Whether working from home, managing multiple devices in a large family, or gaming competitively, reliable Internet is as important as having electricity or water. In fact, 85% of Americans rely on the Internet daily for essential tasks like work, school, and healthcare. Let’s review four ways to help you get more from your Internet connection.
Understand the Challenges
Even though Internet access is widespread, not all services are created equal. According to the FCC, more than 24 million Americans do not have access to high-speed Internet. In Iowa, that number is estimated at 1.3 million homes, leaving more than 84,000 individuals without Internet.
Surprisingly, the minimum for high-speed Internet is 100 Mbps download and a throttling-like 20 Mbps upload. That feels like the glory days of the boy band era.
Fortunately for Clear Lake residents, fiber Internet blankets the town of 7,500. CLtel promotes symmetrical speed tiers starting at 100 download and 100 upload, but more on symmetrical speeds later.
For many, poor connectivity results in slow speeds, dropped calls, or buffering during family movie nights. Meanwhile, gamers often face lag during must-win matches, impacting their experience quality. Understanding these challenges is key to recognizing how your Internet connection affects everyday activities.
Remote workers are especially vulnerable, with many reporting connectivity issues during meetings, which can impact productivity and communication. Large families also feel the pressure as multiple devices use bandwidth simultaneously, leading to slowdowns that can frustrate both parents and children.
Know the Triumvirate of Reliable Internet Service
Educating yourself on what makes an Internet service reliable starts with understanding key factors such as bandwidth, symmetrical speeds, and latency. Bandwidth refers to the amount of data your connection can handle. Symmetrical speeds (equal upload and download rates) are critical for video conferencing and when sending and receiving large amounts of data. Gamers benefit from low latency, which minimizes the delay between their actions and the server’s response.
For households managing multiple devices, choosing a service that provides enough bandwidth to handle all the simultaneous connections is important. Today’s average household uses 22-25 devices, from laptops and phones to smart TVs and gaming consoles. Without sufficient bandwidth, streaming and other high-data activities could slow down dramatically.
Evaluate Your Provider
Improving your Internet experience starts with evaluating your current setup. Does your provider offer the bandwidth and speeds you need? Many providers offer different tiers of service based on usage, so understanding your household’s needs can help you choose the right package. For instance, households with multiple users streaming or working from home might need a higher-tier plan than smaller families or those using fewer devices. Keep an eye out for introductory pricing or when a deal sounds too good. Often, the price can jump by 20 or 30 dollars.
Another critical factor is whether your service offers symmetrical speeds, primarily if you work from home or upload large files. Reliable upload speeds are essential for effective commnication and collaboration. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19.5% of U.S. workers are remote or teleworking.
Lastly, affordability is key. Many Americans struggle to balance quality Internet service with cost, so it’s important to explore all available options.
CLtel offers a questionnaire to help you discover a speed tier that fits your needs.
Stay Informed and Ask Questions
Now that you understand the factors contributing to reliable Internet service, evaluate your current provider and needs. Is your Internet performing the way you need it to? Are there options for improving speed or reducing lag, especially if you work from home or are a gamer? Review online comments about your provider. Ask your neighbors about their Internet service. Understanding these elements lets you make informed decisions, ensuring your household stays connected.
There are many ways to improve your experience. Three options include choosing a higher-speed plan, upgrading your router, or optimizing your home network. For more options, call or email CLtel to learn more.
We’re always a local call away – 641-357-2111.
