sports coverage
  • Use a streaming device, like a Roku, Google TV, or Apple TV, for easier access to your favorite channels and apps
  • Take advantage of free trials to test out different streaming services before committing
  • Consider subscribing to a sports-specific streaming service, like MLB.TV (mentioned above), NBA League Pass or NFL Game Pass for even more comprehensive coverage of your favorite sport.

So there you have it, sports fans! With high-speed fiber Internet, you can enjoy all the action from NCAA March Madness and MLB Opening Day without the hassle of cable. From streaming services to network apps to antennas, there are plenty of options to choose from to fit your budget and viewing preferences.

Don’t get sidelined by cable’s high prices and limited options. If you haven’t already made the switch, click here to get started with high-speed fiber Internet from GoNetspeed and get your streaming services ready to catch all the action! 

Top Rom-Coms to Stream on Valentine’s Day

Are you a romantic at heart? Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and there is no better way to celebrate than with a romantic comedy movie marathon! But with so many options out there, it can be tough to choose. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 14 must-see romantic comedies (in honor of February 14th). 

The best way to watch these movies? Stream them with a fast and reliable high-speed fiber internet connection from GoNetspeed! No buffering or interruptions to ruin the mood. So, pop some popcorn, grab your partner (or cuddle with your favorite pet), and get ready for a night of love and laughter with these romantic comedies…

Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

Watch the Trailer

  • Star-studded cast, hilarious plot
  • Cal (Steve Carell) and Emily (Julianne Moore) have been married for 25 years, but when Emily asks Cal for a divorce, he is blindsided and ends up moving in with his bachelor friend Jacob (Ryan Gosling). Comedy ensues.

Clueless (1995)

Watch the Trailer

  • Super quotable, catchy soundtrack
  • As if! A modern retelling of Jane Austen’s “Emma,” Cher (Alicia Silverstone) is a wealthy and fashionable high schooler trying to play matchmaker for herself and her friends.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

Watch the Trailer

  • Hilarious, heartbreaking, healing
  • Peter (Jason Segel) goes to Hawaii to get over his ex-girlfriend Sarah (Kristen Bell) and ends up staying at the same resort as her and her new rockstar boyfriend (Russell Brand). 

Pretty Woman (1990)

Watch the Trailer

  • No rom-com list is complete without Julia Roberts
  • Vivian (Julia Roberts) is hired by Edward (Richard Gere) to be his escort for a week, and the two end up falling in love. 

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Watch the Trailer

  • Lavish settings, diverse and talented cast
  • Rachel (Constance Wu) goes on a trip to Singapore with her boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding) and is surprised to learn he is from one of the wealthiest families in Asia.

The Proposal (2009)

Watch the Trailer

  • Laugh-out-loud misunderstandings, witty banter
  • High-strung book editor Margaret (Sandra Bullock) forces her assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her so she can avoid deportation to Canada. 

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Watch the Trailer

  • Quirky, playful
  • To win the heart of popular high schooler Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) needs to find a way to get bad boy Patrick (Heath Ledger) to date Bianca’s unpopular sister Kat (Julia Stiles). It’s a clever retelling of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.”

Wedding Crashers (2005)

Watch the Trailer

  • Outrageous antics, unexpected emotional depth
  • John (Owen Wilson) and Jeremy (Vince Vaughn) crash weddings to meet women, but things get complicated when John falls for a bridesmaid (Rachel McAdams). 

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Watch the Trailer

  • Classic romantic comedy
  • Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) navigate the ups and downs of a long-term friendship as they try to determine if they are meant to be more than friends. 

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

Watch the Trailer

  • Clever plot, charming leads
  • Andie (Kate Hudson) writes an article about how to lose a guy in 10 days as a bet, but things go sideways when she meets Benjamin (Matthew McConaughey), who is trying to win a bet of his own by making a woman fall in love with him in 10 days.

50 First Dates (2004)

Watch the Trailer

  • Sweet romance, touching performances
  • Henry (Adam Sandler) falls for Lucy (Drew Barrymore), who has short-term memory loss and doesn’t remember him from one day to the next. 

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Watch the Trailer

  • Quippy writing, endearing lead actors
  • Bookstore owners Kathleen (Meg Ryan) and Joe (Tom Hanks) fall in love online without realizing they are real-life business rivals.

13 Going on 30 (2004)

Watch the Trailer

  • Charming, nostalgic, touching
  • Jenna (Jennifer Garner) wishes to be “thirty, flirty, and thriving” and wakes up the next day as a successful magazine editor, but she quickly realizes that the life she thought she wanted isn’t what she expected. 

He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)

Watch the Trailer

  • Relatable dating woes
  • An ensemble cast navigates the complicated, up-and-down world of modern dating. (Well, modern in 2009, anyway.)

From classic rom-coms to modern updates, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this list. And remember, the best way to watch these movies is to stream them with crazy-fast, dependable fiber Internet, so you can snuggle up and enjoy without interruptions.

If you haven’t already, connect with GoNetspeed today to get started!

Streaming 101: Services You Can Watch for Free

Are you afraid that leaving cable means losing some of your favorite shows and movies? Look no further! In this blog, we’ll explore the top FREE streaming services and how they can help you save money without sacrificing your binge-watching habits.

Free streaming services are online platforms that offer movies, TV shows, and other video content at no cost. These services are typically ad-supported, meaning users will see commercials while watching content. They can be a great option for people who want to access a wide range of shows and movies without paying a subscription fee. 

Accessing free streaming services is generally easy and straightforward. Most platforms can be accessed through a web browser or by downloading a mobile app. Some streaming services require users to create an account and log in to access content, while others are available to all users with no registration required.

Xumo

Xumo offers a mix of live and on-demand content. It includes a large selection of TV shows, movies, and news programs, as well as channels devoted to specific interests like cooking, sports, and cartoons. Xumo is ad-supported, but the ads are relatively short and less frequent compared to other free streaming services. 

Pluto TV

Pluto TV offers a variety of live channels, similar to a traditional cable TV service. Users can browse and watch live or on-demand content in a variety of categories, such as movies, sports, news, and entertainment. Pluto TV is supported by ads.

Tubi

Tubi offers a wide range of movies and TV shows, including many older or classic titles. Since Tubi is ad supported, users will see commercials while watching content.

Crackle

Crackle is owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and offers a selection of movies, TV shows, and original programming. Crackle is also ad supported.

Amazon Freevee

Amazon Freevee (formerly IMDB TV) offers a selection of movies and TV shows you can stream through an app or on devices like Fire TV Stick, Roku, Apple TV, gaming systems, and more. Amazon Freevee is ad supported, with ads appearing during breaks in the content.

Vudu

Vudu, owned by Fandango, allows you to rent or buy movies and tv shows, but also offers free, ad-supported options.

Kanopy

Kanopy offers a wide range of educational and indie films. Many public libraries and universities offer Kanopy as a benefit to their patrons, so users may need to log in with a library card or other credentials to access the service. Kanopy is ad-free.

Hoopla

Hoopla is a free service available through participating public libraries. It offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, music, audiobooks, and eBooks for users to borrow. Users can stream or download content to their devices for a set amount of time before it automatically expires. Hoopla is a convenient option for those who have a library card and want to access a large collection of digital media for free.

Free streaming services are a great way to save money on your entertainment expenses. But it’s important to remember that a fast and reliable internet connection is key to getting the most out of your streaming experience. Don’t risk disrupting family movie nights or binge-watching marathons with annoying buffering and lag – GoNetspeed’s high-speed fiber Internet is crazy fast and reliable. If you haven’t already cut the cord, click here to get started.

Guide to Online Fitness Subscriptions

Just because the holiday decorations are (hopefully) put away and you may already be slipping on your New Year’s resolutions, it doesn’t mean you can’t make a fresh start! 

For many, that includes committing to fitness. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, gain muscle, or just stay active, fitness is a common goal in a new year. If you haven’t jumped on the online fitness trend yet, 2023 could be your year! 

With online fitness subscriptions, you can workout whenever you want, without having to leave the comfort and convenience of your home.

With so many options out there, it can be tough to figure out which service is best for you. The most popular fitness subscriptions generally offer a range of activities, from yoga and Pilates, to weight training and HIIT. Subscriptions are typically offered at a monthly rate, with some providing discounts if you purchase an annual membership.

To help you find the best fit (pun intended) for your resolutions, we’ve compiled a quick guide to five of the most popular fitness subscriptions on the market today.

Beachbody on Demand

Do you remember the P90X or Insanity workout DVDs from back in the day? Now you can stream those classes and the rest of the Beachbody library on any Internet-connected device. Beachbody on Demand is only $9.99/month, and it also includes nutritional guidance and built-in support groups. If you want to upgrade, BODi (Beachbody on Demand Interactive) is an add-on service for $19.95/month and includes daily live classes, new workouts added to the collection every day, weekly recipes, and monthly meal planning. The live class has a feature called “BODcast” where you can stream videos of yourself in real time while watching others do the same to give you a truly live feel.

Daily Burn

Daily Burn starts at $19.95/month for a basic membership and is “designed for anyone who is starting out – or starting over – with fitness.” There are a variety of classes including yoga, Pilates, strength training, and HIIT. Each morning at 9 AM EST there is a live, 30-minute workout. If you can’t make it to the live classes, don’t worry, you can access them on demand any time during the day they are released. Premium membership perks include access to the full archive of workouts; not just the present day. 

Aaptiv

Aaptiv gets you away from the screen with audio-based instructions. Their library contains more than 2,500 guided workouts with new classes added every week. It’s simple to use; you enter your goals for the workout, choose a duration, and select a workout that fits your parameters. And while the workouts are audio-based, video demonstrations are included. Aaptiv costs $99.99/year after a 7-day free trial or $14.99/month.

lululemon Studio

lululemon entered the online fitness industry during the pandemic with lululemon Studio. Their centerpiece is the Mirror, an Internet-connected smart mirror that delivers over 10,000 classes to your home. The Mirror can currently be purchased for $795. Additionally, there is a $39/month membership fee with a one-year minimum commitment. The membership fee also comes with some unique perks: 10% off lululemon gear, early access to products, receipt-free returns, and 20% off in-person classes at partner studios across the US. 

Peleton

Arguably the most well-known name in online fitness subscriptions, Peloton sells high-end bikes (starting at $1,445), treadmills ($3,495), and rowing machines ($3,195) alongside an additional $44/month all-access membership. The membership includes live and on-demand classes, performance tracking, and individual profiles for everyone in the household. If that price point is too steep, Peloton has recently introduced more affordable options that do not require exercise equipment. The Peloton Guide “turns your TV into an AI-powered personal trainer.” The Guide retails for $295 and requires a $24/month subscription to access strength-training classes. The Peloton app ($12.99/month after a 30-day free trial) has a collection of thousands of classes you can do without any equipment.

No matter which fitness subscription service you choose, it’s vital you have a fast and reliable Internet connection. This ensures you can stream your workouts without buffering or lagging, so you can focus on your training, not your connection. 

If you already have GoNetspeed, thank you for making us your fitness partner! We can help make sure you have the speed you need to keep up with your workouts.

If you don’t yet have GoNetspeed, don’t lose your motivation due to a bad Internet connection! Check your address to see if GoNetspeed’s High-Speed Fiber Internet is available in your area.

How Fast Internet Can Help You Care For Aging Parents

Smart home products can make life more comfortable, more social, and safer for aging adults. With the cost of long-term care out of reach for many Americans, more families are turning to smart home devices as a way of helping their aging parents live independently longer. While some worry that older generations may struggle with newer technologies, many smart home products on the market today are easy to use – no matter your tech skills.

Check out some of these must-have products to help you care for your aging parents. And remember that a smart home device is only as reliable as its Internet connection! 

Video Doorbells

Smart video doorbells offer a layer of home security and convenience for your aging loved ones. These devices allow homeowners to see who’s at the door without having to get up. And they can even hold a conversation with whomever is on the other end from the comfort of their couch to determine if they want to open the door at all! Some of the most popular, highest reviewed smart doorbells on the market today are Google Nest Doorbell, Ring Video Doorbell and Arlo Essential Wired.

Video Chatting Devices

There are several products on the market designed to simplify video calling for seniors with limited technology skills. Arguably the most user-friendly is GrandPad, touted for being “ready to go” out of the box, so you don’t have to be physically present to help your aging loved ones set it up. Other popular options include Meta Portal (formerly Facebook Portal) and Amazon’s Echo Show. The Echo Show has a unique feature called drop-in, which allows you to video call your loved one’s device without them having to do anything on their end to answer it. 

Fall Detectors

It’s important to have safety detectors for loved ones who choose to continue living independently. The Apple Watch has a built-in fall detector – and it’s great for aging parents who aren’t comfortable wearing obvious, obtrusive necklaces or bracelets. If your parent falls while wearing their watch, it will sound an increasingly loud alarm and prompt them either to dismiss the alert if they’re ok or call emergency services. If they do not respond and have not moved after 30 seconds, the Apple Watch will automatically dial 911 and send a message to their emergency contacts. 

Item Trackers

Memory issues increase with age, so it might be a good idea to place item trackers like Tile Mates or Apple AirTags in or on important, easy-to-misplace items like car keys, glasses cases or wallets. These trackers will simplify the search process by playing a sound on the tags’ built-in speakers if they’re within Bluetooth range.

Smart Home Hubs and Devices

A smart home hub like Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo makes it possible for your aging parents to complete household tasks (and maintain a higher level of independence) simply with verbal commands. This requires various smart devices throughout the house, but a well-connected smart home can greatly increase the comfort of your aging loved ones. They can “Hey Google” or ask Alexa for help adjusting the lights, room temperature, television volume and so much more. 

While some of these products only require a cellular connection, most of them rely on a wired and/or wireless connection. And whether it’s for convenience and comfort, security and safety, or time with family and friends on a video call, you don’t want your aging parents to contend with a poor Internet connection. 

See how GoNetspeed has you covered by searching your zip code here – and let us provide the cornerstone speed and reliability for your aging parents’ smart products.
If you are already a customer, we hope you are enjoying the fast, reliable benefits of our high-speed Internet service. If you have any questions about your account or would like to optimize your speeds, our team is always willing to help!

Entertaining (and Enriching) Connected Kids During Winter Break

With the holidays just around the corner, kids across the country are about to be home from school for the break. 

When the winter weather prevents them from playing outside, here are some top activities to keep connected kids entertained and enriched during school breaks.

Virtual Visits & Experiences

Airbnb Experiences

If you’ve never checked out Airbnb Experiences, don’t wait another day! These virtual, personal experiences are a unique way to spend time together as a family. 

Here are a few family experiences that come highly rated, but be sure to check out the site for a full listing:

Boston Children’s Museum – Museum at Home

Bring the magic of the museum into your home with Boston Children Museum’s virtual experience. Access hundreds of activities covering music, engineering, science, art, and more – all filterable by age and category.

San Diego Zoo – Wildlife Explorers

Check-in on live cameras in some of San Diego Zoo’s most popular animal enclosures including the panda cam, the tiger cam, and the hippo cam. 

And while you’re there, download some printable coloring pages, or instructions to make a “beary” cute ornament for your Christmas tree.

Design & Discover

PBS Design Squad 

In the virtual design lab, kids can draw their big ideas – a pencil that makes your handwriting perfect, a flying bed, a robot librarian helper – and then submit them to a global community where they can be expanded upon and celebrated with stickers. 

NASA Science Space Place 

Explore earth and space through a variety of online games, activities, and videos. Or print one of the dozens of craft or experiment templates available, complete with written and video instructions, so your air-powered balloon rocket launch is a success.

National Geographic Kids

With brain-boosting games and a library of engaging videos about science, history, animals, travel, and more, the Nat Geo Kids site is worth bookmarking for inclement weather days. 

Speaking of which, check out the personality quiz section to learn what type of weather you are.

Move!

GoNoodle 

GoNoodle says their mission is simple: “be a force of joy, health, and self-discovery for kids and the adults who love them.” Get the kids off the couch and onto their feet with loads of movement-based learning activities. 

Check out guided dances that range from math (Lines and Angles) to mental health (Mood Walk) and everything in between. GoNoodle is also available as an app for iOS and Android.

Classes, Camps & Clubs

Outschool

“Let kids’ curiosity run wild with classes and groups on any topic you can imagine.” Support your kids’ passions and hobbies by signing them up for classes with like-minded instructors and classmates. 

Outschool offers classes on everything – more than 140,000 interactive online classes and counting! 

Funbrain

Browse Funbrain by grade (Pre-K through 8) or type (games, videos, books) to find hundreds of free educational experiences that help develop math, reading, and problem-solving skills. Easy to navigate with high-quality visual appeal, Funbrain provides an enriching and entertaining virtual learning environment.

There’s no shortage of online educational and enriching activities for your kids this winter break. But these connected activities require a great (and weather-resistant!) Internet connection. Our customers enjoy all of these online activities with a reliable and fast connection. That means no buffering and no lagging!  If you don’t already have GoNetspeed, there’s still time to make sure you and your connected kids are set up for success this winter break! To get started, go to gonetspeed.com/getstarted or chat with our super friendly customer service team.

Cyber Monday: Good Morning GoNetspeed!

Holiday deals are hitting local and online shelves!

From streaming movies, to smart home devices, to automated pet feeders, so much in our home can be Wi-Fi enabled. That’s why it’s really important to have a safe, secure reliable internet connection. Whether you’re working from home or playing from home, you want an internet provider that’s going to give you the best experience.

During Good Morning GoNetspeed’s Cyber Monday edition, Ryan Hibbard and Ryan Wirth focus on a couple different gadgets and streaming services that work great with our High-Speed Fiber Internet service.* In this blog, we share more information about the items mentioned, and share other tech gadgets you may want on your holiday list!

Streaming Devices:

Amazon’s Fire TV Stick | Cyber Monday Deals on Amazon devices.

Google Chromecast with Google TV | Save $10 on Chromecast with Google TV (HD or 4K) through 11/30.

Roku | Special Black Friday deals available through December 1st.

Streaming Services:

  • If you’re looking for a great deal on streaming services like Netflix, Peacock, Disney+ and more, read this great compilation of Cyber Monday deals on ET Online.

Smart Home – Personal Assistant Devices

Gaming:

  • Nintendo Switch | $299.99: A gaming console you can play at home and on-the-go.
  • Meta Quest 2 | $399.99: It’s a standalone virtual reality entertainment system – no PC required. Watch movies, play games, and experience the immersive power of virtual reality.
  • Meta Quest Pro | $1499.99 (Pre-Order): Go all out and pre-order the Meta Quest Pro. This mixed reality VR system allows you to engage with the virtual world while staying present in the physical one.

Online Gaming:

  • A popular gift during the holiday season is memberships or gift cards for online gaming. Check out this list from PC Magazine that highlights the best places to rent or buy online games. For people who want more tech with their online gaming…
  • Steam Deck | Starting at $399: Play your Steam library anywhere. This portable powerhouse has models ranging from $399 to $649 depending on storage and processing speeds.

Note: Internet speeds of above 20 Mbps are usually ideal for gaming, especially multiplayer or competitive gaming. Anything lower than 20 Mbps falls into the “lag danger zone.” There’s nothing worse than lagging just when you’re about to win the game! With fiber internet, we provide the speeds you need! (View our speeds and plans.)

More Gift Ideas:

Here’s some other top tech gifts for the 2022 holiday season like projectors, automatic pet feeders, and more!

  • Samsung Freestyle Projector | $599.99: It’s a high-quality projector that rotates 180 degrees for floor-to-ceiling views (and anything in between) with a powerful built-in audio system. And because it connects to your in-home Internet, you can easily access your favorite streaming apps and voice assistants right from the projector.
  • Backbone Mobile Gaming Controller | $99 for Apple or Android: According to the Backbone website, “Just snap your phone into the Backbone One controller, launch the Backbone App, and start playing your favorite mobile, console, or PC games from anywhere, in seconds.” At just $99, this might just be the gift of the year for your favorite gamer.
  • Duex Dual Laptop Monitor | $215.99 (dual screen), $431.99 (tri-screen): Up your productivity with a dual or tri-screen for your existing laptop. Duex laptop monitors plug into your USB-C ports providing data and power and attach to the sides via magnet for a simple, sturdy set-up wherever you need it.
  • Love Box | $139.99: A cute way to share your love that combines the virtual with the tangible, the Love Box is a device to which you can send photos, notes, and drawings to a loved one. When a note arrives, the heart on the box spins to indicate a new message. Consider this gift for aging family members – just connect it to their Internet and they’re ready to receive your love notes.
  • POWERUP 4.0 RC Paper Plane | $69.99: Make a paper airplane, then control the flight through your smartphone. Tilt your phone to fly your plane – it’s that easy, and that cool!
  • Moonlite Storytime | $45.00 Starter Pack: Turn your phone into a projector with Moonlite. Moonlite uses your phone camera’s flashlight to project images from kid’s favorite stories, while a complementary app reads the story aloud. All you need is a connected smartphone and a starter pack!
  • PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Cat & Dog Feeder | $129.99: Don’t forget about your four-legged family members this holiday season! Schedule and monitor feedings from an app, including a slow feed option for your pups who eat too quickly. Save money on dog sitters and maintain peace of mind that your furry family members are fed on schedule. Plus, it’s compatible with Amazon Dash Replenishment, which can automatically reorder your pet’s food when you’re running low.

From functional to fun, these gift ideas can keep everyone on your list connected and entertained. And don’t forget to consider upgrading your Internet during the holiday season. You may want a higher speed for when your holiday guests come to visit (and bring their devices with them), or to get the most out of your own new tech!

Whether you’re making the switch to High-Speed Fiber Internet from cable or DSL, or you’re already enjoying the speed and reliability of our fiber internet, we’ll make sure you get the best performance and experience possible from our network!

*Products and services mentioned during our livestream and in this blog should not be considered endorsements or sponsorships. GoNetspeed and the hosts of the livestream do not gain any benefit, financial or otherwise, from mentioning these products. When shopping, customers should do their own additional research.

Cutting the Cord 101: How to Watch Local News Without Cable

Are you worried about losing access to your local news without a bundled television package? Fear not! Getting your news, weather, and local events is easier than ever with High-Speed Fiber Internet. You don’t need cable to stay connected any longer!

Check out these tips on cutting the cord without compromising your connection to local programming…

The Secret Cable Providers Don’t Want You to Know

If you really enjoy the experience of watching your local news on TV, you don’t need to go through a cable company to do it.

Your local news stations are likely already free for you!

Yep, you heard that right. You don’t need cable (or Internet if we’re being totally honest) to watch your local broadcasts. All you need is an antenna to pick up your local stations. Many TVs come with a built-in antenna! So, it’s likely you’re already set up to ditch the cable and keep the local stations. These aren’t those old clunky rabbit ears with shaky signals from the past either – in fact, modern broadcasts come through in a digital signal that is high-definition and can look as good as streaming services.

It really can be that simple!

Streaming Services: A One-Two Punch

If you don’t have an antenna or want to explore other options, there are a bunch of streaming services to meet your local (and global!) needs.

Hulu + TV and YouTube TV, among others, allow you to watch local news just like you would through a cable service provider. And with the rise of smart TVs and devices like Fire TV Sticks and Google Chromecasts, these streaming services work through your existing television set without the need for a cable contract.

While streaming services aren’t free like Internet-based news or antenna broadcasts, they are often a significantly better value than a cable package. They give you access to a ton of content like exclusive shows and movies you can’t get anywhere else, and they also provide the local access you want – at a fraction of the price of a cable bundle. Plus, streaming services are easy to pause or cancel as needed, unlike those difficult-to-navigate cable contracts.

Switch to Online News or Local Papers

Consider making a local news station’s website your homepage. That way, each time you open your browser, you’ll gain immediate access to current events in your community. And if you’re often on your mobile devices throughout the day, check to see if your local paper and television stations have their own app you can download.

You no longer have to wait until 6:00 PM for the evening news broadcast! You’ll have the flexibility to control exactly when and how you access your news at your fingertips.

If you like a predictable news cycle, you can subscribe to your local newspaper. Whether you opt for a physical or digital copy, it will arrive on a daily schedule that provides a routine like watching a television broadcast. It’s also a great way to support your local journalists and keep your investments in your community. Your local papers can often provide more in-depth coverage than a quick segment on the TV news.

Watching Local News: Never Miss a Moment

Getting your local news without cable might have seemed out of reach in the past, but now you can see it doesn’t have to be! There are many affordable, user-friendly solutions out there that make it easy to stay connected to what’s happening in your community.

We have several other blogs that share ways to access great TV and movie programming without cable. Feel free to check them out!

If you haven’t cut the cord yet, learn more about GoNetspeed’s lightning-fast High-Speed Fiber Internet.

How to get support when you need it

At GoNetspeed, we’re experts in speed and reliability – and that extends beyond our High-Speed Fiber Internet. We’re committed to making things easy for you and ensuring you have an excellent experience with our services and products.

To help you get the support you need when you need it, here are some pro tips straight from our customer service team:

Order Online – it’s an easy 2-step process!

Ready to add fast, reliable fiber Internet to your home? We’ve made it easy for you!

Step 1: Check GoNetspeed availability at your address.

Step 2: Follow the prompts to place your order and schedule the home installation – then just wait for the technicians to arrive. (And by the way, there’s no installation fee for bringing fiber Internet to your home!)

Check the Support Site

Questions about accounts, installation, or equipment? You’re probably not the first person to ask us. Visit our support page for answers to your most frequently asked questions.

Get Setup with SmartHub

Connect to our customer portal, SmartHub, where you can

  • View your bill
  • Pay your bill (or enroll in automatic billing for an even more seamless transaction!)
  • Review your current service subscription
  • Open an inquiry – send your questions directly to a customer service representative

Drop us a Note

You can also submit questions to our customer service team without logging into the SmartHub on our contact page.

Enroll in Automatic Billing

Select Automatic Billing inside your SmartHub account to have your monthly payments deducted directly from your bank account, and never worry about making a late payment again.

Use SecurePay Automated Pay Line

Pay your bill by phone with our quick, user-friendly automated pay line. You can make a secure payment24/7 by calling 855-891-7291 to:

  • Find out your balance
  • Pay with a credit card on file
  • Pay using a one-time credit card that we won’t store, or
  • Pay using your checking account

When Calling is Better

Even though we’re Internet enthusiasts, we know that sometimes phone calls are your best route. That’s why we have super-smart, super-friendly staff available to you 24/7 at 855-891-7291. Call our customer service line if:

  • You want to make changes to your service, like upgrades or downgrades
  • You need a sidekick to help you troubleshoot
  • You’ve got a question you can’t find the answer to in your SmartHub or on our support page.

We know how important the speed of now is! That’s why our team is available to you 24/7 online or over the phone. Not that we think you’ll need it, but if you have a question or concern, we’re here to provide you with fast, reliable support.

Getting the Most Out of Your Home Network

High-Speed Fiber Internet service is great, but if your home network isn’t optimized, you still might have spotty or slow service. Numerous devices connected to your network, outdated equipment, and less efficient wired connections can all slow down your home network. That’s why it’s important to optimize your technology so that you can do what you love – work, stream, or game faster and without interruptions!

Keep reading to learn some simple tricks that can optimize your home network and help you get the most out of your GoNetspeed service.

Your network adapter settings.

Over time it’s not hard to change the settings of your home network without realizing it. It’s very easy to do– something as simple as enabling file sharing without meaning to can slow down your connection. While it’s very technical, here are two easy ways you may be able to speed up your home network:

  1. Disable file and printer sharing. Unless you have two Microsoft computers that file share, this isn’t necessary.  Many wireless printers have their own app to make printing and scanning easy. While this feature may be necessary for printer models that don’t have that, for a lot of homes it isn’t.
  2. Manually change your DNS server. While there are default settings with this, it’s worthwhile to research and find out if the DNS server your network is using is best for your needs or if you need to switch to something else.

Use a WiFi booster.

Your home construction, and even how furniture is laid out, can impact how far your WiFi signal reaches and how strong it is. Things like metal shelving, plastic, glass or a microwave can weaken or disrupt your WiFi signal altogether. So, it’s important to pick a location that’s as open as possible.

For larger homes or spaces where that’s not an option, consider investing in a WiFi booster. These devices plug into an outlet or sit on a surface and capture the signal from the router and then boost it to other parts of the house. Typically, WiFi boosters have a stronger antenna, allowing more coverage into areas with a poor signal.

Secure your network.

You can make the most out of your home network by making sure uninvited guests don’t access it. An open network is easy, but it also invites anyone to get on your network and stream to their heart’s content, not to mention make your personal data more vulnerable. Making your network password protected is a simple fix, but effective for keeping others from slowing down your network.

Making the switch to High-Speed Fiber Internet is a great decision as it can support your connectivity needs, but it’s also important to ensure that your home network can also support your household’s devices and the demands that come with day-to-day Internet access.

Now that we’ve gone over a few of the ways you can make small changes to get the most out of your home network, we’d love to help you get faster, better internet!

If you’re already a customer and need some help optimizing your network, give our technical support team a call at 855-891-7291.

Thinking about cutting the cord and ready to give High-Speed Fiber Internet a try? Check here to see if GoNetspeed is available in your area.