In Cypress (where I live), there are only 2 high speed internet options to choose from. I will give you my suggestion from the start. Get Comcast, buy your own modem and buy your own wireless router.
High speed internet is a utility just like electricity, gas, and water. Although you can live without it, I think everyone should have it. High speed internet is needed for cord cutters because all cord cutting options require internet service except for over-the-air (OTA) TV.
Hardware Required for Internet Access
There are 4 components to most home networks. A modem, a router, a switch and a wireless access point. Most routers built for home use combine the router, switch and wireless access point into one device which is known as a wireless router.
modem – converts the signal sent from AT&T or Comcast to a signal that a computer can use (Ethernet)
router – connects two or more networks together (AT&T or Comcast network to your home network)
switch – connects multiple devices together through Ethernet (creates your home network)
wireless access point – connects multiple devices together wirelessly (essentially a wireless switch)
If you order either Comcast or AT&T U-verse you will need a modem. Comcast will lease you one of their modem/wireless router for $10 a month and AT&T will lease you their modem/wireless router for $7 a month. AT&T uses a proprietary modem meaning you can’t buy your own, on the other hand, you can buy your own cable modem instead of leasing one from Comcast.
For a cable modem you can buy an Arris SURFboard SB6121 for about $70. Then you can buy a wireless router such as a TP-LINK TL-WR841N ($20). Any other wireless router will work too. If you want a cable modem that also has a wireless router built-in you can buy an Arris SURFboard SBG6580 for about $125. Here is a link Comcast provides to show you which modems will work with them. http://mydeviceinfo.comcast.net/
Bandwidth for HD Video
To stream HD video you will need around 3 – 4 Mbps of bandwidth. So if you have 3 devices steaming video you will need around 12Mbps. So I would recommend getting Comcast with either 25Mbps package or 50Mbps package. Here are the current prices for both Comcast and AT&T U-Verse. Prices are subject to change.
Comcast
I paid $50 installation fee because my house wasn’t setup for cable. If your house is ready for cable then no installation technician is necessary.
3 Mbps – $39.95
6 Mbps – current promotion $29.99/month for 12 month
25 Mbps – current promotion $39.99/month for 12 month
50 Mbps – current promotion $44.99/month for 12 month
105 Mbps – current promotion $49.99/month for 12 month
150 Mbps – $114.95
250 Mbps – $149.95
U-verse
Wireless Gateway fee $7/month
6Mbps – current promotion $35/month for 12 month w/ $50 reward card
12Mbps – current promotion $40month for 12 month w/ $50 reward card
18Mbps – current promotion $45/month for 12 month w/ $50 reward card
24Mbps – current promotion $55/month for 12 month w/ $50 reward card
45Mbps – current promotion $65/month for 12 month w/ $50 reward card
300Mbps – current promotion $80/month for 12 month
1Gbps – current promotion $110/month for 12 month
Call Your ISP to Reduce Your Bill
If you are currently paying more than these prices for internet than you are over paying. Whatever internet service you have or cable TV service (I recommend cutting the cord though) a promotional package will usually give you the best rate. Call your provider and ask for the retention department. Explain that you see lower prices for new customers and with the competition. They will usually give you a good deal. If they don’t then go ahead and change providers. You should also know when your promotional rate expires. Call in the next day and ask for the retention department again.
If you need any help with setup or you want assistance with getting the best prices call Variant Home Tech at (832)762-0527 or email at info@varianthometech.com