Back to School Internet Check-Up

Getting ready to return to school used to mean some new threads, a spiffy backpack, maybe an updated lunchbox

- and definitely school supplies. We used to get excited about a stylish notebook and a pencil case.

Nowadays when you say "notebook", it means an entirely different thing - like hundreds to thousand of dollars different - as in a Notebook Computer. It seems like each kid has a computer as part of their school supplies. This makes the annual prep for the upcoming school year a whole new level of stress for many households.

Are you preparing for physical school? Participating in on-line school or homeschooling? Maybe you are involved in a hybrid of the two. Whichever your family is gearing up for, one area of preparation you must consider is your internet connection.

Most folks assume the internet signal or data plan they have been using will be strong and stable enough to handle all the on-line classes, uploads / downloads, video views and zoom meetings their children may need to participate in. But seamless interaction with online sources will require a high-speed connection and reliable signal - and a company that is available to troubleshoot and address any issues -particularly if there are multiple children using the internet - and a parent working from home.

Homeschooling / On-line School requires an Internet Service Provider with excellent quality

signal, high speed and high data caps or no data caps. If you live in rural areas, this is challenging as fiber / cable doesn't reach beyond neighborhoods (and in neighborhoods, the cable can become overloaded providing a sub-par and infinitely exasperating experience).

"If it wasn't glaringly clear before, the pandemic has confirmed the vital importance of a broadband internet connection—one that is reliable, affordable, and in some cases, simply available," says Jonathan Schwantes, senior policy counsel in Consumers Reports' Washington, D.C., office. "Unfortunately, far too many Americans lack access or are unable to afford broadband."