The main difference between download speeds and upload speeds is the direction in which the data is traveling and how fast its getting there. There is, however, a bigger difference between what a good upload and download speed is.
Joe is a senior writer for CNET covering home technology and broadband. Prior to joining CNET, Joe led MYMOVE's moving coverage and reported on broadband policy, the digital divide, and privacy issues for the broadband marketplace Allconnect. Joe specializes in broadband policy, the digital divide and home internet, including providers, internet speeds and connection types. His credentials include a BA in English from Ohio State, six years covering the broadband industry. Featured as a guest columnist on Broadband Breakfast, and his work has been referenced by the Los Angeles Times, Forbes, National Geographic, Yahoo! Finance and more.
What I've written
How much is high-speed internet for the average customer? Here’s what you can expect to pay, how you can avoid overpaying and how you can cut monthly internet costs.
We analyzed months of broadband data to determine the internet speeds Americans are actually getting compared to what's advertised.
Don’t get caught by surprise. Check out our provider guide to understand the true cost of your internet bill.
The average cable and internet bill has only increased 5% since 2021 — far less than other household expenses.
Satellite, wireless and public Wi-Fi can connect remote workers to the internet while they travel the world.
Buying your own modem could save you hundreds of dollars every year. Learn more about which models are compatible with Mediacom.
Working from home presents an array of fresh distractions and challenges. The science says these are the most effective ways to deal with them.
The current 2020 law targets sites, and businesses that stream pirated content, not the couch surfers among us.
Switching internet service might seem like a hassle, but you can usually lower your monthly bill significantly in the process.
We compiled all the data that shows us where internet connectivity is at today — and where it's going.
Recycling or donating your old electronic devices is becoming easier. Here are your options (and how to do so securely).
Nonprofits across the US are working to provide affordable internet connections and devices to marginalized communities around the country.
Internet speeds seem to get faster every year, but every connection type has its maximum bandwidth.
While actual speeds have nearly doubled over the past five years, Americans are getting just 139/41 Mbps on average.
Allconnect regional broadband report: Midwest edition
Allconnect regional broadband report: South edition
In U.S. cities, internet speeds are increasing while prices stay flat.
We analyzed each state on factors like price, performance, availability and choice to find the areas with the best and worst internet connectivity.
Report: Most Americans can now get at least 100 Mbps internet speeds at home.
People with autism spectrum disorder are at higher risk for cyberbullying and internet addiction, but there are also many benefits to internet use.
Key findings 85% of Americans use the internet every day. The average American spends six hours and 58 minutes online per day. Social media accounts for about two hours and 27 minutes of screen time daily. The average American spends two hours and 37 minutes streaming video every day. 7% of Americans still don’t use […]
Our survey reveals a few gaps in internet knowledge among several key groups, but it did find that most Americans are happy with their internet speed.
Learn how to get low-income assistance with wireless plans through the Lifeline program.
Verizon will expand its fixed wireless coverage with the help of Amazon low Earth orbit satellite venture, Project Kuiper.
The largest federal investment in broadband infrastructure just passed with bipartisan support. Here’s how it will impact your internet.
As community anchors, libraries are often the most reliable internet source for many people.
We polled leaders across the broadband industry on internet prices, speeds and the state of the digital divide in 2030.
A new report from the Fiber Broadband Association predicts that a four-person household will require 2,141 Mbps speeds in the next decade.
Americans agree internet is essential, but the solution depends on your politics.
Everything you need to know to take advantage of all the internet deals available for educators and students.
Allconnect’s survey of more than 1,200 adults found that race and income are the biggest factors that determine if you have a home internet connection.
1 in 3 people experiencing homelessness don't use the internet at all — a major barrier to accessing necessary resources.
The internet as we know it was established in 1983, but its origins can be traced all the way back to the early 1800s.
A new Pew Research Center survey finds that 7% of the adult population in the U.S. is still offline, with the majority being people over the age of 65.
As a thank you to frontline workers, many companies are offering discounts and deals on internet service, cellphone plans and tech products.
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