[jrref]

This service was introduced by Xfinity to compete with wireless internet from T-Mobile and Verizon. There is a very good Youtube video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARDIlJxMSPI Just a note, the narrator talks about how well you can stream with several devices. What he doesn't explain is when streaming, your device downloads chuncks of data periodically and plays them. There is no contunuous downloading of data by your devices which is how he was able to run a speed test while streaming and getting full speed.

For what they give you, a referbished modem/router and 100 or 200 Mbs download speeds and 10-20 Mbs upload speeds, it's not a very good deal. If you decide to not stay with the service they don't want the equipment back. These plans are for people needing very basic internet.

What you need to realize is, cable companies are "taking a beating". Their disconnect rate is out of control so they are looking for all kinds of ways to retain customers and this is one of them.

That said, If you can get fiber internet, either Quantum or Centric here in the Villages, that's the way to go. No research needed. If you can't get fiber, Spectrum seems to have the best plans since there is no data cap and they are reliable and their customer service is as good as it's going to get. If you live near a cell tower and need very basic internet, wireless may be the way to go but you will have to try it at your specific home to see if it will work there.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by jrref

This service was introduced by Xfinity to compete with wireless internet from T-Mobile and Verizon. There is a very good Youtube video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARDIlJxMSPI Just a note, the narrator talks about how well you can stream with several devices. What he doesn't explain is when streaming, your device downloads chuncks of data periodically and plays them. There is no contunuous downloading of data by your devices which is how he was able to run a speed test while streaming and getting full speed.

For what they give you, a referbished modem/router and 100 or 200 Mbs download speeds and 10-20 Mbs upload speeds, it's not a very good deal. If you decide to not stay with the service they don't want the equipment back. These plans are for people needing very basic internet.

What you need to realize is, cable companies are "taking a beating". Their disconnect rate is out of control so they are looking for all kinds of ways to retain customers and this is one of them.

That said, If you can get fiber internet, either Quantum or Centric here in the Villages, that's the way to go. No research needed. If you can't get fiber, Spectrum seems to have the best plans since there is no data cap and they are reliable and their customer service is as good as it's going to get. If you live near a cell tower and need very basic internet, wireless may be the way to go but you will have to try it at your specific home to see if it will work there.

The video seemed to draw a more positive conclusion than your comment that it is not a very good deal.

I pay $30 for 300Mbps with T-Mobile 5G but I'm fortunate to be in a good cell area and that rate is a discount due to my also having T-Mobile phone service.

I would like to research the pricing for Quantum or Spectrum before simply signing up. An all-inclusive $30 is very attractive. Quantum and Spectrum plans both cost more and while you get more bandwidth, it is a waste of money to pay for something you don't use.

Availability matters, of course, but that includes the NOW service. If you don't have an Xfinity cable line attached to your home then the NOW service will not work but I haven't seen any discussion of how that is handled.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

The video seemed to draw a more positive conclusion than your comment that it is not a very good deal.

I pay $30 for 300Mbps with T-Mobile 5G but I'm fortunate to be in a good cell area and that rate is a discount due to my also having T-Mobile phone service.

I would like to research the pricing for Quantum or Spectrum before simply signing up. An all-inclusive $30 is very attractive. Quantum and Spectrum plans both cost more and while you get more bandwidth, it is a waste of money to pay for something you don't use.

Availability matters, of course, but that includes the NOW service. If you don't have an Xfinity cable line attached to your home then the NOW service will not work but I haven't seen any discussion of how that is handled.

What I meant about the NOW service not being a very good deal is you can get way more bandwidth from Quantum or Centric Fiber or Spectrum for the same price. Right now you can get Quantum Fiber 1GBs service for $35/month, no contract and includes wifi mesh network equipment. But as you said, not everyone needs that much bandwidth which is why these wireless and fiber solutions are catching on and taking even more customers away from the cable companies.

As far as discounts, here is a real life example. Several of my neighbors were on Quantum fiber, I think $50/month for 500Mbs. More than enough for most Villagers. Spectrum came around an offered a "deal" to these customers for $29.99 for 500Mbs but it was only for 1 year. Now the year is up and Spectrum will not offer another "deal" so they are going back to Quantum Fiber for $35/month. What Spectrum was hoping for was these customers would forget when their "deal" ended and charge them full price for a while recouping most of the discount they offered.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by jrref

What I meant about the NOW service not being a very good deal is you can get way more bandwidth from Quantum or Centric Fiber or Spectrum for the same price. Right now you can get Quantum Fiber 1GBs service for $35/month, no contract and includes wifi mesh network equipment. But as you said, not everyone needs that much bandwidth which is why these wireless and fiber solutions are catching on and taking even more customers away from the cable companies.

As far as discounts, here is a real life example. Several of my neighbors were on Quantum fiber, I think $50/month for 500Mbs. More than enough for most Villagers. Spectrum came around an offered a "deal" to these customers for $29.99 for 500Mbs but it was only for 1 year. Now the year is up and Spectrum will not offer another "deal" so they are going back to Quantum Fiber for $35/month. What Spectrum was hoping for was these customers would forget when their "deal" ended and charge them full price for a while recouping most of the discount they offered.

Fair enough.

I noticed the Spectrum pricing was for the first year but that didn't surprise me at all. I was happier with the way the Quantum and NOW prices were presented.

Quantum advertises the $35 price for life but then makes a comment about equipment, taxes, and fees. With my T-Mobile I pay $30 plus $2.98 in State taxes and fees. Are there taxes and fees on top of the $35 for Quantum?

I like the portability of the 5G internet but the Quantum offer is very attractive if I ever need to switch.

[roob1]

Be aware that many areas of TV can not get Quantum, Centric etc...it is only in the northern areas.

Originally Posted by jrref

What I meant about the NOW service not being a very good deal is you can get way more bandwidth from Quantum or Centric Fiber or Spectrum for the same price. Right now you can get Quantum Fiber 1GBs service for $35/month, no contract and includes wifi mesh network equipment. But as you said, not everyone needs that much bandwidth which is why these wireless and fiber solutions are catching on and taking even more customers away from the cable companies.

As far as discounts, here is a real life example. Several of my neighbors were on Quantum fiber, I think $50/month for 500Mbs. More than enough for most Villagers. Spectrum came around an offered a "deal" to these customers for $29.99 for 500Mbs but it was only for 1 year. Now the year is up and Spectrum will not offer another "deal" so they are going back to Quantum Fiber for $35/month. What Spectrum was hoping for was these customers would forget when their "deal" ended and charge them full price for a while recouping most of the discount they offered.

[jrref]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

Fair enough.

I noticed the Spectrum pricing was for the first year but that didn't surprise me at all. I was happier with the way the Quantum and NOW prices were presented.

Quantum advertises the $35 price for life but then makes a comment about equipment, taxes, and fees. With my T-Mobile I pay $30 plus $2.98 in State taxes and fees. Are there taxes and fees on top of the $35 for Quantum?

I like the portability of the 5G internet but the Quantum offer is very attractive if I ever need to switch.

There are no taxes and fees with Quantum. Your bill will be $35 and that's it.

Quantum is mainly in the North all the way down to Rt.44 and also in Fenney. Then there is no fiber until you get to the newer sections where you can get Centric. In fact, the new homes have Centric Fiber installed with the Router and wifi when it's built.