The Best TV and Internet Service Providers in 2021

We are already halfway through 2021, but the heightened need for access to high-speed internet and in-home TV entertainment?observed since last year following the outbreak of COVID-19?still reflects how millions have come to adapt to new norms. Working from home, attending school online, virtual shopping and banking, and accessing venues of entertainment from homes such as TV and online games?a big chunk of daily tasks and activities is now totally dependent on access to the internet.

According to a study conducted by NCTA (The Internet & TV Association) since March 2020, the cumulative growth in downstream peak traffic stands at 24.5%, while the national upstream peak traffic grew by 49.8%.  

With such near-absolute reliance on the internet among the masses, it becomes more essential the provider, service type, and plans you sign up for is the one that supports your online needs. Similarly, with outdoor entertainment choices becoming limited, it has become necessary for you are able to sign up for a TV service provider which can cater to the preferences of everyone in the family.  

Today, we will take a look at the top-most U.S. TV and internet service providers in 2021, and talk a little about plans and packages that each offers. But one thing you must remember is the service type, available speeds, and channel lineups are likely to vary from one region to another. Plus, it is rare to find all these providers serving any given neighborhood?you may be lucky to have one or two in your area. Meaning, before you start exploring any further, it would be better to determine which providers network covers your address.  

AT&T Internet & TV Services

High-Speed DSL Internet & Fiber

AT&T is a popular choice among subscribers across 21 states served by the internet and TV provider?AT&T DSL based network covers nearly 123 million, while its fiber optic network continues to spread to more and more neighborhoods in its service territories?placing it right at the top as the largest fiber optic internet provider in the U.S. by coverage.

AT&T puts a clever mix of technologies in use which enables its IPBB (high-speed DSL) connections to deliver reliable and consistent speeds, which may be slower than cable but get to you over a dedicated line. In urban centers and most suburban areas AT&T delivers high-speed DSL with the downstream maxing out at 100 Mbps?however rural communities are likely to receive slower speeds more akin to traditional DSL depending on their location.

AT&T Fiber speeds start at 300 Mbps and max out at 940 Mbps with the Gig service. With the highest starting speed at one of the cheapest rates, AT&T Fiber 300 is the top pick among all FTTH plans available in the market.

 

 

Browse AT&T Internet & Fiber Plans

 

Satellite TV & IPTV

In addition to the variety of internet connections, AT&T offers two types of TV service?satellite-based DIRECTV and AT&T TV which is IPTV. While DIRECTV is available coast-to-coast, AT&T TV is available across the 21-state AT&T footprint.

If you prefer to stream, you will love AT&T TV plans. Go with the advanced AT&T TV device & voice remote, or use your own compatible third-party streaming device such as the 4^th Gen Apple TV, 2^nd Gen Amazon Fire TV Stick, or select Roku models. When you pick the AT&T TV device, you get all your entertainment in one place, along with the convenience of a voice-activated remote, and access to over 7,000 popular apps on Google Play. 

Alternatively, if you are big on TV entertainment, especially sports, you cannot go wrong with DIRECTV?the service undoubtedly leads in terms of sports coverage. Plus DIRECTV gives you every opportunity to transform your in-home entertainment experience?control your TV with the FREE Genie HD DVR, watch TV on the go with the DIRECTV app without mobile data, or immerse yourself in the 4K experience.

 

 

Browse AT&T TV & DIRECTV Plans 

 

TV & Internet Bundles

If you are someone looking for both internet and TV for your home, AT&T bundles offer a great choice?pair IPBB or Fiber internet with IPTV or satellite TV. And, enjoy a wholesome experience of reliable connectivity and superior TV entertainment. Here is a sneak-peek into TV and internet packages from AT&T:

 

 

Each AT&T bundle has its own perks depending on which service types you pair up, and which plans you combine. For more options browse the range of AT&T bundles.

Call AT&T experts at 1-855-925-2541 to find out which TV and internet plans are offered at your address.

CenturyLink

High-Speed DSL Internet & Fiber  

CenturyLink provides both high-speed DSL and fiber optic internet in its 37 service states. The internet service provider also offers a reliable home phone service, which is a bargain deal when you bundle it with the internet.

High-speed DSL internet from CenturyLink is delivered with “Fiber to the Loop”?meaning copper phone lines are used to carry forward the fiber connection from a terminal point in the vicinity. The good thing about DSL internet is it is known to deliver a more stable speed than cable, even if slower because the connection is not shared. The bad thing is the farther you are located from the provider hub the slower would be the internet speed.

With that said, high-speed DSL from CenturyLink is worth it in more than one way?especially given the consistency of price the provider is known for. Currently, all high-speed DSL plans from CenturyLink are accompanied by the Price for Life guarantee. Once you subscribe, you can keep the same price for as long as you stick to the same plan at the same service address.

As for Fiber, albeit the internet-only plan does not come with the Price for Life offer, the CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit plan is one of the most cheaply priced?plus when you order online you can also benefit from the Free installation and modem offers. The only downside is as of yet, the CenturyLink Fiber service is limited to select regions.

While CenturyLink high-speed DSL internet peaks out at 140 Mbps in select locations, the 100 Mbps speed tier is pretty widely available?and makes for a popular choice because of its overall value. 

 

 

The best part is neither of the 2 CenturyLink internet services asks you to submit yourself to a contract?rather you pay month-to-month, and you can cancel at any time without a hefty penalty.

 

Bundle CenturyLink Internet Service

While CenturyLink does not offer TV service, it partners with worthy TV providers?so for instance, you can pair up your CenturyLink Internet plan with DIRECTV from AT&T or AT&T TV, as well as DISH. And, if you would rather cut the cord, you have a choice of 120 streaming options to pick from.

CenturyLink home phone service, as we said earlier, makes for a value-packed option when you pair it with the internet?you get a reliable backup to your cellular service, and the unlimited nationwide calling feature helps you cut down on the cost you would incur otherwise. Plus, all internet and voice bundles get you the Price for Life guarantee.

 

 

Browse CenturyLink Internet, CenturyLink Home Phone & CenturyLink Bundles

 

To check the availability of CenturyLink offers in your area call 1-855-349-9310.

 

Spectrum

Spectrum Internet

Spectrum is one of the best, most popular, and widely available internet service providers in the US. With over 100 million people in the fold of its cable broadband network, Spectrum services are accessible in 40 states.

Spectrum Internet plans are divided into 3 standardized speed tiers?200 Mbps, 400 Mbps, and 940 Mbps. Each comes with a free internet modem and antivirus software. Plus subscription to Spectrum Internet gives you access to millions of WiFi hotspots when you are on the go. The best part is none of the plans require a contract, and also come with a 30-day money-back guarantee?meaning there is no hassle and no risk.

Here are the 3 internet plans offered by Spectrum:

 

Explore the Spectrum Internet Service.  

Spectrum TV

Alongside cable broadband, Spectrum also offers a Cable TV service which takes pride in the popular vote it has earned over the years. Like the internet, Spectrum TV plans are also divided into 3 standard tiers?Select, Silver, and Gold. Each brings a wholesome collection of channels in the lineup, and thousands of on-demand titles inclusive of free Primetime On Demand. The Spectrum TV app is a great plus, as is the Spectrum DVR?you never miss your favorite shows with these service features.  

 

 

Explore Spectrum Cable TV plans. 

Spectrum TV and Internet Bundles

If you are looking for both TV and internet services, here is a sneak-peek into Spectrum bundles:

 

 

Explore Spectrum Bundles   

To check the availability of Spectrum offers in your area call 1-844-481-5997.

 

Summary

Well, there you are! We have introduced you to the offerings from 3 of the best internet service providers in the US?the industry is undoubtedly brimming with options but names we have talked about here have definitely earned confidence, trust and popularity among subscribers nationwide. Both in terms of value and availability AT&T, Centurylink, and Spectrum offers are hard to beat.

If by any chance you do not find any of the mentioned internet and TV providers operating in your area, call 1-855-349-9328 and speak to professionals. They can explore on your behalf, and present you with other viable options at your address.

 

FAQs

1. Is DSL Internet better than Cable Internet?

Not exactly. Cable internet definitely offers a faster speed and costs lower per Mbps as compared to DSL. However, if you are in a rural area, DSL internet will be more widely available.

2. Is bundling better than getting individual TV and Internet services?

If you are looking to save money, bundling is a great option. Moreover, most ISPs provide more features and perks if you were to bundle up. With bundles, the hassle of handling more than one bill is no longer an issue.

3. Why has my monthly TV bill increased?

Firstly, the promotional price may only be applicable for the first 12 months. Secondly, if the contract did not guarantee a price for a certain term, your ISP may have increased the cost of the service. At times pricing goes up also because of the rise in the broadcast surcharge or govt. taxes.

4. How do I choose the best Internet Service Provider?

You must know what you need the internet for in terms of speed and data. You must have a good idea of how many users/devices will be connected and what would be their internet consumption like. Only then you will be able to assess whether or not a given providers plan would fit your needs. If you need help with exploring ISPs and evaluating plans, call us at 1-855-349-9328.