Joe Supan

Joe Supan

Principal Writer, Broadband Content

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.

Joe Supan

What I've written

What you need to stream TV: A beginner’s guide
What you need to stream TV: A beginner’s guide
Joe Supan

Discover the essential tools and tips you need to start streaming TV. Learn about internet requirements, choosing the right devices and selecting streaming services to optimize your viewing experience!

Upload vs. download speed: What’s the difference?
Upload vs. download speed: What’s the difference?
Joe Supan

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.

How much should I pay for internet?
How much should I pay for internet?
Joe Supan

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.

How much internet speed do I need?
How much internet speed do I need?
Joe Supan

Whether you're gaming, streaming, schooling or working from home, learn everything you need to know to find the best internet speed for your needs.

Best internet options for travel
Best internet options for travel
Joe Supan

Satellite, wireless and public Wi-Fi can connect remote workers to the internet while they travel the world.

What’s the right Mediacom-compatible modem for you?
What’s the right Mediacom-compatible modem for you?
Joe Supan

Buying your own modem could save you hundreds of dollars every year. Learn more about which models are compatible with Mediacom.

How to get free and discounted internet
How to get free and discounted internet
Joe Supan

Some ISPs offer low-cost internet programs that can get eligible customers free internet. There are also other government and non-profit programs to aid in your monthly internet cost as well.

How to switch internet providers and save money
How to switch internet providers and save money
Joe Supan

Switching internet service might seem like a hassle, but you can usually lower your monthly bill significantly in the process.

Where to donate and recycle used electronics
Where to donate and recycle used electronics
Joe Supan

Recycling or donating your old electronic devices is becoming easier. Here are your options (and how to do so securely).

Digital divide: Organizations that are helping bridge the gap
Digital divide: Organizations that are helping bridge the gap
Joe Supan

Nonprofits across the US are working to provide affordable internet connections and devices to marginalized communities around the country.

What is fiber availability like in your state?
What is fiber availability like in your state?
Joe Supan

Report: Most Americans can now get at least 100 Mbps internet speeds at home.

Safety online: A guide for people with autism spectrum disorder
Safety online: A guide for people with autism spectrum disorder
Joe Supan

People with autism spectrum disorder are at higher risk for cyberbullying and internet addiction, but there are also many benefits to internet use.

Data report: How Americans use the internet
Data report: How Americans use the internet
Joe Supan

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 […]

Survey: 36% of Americans don’t know their home internet speed
Survey: 36% of Americans don’t know their home internet speed
Joe Supan

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.

Millions in rural US still do not have internet access
Millions in rural US still do not have internet access
Joe Supan

Broadband access is a major problem for rural communities, and impacts everything from unemployment to students’ test scores.

How Gen Z’s internet habits have shaped the industry
How Gen Z’s internet habits have shaped the industry
Joe Supan

As the first generation that’s always had internet, Gen Z spends more time online than other generations, but is less likely to have broadband.

Verizon and Amazon team up on rural internet partnership
Verizon and Amazon team up on rural internet partnership
Joe Supan

Verizon will expand its fixed wireless coverage with the help of Amazon low Earth orbit satellite venture, Project Kuiper.