New Broadband Labeling Requirements

If you are shopping for internet service, you should know about the new broadband labeling requirements. The FCC now requires ISPs to clearly state speeds, pricing and other critical details about their services. These new Broadband Consumer Labels look like the FDA’s nutrition labels. Overall, the government is trying to make ISPs present their offerings … Read more

Mobile Broadband

When shopping for internet service, you may have plenty of options: Cable, Fiber, Fixed Wireless, Satellite, DSL. But one oft-overlooked option needs to be included: Mobile Broadband. This home internet service is powered over the airwaves and through the same towers as your cellular phones. Consider these options from the big cellular companies: T-Mobile Home … Read more

Starlink Satellite Train

Alright, folks: if you ever get to see this in your night sky, relax and enjoy the spectacle. This is not War of the Worlds or Independence Day or HHGTTH. It’s a Starlink Satellite Train! Starlink is the world’s premier satellite internet service provider. And as they expand and improve service, they launch new satellites, … Read more

Dish Network Scam – “Receiver Updates”

Dish Network subscribers should be wary of scam calls about receiver updates. This type of phishy telemarketing is similar to the Xfinity Discount scam. Here’s what you need to know: How The Scam Works A scammer calls and identifies himself as a Dish Network (or AT&T) representative. They’ll claim that the Dish receivers in the … Read more

Xfinity Scam – “50% Discount”

There’s a scam going around right now, promising a 50% discount on your Comcast/Xfinity bill. You might see this scam in your email, Facebook feed or even get a phone call! In any case, please know that it is not a legitimate offer. It is too good to be true. Anyone duped into calling the … Read more

Coping with a Dysfunctional ISP

I field a lot of service calls and requests for advice that center around a person’s ISP. Internet Service Providers are essential to most households, and yet, many of us have a dysfunctional relationship with our ISPs. I’m sorry to say that it may always be complicated to deal with them. Instead of going on … Read more

Reuse Your SSID and Wi-Fi Password

When you get a new router, I recommend you reuse the exact same SSID (network name) and Wi-Fi password as you did in your old equipment. Now, this may sound like a no-brainer to many of you, but please hear me out and let me qualify this advice. Not everyone is savvy with setting up … Read more

Think Twice About T-Mobile Home Internet

A year and a half ago, I recommended T-Mobile Home Internet Service to everyone. Regrettably, I have to rescind that recommendation. Think twice before signing up with this outfit. TMHIS is turning out to be unreliable. Subscribers are enjoying great internet with T-MO, until their modem just stops, with an unhelpful error: “All PDN IP … Read more

ISP Data Collection

I hear from many people who are grumpy about all the personal information that Google and Microsoft are collecting. And I won’t deny that those companies are making money off of your web searches and use of their software. But I want to challenge you to think in a different direction. Did you know that … Read more

ISP Equipment: Rent Vs. Own

If your ISP requires you to have a modem, then you may have an important choice to make. It’s worth thinking about! Some people rent or buy their equipment (modem, WiFi router or combo device) from the ISP. Others go out to a store to buy something they like. There are pros and cons to … Read more