Robin Layton

Robin Layton

Senior Editor, Broadband Content

Robin Layton is a Senior Editor for Allconnect, dedicated to helping consumers navigate the often-complex world of internet service providers. With 30 years of experience in journalism and marketing, Robin empowers consumers to make informed decisions with fair, balanced and thoroughly researched reporting on broadband services. Robin holds a bachelor’s degree in English and journalism from Shepherd University. When she’s not researching the latest broadband trends, she enjoys hiking with her husband and their two Australian Cattle Dogs. Find more of her work on MyMove.com and connect on LinkedIn.

What I've written

Speed up your internet for back-to-school activities
Speed up your internet for back-to-school activities
Robin Layton

Check out these deals on modems, hotspots and Wi-Fi extenders at Amazon's back-to-school sale.

Take Starlink Mini with you on the road
Take Starlink Mini with you on the road
Robin Layton

Mini Roam plans start at $50/mo. and the device is small enough to fit into a backpack.

Report: 13 million more people used the internet in 2023 compared to 2021
Report: 13 million more people used the internet in 2023 compared to 2021
Robin Layton

The digital divide of who has access to and can afford internet is closing slowly in the U.S.  The latest Internet Use Survey by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) showed that 13 million more people used the internet in 2023 than in 2021.  The people most affected by internet affordability and availability grew […]

Survey: Fiber internet wins for best customer service
Survey: Fiber internet wins for best customer service
Robin Layton

Unsurprisingly, fast fiber connections are customers’ first choice for internet service. What’s interesting is that fiber providers are also customers’ choice for the best customer service experience. A new study by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) found that fiber internet service providers (ISPs) topped non-fiber ISPs 76 to 68 (out of 100) for customer […]

How fast is internet in the U.S.?
How fast is internet in the U.S.?
Robin Layton

The government set the minimum speed for 'fast' internet at 100 Mbps. Allconnect examines if that's fast enough and how the U.S. compares worldwide.

How to get internet on cruise ships
How to get internet on cruise ships
Robin Layton

Cruise ship vacations can be exciting and exotic, but before you post your Jack and Rose selfie from the ship’s bow, ensure the cute photo won’t cost you a mint to share.  You have several options for internet access on cruise ships at varying price points. We’ll walk you through how to access Wi-Fi before […]

Spectrum named fastest internet provider
Spectrum named fastest internet provider
Robin Layton

New report shows that at nearly 170 Mbps, Spectrum tops Xfinity, Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.

Will every U.S. address have internet access by 2030?
Will every U.S. address have internet access by 2030?
Robin Layton

Federal plan "Internet for All" sets a high bar for delivering fast internet across the country.

How much data does Netflix streaming use?
How much data does Netflix streaming use?
Robin Layton

Here are a few things to know before your next binge.

The best 4 VPNs for travel
The best 4 VPNs for travel
Robin Layton

Check out our guide for getting the best VPN for price and safety while you explore the world.

Internet speed: Rural vs. city
Internet speed: Rural vs. city
Robin Layton

The fastest internet isn’t always found in a metropolitan area.

The 5 best modem/router combos 2024
The 5 best modem/router combos 2024
Robin Layton

Wondering which modem/router combo you should get? We did the research and came up with the five best available options.

What’s the difference between bandwidth and latency?
What’s the difference between bandwidth and latency?
Robin Layton

Bandwidth and latency could be causing your computer network to slow down. We show you how to fix the problem.

23 million Americans will lose free internet today
23 million Americans will lose free internet today
Robin Layton

Federal subsidy plan ended in April, leaving households with an extra bill or no internet.

Can other Wi-Fi networks interfere with mine?
Can other Wi-Fi networks interfere with mine?
Robin Layton

The short answer? Maybe. Here’s how to set up your home network to achieve the most effective signal.

T-Mobile imposes data cap of 1.2TB/mo.
T-Mobile imposes data cap of 1.2TB/mo.
Robin Layton

T-Mobile’s 5G home internet power users may have noticed their speed getting slower by the end of their billing cycles. That’s because as of Jan. 18, 2024, T-Mobile instituted a data cap of 1.2TB/mo. for new 5G Home Internet customers. Considering U.S. internet users consume just over a half terabyte a month, a terabyte data […]

What is a portable Wi-Fi hotspot?
What is a portable Wi-Fi hotspot?
Robin Layton

A portable Wi-Fi hotspot is a secure way to connect to the internet on the go or in an emergency.

Internet basics: A complete guide for older adults
Internet basics: A complete guide for older adults
Robin Layton

Internet use among older adults continues to rise, with 88% of adults aged 65 and older in 2023 using the internet, according to Statista. Some other interesting facts include: It’s definitely never too late to learn how to embrace technology. If you’re less than confident in your tech skills, know that there are plenty of […]

Broadband ‘nutrition’ labels go live
Broadband ‘nutrition’ labels go live
Robin Layton

Internet customers can use the labels as an internet plan comparison tool, taking the mystery out of the fees, data caps and discounts.

How much data does Google Maps use?
How much data does Google Maps use?
Robin Layton

Google Maps uses a fraction of the data that apps like Netflix and Spotify do, but there are still some steps you can take to decrease it even further.

Learn how to manage your internet browser history
Learn how to manage your internet browser history
Robin Layton

Understand the basics of this daily activity and how you can take better control of your data.

Everything you need to know about Internet Essentials by Comcast
Everything you need to know about Internet Essentials by Comcast
Robin Layton

If Comcast's Xfinity is available where you live, you should check out their program that offers internet for $9.95/mo. to qualified customers.

Discover the benefits of online entertainment
Discover the benefits of online entertainment
Robin Layton

Movies, music and games, oh my! Check out five of the top benefits of using the internet for your entertainment needs.

What is Xfinity Prepaid Internet?
What is Xfinity Prepaid Internet?
Robin Layton

Learn about this pay-as-you-go home internet service that requires no credit check, deposit or contract.

Mobile vs. desktop usage: What percentage of internet traffic is mobile in 2024?
Mobile vs. desktop usage: What percentage of internet traffic is mobile in 2024?
Robin Layton

Key findings You have the internet world in your palm … literally, if you have your smartphone resting there. It’s convenient and (usually) fast to use your mobile devices to access the internet, but have you ever wondered which is the better online experience: mobile or desktop? It appears we are a world divided on […]

Broadband speed standard increased to 100 Mbps
Broadband speed standard increased to 100 Mbps
Robin Layton

To advertise their speeds as "broadband" internet, ISPs must offer at least 100 Mbps in download speeds and 20 in upload speeds.

Millions to be disconnected as free internet plan ends
Millions to be disconnected as free internet plan ends
Robin Layton

April will be the last full month families can receive the $30/mo. federal stipend that provides free internet service.

How to connect your TV to your Wi-Fi network
How to connect your TV to your Wi-Fi network
Robin Layton

You can connect an older TV to your home internet with a cable or streaming device. Newer smart TVs are equipped to automatically detect your Wi-Fi.