5 Ways to Get WiFi In Your Apartment Now
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Everyone has their fingers crossed that the FCC will move forward with the proposal to increase their broadband options. Unfortunately, things move slowly with board meetings and agendas.
Until then, we’ve got you covered. Here are five easy ways to get WiFi in your apartment today!
1. Pre-Wired Service Providers
There are certain conveniences to using your apartment complex’s internet service provider (ISP). However, that may not be the route you want to go.
Pre-wired means that your space has the necessary ports and wiring to connect you to the internet. All you need is the modem, router, and any devices required for your preferences.
There are two main types of pre-wired services: fiber internet and cable internet. Both offer great download speeds, but a key difference is in how they are delivered.
Fiber
Fiber internet uses thin cables that connect to ethernet ports to deliver a fast, reliable connection. These fiber optic cables transmit data via light instead of electric signals.
This makes it superior to other internet connection types because it’s fast, provides excellent coverage, and supports many devices. For those of you needing the best connection money can buy, fiber internet is the way to go.
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Cable
Cable internet is widely available with different providers offering mixed prices and bundles. Three out of five homes have cable internet in the US alone. Cable internet also offers high speeds and sometimes no data caps depending on your provider.
Cable internet uses a coaxial cable for a solid connection to your ISP instead of copper phone lines. This is the same cabling that connects to your TV service.
2. 5G Home Internet Providers
5G stands for “fifth generation.” It’s most commonly seen with mobile plans, but it’s growing in popularity with home internet. It uses different radio frequencies than with previous generations like 4G.
5G internet offers fast speeds, low latency, and quick installation time. It’s entirely wireless and sometimes has no data caps depending on your provider. For a connection to qualify as 5G, the minimum bandwidth must be 100 Mbps.
5G has not replaced home internet quite yet, but it’s on its way. Providers like AT&T and Verizon are in the process of establishing reliable 5G across the nation.
3. Satellite Internet
Satellite internet relies on a low-orbit satellite signal to send and receive data. The great thing about satellite internet is that it’s available anywhere, which makes it a decent option for apartment renters on the outskirts of town.
- Satellite internet
- 2-year fixed pricing
- No hard data caps
- Fast satellite internet
- Ideal for rural areas
- Up to 3x faster than DSL*
The downside to satellite WiFi is that the connection can be unreliable from weather conditions or issues with equipment. Recent improvements in the technology, though, seem promising, and the introduction of Starlink and other satellite competitors could bring about more options in the near future.
4. Mobile Hotspot
Mobile hotspots are mobile internet connections that convert LTE signals into WiFi. If you have a data plan on your phone, then it’s using mobile hotspots whenever you don’t have access to an internet connection.
The great thing about mobile hotspots is that you can connect to a hotspot when traveling. This is important since almost half the US population works remotely. A few downsides are incurring additional costs with your device’s service, privacy and security concerns, and reliability.
5. Local Hotspot
Like mobile hotspots, local hotspots are physical locations where you can connect to the internet, like coffee shops, libraries, and airports. You can connect any device to a local hotspot. Sometimes a location has a password, and sometimes they don’t.
Not all local hotspots are free, however. Some companies may require some form of payment to access it. For example, hotels may require that you stay with them to access their free WiFi, or a coffee shop may only give their WiFi password out to paying customers. It’s really up to the business to offer free WiFi to the public.
To find a list of local hotspots in your area, visit your city’s website. Often, neighborhood resource pages list local hotspots to close the digital divide gap.
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