Robin Layton

Robin Layton

Editor, Broadband Content

Robin Layton is an editor for the broadband marketplace Allconnect. She built her internet industry expertise writing and editing for four years on the site, as well as on Allconnect’s sister site MYMOVE.com. Her expertise is in home internet plans, as well as broadband and digital divide news. Robin brought 30 years of experience in journalism and marketing to her Allconnect role to ensure consumers get a fair and balanced reporting of the state of broadband services to help them understand the process of purchasing the right internet plan. Her credentials include a bachelor’s degree in English and Journalism from Shepherd University.

What I've written

What’s the difference between Wi-Fi and internet?
What’s the difference between Wi-Fi and internet?
Robin Layton

The internet is a global network linking all the computers and databases around the world – Wi-Fi is the wireless network that allows you to connect your devices to the internet.

Which wireless mobile phone plan is right for you?
Which wireless mobile phone plan is right for you?
Robin Layton

Choosing a new wireless mobile phone plan can be daunting with so many options: Prepaid, postpaid, family plans and unlimited plans. And, of course, all the plans have other things to consider, like data allowance, contracts and coverage areas.  So, how do you know which one is right for you? We’ll help you understand each […]

Gbps vs. Mbps: Do you really need gigabit speeds?
Gbps vs. Mbps: Do you really need gigabit speeds?
Robin Layton

Depending on what you use the internet for, you may not need to spend more money for a gigabit internet plan.

Affordable internet program’s future in jeopardy
Affordable internet program’s future in jeopardy
Robin Layton

If more funds aren't approved by Congress, the Affordable Connectivity Program will shut down by April 2024, potentially cutting off internet connections for millions of U.S. households.

Survey: 92% of households get internet
Survey: 92% of households get internet
Robin Layton

A new consumer survey from the Leichtman Research Group, Inc. (LRG) indicates America’s digital divide is slowly shrinking. The survey results found that 92% of U.S. households get an internet service, up from 83% in 2018 and 76% in 2008. “The percentage of households getting an Internet service at home, including high-speed broadband, reached an […]

Updated broadband map shows the number of homes without internet is decreasing
Updated broadband map shows the number of homes without internet is decreasing
Robin Layton

The newest version of the National Broadband Map shows the number of homes and businesses without internet access is going down, reporting 7.2 million locations lack high-speed internet access versus the 8.3 million shown on the May 2023 map. The broadband map was created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and its first iteration went […]

5G internet expansion: Where 5G is going in 2024
5G internet expansion: Where 5G is going in 2024
Robin Layton

What is 5G internet? 5G is the fifth-generation wireless cellular technology that allows you to connect your calls and texts on your cell phone when your device is within your provider’s network and tower radius. It’s also used as a fixed wireless broadband connection called 5G home internet, with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps.  It […]

How does 5G internet work?
How does 5G internet work?
Robin Layton

If you spend any time at all connected to the internet, whether via a computer or a mobile device, you’ll have heard of 5G. This fifth-generation cellular wireless technology allows you to use your cell phone and have an internet connection, all from the same tower. The hope for 5G tech is that it will […]

How to keep your mobile devices safe from hackers
How to keep your mobile devices safe from hackers
Robin Layton

Multi-factor authentication, strong passwords and common sense can keep your mobile phone safe.

CDMA and GSM: What to know about mobile tech
CDMA and GSM: What to know about mobile tech
Robin Layton

These older cell phone technologies are fading away, but you still need to understand them if you purchase an unlocked phone.

Can a mobile device replace your home internet?
Can a mobile device replace your home internet?
Robin Layton

If you aren't a heavy gamer or streamer, getting internet through your phone may work for you.

Pause your internet service with a seasonal hold
Pause your internet service with a seasonal hold
Robin Layton

For a small fee, most internet providers allow you to put your internet, home phone or cable TV service on a temporary hold.

Does the weather affect your internet?
Does the weather affect your internet?
Robin Layton

Good news, the rain isn't slowing down your Wi-Fi or cable internet.

Phone safety for children: Parental controls for iPhone & Android
Phone safety for children: Parental controls for iPhone & Android
Robin Layton

85% of parents want their children to be safe and connected with a cellphone. Follow these steps to add safety controls to your child's first phone.

A guide to internet accessibility for Americans with disabilities
A guide to internet accessibility for Americans with disabilities
Robin Layton

The devices we use for internet access like smartphones, laptops and tablets are equipped with accessibility features to make use easier for those with hearing, speech, vision or cognitive losses.

Tips to secure and protect your smartphone
Tips to secure and protect your smartphone
Robin Layton

From locking your screen to enabling two-factor authentication, every precaution you take can keep your personal information safer from hackers.

AT&T expands 5G home internet service
AT&T expands 5G home internet service
Robin Layton

‘Internet Air’ debuts in 16 areas across the US.

Even with billions of dollars, connecting every American to the internet isn’t an easy or quick feat
Even with billions of dollars, connecting every American to the internet isn’t an easy or quick feat
Robin Layton

“Like electricity a century ago, broadband is a foundation for economic growth, job creation, global competitiveness and a better way of life.” This was the introduction of the federal government’s 2010 National Broadband Plan. Thirteen years and billions of investment dollars later, that statement still rings true.  The 2010 plan’s major goal was very similar […]

Internet providers have more satisfied customers than last year. We tell you which ones and why.
Internet providers have more satisfied customers than last year. We tell you which ones and why.
Robin Layton

Customer satisfaction is a big deal for any business. Still, when it comes to internet slowdowns or our service crashing altogether, we can get crabby and demand an instant fix from helpful people or a high-performing app or website to help us fix it ourselves. These areas are where the ACSI Telecommunications Study 2022-2023* shows […]