Like essential amenities such as water and electricity, cable and internet services have become indispensable in modern residences. This comprehensive guide will lead you through the necessary considerations when setting up these services in your apartment or rental unit.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Challenges for Renters
Selecting the Right Internet and TV Plan
Availability of TV and Internet Services in Your Unit
Choosing the Right Provider for Your Needs
Assess Your Internet Speed Requirements
Navigating Potential Hurdles
Considering the Duration of Your Stay
Understanding the Challenges for Renters
Renters in the United States often face a series of challenges when setting up internet and TV services in their apartments. Here are some of the common struggles:
Limited Internet Options
Depending on the location, renters might have restricted options when it comes to internet providers. This can be especially frustrating if the only available providers don't offer the desired speeds or services.
Rigid Homeowners Association (HOA) Rules
HOAs often have stringent rules regarding property modifications, including the installation of internet equipment. Navigating these rules and finding suitable internet solutions can be challenging.
Contemplating Contract Lengths
Depending on your stay duration and the likelihood of moving frequently, you might want to opt for month-to-month contracts instead of long-term commitments.
Balancing Affordability and Quality
Renters often need to find a delicate balance between the cost and the quality of the internet and TV services. An affordable but unreliable provider is as unfavorable as a high-quality, but costly service.
Selecting the Right Internet and TV Plan
Evaluating Your Internet Needs
Before choosing an internet plan, assess your internet usage needs. Consider the number of devices to be connected, the type of online activities, and the requirement for fast upload and download speeds.
Checking Area Availability
Before zeroing in on a provider, ensure to check their availability in your area. This will ensure that you can get the service you need, where you need it.
Reading Customer Reviews
Customer reviews provide valuable insights into the quality of service offered by an internet provider. Look for reviews from renters with similar needs and usage patterns.
Comparing Pricing and Features
Lastly, compare the pricing and features of different internet plans to find the best value for your money. Look for plans that offer competitive pricing along with features like unlimited data and easy installation.
Availability of TV and Internet Services in Your Unit
During your apartment hunt, it's important to determine whether Wi-Fi or cable services are pre-installed in the unit or if you need to arrange for a provider yourself. Some landlords include Wi-Fi in the utility package, which might save you the hassle of scouting for an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
However, if your unit doesn't have these services included, which is often the case, you'll have to find your own ISP or TV provider. First, ensure your apartment is equipped with the necessary wiring for these services. Most apartments come pre-wired for cable internet and TV, but some are equipped to handle fiber or 5G connections.
Understanding your options will help you choose the right provider to match your needs.
Connection Type | Download Speed Range | Upload Speed Range | Availability |
5G | 20 – 1,000 Mbps | 10 – 50 Mbps | Varies |
Fiber | 30 – 8,000 Mbps | 30 – 8,000 Mbps | 40% |
Cable | 25 – 3,000 Mbps | 10 – 50 Mbps | 83% |
Satellite | 15 – 350 Mbps | At least 3 Mbps | 100% |
Choosing the Right Provider for Your Needs
After confirming the types of internet connection available in your unit, the next step is to choose an ISP. However, not all ISPs serve all locations, so it's essential to enter your address to verify the providers who can service your unit.
Once you've identified the ISPs that can service your unit, you'll need to pick the right plan. You'll be presented with a range of speeds and prices, so understanding the speed you need to support your online activities is crucial.
TV Services
With the rise of streaming services, many renters are gravitating towards these platforms as they offer the convenience of accessing content anywhere. Here are some popular alternatives to cable TV:
Streaming Services | Starting Price | Channels | Simultaneous Streams | Cloud DVR Storage |
YouTube TV | $72.99/mo. | 100+ | Three | Unlimited |
DIRECTV | $69.99/mo. | 75-150+ | Unlimited in-home, three mobile | 20 hours included, $10 for unlimited |
Hulu + Live TV | $76.99/mo. | 75+ | Two | Unlimited |
fuboTV | $79.99/mo. | 100+ | 10 | 1,000 hours |
Philo | $25.00/mo. | 70+ | Three | Unlimited |
Sling TV | $40.00/mo. | 32-50 | One to three | 50 hours |
Pricing per month plus taxes for the length of the contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 03/21/24.
Assess Your Internet Speed Requirements
Internet speed is a measure of the amount of data that can be sent to and from your device in a second. To determine the speed you need, consider your online activities. Do you frequently stream videos, work after hours, or share your connection with a roommate? These factors will influence the speed you need.
Pro Tip: If your apartment provides Wi-Fi, check with the current residents about the quality of the service. If you want more control over your provider, speeds, and price, consider choosing your own ISP and internet plan.
Here are some popular ISPs and their respective internet plans for your consideration:
Provider | Monthly Price Range* | Download Speed Range | Upload Speed Range |
Verizon Fios | $49.99 – $89.99 | 300 – 940 Mbps | 300 – 880 Mbps |
T-Mobile | $40.00 – $60.00 | Up to 245 Mbps | Up to 31 Mbps |
Xfinity | $24.95 – $299.95 | 50 – 6,000 Mbps | 10 – 6,000 Mbps |
Spectrum | $49.99 – $79.99 | 300 – 1,000 Mbps** | 10 – 35 Mbps |
Frontier Fiber | $44.99 – $154.99 | 500-5,000 Mbps | 500-5,000 Mbps |
AT&T | $55.00 – $250.00 | 10 – 4,700 Mbps | 10- 4,700 Mbps |
Cox | $49.99 – $149.99 | 100 – 2,000 Mbps | 5 – 35 Mbps |
CenturyLink | $50.00 – $75.00 | 100 – 940 Mbps | 1 – 940 Mbps |
Quantum Fiber | $50.00 – $75.00 | 500 – 940 Mbps | 500 – 940 Mbps |
Hughesnet | $49.99 – $79.99 | 50 – 100 Mbps | 1- 3 Mbps |
Google Fiber | $70.00 – $100.00 | 1,000 – 2,000 Mbps | 1,000 – 2,000 Mbps |
WOW! | $30.00 – $185.00 | 100 – 5,000 Mbps | 10 – 5,000 Mbps |
Optimum | $40.00 – $180.00 | 300 – 5,000 Mbps | 20 – 5,000 Mbps |
Mediacom | $19.99 – $59.99 | 100 – 1,000 Mbps | 5 – 50 Mbps |
Astound | $19.99 – $54.99 | 110 – 1,200 Mbps | 2 – 20 Mbps |
Kinetic by Windstream | $39.99 – $299.99 | 100 – 2,000 Mbps | 1 – 1,000 Mbps |
Starry Internet | $50.00 – $80.00 | 300 – 1,000 Mbps | 200 Mbps |
altafiber | $39.99 – $99.99 | 400 – 2,000 Mbps | 100 – 500 Mbps |
Metronet | $29.95 – $59.95 | 100 – 1,000 Mbps | 100 – 1,000 Mbps |
Ziply Fiber | $10.00 – $300.00 | 30 – 10,000 Mbps | 50 – 10,000 Mbps |
Viasat | $64.99 – $169.99 | 12 – 100 Mbps | 3 Mbps |
Navigating Potential Hurdles
Before deciding to opt for an ISP different from the one provided by your apartment complex, confirm whether the complex permits the addition of new lines. If you're allowed to subscribe to a different ISP, remember that you'll be paying twice if the service is included in your rent.
If you can choose your own service, call our experts to find out what providers are available for your particular address. You might discover a plethora of options for your building.
Considering the Duration of Your Stay
Think about how long you'll be staying in the apartment or rental unit. If you plan to move within a year, and the apartment or ISP requires a two-year contract, consider that before signing anything. Premature termination could result in unexpected fees, and you might be liable for another full year of payments if you end up moving.
If you want to find out more about available internet and TV providers in your area, chat with our experts or visit our resource center for additional information to assist you in your search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How much does internet cost per month in an apartment?
Internet costs will vary based on the provider you sign up for, but if Wi-Fi is available through your apartment, it could be included in your rent or utilities.
Q2. What is the cheapest way to get Wi-Fi in my apartment?
If your apartment offers Wi-Fi service, then explore that option since it could be included in your rent or utilities. Otherwise, there are cheap internet options you can look into when searching for your own internet provider.
Q3. How do I set up Wi-Fi in a new apartment or rental?
If your unit already has the necessary wiring for internet service, then you can usually self-install your internet service. Many ISPs now offer their own apps or self-installation kits that walk you through the process once they send you your equipment. If your apartment already offers Wi-Fi, that's even better since you can avoid installing it yourself altogether.
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