Fiber vs Cable

Right home internet = faster + cheaper.

Side-by-side

Fiber — fastest, most reliable. AT&T Fiber, Verizon Fios, Google Fiber.
Cable — common everywhere. Comcast, Spectrum, Cox.
DSL — slower, dying. Avoid if possible.
5G Home Internet — T-Mobile, Verizon. New competitor.
Satellite — Starlink for rural areas only.

Speeds you actually need

1 person, basic use — 50 Mbps fine.
Couple, streaming — 100 Mbps.
Family, multiple TVs — 300-500 Mbps.
Heavy gaming/4K — 1 Gig.
Most seniors over-pay for speed don't need.
Test current speed at fast.com.

5G Home Internet (game-changer)

T-Mobile Home Internet — $50-60/mo. Often half cable cost.
Verizon 5G Home — competitive.
Wireless — no cables to home.
Plug device in. Done.
Speed varies by location.
Try free trial.
Many seniors switch + save $50/mo.

Bundle vs separate

Bundles (TV + internet) often less savings than advertised.
Cut cable TV — use streaming. Save $80+/mo.
Internet-only often cheaper.
Local TV — use antenna ($30, free channels).
See /tools/cordcutterwizard.

Hidden costs

Modem rental $10-15/mo — buy own ($80, pays back 6 mo).
WiFi router rental — buy ($100, pays back 1 yr).
Broadcast TV fees, regional sports fees.
Equipment fees + installation.
Promo expires after 12-24 months — bill explodes.
Read fine print.

Senior pick 2026

If fiber available — get fiber (Verizon Fios, AT&T Fiber, Google Fiber). Reliable + fast. If cable only — negotiate annually. If T-Mobile 5G covers your home — try it ($50-60 with no contract). Cheap option for many seniors. Own modem + router = save more.