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Q: How do I set up internet?

Once you have compared and chosen an internet provider , you often have the choice to install your internet yourself or have the ISP send a tech to your address. If you install it yourself, the ISP will provide you with a step-by-step guide to connect their equipment to yours and set up your Wi-Fi access. If you choose professional installation, all you’ll have to do is schedule an appointment with your ISP and they’ll take care of everything.

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Speed Guide
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FAQs

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) assigns internet requirements into light, moderate and high-use categories.

Our online speed guide can help you decide which internet speed is best for your household.

Light

Internet use

1 to 2

Email, browsing, basic video, one streaming device at a time.

Broadband guidelines:

1 to 2 devices:

5 to 20 Mbps

2 to 4 devices:

20 to 40 Mbps

5 to 10 devices:

50 to 100 Mbps

View Allconnect's take

Moderate

Internet use

3 - 4

The same functions as Light, plus one high-demand application like streaming HD video, video conferencing, online gaming or telecommuting.

Broadband guidelines:

1 to 2 devices:

5 to 20 Mbps

2 to 4 devices:

20 to 40 Mbps

5 to 10 devices:

75 to 200 Mbps

View Allconnect's take

High

Internet use

The same functions as Light and Moderate, plus multiple high-demand applications running simultaneously.

Broadband guidelines:

1 to 2 devices:

100 to 200 Mbps

2 to 4 devices:

200 to 300 Mbps

5 to 10 devices:

400 to 500 Mbps

View Allconnect's take

Light

Internet use

1 to 2

Email, browsing, basic video, one streaming device at a time.

Broadband guidelines:

1 to 2 devices:

5 to 20 Mbps

2 to 4 devices:

20 to 40 Mbps

5 to 10 devices:

50 to 100 Mbps

Allconnect's take:

For a small unit of one to two people, download speeds of 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps are just fine if you are both browsing or shopping online, checking your email and posting to your social media accounts on four to five devices at a time.
Moderate

Internet use

3 - 4

The same functions as Light, plus one high-demand application like streaming HD video, video conferencing, online gaming or telecommuting.

Broadband guidelines:

1 to 2 devices:

5 to 20 Mbps

2 to 4 devices:

20 to 40 Mbps

5 to 10 devices:

75 to 200 Mbps

Allconnect's take:

If you have a larger home, with three to four people and up to six to eight devices accessing the internet simultaneously, plans from 100 to 400 Mbps will keep you from experiencing lag or downtime.
High

Internet use

5+

The same functions as Light and Moderate, plus multiple high-demand applications running simultaneously.

Broadband guidelines:

1 to 2 devices:

100 to 200 Mbps

2 to 4 devices:

200 to 300 Mbps

5 to 10 devices:

400 to 500 Mbps

Allconnect's take:

With five or more people and 10+ devices accessing the internet at the same time, you’ll need a 500 Mbps to 1 Gig plan or above. Most internet users don’t need beyond 1 Gig of download speed, but if you are creating and uploading content like videos, running a home business or have multiple heavy gamers, some internet service providers have plans up to 10 Gbps.

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Call to order

(844) 451-2720

Plans starting at

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Call to order: (844) 451-2720

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internet FAQs

Should I buy my own equipment?

In most cases, your initial cost of buying a modem and router pays for itself within a year. Rental equipment fees from internet providers are usually around $10/mo. and you can buy combination modem/routers (gateways) for under $100. If you want to avoid a monthly fee from your ISP, buying your router is the way to go. If you need support for your equipment, rent it from your ISP and you’ll have access to technical support. See our full guide on whether you should rent or buy internet equipment.

How do I set up internet?

Once you have compared and chosen an internet provider, you often have the choice to install your internet yourself or have the ISP send a tech to your address. If you install it yourself, the ISP will provide you with a step-by-step guide to connect their equipment to yours and set up your Wi-Fi access. If you choose professional installation, all you’ll have to do is schedule an appointment with your ISP and they’ll take care of everything.

What internet technology type should I look for?

When choosing an internet service provider, it’s important to consider technology types. Fiber internet is the fastest and most reliable internet technology type since it provides symmetrical download and upload speeds, but it’s not the most widely available type of internet. We recommend fiber if it’s available at your address, but if not, you have other options.

Cable internet is a common internet type and the best alternative to fiber internet. It offers fast, reliable speeds and is more widely available than fiber. Satellite internet is a great choice if you live in a rural area and other internet technologies aren’t an option.

5G internet, or fixed wireless internet, is another internet technology type to consider. 5G home internet isn’t always as fast as cable or fiber plans, but some providers like T-Mobile are expanding rapidly to offer 5G home internet service to most of the country and can reach speeds up to 245 Mbps.