How to Manage Your Online Subscriptions

Save money by paying for what you’re watching with these helpful tips & tricks

The streaming revolution has utterly changed television viewing forever. With streaming services, not only are you untied from the tyranny of programming packages stuffed with channels you’ll never watch, but you can also choose when and where to view your favorite movies and shows – widescreen plasma, your laptop, or on your smartphone (which for most of us, is always within reach).

Streaming has created an interesting dilemma: There’s an embarrassing amount of content available. From the big names like Prime, Hulu, and Netflix to niche programmers like Motor Trend on Demand for car enthusiasts and BritBox for Anglophiles.

On average, Americans who use streaming services use five services at one time, according to a 2021 survey conducted by Verizon and Publicis Media. Surprisingly, those who still have cable TV subscribe to even more – seven on average!

Almost half of the respondents (48%) say they are worried about how much money they spend on streaming services every month. Which may explain why about half of streaming service customers share their login information to keep costs down.

But there are better ways to manage your subscriptions. Here are some smart options:

Take An Inventory
Beware of subscription billing. Whether it’s for an app you used once or a streaming service you signed up for to binge-watch a series you heard everyone raving out, those little charges can add up. A smart strategy is to use the same credit card for all your streaming services so you can keep all your services in one place, to keep track of how much you’re paying in total every month. Be ready to pull the virtual plug on any services you’re not watching on a regular basis.

Get an App Assistant
You don’t have to do the dirty work of canceling. Some apps (Truebill, Trim, Mint, Track My Subs, and many more) will alert you to recurring bills like subscriptions. Not only do they remind you of your recurring payments, some can also help cancel the subscription for you. But be careful; in an ironic twist, some of these cost-saving apps charge a monthly fee.

You are in Control
Consumers who may be used to the take-it-or-leave-it attitude of big cable providers, must remember, streaming companies need to earn your attention every month. If you, the viewer, grow bored with what you’re paying for, you can vote with your pocketbook. Simply hit cancel!

Many people keep holding on to streaming services because they think they’ll have something better to watch tomorrow. That’s fine. But if you are going months without tuning back into that streaming service you subscribed to, make sure you are canceling it.

Rotate and Resubscribe
One savvy strategy you can use to keep monthly streaming bills in check is to keep your streaming diet to just a few services a month. Binge on the movies and series you really want to watch, and then cancel and move on to the next one. Keep your must-haves in a permanent collection but keep those services that might have one or two good shows at any given time on a steady rotation.

The Real Cost of Free Trials
We all have terrible memories when it comes to what we subscribed to and when. That’s what makes free trials so insidious. Most of them will charge you when that free trial period is over (when most of us have forgotten that we’re even signed up for it). So, make yourself a promise right now: The next time you sign up for a free trial, whether it’s an app or a streaming service, tell your Siri, Google Nest smart speaker, or your favorite calendar app to remind you to cancel it on the last day of the trial.

Don’t Pay Twice
Know what’s worse than a rerun? Paying for a service you already get for free. Many cell phone providers now also offer a complimentary subscription to a streaming service as part of your monthly bill. Is the streaming service one that you’re also already paying for? Then be sure to cancel your standalone version.

No matter what subscriptions you end up choosing, your Internet connection is the key to a great streaming experience. You’ll need ample bandwidth, symmetrical speeds, and a service without data caps and throttling. At GoNetspeed, we’ve got you covered.

Check your address or get in touch with our super-friendly Customer Service team, 855-891-7291, to get started today.

What’s It Like to Change From Cable to a Fiber Internet Connection?

Here’s what you can expect when you’re ready to cut the cord from Big Cable.

Times are changing. More people than ever are doing something about cable providers who offer high prices, a lousy customer experience, and bandwidth that can’t handle today’s heavily connected lifestyle. They’re switching to fiber optic Internet providers.

It’s easy to understand why people want to make the switch. They want faster Internet, better customer service, and the ability to choose the programming they want – not packages of channels selected by the cable company.

Some people may still be on the fence about leaving cable. We get it! Change is hard. Many people stick with a cable provider that they’re unhappy with simply because they don’t know what to expect when they switch. Will they still be able to get their local channels and watch sports? What about their favorite streaming services?

This article will give you a guided tour about what you can expect when you switch to a fiber Internet provider.

Getting Started With Fiber Internet.

First, you need to determine if there’s a fiber optic Internet provider where you live. Broadbandnow can help you determine providers and speeds in your area. (Of course, we also offer a handy location finder – just click on “Check Availability” or “Check my area” anywhere on our website.)

When it comes to installation, it really depends on the provider you’re choosing. GoNetspeed has a two- part process.

The first part takes place at the neighborhood level. Our team begins to mark utilities and potential construction landmarks to avoid any interruptions to the utilities in the area. Then we distribute fiber cable from one of our hubs in your town to a localized cabinet in the neighborhood. Fiber is then extended on utility poles to your home.

After a utility check, we activate (also known as “lighting up”) the fiber, which means the fiber is ready to bring the Internet to you.

The second part of installation begins in your home. We will require an adult to be present and this should also take 1-2 hours. Your home will be equipped with an optical network terminal (ONT), which acts as a modem to bring fiber Internet to your house. You will also receive a free router which allows you to connect all your devices.

You’re connected. Now what?

At this point, all you need to do is connect your devices to the Internet. If you’ve purchased a TV in the last few years, it’s likely to be a Smart TV. This means it may already be equipped with what you need for Internet access. It may come preloaded with popular apps, or you can download apps. Even HD content will stream at superfast speeds with your new fiber connection.

If you don’t have a Smart TV, you can hook in your favorite device like an Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, PS5, or Xbox to begin streaming. You can also stream to your computer or mobile device using Wi-Fi.

The great advantage of fiber Internet is that you can upload and download data at the same speed, which allows you to have crystal clear video conversations and streaming experiences.

Yes, sports and live TV are also available with fiber Internet.

If you’re a local news junkie, fiber has you covered. YouTubeTV and Hulu+ offer competitively priced (cheaper than cable) live TV packages that will deliver all the local and cable TV channels and sports. There are even some DVR functions available. Don’t forget! You also can watch the news from your local TV station’s website as well – with fiber Internet, you won’t see any buffering or lagging.

Sports fans can subscribe to ESPN+ to get live sports coverage and games that ESPN covers, and some leagues even have their own streaming packages like MLB.TV, NFL Sunday Ticket, and NBA TV. Apple TV and Peacock (NBC) have also begun streaming live sports on their platforms as well.

You get more for your money with fiber Internet.

The main point: The best thing you’ll discover when you switch to fiber Internet is that you get more for your money, without giving up anything you’re already watching. That’s because instead of spending on channels you never watch, you’ll be able to target your budget more effectively and only subscribe to what you like.

Ready for lightning-fast streaming? Check your address or get in touch with our super-smart, super-friendly Customer Service team anytime toll-free at 855-891-7291.

You May Be Eligible for Discounted Home Internet. Find Out How.

At GoNetspeed, we’re dedicated to connecting communities. We know it’s not just the technology that matters, it’s what that technology allows: in our life, in our work, in our family. So, with this in mind, we are excited to share some information about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

In November of 2021, the federal government created the ACP to help, “ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.”

Benefits of the ACP

The ACP provides eligible households a maximum of $30 per month toward service.

Is Your Household Eligible?

If a member of your household participates in one of the following government programs, your household may qualify for the ACP: Lifeline, SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, FPHA, Veterans Pension, Survivors Pension, free and reduced price lunch program, school breakfast program, current Federal Pell Grant, WIC, (new to program), attends a school that participates in the Community Eligibility Program (CEP), or your household income falls below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. To see if you’re eligible, visit www.fcc.gov/acp.

Please note that you must apply through the government website before we can enroll you. Below is a list of the GoNetspeed/Otelco companies that are currently participating. (Please check back as this list will continue to grow.)

Alabama

Blountsville Telephone

Brindlee Mountain Telephone

Hopper Telecommunications

Otelco Telephone

Connecticut

GoNetspeed

Missouri

Otelco Mid-Missouri

I-Land Internet Services

Massachusetts

CRC Communications (WiValley)

Granby Telephone

Maine

Pine Tree Telephone

Saco River Telephone

Mid-Maine Telecom

New York

Upstate Fiber Networks

Ontario Telephone Company

Trumansburg Telephone Company

Pennsylvania

GoNetspeed

Vermont

Shoreham Telephone

West Virginia

War Telephone

Step One

The first step is to apply and get prequalified! It’s easy! Go to affordableconnectivity.gov to submit an application (or you can print out and mail in an application). If you receive service from one of the companies listed above, please contact us. We can talk with you about plan options and have the discount applied to your bill.

How To Get Help With the ACP

To get help with the ACP (eligibility questions, participating providers, etc.) you can reach out to our GoNetspeed Customer Service. You can also visit www.fcc.gov/acp or contact the ACP Support Center at (877) 384-2575.

What to Expect During Your GoNetspeed Fiber Internet Installation

A GoNetspeed high-speed fiber Internet installation is on time, fast, and won’t take up your entire day with a service window.

Let’s walk through it.

Create an Account and Schedule Your Install in Less Than 5 Minutes

Here are all the steps that come before your installation appointment (the day and time we come into your home and get you connected).

Account Creation: Once your address has been verified as serviceable (i.e., GoNetspeed is available in your neighborhood) you can create an account. Creating an account prompts you to enter your credit card information. Don’t worry, you won’t be charged for anything until after your service has been installed!

Scheduling: After your account has been fully created, you’ll get access to the installation calendar — simply choose a date and time that works best for you.

It’s that easy.

We Do Some Prep Work Before Your Install, but You Don’t Have to Be Home

If necessary, GoNetspeed installers will come to your home and perform outside work a few days before your scheduled appointment. You don’t need to be home for our friendly team to perform the prep work.

Outside Work: This work involves running a new fiber optic cable from the pole outside your home to your home and installing an outside access box.

Your new fiber optic cable connection will not interfere with any other existing data lines including cable or telephone.

Welcome to Fiber Fast: Getting You Connected on the Day of Your Appointment

Once the outside prep work is completed, GoNetspeed will come back on the day and time of your appointment to finish the installation. Here are those steps:

Inside Work: GoNetspeed installers will run a line from your newly installed access box (outside your home) to the inside of your home.
The ONT: Once inside, installers will connect the fiber optic line to an Optical Network Terminal or ONT — the ONT (which converts the optical signal to an ethernet connection) is the fiber provider equivalent of a cable modem.
Getting Connected: After connecting the fiber optic line to the ONT and adding power, GoNetspeed installers will test your connection. If everything checks out, the installers will connect your ONT to your new Nokia Wi-Fi 6 wireless router.

At the end of your installation, you’ll be set up with the best connectivity on the market — the fastest speeds (up and down) and the most stable connection your area can support.

Got Questions? Give Us a Call and Talk to an Actual Person

Thanks to our state-of-the-art network and top-tier tech, installation day might be the last time you actually see us. If you have questions, give us a call, and get them answered by an actual person.

The Garden Hose Analogy: Bandwidth Explained

When it comes to Internet performance, there’s an awful lot of jargon thrown around — speed, ping, buffering, lag, download rates, megabits, gigabytes. If you aren’t in the know, it’s hard to follow. We can simplify it for you.

One thing everyone should have a good grasp on is bandwidth — it’s the single most important factor in Internet performance, and it’s different from speed. Luckily, there’s an easy analogy that explains what bandwidth is and why it matters.

Let’s go to the garden.

If the Water Coming Out of a Garden Hose Represents Internet Speed, the Diameter of the Hose Is Bandwidth

Imagine you’re in your backyard with a garden hose and you’ve got the spigot turned on. Water is flowing from the end of the hose at full speed.

In this scenario, the water is Internet data, the rate at which the water is flowing is speed, and the size diameter of the hose is bandwidth. You’ll fill a bucket of water faster if you have a wide garden hose attached to the spigot, not a skinny narrow tube like a straw.

As bandwidth and speed combine to ultimately determine the final rate at which data is transferred — usually expressed as megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps), people often use bandwidth and speed interchangeably, but that’s not correct. It’s bandwidth — the diameter of the hose — that really determines Internet performance as the speed of data transmission (the flow of water) never really changes. (Think back to the garden hose vs. a straw.)

No matter how fast the water is flowing out, it is the diameter of the hose that is going to be the single biggest factor in realizing any potential speed. A large enough diameter will let the water flow freely without restriction — as fast as it possibly can.

The More Things You Stream or Connect, the More Bandwidth You’ll Need

Now, imagine you are watering a single plant and that plant is your favorite show on Netflix. You’ve got a large diameter hose and the water is flowing fast — you are realizing the potential of both your bandwidth and your speed. In other words, you have plenty of water flowing fast enough to give Netflix as much water as it wants.

So far so good — but, what happens if you have a bunch of flowers (tablets, phones, more movies, video games, etc.) that want water at the same time, and you only have that one hose? You’ve got to split the stream.

By splitting the stream you’re essentially creating multiple hoses with reduced diameters. Internet data is the same way. The more devices you have connected and the more bandwidth they demand, the more your data stream is divided and reduced.

If you divide it enough times, you might get down to only a trickle or maybe nothing at all. Your flowers will wilt. Your Netflix will buffer and stutter. You don’t have to worry about that with GoNetspeed!

High-Speed Fiber Internet: The Firehose of Bandwidth

So, how do you make sure you don’t run out of water no matter how many flowers you’re trying to feed? You get a firehose — high flow, large diameter, lots of water. This way, no matter how many streams you split it into, it’s still going to be a lot of water per stream, more than enough for an entire garden of devices and applications.

That’s the difference between high-speed fiber Internet and other broadband, fiber is a firehose. And in a world where more and more houses are turning into huge gardens, you’re going to need a firehose, not a squirt gun.

At GoNetspeed — thanks to our fiber-only network — we only have firehouses to choose from. We have high-speed plans that offer an enormous amount of bandwidth, so no matter how many devices or programs you’re using simultaneously, you’re covered.

Check your address or get in touch with our super-friendly Customer Service team, 855-891-7291, to get started today.

Cutting the Cord 101: A Step-by-Step Guide to Ditching Cable

Traditional cable companies are massive, sluggish mega-corporations with lousy customer care and outdated technology, and cutting the cord is about saying no to sub-par service. It may seem daunting to ditch the familiar cable service you’ve always had, but cheaper, faster, greener pastures await … and getting there isn’t hard.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cut the cord, ditch cable, and save money in the process.

Why Switch?

Savings: Depending on your needs, cutting the cord can save you a lot of money. While a household that subscribes to a lot of streaming services (HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu + Live TV, Netflix, etc.) might wind up with a comparable bill when they cut the cord, you will see savings if you are underutilizing what you already have with your current service. For example, if you only want to watch live TV, a YouTubeTV subscription is only $64.99 a month + the cost of the Internet service you’re probably already paying for. If you just want to watch movies and aren’t particularly interested in HD content, you can get a Netflix subscription for as little as $9.99 a month. No matter what, cutting the cord lets you make the choice – rather than the cable company.

Speed: There’s just no way around it, fiber is faster. According to ZDNet, thanks to the way fiber works, it’s simply the fastest data provider — outstripping traditional copper cables by quite a margin. At GoNetspeed, speeds start at 150 Mbps and are symmetrical (meaning that download speeds and upload speeds are identical).

Service: Thanks to their captive audience, giant cable companies don’t always provide the best customer service— they don’t have to. You’ll keep coming back, and if you don’t, someone else will. With GoNetspeed, there are no annual contracts and friendly people (not robots) on the other end of the phone.

How to Switch

Check on Termination Fees: Cable providers often lock you into a contract (not GoNetspeed) with early termination fees. Before you cut the cord, read the fine print on your contract and figure out what kind of fee you can expect when you make the call to cancel. Most termination fees are structured around how much time is left on your current contract, while a few are just a flat rate. Either way, do the math — you might be so sick and tired of big cable you’d pay anything to bid them good day. Another thing to consider is that if you were unsatisfied with the service (slow speeds, outages, etc.), you might be able to call a customer service representative and convince them to waive the early termination fee.
Figure Out What You Need: Once you’ve decided to cut the cord, it’s time to figure out what you want and need. Are you a gamer? How many devices are in your house? How many people will be using the Internet at the same time? Are you going to want telephone service? How much do you want to spend?

The first thing you need to determine is what you’ll be using fiber for — streaming TV and movies, surfing the Internet & using social media, gaming, work (video conferencing and remoting into the office). Then, you need to figure out how many people and devices will be connected simultaneously. This will determine the kinds of speeds you’re going to need. Consumer Reports has a really handy calculator that will help you answer this exact question.

Remember, upload speeds matter too — this is especially true if you have smart home security cameras, do a lot of video conferencing, or upload a lot of large files.
Pick a Provider: Once you’ve got an upload/download speed/bandwidth range in mind it’s time to shop for a provider. We are partial to GoNetspeed, but BROADBANDNOW is a search engine for service providers. All you have to do is provide your ZIP code, and BROADBANDNOW will show you all the providers in your area, tell you what kind of service they provide (DSL, cable, wireless, fiber), pricing, and maximum speeds. Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, click through to the provider’s website and call or register online.
Cancel Your Service: One of the last things you need to do is actually cancel your existing service. Some companies bury their online cancellation process, so putting up with the wait time to get an actual human on the phone is usually the best bet. Be aware that they will try to entice you back with temporary discounts and high-pressure pitches.
Send Back Your Equipment: Once you’ve canceled your service it’s time to send back your equipment (modem, router, cable box — whatever you have). If you search on the company’s website or simply Google the name of the company and “return equipment” you will find a page of instructions on how to return what you’ve been renting. Most companies will allow you to mail it, drop it off at a physical location or arrange for a pickup at your home.

While we recommend dropping it off if it isn’t a major inconvenience (this way you know they received it), any option is OK as long as you get a receipt. Lost or unreturned equipment fees can be really high — even for a remote.

What You’ll Need

Once the cord has been cut and you’re up and running with your new service provider, there will be a few things that you’ll need to get the most out of your newfound freedom. Besides the equipment you will get from your new service provider (a Nokia Beacon WiFi 6 router from GoNetspeed, for example), you will need a streaming device and content subscriptions.

When it comes to streaming devices, the choices are nearly limitless, but you will need a device that can connect to the Internet and stream content. Apple, Amazon, Google, Roku, and NVIDIA all make dedicated streaming tech: dongles, sticks, pucks, shields, you name it. There are also smart TVs with this technology already built in: Amazon Fire TVs and Roku TVs (from a wide array of TV manufacturers) are the most popular. You can even stream anything and everything directly from your phones, computers, and tablets — and some of the most powerful streaming devices are modern gaming consoles like Sony’s PS5 and Microsoft’s Xbox.

While all of these devices perform the same function, there are subtle differences in audio and video quality, aesthetics and overall user experience. If you don’t care too much about it looking or sounding the best, going with your TV’s built-in smart device is just fine. If you don’t have a smart TV, you can’t beat the $29 Roku Express 4K Plus — it’s a workhorse and inexpensive. If you want a premium experience to hook up to your home theater, go with the NVIDIA Shield or the Apple TV 4K, neither of them are cheap but they will deliver the best audiovisual streaming experience on the market.

Now that you have a shiny new streaming device, it is time to subscribe to some services.

Want to watch movies? Or is live TV more your thing? What about sports?

In the past five years or so, streaming subscription options (especially live TV) have exploded. While Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu continue to enjoy success as goto TV and movie streaming services, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Disney+, Paramount+ and Peacock are making huge inroads with original content. Disney+ and its library of Marvel properties and Disney classics has been particularly popular.

Want live TV and sports packages?

YouTubeTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV and FuboTV all offer competitively priced (cheaper than cable) live TV packages that will deliver all the local and cable TV channels and sports you’re used to — some of them have even started to introduce DVR functionality. As for just sports, you can subscribe to ESPN+ to get live sports coverage and games that ESPN covers and some leagues even have their own streaming packages like MLB.TV, NFL Sunday Ticket and NBA TV.

Enjoy!

Now that you’ve cut the cord and have blazing-fast, reliable GoNetspeed fiber Internet (c’mon, we know you went with GoNetspeed), you can sit back and relax. Separating yourself from the cable companies means that you can pick and choose the services — TV, movies, at-home phone — without being locked into ridiculous contracts or saddled with content you’re never going to use.

You have the freedom to decide what you’re going to bring into your home, when you’re going to bring it in, and where. Take a deep breath, you’re back in control.

Ready to cut the cord? Check your address or get in touch with our super-friendly Customer Service team to get started today.

5G: Get the Lowdown on the Latest Phone Tech

Over the past few years, there has been a lot of chatter about 5G — at one point, Verizon said it was going to usher in another industrial revolution. And while Henry Ford hasn’t jumped out of our phones quite yet, the speeds you can get on 5G (in the right areas) are fast.

So, what exactly is 5G? Should you switch? Is it safe? How many G’s do you actually need? Let’s break it all down.

What is 5G? And do we care?

The G in 5G — like 4G and 3G that came before — stands for “generation,” so this is the fifth generation of wireless technology. 1G was the analog cellular signal tech used to make bag phones (remember bag phones?) work while 2G marked the switch to a digital signal protocol. Since 2G, the generations have been defined by how the wireless signal is interpreted, broadcast and ultimately received. The main differentiator has been speed.

This pattern continues with 5G. It is a complex study in radio wavelengths, signal power, bandwidth and distance, but the bottom line is this: 5G is a faster, more stable, almost lag-free protocol.

What does this all mean?

Well, when it comes to what consumers do already, it means quicker downloads; crisper, more consistent video calling; and a mobile web browsing experience on par with broadband. Where it gets exciting is what it can do for future consumer products and services. Because 5G is so fast and stable, it has the potential to power a Jetsons-esque future complete with fleets of automated delivery drones, flying robot firefighters and autonomous cars.

While it might be 5-10 years before we see the big impact of 5G, phones that can tap into it are already pretty ubiquitous.

Should I switch?

If you’re the kind of consumer that already has the latest phone, you’ve already switched to 5G. The Apple iPhone 13, Samsung Galaxy A32 and S22, and the Pixel 5a and 6 are all taking advantage of 5G. There are plenty of phones on the market that support 5G, the top-of-the-line phones are top-of-the-line phones for a reason: They support all three bands of 5G.

It’s a lot of science, but 5G comes in three different flavors — low-band, mid-band, and high-band, and it has to do with distance from the tower. A low-band 5G signal goes the farthest, but has the slowest speeds. A high-band 5G signal has the shortest range (about 800 feet), but has the fastest speeds. A mid-band 5G signal falls … you guessed it … in between the low-band and high-band signal in both distance and speed.

Top-tier phones have built-in radios that can take advantage of all three bands. While this looks great, high-band 5G has only 3% nationwide coverage as of now — being able to take advantage of it is nice but not strictly necessary. If you do want to switch, make sure you at least get a device that can receive a mid-band 5G signal. It’s the most widely developed throughout the US and offers speeds that far surpass 4G without the distance limitations of a high-band signal. Any device that supports high-band will support mid-band.

Home Internet?

In addition to phones, 5G is bringing much-needed competition to the home Internet market. Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T (and a bunch of smaller, local providers) are tapping into the 5G network to bring fast, wireless Internet into the home. Instead of plugging a cable into a modem and router, a router picks up the 5G signal out of the air and broadcasts it to your home.

5G home Internet has a lot of promise, but 5G rollout is still in its infancy, and what you get will depend — highly — on where you are located. In a metropolitan area? You’ll more than likely get a dedicated 5G signal and have a great time. In a not-so-metropolitan area? You’ll more than likely be put on a hybrid 4G/5G signal that will cut into your speeds and connectivity.

Before you jump into the 5G home Internet pool, you are definitely going to want to do a lot of homework on what’s available in your area and whether or not you’re going to get a dedicated 5G signal.

Is it safe? Spoiler alert: Yes.

Like most things that are widely discussion online, 5G has made the rounds in conspiracy theory circles, and you may have heard some nasty rumors about its safety. Let us put the rumors to rest. 5G signals are completely safe for humans to be around.

The wireless signals that comprise 5G have all been routinely used in telecommunications for decades — some since the early 1950s. The bottom line is this: 5G is safe. That is, unless you count how quickly you can post about your neighbors on Nextdoor with the speeds it offers.

While 5G is exciting and holds promise for all kinds of future innovations, it’s still new. Not all devices are compatible, and it’s not available in every location.

For home Internet, there’s still no better option than fiber. And for high-speed fiber Internet, there’s no better option than GoNetspeed. Check your address or get in touch with our super-friendly Customer Service team to get started today.

High Tech Pet Products: The Future of Having Furry Friends

Caring for pets has come a long way, and so have the products. From Wi-Fi-connected, treat tossing cameras to dog bones that roll away on their own, here are the top, high-tech pet products on the market today.

WOPET 6L Automatic Cat Feeder ($89.99)

It might say “cat feeder” in the name, but this modern marvel will work just as well for small to medium sized dogs. Wi-Fi enabled, the WOPET allows you to remotely control the feeder with a phone app, from anywhere, and you can control things like portion size, dispensing frequency and dispensing times.

The WOPET can be operated without the app, but the app provides an extra layer of convenience — just make sure the Wi-Fi in your home is strong and reliable.

Litter-Robot 3 ($549.99)

Shaped like a tiny cement mixer, the self-cleaning Litter-Robot slowly rotates every time your cat exits — this slow rotation separates the litter from the waste and places the waste into a recessed bin. Once the waste is deposited, the Litter-Robot rotates back and redistributes the separated litter.

If an always-clean litter box wasn’t enough, the Litter-Robot also connects to Wi-Fi. This Wi-Fi connection will interface with a phone app that will tell you when the waste bin is full.

Again, a strong, reliable Internet connection is essential.

Furbo Dog Camera ($167.99)[CPW1]

The Furbo Dog Camera equipped with two-way audio (with a bark sensor) and a wide-angle HD camera. It also lets you remotely toss your pet a treat from anywhere via the phone app.

The Furbo is also Alexa-enabled, so go ahead and tell your smart device to tell your other smart device to give your dog a treat.

All wireless cameras (including the Furbo Dog Camera) require two-way communication to the cloud. That means download speeds and upload speeds must be fast, consistent and reliable to get the best quality audio and video. A symmetrical connection — which means upload speeds are always as fast as download speeds — are recommended for wireless cameras. Check out our blog on symmetrical speeds to learn more.

Wyze Cam v3 ($35.99)[CPW1]

The Wyze Cam may not throw your dog a treat, but it can do almost everything else the Furbo can do – and for a fraction of the price. It comes with one of, if not the most lauded wireless indoor security cameras on the market, so the Wyze Cam makes a great pet camera.

With built-in two-way audio, a wide-angle HD camera, recording and playback functionality, and motion detection, the only thing the Wyze cam won’t do is spit out kibble. Wyze also makes a slightly more expensive version of their flagship camera that can remotely pan and tilt.

A symmetrical speed connection (like with the Furbo Dog Camera) is recommended.

Cheerble Wickedbone ($69.99)[CPW1]

While this entry on the list might not take up a lot of bandwidth, you’ll need a strong connection when you upload all the videos of Fido chasing after the Wickedbone.

The Wickedbone is an app-controlled, rechargeable, self-driving, bone-shaped dog toy. A powerful motor drives the two wheels of the toy (the irregularly-shaped ends of the bone) allowing it to do all sorts of things — shake from end to end, jump off the floor, spin, flip and roll.

The Wickedbone can be programmed to be self-activated and interact with your pet, or it can be controlled via the app. You can also buy different colored ends/wheels for it. Let’s hope Fido doesn’t bury this bone.

To make sure your connected pet products work the way they should, get a high-speed fiber Internet connection from GoNetspeed. You won’t have to worry about how many devices are connected or who is using what (even Fido) thanks to GoNetspeed’s consistent, reliable, fast and symmetrical speed connections.

Check your address or get in touch with our super-friendly Customer Service team to get started today.

The Top Three Things You Want From Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

The giant cable companies that people traditionally used for their Internet service had a stranglehold on the market for a long time — and they know it. When you’re the only provider in town, there’s not much incentive to provide a great experience. From eight-hour service windows to indecipherable bills and contracts, “Big Internet” got away with subpar service because they didn’t think their customers could do anything about it.

But now that you have GoNetspeed in your corner — and the other guys have some competition — you’ve got options. No matter who you choose to be your provider, we don’t think customers should be treated like just another set of numbers on a spreadsheet — they should be treated like valued members of the communities the provider serves. And it’s hard to do that when you’re just selling access to a legacy network that was already built.

But some providers are a part of the community, and they build networks where they are needed. They really are local providers. At GoNetspeed, we are proud to count ourselves among those providers, and we want to help more people choose better Internet service.

Here are three things that separate good providers from the pack of giant cable companies.

1. They offer technology and service that positively impacts you.

A good ISP builds and delivers the latest network technology. For us at GoNetspeed, that means high-speed fiber Internet. With data transferred along optic cables at the speed of light, fiber networks are state-of-the art — that means fast, stable, reliable and consistent Internet access. It also means no buffering, stuttering or slowdowns.

Fiber networks provide the highest possible speed areas can support so you can always keep up with what’s next.

A good ISP also does away with contracts, data caps, throttling and overages — they provide simple Internet service the way it is meant to be.

2. They offer transparency.

A good ISP is transparent, and that’s something we are particularly proud of at GoNetspeed.

One great example: we advertise our upload speeds. It may not seem like a big deal, but some of the bigger cable providers go to great lengths to advertise their download speeds and bury their upload speeds because of how low they are. If you want to learn more about symmetrical speeds, we’ve got a whole blog about it!

At GoNetspeed, we develop trust by doing what we say we will and admitting what we can’t. We just don’t see any other way of doing business.

3. They connect communities.

A good ISP lives, works and plays in the same communities as its customers — they are part of the neighborhoods they serve. Your ISP should strive to provide the best technology on the market today and do it in a customer-centric way.

When you call customer support, you should get to talk to an actual human – not get stuck going through layers of robots only to be put on hold or wait endlessly for a callback.

We know a lot of providers say they’re different, but, in our case, it’s true. Just go online and look at our reviews. They’re full of satisfied customers and people wanting to be customers.

We even launched a Brand Ambassador program recently that gives people the tools to promote GoNetspeed in their communities, and they do! Consumers are eager to move on from cable company customer service … and speeds … restrictive contracts … and doublespeak … and… and…

At GoNetspeed, we are redefining what an ISP can be. We are redefining what a great ISP is. We are delivering the highest level of connectivity possible, committing ourselves to excellent (people-powered) customer service and doing it all as transparently as we know how.

Check your address or get in touch with our super-friendly Customer Service team to get started today and see the different that the right provider makes.

Router 101: Tips for Setting Up Your Router

With an increase in virtual meetings, remote work, and online — well, everything — a fast and reliable Internet connection at home is increasingly important, and the right router (and the right setup) is key. That’s why we introduced our new Nokia WiFi 6 Router.

Not exactly sure what we’re talking about? You will. Here are our tips on how to set up your new router and get the most from your Internet service.

What a Router Does and Why It Matters

Your router is a device that takes the wired Internet connection coming into your home and turns it into a wireless signal that all your devices can connect to throughout the house. Routers are essential for any home Internet setup — but a bad router, or suboptimal router placement, can really slow things down.

To understand why, think of the Internet coming into your home as a highway. The higher the speed limit and the more lanes (speed and bandwidth), the quicker and more efficiently the cars (streaming services, online video games, web surfing, phones, tablets, etc.) get where they need to go. Using the same highway metaphor, think of your router as a toll stop. It won’t matter that your GoNetspeed fiber Internet is a 12-lane superhighway if your router is a four-booth, cash-only toll stop; it becomes a chokepoint.

Meet the New GoNetspeed Router

If you want a router to keep up with your Internet service, you need one that is rated for as much bandwidth (or more) as the service you’ve signed up for.

Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be pushed through a device at one time — or, in our metaphor, the number of lanes on the highway. For example, if you have a router that is rated for 450 megabits per second (Mbps) and you have a Gigabit plan (1,000 Mbps), you’re creating a chokepoint — the toll stop has half the lanes of the highway it’s on. We suggest always selecting a router that exceeds the bandwidth of your service so that you have room to grow with higher tiers of service.

With GoNetspeed’s Nokia WiFi 6 Router, you won’t have to worry about chokepoints for a long time. Our new router uses Wi-Fi 6 technology, which has a potential bandwidth of 9,600 Mbps; almost 10x the limit of GoNetspeed’s top plan.

Where to Put Your Wireless Router in Your Home

Once you’ve upgraded to our new router, the next step is to put it in the right spot for the best coverage. Coverage is how far the wireless signal can travel and how strong a signal you’ll get on a device before it becomes ineffective, and placement is key.

Factors like device interference, obstructions, building materials, and square footage can affect router performance, but the most important thing is to place your router in a central location, so that it’s roughly the same distance from all your connected devices.

If you think of the router’s coverage area as a large bubble, stuffing it into a corner of the house is going to place half the bubble outside of your home. A central location is going to ensure you’re getting maximum coverage.

How to Cover Dead Zones with Mesh Extenders

Even with a centrally located router, Internet dead zones can still happen (for any of the reasons mentioned above). GoNetspeed’s WiFi router can cover 1,500 square feet, but if you’re experiencing dead zones — slow speeds, buffering, choppy Internet — you may want to consider installing a few mesh extenders.

A mesh extender is basically a copy of your router that picks up the weak signal in the dead zone and repeats it, creating a new, strong, reliable wireless connection where there wasn’t one before. These mesh extenders only have to be paired with the router once and then plugged into an outlet to work, so they can be placed virtually anywhere.

Interested in mesh extenders? We can help with that! Along with our new router, GoNetspeed also offers wireless mesh extenders that can be added onto your service.

When to Increase Your Plan

If you’ve gone through this list of tips, but slowdowns, stutters, and buffering are still an issue, it might be time to go up a tier in your service plan. This is especially true if you have a lot of people using your Internet at the same time, particularly for things like online gaming, 4k streaming, and virtual reality. If you want to know how much bandwidth you might need, check out this nifty tool provided by Consumer Reports.

If you’re ready to upgrade or want to learn more about our router and mesh extenders, check your address or get in touch with our super-friendly Customer Service team.