Updated September 2024:
- Now that the wireless carriers are offering Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Internet service in many areas, there’s more choices for internet speeds and service levels. However, FWA may not be as reliable.
- You may be able to downgrade the speed provided by your current Internet provider to save money with little or no noticeable difference.
- Consider bundling home Internet and wireless service to save money.
Internet service providers offer different speed tiers and pricing based on the speed of the internet connection you can expect at your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) modem/gateway located in your home.
In the Reno area as of September 2024, Charter’s Spectrum service offers Internet speeds of 100 Megabits per second (Mbps), 400, 500, 600 and 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps or often referred 1 Gig). Just a few years ago, 100 Mbps was their standard bottom-tier “Internet” speed offering – it’s now 400 Mbps. AT&T’s xDSL & Internet service offers slower download speeds ranging from less than 1 Mbps to 100 Mbps, but their expanding AT&T Fiber network offers speeds ranging from 300-5000 Mbps (5 Gbps).
FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) can be cheaper, but less reliable
In July 2022 T-Mobile began offering wireless home internet service in the Reno area via Fixed Wireless Access (FWA). Download speeds are advertised at 30-245 Mbps, which is fast enough to stream UHD/4K video quality. In May 2023 Verizon began offering FWA in specific areas of Reno where they’ve upgraded their cell towers, with download speeds advertised at 85-300 Mbps. In late 2023 AT&T’s Internet Air became available in certain areas of Reno with download speeds varying from 75-225 Mbps. As of May 2024, AT&T has been encouraging some of their home non-fiber internet customers to switch to Internet Air.
Thought FWA is often cheaper, unlike xDSL, Cable or Fiber Internet, FWA can be less reliable since the service is shared with hundreds or thousands of other users in your area using the same cell tower/node. Therefore speeds during peak times can be slower, or during an extended power outage you could temporarily lose service altogether. Before considering FWA, check out “5G” Home Internet vs. Spectrum Internet.
Save money by choosing a slower Internet speed plan
Count on spending at least $50/month for reliable internet service, but anything above $80/month is probably unnecessary for small-to-medium households. If you’re on a faster speed tier with your Internet Service Provider, you may be able to save money by switching to a lower speed plan.
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