16-AUG-25 WiFi Saturday

[DiveMilw]

I want to switch internet providers.  I think I can get away with only 100Mbps since I am the only person using it.  I stream all my TV and then have my phone, computer, iPad, smart speaker.  I currently have AT&T but my "guaranteed for life" price went up.  The basic cost didn't change but they've added fees.  I'm thinking about getting Spectrum or T-Mobile.  Sprectrum gives me the choice of renting their router or getting my own. I haven't paid attention to this sort of stuff for years so I'm doing research.  Any suggestions regarding any of this are appreciated!

[KathyB]

Ummm.... I don't really have any suggestions, but I will share my complaints. I have Comcast/Xfinity, and I'm the only person using my connection. My speed is 800Mbps—I think they've increased the speed several times since I first subscribed. I don't do a lot of streaming, but I do a lot of uploading and downloading—backups to the cloud, files to and from clients' FTP sites, etc. In my area, I have a fair number of outages, and I'm not happy with those or with Comcast's customer service. I've actually found their app to be pretty user friendly and helpful, unlike their phone tree. And they have been reliable about texting me when there's an outage, and how long they expect it to be.

I suppose that I've mostly stayed with them due to (1) inertia and (2) not realizing if there's anything else out there. I haven't gotten pissed off enough with them to switch.

I do rent the equipment from them. 

I am interested in your search and what you find out.

[KathyB]

I found out why I stick with Comcast. I did some research, and Spectrum doesn't have service in my area, and they referred me back to Comcast. AT&T doesn't know whether they have service in my area. T-Mobile does, and maybe I'll consider switching to them, but they really want me to switch phone service and bundle everything. The only prices I could get were bundled prices. (Comcast would also love it if I bundled phone service with them, but they aren't insistent about it. Maybe it's because I do have home security already bundled.) CenturyLink seems like the one reasonable alternative, and maybe I could get them to waive some of their introductory fees.

Maybe I could call Comcast and ask about moving down to a lower speed for less money.

In other news, I bought a dozen roses and an electric car for 25% off from Barnes & Noble, and I am looking forward to receiving them so I can put them together.