Telecom Resources & Guides

The internet speed you need depends on how many people use your connection and what activities you do online. For basic browsing and email, 25 Mbps is sufficient. For streaming HD video on multiple devices, aim for 50-100 Mbps. Households with heavy gaming, 4K streaming, or many connected devices should consider 200+ Mbps. Check our detailed speed guide for personalized recommendations.

There are several effective strategies to lower your telecom bills: regularly compare providers and plans, bundle services when it makes sense, negotiate with your current provider, look for promotional offers, consider prepaid plans, and check if you qualify for any discount programs. Our money-saving guides provide detailed steps and scripts to help you reduce your bills.

Yes, many providers offer special programs for seniors, veterans, students, and low-income households. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible households with discounts on internet service. Additionally, many providers have their own assistance programs. Check our special programs guide to see what you might qualify for.

Cable internet uses the same coaxial cables as cable TV, offering good speeds (typically 100-1000 Mbps) but may slow during peak usage times. Fiber internet uses fiber-optic cables to deliver the fastest and most reliable speeds (up to 5 Gbps) with symmetrical upload/download speeds, but has limited availability. DSL uses telephone lines and offers moderate speeds (typically 5-100 Mbps) with wider availability than fiber. Our connection types guide provides a comprehensive comparison.