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How to Get Internet Without Cable

internet access at home
When talking to people who are interested in cutting the cord, the issue that continually crops up is how to find affordable internet access. Many ask how to obtain internet access without a cable TV bundle. While market competition between internet service providers in the U.S. is extremely low, there are areas within the U.S. where competition is non-existent.

The F.C.C. definition of broadband is a download speed of 25 Mbps. A 2014 report showed that only 37% of Americans had a choice of 2 or more providers. Furthermore, 14% of the population had no provider in their area delivering internet access at that speed.

For someone that had ditched cable and streaming their content over the internet, an HD video at 1080p requires 5-7 Mbps to stream without buffering. Therefore, I typically recommend about 10 Mbps as the minimum to stream without headaches. Even at that speed, only 70% of the population have any choice at all. However, that stat is misleading as many of those choices are expensive low-quality satellite internet.

Internet Cost Per Month

In order to make cutting the cord worth it, the trick is to keep your internet costs while having adequate speed to stream video without buffering. I recommend trying to keep your internet cost per month below $70 per month. Add a digital TV antenna, and a streaming service and you are on your way to cable free lifestyles

Ideally, a lower internet cost leaves you with more money to purchase content. Today, I’m going to cover some internet only plans in the U.S. that deliver affordable home internet service. I’ll also cover the states where each of these providers operates.

If you know of an affordable internet only plan in your area that you use to cut the cord, please let us know in the comments and I’ll add it to the article.

Internet Service Providers In My Area

Verizon Fios

Before, I get into the various providers in the US that offer internet-only plans at a reasonable price I wanted to cover the ISP I use. I live in Maryland. While I’m in the lucky 37% of the country with a choice of ISP, one of those choices is Comcast. Personally, I feel Comcast is the company most responsible for the sad state of internet access in the U.S. Therefore, I refuse to give them my money.

The other internet service provider in my area is Verizon Fios. Thankfully, they’ve been a top notch ISP for me. They had a promotion that gave me 50 Mbps of download speed for under $50, which is plenty of bandwidth to cut the cord. Read my post on this Fios Internet-only service for more information on how I got their promotional pricing.

Verizon Fios is currently available in and around the areas of New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Washington D.C. You can check for the promo pricing availability here.

Cheap Internet Service Providers

While the ISPs I mention in this post are affordable, they also offer quality internet access. Unfortunately, not every state has a decent provider. I will be sure to cover as many states as possible. As I mentioned earlier, if you know a provider, leave their information in the comments and I’ll get them added to the list. I want to grow this list to give people a reference of the best internet plans available for home users.

AT&T Internet Only

AT&T are currently offering an internet-only deal that provides 50 Mbps for $50. You can sign up for the promotion here.

AT&T offer internet service in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. Check for availability in your area.

Optimum Online

Few cable companies offer affordable internet only services. However, residents of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and a few in Pennsylvania can subscribe to Cablevision’s Optimum Online Internet service, or call them at 1-877-638-4504. Not only can you get 60 Mbps for less than $50, but also the service is solid.

Google Fiber

Google Fiber is really changing the ISP game. Every city they begin offering high-speed broadband in immediately sparks price competition. While they offer gigabit internet at $70 per month, you can also get a 25 Mbps internet connection for only $15 per month. This easily makes them the best internet service provider for those looking to cut the cord.

If you need a bit more speed than that, they also offer 100 Mbps for only $50. Furthermore, they even offer free internet access at 5 Mbps after a one-time installation fee. Those prices are unbelievable. As of this article, they currently offer internet in Atlanta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; the Kansas City metro area in Missouri and Kansas; Nashville, Tennessee; and Provo, Utah and they just started rolling out in Salt Lake City.

DSL Extreme

DSL Extreme offers speeds much faster than what you typically see from DSL, that’s because they are using AT&Ts existing U-Verse network to deliver service. The speeds they offer that matter to cord cutters are their 24 Mbps plan for $52.95 and their 45 Mbps plan for $62.95. Both plans are adequate for most cord cutters.

They operate in areas within Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. Check here for availability.

WOW! Internet

A reader of the blog informed me that WOW! now offers Internet access in Knoxville Tennessee. They offer speeds of 30 Mbps for just $25 and 60 Mbps for just $40 a Mbps. If anyone has any experience with their Internet-only service them please post in the comments. They appear to offer service in parts of South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, Kansas, Michigan, Indiana, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio.

Update: A commenter had a bad billing experience with this provider. Can anyone else way in on this in the comments?

Find Internet Providers in Your Area

The options above are ones I have personally found online. If none of those work for you, try the tool below.  Due to ISPs keeping their service area data close to the vest, the data is not always up to date. However, it will give you an idea of what is available in your area. If you do not see the Internet Service Provider Search below, try this version of the page.

If ISPs like Verizon, AT&T,  and Optimum show up in the search below. Make sure you use the links in the article above. The search tool may not take you to the online deal. I’ve made sure the links in the article will. I’ve consolidated a list of the links below.

Verizon Fios Internet Only Deal

AT&T Internet Only Deal

AT&T Internet Only Deal

Optimum Internet Only Deal

DSL Extreme Internet Only Deal

 

Broadband Search Powered by BroadbandNow

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Comments

  1. Hi All,

    Just stumbled on this site and really impressed and I want to “cut the cord” so badly. I’ve read many of your “How To” as well and I really want to try to switch, or kick cable out the door. Like others here I’m so tired of paying out the yazoo for cable/internet. My god the prices are ridiculous. I recently switched to a “basic package” with XFinity and to meet my budget, but man the channel line up is slim pickin’s. So not happy at all, and the next package up is to expensive. Don’t want to go to DISH, or Frontier or any other mega cable company. I want to watch the channels I like to watch and that’s it. I liked your section on Sling TV and it looks like that’s the route I would choose to go. I’m not sure, or I can’t find any ISP, internet only plans, provider in East Haven, CT. Any advise or help would be much appreciated.

    Thanks,

    Rona

    Reply

  2. I chose the cable-alternative of bonded DSL option with Centurylink. It’s $30/month for 40 MBPS.

    Only issue is they allegedly have a 250 GB data cap per month. Mixed reports of people getting confronted about going over. They told me if it’s over 3 months in a row, need to discuss moving to a “Business plan”

    Reply

  3. I’m trying to cut the cord after an ongoing issue with Verizon. Since NOVEMBER 2016, they can’t seem to figure out how to stop charging us for a cable card that we no longer have/use. Looks like the only options for internet in my area are Verizon and XFinity. Xfinity customer service is just as bad as Verizon. I hate to give either of them any money!

    Reply

    • It’s tough. I’m with Verizon Fios for Internet access. Personally, I’ve never had an issue with them. However, I have heard similar stories from others with situations like yours. It’s the unfortunate reality of Internet access in the U.S. There just aren’t many options.

  4. I’m in Alabama added internet to my moms service the prices spectrum quoted me on phone $122 mo just got bill for this month over $260 .They throw in all these connection fees wire maintenance etc but they charge a fee if they have to come out.They are all a ripoof.How good is Hughesnet satellite or how can I bargain with these people to help my mom she is on a fixed low income

    Reply

    • That is ridiculous. I haven’t used Hughes net personally, but I would try it in your situation. Anything sounds better than your bill more than doubling. I’m sorry that happened to you.

    • In KY, Spectrum just bought out TWC. They are outrageously priced for all services offered. They do not have adequate customer service, nor are they open to negotiation. CSR’s aren’t pleasant.

  6. I live in Boston and have just “cut the cord” canceling a Comcast bundle. I am using RCN for internet at $40/month for 50 mbps, a digital antenna, netflix and amazon. So far so good — the RCN internet is much better than the Comcast I had previously. I may have to add Hulu since my husband misses his sports.

    Reply

    • I live about 40 mi. west of Boston and have Comcast for phone and internet. We cut the cable for the TV almost 2 years ago. I need to know more about RCN for internet. My phone and internet keeps dropping and I have had them out 6 times in the last three months. They can’t figure it out. Oh, we have Hulu, Netflix and Acorn. Love it.
      Nancy

  7. Live in Florida, used both Century Link and Comcast. One just as bad as the other. Very spotty service which they blame on ‘construction in the area’ or ‘squirrels chewing on the lines’. Service is near non-existent in the summer time. When internet is down, I also have no TV or phone. There has got to be a better way, rather than calling the company every day to say I am out-of-service. Help!

    Reply

  8. I live in Maryland and find Comcast service weak and a bad TV reception. There standard excuse is they need to come out to my house for better service. Although they claim the signal strength I have is acceptable. Today while watching TV and scrolling on the internet our service went down. You cant get them to speak on both services. They want to process you thru either the internet or cable but not both. Then they want to send out a service tech on another day than today on a schedule only good for them.
    We have had this service for years and it only gets worse for more money.
    Is Verizon any better service or value?
    It seems the only way to get the attention of our provider is to leave.

    Reply

  11. I have Cox cable in RI and I am trying to find a comparable Modem to what they have supplied me for $10/month so I can also eliminate that charge from you internet bill monthly. The cable company tells me I need to find something comparable to the model DAR2472 they provided for everything to work properly. How do I determine that if I go to Walmart or somewhere like that?

    Reply

  12. Thank you for providing all this information. I’m in New York (Long Island) and want to get rid of Verizon FIOS TV. I don’t have a land line but I do have TV and internet with them. I have the FireStick so we watch everything we want through the apps on there and my son is on the Xbox quite a bit playing GTA and Call of Duty like games. I’m wondering what the best option is for me. I own the router I have now, bought it when I first had FIOS installed so it is three years old. I’m not sure of what speed I have now. What speed to would be best to get and can I use the router I already have? Can I use that router even if I change companies for internet? Are Optimum and Verizon my only options? I appreciate all the help. I really want to get of the excessive cost and this is so confusing.

    Reply

    • I’m not sure if they are the only options there. You may want to check with Verizon though. They currently have some really good standalone internet deals.

  13. holy cow! really, i can sign up for frontier online and get the deals they offer for ‘new’ customers… that is great. i ordered the fire box and am set to disconnect fios (no contract).. .csr’s insist $90(internet only) is my only option… and now my question….. do i want or need to get my own router, regardless if it is free from frontier… is a faster router better for streaming…?
    i plan to install kodi and playstation vue as well as jailbroken… what else do i need to jump into the 21st century…..
    thanks in advnce.

    Reply

  14. Worth checking out regarding a router. A retired telcom tech suggested looking at a combined router/modem sold by Netgear. Currently Wal-Mart had a few choices as of April on east & west coast. Also sold online through Amazon-type sites. My plan of action once I find cheap internet.

    Reply

  15. Hi there,

    I’m in the process of trying to get rid of Spectrum (the old Time Warner) as I saw a $25/month jump in price for no change in service once the merger was complete… I called to complain and was told these are the new rates. Fine, I said, I don’t want the cable TV (don’t use it anyway) or the land line (never used that even one day) and was told I’m forced to keep this stupid bundle to the tune of $145 per month, essentially for using one of three services I was forced to buy.

    Screw that.

    I have a wireless router in my home that belongs to me (purchased to use with our TW internet service to avoid paying a lease fee for one of theirs every month…)

    So now, what do I need? I was considering buying a portable WIFI hotspot such as a Verizon Jetpack or a TMobile hotspot and just buying the darn prepaid cards every month.. I have zero interest in being trapped into a contract at this point, and prefer to go month to month. We are not wired for Fios, so Spectrum is the only ISP available to me.

    I have one avid gamer in my home, we use two Fire Sticks, and mobile data on my phone and that’s it. I have NO clue how many Gigs I would need to pre-pay each month for this level of usage. All I know is that I think $145 per month is beyond ridiculous and I’m hoping for a cheaper/hassle free solution.

    Please help!

    Reply

    • I can comment on the portable Hotspot situation from 2 companies.

      Firstly, the devices are only good for a few years. I had a ZTE from Straighttalk that stopped working last week and they said quote “well you have had it for a couple of years already”. So keep that in mind as I paid $130 at Walmart. Before that I had a Virgin USB Hotspot (USB is a bad idea, sticks out too far, have to have a PC to use it) and while their ease of use was better, same thing, stopped working with no options except buy another one. I think I paid $89 for it also at Walmart.

      Secondly, 4Gig for $40 is the best deal to get however one TV show and your used up and have to buy another card so I don’t use it for that. I have a d/l limit on my email, no 2MB presentations, etc, and i turn off “autoplay for videos” .

      I go to the coffee shop for large d/l, otherwise I can surf using about 1 card every 3-4 weeks. I like the portability, I have a tablet and anytime I am waiting/need info, Dr. office, store, even work when its Internet went down for an hour. I have compromised for instead of what I used to have which was TimeWarner and their increasing fees and slip ups on billing over and over. I feel I come out even especially when I go a week w/o needing Internet because I am just too busy otherwise.

      That said, I once again need to get another wifi device. If companies weren’t so shady with Internet Only, making it hard to find the price, throwing the bundle option at you on every click I might go back but there are only monopolies here and the smaller cos don’t have coverage.

  16. I live in Seymour, CT, and I cannot find any decent providers for internet only services. Optimum nor Fios are available in my area. I was upset with Optimum because of their fair prices but the fact that they do not service my area is confusing, seeing as “the valley” here in CT is heavily populated. Other than Frontier (I refuse to use ATT due to problems in the past) are there any other available internet providers? Xfinity seems a bit steep for pricing and I know they’re not that great, as my parents just got rid of them recently.

    Reply

  17. Hello. Thanks for all the good info. I’m in Southern California, and my street is usually the “end of the line” for services. I looked up DSL Extreme, and they offered Pro: 3.0Mbps for $24.95/month “Our 3.0Mbps package is good for users who have multiple internet connected devices. There is enough download and upload speed for playing games, streaming movies, listening to online music and downloading.” And they also offered Elite: 7.0Mbps for $44.95/mo. “This is one our fastest DSL packages! With 7.1Mbps of download and plenty of upload you will be able to use all of your internet connected devices. You can easily stream your movies, music and go online.” And they say those are temporary promotional prices: “FOR HIGH SPEED INTERNET ONLY: All Contracts over 1 Month carry a Promotional Price listed above for the Term (Months) indicated above. On conclusion of your indicated Term your Monthly Price will convert to the then current Month to Month price. However, unlike other Internet Providers, one month before your Contract ends we will send a reminder email to your current Contact Email Address that your Contract Term is about to expire and give you the opportunity to Renew or Upgrade/Downgrade your Package.”
    Just wondering if that speed — 3 or 7 Mbps is enough for three people all watching Netflix-Hulu-Roku on different computers….? And I’ll read up more on your site about all this……. Thank you!

    Reply

  18. Hi from Pasadena, Texas. We’ve recently cut cable and plan to use Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Fire Stick to watch TV. Switching internet provider and I’m wondering if you can recommend a router that I can purchase to save the monthly lease fee from the ISP.
    Thanks!

    Reply

  19. ATT/Direct TV has raised our rates 100% over the past year. They claim their promotion ended. We were told our rates would go up slightly ($10-$15) when our promotion ended, not 100%! Their only comment when we called was “we understand”. They are a terrible company! Bait and switch! Now we are stuck unless we cancel for $200. How is it legal for a company to do that? It’s like buying a loaf of bread for $1 but when you get to the counter they say it’s $2.

    Reply

  20. Hello,
    I’ve recently “cut the cable…(AT&T U-Verse) and am now in the process of trying to determine what is the best alternative for my situation. I have an old (20+ years old) Sony 52” rear projection TV. The only plug ins on the TV are the old RCA plugs. I’m wondering if there is some sort of adapter that I can purchase to make the Amazon Fire Stick work on my old TV? I do have high speed wireless internet from AT&T. Any help/recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
    Thank you,
    Mark

    Reply

  21. I have WOW in Columbus, OH. I have the 100mbps Internet Only plan and pay about $35/mo. It was a plan I purchased in May, 2016. They are generally good to work with if you need to contact them for service. I’ve had no billing issues with them either.

    I’m not all that convinced their service is as stable as it could be. I frequently drop service throughout the evening and days on weekends while streaming with a Chromcast device. My router, cable modem, and laptop are all under 3 years old.

    When I’ve inquired about these issues I’ve been told to consult an IT professional as it has to be a problem with my devices. Well, since I am an IT professional (25 years) that seems redundant and non-responsive. I’ve tested my equipment and haven’t found an issue. But, I guess I’ll just live with it until I can isolate the problem as being on their side.

    Mildly frustrating.

    Reply

  22. Hello, Dennis. I am in the Philadelphia metro area and have been using my iPhone to stream video from Hulu, Netflix, ABC and CBS. Unfortunately, the local geography does not yield a good OTA signal and the apartment complex only allows Comcast cable service. I use Sprint for my phone so the nearly 200 Gb of cellular data is covered in the monthly charge and the personal hot spot gives me the wifi needed for the Kindle. The plan with the hot spot runs a bit less than $75 per month.

    Two issues: first, are you aware of any wireless wifi providers in the area with reasonable pricing structures; second, one salesperson indicated that using the phone in this way was not a good idea as it is not good for the phone – is this just crap or a real issue? The goal is more cost cutting as I am now on a fixed income and would rather not spend a lot for tv.

    I did see unlimited wifi plans through StraightTalk and Cricket but they throttle the data use above 5 GB to a 2 GB rate. I don’t have a clue what that means since they are confusing a data volume with a data rate.

    Thank you for your help.

    Reply

    • Not good for the phone? That’s complete nonsense. However, there isn’t much out there in the way of a wireless service that will support streaming all your TV. It’s best to go with a dedicated internet service provider at the moment.

  23. Looking for options in Olympia WA. Beginner cable cutter, Don’t need a phone. Need internet and TV. Any suggestions other than Comcast.

    Reply

  24. I am a reluctant Frontier customer in Everett, Wa. I pay $65 for a 50/50MBPS service. Is this as good as it gets? My bill also includes an expensive landline ($31) and then federal and state taxes ($20). I will not use Comcast/Xfinity. I don’t know what else I can do to cut cost and keep a relatively speedy ISP.

    Reply

  25. Can anyone recommend an ISP in lower Alabama? I’m moving there from AZ where I pay $25 per month.
    I hv no cable. My cell is Verizon. I just want to hv internet access on my laptop. I hv heard I can use firestick or ? To see movies
    I don’t understand it all but need to keep expenses to a minimum.
    Thank u!!!

    Reply

  26. Any advice greatly appreciated- I live in New York, (Long Island), in a condo residence, with family. I am on the lowest level in the basement. The owner of house has Triple Play with Optimum. The Router & Modem is set up on the highest floor in the owner’s congested office. I am not allowed any access to it and any requests to optimize the location and settings are ignored. I also have concern for my privacy, online. Even while on a phone call on my cell. Is it possible for me to set up my own internal only account, have my own router and modem, etc? I went to Optimum online and my address is not recognized for whatever reason even though there is Triple Play here. I don’t know if Verizon Fios is available in my area. Thanking you for any guidance, if possible. Faye

    Reply

    • Would you be able to connect your own router to the existing network. It’s possible to create your own network within the network, but it takes a little bit of networking experience. Try the Fios link in this article to see if its available in your area.

  27. I’ve been a customer of WOW for about 15 years in Ohio. I have never really had a problem with them. The few I have had have always been fixed quickly. As for the billing issues people seem be having, those extra fees come with any package that includes cable TV. Internet only packages are billed at the price advertised (no fees or taxes).

    This past week I was able to get a 500/50 internet only package for $59.99 (2 year contract). In my book they’re not to bad. Hell, they even have a Cord Cutting guide on their website.

    Reply

  29. hey there and thanks to your info – I have certainly picked up something new from right here. I did then again expertise several technical issues the usage of this website, as I experienced to reload the site a lot of occasions prior to I may get it to load correctly. I were wondering in case your web hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading cases instances will sometimes have an effect on your placement in google and could injury your quality score if ads and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my email and can glance out for a lot extra of your respective interesting content. Ensure that you update this once more very soon..

    http://www.google.com.ar

    Reply

    • Typically my site is super fast. Usually rates in the top 10% on the web. However, yesterday I was doing a bit of recoding on how the cache works and had to take down my content distribution network for a bit. It should be better now.

  30. I signed up for a bundle with WOW for $99 per month and was billed $120. I called to complain and add HBO for $10 per month their CSR said my total bill every month would only be $120 but they charge my card for $190.

    Reply

  31. Hey Dennis sorry bro, was considering upgrading cellular phone contract to include 10Gb of hotspot, would that be enough to quality stream netflix/hulu/youtube/internet through a playstation about 12 hours a day for a month?

    What would you suggest as a package(antennae,WiFi provider,firestick/chromecast etc) to allow the family to view streaming services&local tv without any cables being installed in our home?

    Reply

  32. Dennis u know your stuff, cheers buddy.Question:In Nyc and want a way to stream video/internet flawlessly to PlayStation using WiFi without having any cables installed in our home. How can we do this?

    Reply

  34. Michigan here: Beware of WOW and their sales reps. I signed up for WOW internet-only with their $24.99 month 1 year special. The phone call with the rep about the special was crystal clear. I paid $299.88 for one year in advance. WOW sends me a bill every month showing my credit balance. The thing is, they are charging me almost $50 a month because the “special price” didn’t include all their other fees. So instead of having paid through 2017 as I believed I was doing, I’ll be billed again in July.
    Now that I’ve Grounded Reason I have a few months to learn about this stuff and hopefully drop WOW.

    Reply

  35. My local cable provider says it provides 8Mb for downstream. This is offered as the most available. Is this sufficient for internet only if I get Sling or Amazon?

    Reply

  36. I am a current Verizon customer and am trying to get rid of cable. I called Verizon to see if I could downgrade to internet only (currently have expired contract with cable, 15/15 internet and phone. They said it would be $90/month just for internet, which is ridiculous. Or I could cancel completely and have my husband sign up as a new customer to get the 50 mbps for $50. But that is only good for a year. You would think there would be more internet options, especially in a decent-sized city like Pittsburgh.

    Reply

  37. Looking for the most fairly priced “internet only” provider in Fairfield CT. I found Frontier but am curious about alternatives. Thanks

    Reply

  38. I live in Anderson, Indiana and currently have Comcast but it is getting hard to afford and I was wondering if there were any cheaper options….I pay $40 a month

    Reply

  39. Dennis- Fellow Marylander (and O’s fan) here. I’ve been reading a few of your articles on cable cutting, and have found them very helpful. I currently have the FIOS triple play, and I am paying so much money that it makes me want to cry. I have to renew/renegotiate my contract by March 5th, so I am scrambling to figure out what to do. First, I have recently discovered Wifi calling for my cell phone, so I can finally get reception in my super-old and super-bad-for-cell-reception condo. Next up, cable-cutting. I’ve got Netflix, Amazon prime video, and have decided to go with Playstation Vue to live tv, and I will get an antennae for local and network television. However,
    I’m pretty sure you have written on this (I’ve read a lot of articles in the last week, though so I can’t be totally sure), but the main hold up for me is MASN. Yes, I know about MLB tv, and I am aware of the blackout. I have read about VPNs, but I am not very familiar with them. Setting up a VPN seems very MacGuyver-ish to me and above my cable-knowledge. Do they really work or will MLB tv eventually figure me out and block me? If VPNs work, what the best one? How much should it cost? I can’t live without the O’s, and not having them live is a dealbreaker for me cord cutting. Thanks,
    Tracey in Annapolis

    Reply

  40. I have no internet, no cable but I want Sling TV but I have to have internet to start with so who do I choose I don’t want to bundle. Please help I am so confused! I don’t have a landline or a home computer just want to stream Sling TV

    Reply

  41. Using T-Mobile 4gLTE Hotspot is an alternative for some people. They have plans starting at $35.00/mo. Their plans does have data limits but they offer unlimited video streaming at a reduced resolution (DVD compatible quality). It is not for everyone but if you only use computers for emails and some lite web browsing and don’t require high resolution for video streaming then why not try it. It is no contract offer.

    Reply

  43. I have DirecTV and I hate them these days even with my $40 a month customer loyalty discount. I use them for NHL Center Ice and MLB plus the few channels my wife and I watch ( ID, Cooking channels, and not much else ). I want to cut the cord, but I’m not real tech savvy and wonder what internet speed I need so I don’t get buffering when I watch games. I was also wondering what the best unit would be for doing this, XBOX, etc. My son has an XBOX and he seems to like it fine, I’m just wondering if there is something better.

    I live in Boise so my options are very limited for internet. I can go with the cable company and get the cheapest deal at $55 a month for 100 mbps, plus the cost of the modem, or I can use Century Link ( I use them now ) and get 20 mbps for $25 a month.

    The problem with the cable company here is that once you exceed their data plan, 300gb for the 100 mbps & 3mbps upload speed , they either slow you down or bump you to the next level of speed, 150 mbps and 500gb & 5mbps upload speed for $80 a month , ( my wife has a friend that uses cable for her internet and she wasn’t real clear on this, but the women home schools her 4 kids so they use a lot of data ). They also offer 200 mbps @ $105 a month and 1000mbps for $175 a month which seems excessive and not worth the cost

    Is 300gb enough ? My son plays A LOT OF VIDEO GAMES, ugh, like Call of Duty, Battlefield etc, so I’m wondering if he’ll use up all the data, if the game will use the data, etc, or maybe I’m not getting the data thing at all, LOL

    I’m glad I found this site and that’s for sharing your knowledge with us in ways that an old fart like me can understand :)

    Reply

    • Thanks for reading John. Your sons Xbox is perfect to cut the cord with. It’s going to be tough to see how much of the data plan you use without knowing how much gaming eats up. Is there a way to meter it? Do you know what your using up now?

    • My data plan with centurylink has no limits so I really have no idea.

      My question is, can I watch NHL and MLB games with my current 20mbps and not have buffering issues ?

    • The XBOX one is able to track how much data you use. Network settings will guide you the way.
      Go forth and serve the Kingdom of Microsoft proud.

  44. i live in SC and get internet for a flat rate of $50 as an INTRO offer…………will change at the end of the offer……………service is just “okay” …………very slow most of the time…………

    Reply

    • Hi
      I am just reading all of this and so confused ! If I have a brand new router and modem(they are separate), an attena that I just bought, it’s one of those like paper flat ones that are newer that I have plugged in to my TV that is just giving me basic local channels, so about 12 channels only, I don’t have a subscription anymore to anything because I thought I was moving so cancelled my cox bundle which was full cable , landline and internet. It was expensive and they are awful anyway. So… I have no internet (dying), I have a month to month Mobil hot spot I signed up for from my cell phone carrier for internet but is there something very cheap for internet and just a few more channels with what I have already? I don’t need tons but dying with just these few channels and no real internet access but need cheap and ideally no contract because most likely will be moving. Thank you ‘n

  45. Charter-Spectrum, services at least the South/Central area of Wisconsin and offers Internet Only 60Mbps for $59.95, plus modem, FCC, tx, etc about $75/mo

    Reply

  47. Atlanta, GA here!
    Want to cut my Comcast Cable.

    From Comcast, we get:
    TV, Internet, Home Phone (for the security system (which I may get rid of in 6mos!))

    I just bought a new Smart TV (altho I really dont know what that means! How does it play in? Does this mean I can watch internet stream ON the TV?)

    We have Netflix, which is basically all my grown kids watch.

    I, myself, watch basically only TLC and occasionally News – really dont watch much tv at all – most everything w/TLC is recorded on the tv DVR –
    (but I feel most any of this can be gotten online!)

    IF I cut the cable cord, will that affect Netflix at all??

    Our cellphones are both w/ATT and Verizon.

    Of course, great internet is the priority!

    My Comcast contract is up soon. Im certain they’ll penalize me for leaving early/try to get me to stay?!

    Recs for us re Providers/Devices?!

    I am 50yo and totally confused!!!!!
    Soooo glad to find this article.
    Any and all help soooo very much appreciated! THANK YOU!!!
    ~Heather

    Reply

    • Hi Heather – As of today, I cancelled my contract with Comcast before my contract termination date of April 2017. In preparation for this event I spoke with several Comcast reps and was given several answers as to what my early termination fee would be…after doing some research myself, I determined that my fee should be $10/month prior to the expiration of my contract. Comcast tried to add $150 to the $10/month so, I advise you to either wait until your contract ends or know what your contract states before you cut them out of your life…And yes, they will attempt to talk you out of leaving Comcast!

  48. Before I ask my question; let me bless you for your hard work making hi-tech understandable for those of us who fondly remember the simplicity of free t.v.
    I’m in N.J- Verizon is available; but after clicking on link & inputting zip… all they offered was the “triple bundle”- even after I input the “stand alone” option (?) Can you shed some understanding on this…trying to give benefit of doubt that they’re not the ugly sister of Comsuck. Is it technical? If not; is it possible there’s an honest answer as to why they would offer, then say we only have “this” for your address?

    Reply

    • Hi again, Dennis;
      Did as you suggested & went back to link…
      lol- didn’t realize Verizon had two types of service for the internet.
      Fios not available for my zip (081) as of yet (sigh). But they’ll offer 3-7 mbs + direct tv…I’m gonna pass on that & keep looking. Thanks for the quick reply!

  49. If you keep Comcast internet ala cart but drop their cable can you still stream cable programming thru the internet? Or do you need to purchase something like Hulu or Roku?

    Reply

  50. Howard says:
    Just came across the Ground Reason site and boy do I need your help. I live on Cape Cod and Comcast costs us $265/mo for Cable, Internet and Phone. We need the landline for our alarm co. We also pay $140/mo for verizon wireless with internet. What is your advice to 1. Cut the cord 2. Provide the best a wireless alarm solution if you know one, and, 3. Reduce /better leverage our wireless service. Obviously getting a new TV or some other cost-effective solutions aren’t an issue with our insane 5k/mo. spend.

    Reply

    • Since you already have comcast, you dont need the verizon wireless…..simply buy a $50 wireless router from Bestbuy or something and connect it to your comcast cable box. That will save you
      $140pm right there. Next, renegotiate your package deal. Thats extremely high…..unless youre getting all the bells and whistles for channels. Consider what you watch on tv. We do not have cable tv at all and watch all of our tv through netflix, hulu and amazon prime(I only get this because we are heavy Amazon shoppers) – this is $30pm total and theres nothing we miss. You can access these through a Wii or Roku box/stick. I love it because I now watch what I want, when I want and dont have to be on the cable companies schedule. All in all – I pay $85pm for our entertainment and internet.

  52. I want to get rid of my Comcast cable, my tv is HD but not a smart tv. From everything I read it sounds like I need a rokuh, antenna and sling to watch the tv shows I now watch. I have u-verse internet. Dennis, does it seem like I fully understand and will be able to move foreword? Any other advice? Your site is fabulous and so helpful.
    Ann Barrett
    .

    Reply

    • I would never lock in for more than one year. Internet is overpriced and the price should come down as new technologies start to hit the marketplace. I re-examine yearly.

  54. Do you have other ISP in South Bend/Mishawaka/Granger, Indiana apart from AT&T and Comcast that dominate the market around here?

    Reply

  55. Unfortunately where we live in the mountains of Western NC the main provider is Frontier. They offer Internet (now connected to Dish I think) It’s all together for land line, TV, and internet for around $250. Finally we said no more and get cell from Verizon, land line from (not sure) at any rate Frontier has a monopoly and we still receive bills for charges of who knows what. No TV since June and we are still paying billls from Frontier. Again I will have to spend hours on the phone with them trying to figure out why,when ???

    Reply

    • Sounds like my experience with Comcast. It took numerous phone calls and chat sessions to finally see the bill decrease.

  56. Here in Dallas, TX (actually Richardson, TX) just North of Dallas, I am finally ready to cut the cord. I just found today that our Time Warner offers internet only for $39.99 a month for the first 12 months for 100Mpbs (and they guarantee a minimum speed of 80Mpbs. No rental fee for a wireless box and no contract…so I was told at the end of the 12 months special, I just call and find out what the specials are then. According to neighbors, they offer the best and fastest service in our area. Have been with ATT and they only offer 24Mpbs and it often is running anywhere between 6-20Mpbs…and it often just goes off and back on for no apparent reason.

    Reply

  57. Hello,

    Why aren’t these services coming to Philadelphia, PA and suburbs. I am tired of the bull of Comcast and Verizon is to high in price. I already have a digital box and antenna. I am ready to canned the internet service also. Please bring your srevives to our area.

    Reply

  58. Hi there,
    i’ve bookmarked your site for a few months now but now forced to make the cut as TWC, now spectrum has increased my bill to 192!

    I really do not want to give them anymore of my business so i’m exploring a separate internet
    ( slingtv can work as a tv alternative).

    While i’m not expecting top-quality (customer) service from the smaller/local providers, i did a review search on one of your options listed above, DSLextreme, and the reviews are terrible!!!
    it doesn’t sound like you’ve had personal experience with them….

    Unfortunately I have limited (no-contract) internet options in my area even though i live in a mid-size city.

    Reply

    • It depends on where you are in the DFW metroplex. I can tell you that Plano Tx has FIOS with “Frontier” which was formerly “Verizon”

    • In the DFW area here the ex Verizon Fios now Frontier service area
      More Nearby Cities
      Richardson, TX Allen, TX Sachse, TX Wylie, TX Rowlett, TX The Colony, TX Carrollton, TX McKinney, TX Lavon, TX Copeville, TX Lewisville, TX Dallas, TX Coppell, TX Nevada, TX Irving, TX Royse City, TX Farmersville, TX Grapevine, TX Josephine, TX Flower Mound, TX

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