Latest news with #ISP
Vancouver Sun
11 hours ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Internet service providers fear feds will side with CRTC on ruling boosting competitor access to fibre networks
OTTAWA — The federal government is set to make a highly anticipated decision in the coming weeks regarding internet affordability. The CRTC recently reiterated its decision issued last year authorizing Canada's three major telecommunications companies to resell fibre optics to internet service providers (ISP) on their respective networks. At the time, then-Minister of Industry François-Philippe Champagne asked the regulator to review its decision, which notably grants Telus more options to access new markets. According to the regulator, 'several thousand Canadian households' are already benefiting from new plans offered by 'dozens of providers that are using the access enabled by the Final Decision.' Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'Changing course now would reverse the benefits of this increased competition and would prevent more Canadians from having new choices of ISPs in the future,' wrote the CRTC in its June 20 decision. However, many telecommunications companies are fighting back and exerting pressure on the federal government, particularly Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, to overturn the CRTC's decision, arguing that it will have a negative impact on investment and competition across the country. For them, the case is not over and the final decision has not yet been rendered. They have financial analyses, including from Bank of America and National Bank, that predict 'a decline in future investments in telecommunications infrastructure' if the decision is maintained. Federal cabinet is expected to confirm or overturn the CRTC decision by Aug. 13. 'We take note of the CRTC's decision to retain mandated wholesale access to fibre networks,' said Joly's spokesperson, Isabella Orozco-Madison, in a statement. 'Cabinet will make its decision on the petition before it in due course.' The battle between the telecom giants, which began years ago before the federal regulator, is highly political in nature. A source indicated that Telus is also making every effort to ensure that the CRTC's decision is upheld by Ottawa. In an interview with National Post, Cogeco Communications' chief legal and corporate officer said that telecoms will play a crucial role in Canada's defence, housing, energy, artificial intelligence and agriculture sectors, and that the government must adopt policies that will promote their prosperity. 'It's really about the moment we're in as a country, and we don't have time for regulation that doesn't make sense and defeats its own objectives,' said Paul Cowling. Smaller providers like Cogeco, or even independent providers that don't have their own facilities, could very well be threatened by this policy if Ottawa signs off on it, they say. 'We want to compete, and we want to offer more choice in the marketplace… That becomes very challenging when your biggest competitors, who have many advantages over you, are empowered by the regulator to compete unfairly against you,' said Cowling. For example, this decision would give Telus, which is strong in Western Canada, the opportunity to use other providers' networks to add thousands of customers in Ontario and Quebec instead of building its own infrastructure. Bell Canada's executive vice president, Robert Malcolmson, recently said that 'as a direct result' of the policy, his company has reduced its capital expenditures by $500 million in 2025 alone and by over $1.2 billion since the CRTC's initial decision in November 2023. 'The CRTC policy will continue to have major negative impacts well into the future,' he wrote in a scathing statement . In the meantime, Telus keeps telling Canadians how important this policy is. The Vancouver-based provider launched a petition online that has gained over 300,000 signatures to support the CRTC decision. In the petition description, Telus writes 'the federal government tried to limit competition, and could do so again' and that 'some home internet carriers are still trying to restrict the brands you can choose from.' 'Upholding the decision reinforces the independence of expert regulators, which is necessary to create the certainty needed for Canadian businesses to continue to invest with confidence,' said Telus director of public affairs Richard Gilhooley. Recently, B.C. premier David Eby said he was 'pleased to see CRTC's decision to uphold its ruling allowing for greater competition.' 'This is great news for BC headquartered Telus and for jobs in BC,' he wrote on social media. According to a recent PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report , the telecommunications sector contributed an estimated $87.3 billion to Canada's GDP last year. Now, internet carriers like BCE and Cogeco argue that sustaining this level of economic impact requires a regulatory environment that supports continued investment. 'And what we need in this country right now is more investment. We need more investment in strong digital infrastructure, other telecommunications networks… Our economic ambition is really dependent on having strong connectivity in our economy today, nothing works without connectivity,' said Cowling. National Post Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here .
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
ISP to conduct ACE patrols in July
PESOTUM – Illinois State Police Troop 7 Commander Heather Apperson announces ISP will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Macon and Vermilion counties during July. ACE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs. The ISP has zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Officers working the detail will be watchful for motorists who show signs of impaired driving, operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license, and transporting open alcoholic beverages, as well as improper seatbelt and child restraint usage, distracted driving, and other Illinois Vehicle Code violations. Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 39 minutes in the United States. The ACE program allows officers to work even harder at removing dangerous DUI offenders from the road. This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Business Journals
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Journals
Quantum Fiber experts answer developer and builder questions about deploying high-speed internet
Reliable and high-speed internet connectivity is a crucial aspect of modern living. For single-family home community developers and builders, understanding the benefits and requirements of fiber internet can help enhance property values and meet the demands of tech-savvy homeowners. We asked the Quantum Fiber Connected Communities team of experts to share what questions they frequently answer about fiber technology and working with an internet service provider (ISP). What are builders and developers responsible for in the installation of fiber services? Jeff Johnson, director of sales, West region: Every build is slightly different but we will have a detailed statement of work that will map out the installation. Fiber internet companies have streamlined the process to minimize the workload for builders and developers, and typically there is very little cost involved. However, developers will still need to help ensure a smooth installation by including their ISP in early design and preconstruction planning meetings and clearly communicating any changes to the construction plans. The goal is for residents to enjoy fast, reliable fiber internet service from the day they move in, and proper coordination and communication are key to making that happen. Are there any upfront costs for fiber agreements? Sarah Jordan, director of sales, East region: There are typically options where there's no upfront capital, depending on the type of agreement that you enter into with an ISP. It could be a shared marketing agreement, an exclusive marketing agreement, or a bulk agreement. There are also options where you can put your own capital down and amortize the rest of it over the course of the contract. So, the answer depends on what's best for your community, but fiber can often be more cost-effective than you may think. Is fiber an eco-friendly and sustainable technology? Tony St. Pierre, marketing director: Fiber is one of the fastest internet technologies on the market and its long lifespan and future-ready capabilities make it a sustainable connectivity solution. The Quantum Fiber network is passive, meaning it limits our use of electricity to maintain our network. Our instant internet solution does not require a truck roll for customers to get activated, which limits carbon emissions. As residents increasingly prefer sustainable options, fiber can set eco-friendly communities apart from the competition. How does fiber internet impact property value? Dan O'Connell, vice president of consumer sales: It's important to know that a fiber infrastructure helps generate long-term value and can help make properties more competitively attractive. This requires an ISP partner with industry intelligence, foresight, and adaptability to design a network that meets current and future needs. According to a 2023 consumer study by Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) and RVA LLC Market Research and Consulting, fiber-optic internet is the preferred connectivity technology for nearly two-thirds of surveyed internet users, and not having fiber internet can negatively impact property value. The study showed that on average, U.S. consumers would require a 4.9% reduction in price for a non-fiber-connected single-family home. Why is fiber a good fit for master-planned communities? Melonie Hooper, operations director: The benefits of fiber broadband go far and wide. Consider how residents rely on a fast internet connection for remote work and home entertainment. By the end of 2025, the number of connected devices is expected to reach 75 billion, which will open a new world of modern living. Without a robust connection, these devices can suffer from interruptions and latency issues. A fiber-optic network can easily handle Internet of Things (IoT) devices — including home automation systems, security systems, smart appliances, and more. As the demand for high-speed internet continues to grow, incorporating fiber internet into single-family home developments can offer numerous benefits. By staying informed and understanding the advantages of fiber technology, developers and builders can make smart decisions that will benefit their communities and residents for years to come. Contact a Quantum Fiber Connected Communities expert to learn about connectivity solutions tailored to your multifamily community. Quantum Fiber represents a leap forward into the next generation of fully digital internet solutions. We open new possibilities for builders, developers and property owners ready to modernize their properties and future builds. Our expert Connected Communities team forms trusted, long-term partnerships by creating tailored solutions for residential properties. Disclosure: All content is for informational purposes only, may require user's additional research, and is provided 'as is' without any warranty, condition of any kind (express or implied), or guarantee of outcome or results. Use of this content is at user's own risk. All third-party company and product or service names referenced in this article are for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation with Quantum Fiber. If Quantum Fiber products and offerings are referenced in the content, they are accurate as of the date of issue. Quantum Fiber services are not available everywhere. Quantum Fiber service usually means 100% fiber-optic network to your location but, in limited circumstances, Quantum Fiber may need to deploy alternative technologies coupled with a non-fiber connection from a certain point (usually the curb) to your location in order to provide the advertised download speeds. ©2025 Q Fiber, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Quantum, Quantum Fiber and Quantum Fiber Internet are trademarks of Quantum Wireless LLC and used under license to Q Fiber, LLC. (usually the curb) to your location in order to provide the advertised download speeds. ©2025 Q Fiber, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Quantum, Quantum Fiber and Quantum Fiber Internet are trademarks of Quantum Wireless LLC and used under license to Q Fiber, LLC.
CNET
3 days ago
- Business
- CNET
The Secret to Slashing Your Internet Bill Is Owning This One Item
US households pay a monthly median of $63 for internet, and that doesn't include the extra fees you get charged for equipment or maintenance. Not to forget, this cost only goes up over time because of price hikes, according to a CNET survey. One easy way to save on your monthly internet bill is to buy your own internet equipment instead of renting it from your provider. CNET's experts are always looking to find ways to help you save money, get a faster internet connection and make sense of all the confusing terms on your home internet bills. Looking to save some money on your broadband service in the long run? You might want to consider cutting out that monthly equipment fee by buying your own modem or router, which means saving on your monthly and yearly internet costs. Can you buy your own router? Nearly 70% of households rent routers from their ISP, and that figure makes sense once you factor in confusing internet bills and terms of service. While some internet providers provide the equipment for free, others won't let you skip the rental -- meaning, you must use the internet provider's equipment even if you already have your own router. Though most ISPs will let you use your own router and modem, it can be confusing to navigate those service policies. The bottom line is that buying your own router is a simple way to future-proof your home while trimming down potential extra fees on your bill. The up-front cost of internet equipment may seem pricey, but you'll find that paying for everything at once actually saves money: You can reduce your monthly internet bill by as much as $15 and save hundreds of dollars over the years, like CNET's Joe Supan who decided to stop renting internet equipment from Xfinity. Plus, you may even find that a new router improves your internet speeds -- especially if you're on a cable internet plan with slow upload speeds. If you have hesitations about the high up-front costs, know that plenty of decent modems cost less than $100. With the average cost of renting a modem from your provider around $10 per month, a device would pay for itself in less than a year and then continue saving you money each month. In other cases, where providers will rent you a high-end gaming router or a decent mesh router for a modest monthly fee, doing so might be a pretty decent deal. Locating local internet providers Let's run through all of the top options from internet providers to see how their equipment policies compare and whether you're in a position to save some money. AT&T Equipment fee: No This is significant because AT&T used to charge $10 monthly for its equipment. The company required the use of its combination modem-and-router gateway device and didn't allow customers to use their own modem. That meant that you couldn't skip the $10 monthly additional fee. In 2022, AT&T scrapped its equipment fee for all internet plans, so customers need not worry about that additional amount getting tacked onto their monthly bill. Read our AT&T home internet review. See at AT&T CenturyLink CenturyLink Equipment fee: Yes ($15 per month for modem/router gateway device rental) Can you skip it? Yes CenturyLink charges $15 monthly to rent a gateway that combines a modem and a router into one device. If you sign up for DSL with CenturyLink, that gateway will be one of three models: the Greenwave C4000, the Zyxel C4000LZ or the Zyxel C3000Z. If you have a fiber plan with Quantum Fiber, your equipment is included at no extra cost for an "initial period," however long that may be. You can skip that $15 fee by using a gateway or modem of your own, but CenturyLink cautions customers not to use anything that isn't on its list of approved devices. You can also opt to buy CenturyLink equipment upfront, for $200 plus tax, an investment that would pay for itself after a year and one month of service. "CenturyLink highly recommends using one of our certified or recommended Wi-Fi modems (gateways), which have been tested and approved to work optimally with our high-speed internet technology," the company's website reads. "Retired and third-party devices are more likely to cause performance issues and may not connect to your internet service correctly." Remember, if you're replacing CenturyLink's gateway with a standard modem, then you'll also need to find a good router to go with it. Read our CenturyLink home internet review. See at CenturyLink Frontier Equipment fee: No Frontier Fiber includes equipment rental fees with the monthly cost, which is already lower than most. For plans 500Mbps and faster, Frontier offers the Eero Pro 7, a Wi-Fi 7 router. The 200Mbps plan comes with the Eero Pro 6E, and all DSL plans come with the Eero Pro 6. For an additional $10 a month, you can add Whole Home Wi-Fi with up to two mesh Wi-Fi extenders for better coverage. Read our Frontier home internet review. See at Frontier Google Fiber Equipment fee: No Google Fiber customers receive a modem and a mesh router with up to two additional extenders at no additional cost. If you subscribe to Google Fiber's fastest plan, with download speeds of up to 8Gbps, then you'll get a faster, multi-gig router to go with it, complete with support for Wi-Fi 6E. Read our Google Fiber home internet review. See at Google Hughesnet Equipment fee: Yes ($15 to $20 per month for modem/router gateway device rental) Can you skip it? No Hughesnet provides satellite internet service to all 50 states. That's the good news. The not-so-good news is that satellite internet features pretty pricey equipment costs. Customers must rent Hughesnet's equipment to the tune of $15 per month or $20 per month if opting for Hughesnet's Fusion plan that combines satellite internet with low-latency fixed wireless internet. There are no options to skip those monthly fees. The only alternative provided is to buy the equipment up front for $300 ($450 with the Fusion plan). That's a tough pill to swallow. Paying that much right out of the gate is not appealing. Once you consider that Hughesnet requires a two-year contract (and canceling early will activate an early termination fee), you may find that the up-front cost will save you money if you foresee staying with Hughesnet beyond your initial term. Read our HughesNet review. See at Allconnect Kinetic by Windstream Equipment fee: Yes ($11 for modem/router gateway device rental) Can you skip it? Yes Kinetic is Windstream's home internet service, and the equipment rental fees cost $11 a month. Paying that fee gets you a combination modem-and-router gateway device, but you can skip the fee outright if you use your own modem and router hardware. The company has different hardware requirements for different customers based on the specific nature of the connection (some DSL subscribers use ADSL technology, while others use VDSL, for instance). Be sure to ask Windstream for some guidance specific to your home's connection before you make a purchase -- the customer service number is 800-347-1991. Read our Kinetic by Windstream home internet review. See at Windstream Mediacom Equipment fees: Yes ($15 per month for modem/router gateway device) Can you skip them? Yes Mediacom is a midsize cable internet provider, and customers need to pay $15 per month to rent a cable modem/router gateway from the company. You can skip that fee by using your own, but it'll need to be at least a DOCSIS 3.1 model plus a compatible router. Here's the full list of approved hardware (PDF). The WiFi360Pro, which comes with two Eero Wi-Fi units (and Eero secure services), is included for one year of service. It supports up to 1Gbps and supports Wi-Fi 6. Mediacom also offers Eero Wi-Fi extenders for $5 a month. Read our Mediacom home internet review. See at Mediacom Metronet Equipment fees: No Metronet is a 100% fiber-optic internet provider in the Midwest that covers Indiana and 15 other states nationwide. Like fellow fiber providers like AT&T and Google Fiber, Metronet doesn't charge customers to use its router. It does charge $10 per month if you want to add Whole Home Wi-Fi, but that is optional, not a required cost. Read our Metronet review. See at Metronet Optimum Equipment fee: No Optimum offers both hybrid fiber and cable connections and 100% fiber hookups. The company provides customers with its Altice Gateway, which serves as your home's modem and router. Your exact model depends on your specific plan and whether your home's connection uses cable or fiber. "Optimum internet customers using service delivered via our HFC network are able to use their own equipment," an Altice spokesperson tells CNET. "Optimum Fiber service is currently only delivered via the Optimum-provided Gateway, which is designed specifically to work with our fiber network." Read our Optimum home internet review. See at Optimum Rise Broadband Equipment fee: Yes ($10 to $15 per month router rental) Rise Broadband is a provider of fixed wireless home internet connections throughout much of the middle of the country, including many rural areas. The ISP covers the cost of the equipment rental fee in select regions (including the modem and antenna that receive the over-the-air signal), but many will have to pay $10 just for the receiver, then an additional $15 to rent a router. The router rental is optional; the receiver lease is not. If you're eligible for fiber internet, that equipment rental is optional. Read our Rise Broadband home internet review. See at Rise Broadband Sparklight Equipment fee: Yes ($14 per month for modem) Can you skip it? Yes Sparklight charges customers $14 per month for its cable modem. For an additional access point, Sparklight charges an extra $10 monthly. Sparklight also offers an "Ultimate Wi-Fi Bundle," which includes your modem, two eero Wi-Fi devices and eero plus for $25 monthly. If you want to skip the monthly charge, Sparklight requires you to use a DOCSIS 3.1 cable modem device. If you choose to go that route to save on the added monthly fee, here's a list of Sparklight recommended modems. Read our Sparklight home internet review. See at Sparklight Spectrum Spectrum Equipment fee: Yes ($10 per month for router rental, modem provided free of charge) Can you skip it? Yes Spectrum includes a free modem with all of its home internet plans, but if you don't have a router, you'll need to rent one for $10 per month if you're on the 500Mbps plan. Users of the 1-gig plan get equipment included in their monthly bills. To avoid that monthly fee, you'll need to use your own router. However, if your equipment malfunctions, it won't be eligible for Spectrum technical support. You can also use your own modem, but make sure to use a Spectrum-supported model. Read our Spectrum home internet review. See at Spectrum Starlink Starlink Equipment fee: Yes ($349-$599 one-time purchase) Can you skip it? No Starlink, Elon Musk's internet service, aims to disrupt the satellite internet category by providing faster speeds and lower latency than offered by rivals Hughesnet and Viasat. What Starlink shares with those companies is a stark equipment fee. Instead of an additional monthly charge for your equipment, Starlink requires that you pay for the equipment up front. That means a payout of $349 to $599 for standard service. Read more about Starlink. See at Starlink Verizon Home Internet Equipment fee: No Verizon offers three separate home internet services: Verizon Fios, Verizon 5G Home Internet and Verizon LTE (4G). Each service is a bit different, but one thing they all have in common is that your equipment rental is included in the price. Read our Verizon home internet review. See at Verizon Viasat Equipment fee: Yes ($15 per month for modem/router) Can you skip it? No Viasat charges the same cost for monthly equipment as rival HughesNet and its monthly equipment charge is still inescapable. You could get a slight discount on that monthly price by choosing to pay for the equipment with a one-time purchase of $250, but there are no significant savings to be had there unless you hold on to your Viasat service beyond the initial two-year contract. Read our Viasat internet review. See at Allconnect WideOpenWest Equipment fee: No WideOpenWest -- or WOW, as the company enjoys branding itself -- includes the modem cost in your monthly fee but you can still buy your own WOW-approved modem. Separately, customers can pay $10 per month to rent an Eero 6 router. You can skip that fee if you already have a router that you're happy with. Ten dollars per month isn't a bad price to try out a mesh system in your home, but that older version of Eero sells in a two-pack for $189, and you can often find it on sale. If you plan on using that router for longer than a year and a half or so, it's probably better to buy one of your own. Read our WOW home internet review. See at WOW Xfinity Equipment fee: Yes ($15 to $20 per month for modem/router gateway device rental) Can you skip it? Yes Xfinity offers customers the option of renting the xFi Gateway, which combines a modem and a router into a single device, at $15 per month in select locations. In others, and with select plans, equipment is included at no extra cost. If you have a fee, you can skip the monthly charge by using your own modem and router. Pretty much any router will work, but you must ensure the modem is a DOCSIS 3.1 model. The Xfinity website has a full list of supported modems. Additionally, Xfinity offers xFi Complete, an in-home W-iFi option for $15 to $25 extra a month, depending on where you live. The xFi Complete package comes with unlimited data (a nice perk since Xfinity enforces data caps on most plans), a Wi-Fi Boost Pod for extended coverage throughout the home, and the ability to manage the security of your network through various controls. Read our Xfinity home internet review. See at Xfinity Ziply Fiber Equipment fee: Yes ($15 monthly router fee) Can you skip it? Yes Ziply Fiber features an optimized Wi-Fi 7 router for all fiber plans as well as Whole Home Wi-Fi for $15 monthly. You can also skip that additional monthly fee by using your own router, but to paraphrase an FAQ on Ziply's website, it recommends you use the Ziply Fiber router "for the best fiber internet experience." Read our Ziply Fiber review. See at Ziply Fiber Is it worth buying your own router? It depends on your ISP's terms of service, but in most cases, it makes sense to buy your own router and save $10 to $15 a month, if not more. Most ISPs will let you opt out of a modem or router rental, and if you have that option, you should take it. Investing in your internet equipment can lead to overall improved speeds while trimming down your monthly bill. If you're unsure about what router to invest in, we've tested dozens of top-rated routers and internet equipment, including mesh networks and Wi-Fi extenders.
Stuff.tv
7 days ago
- Stuff.tv
Will a VPN change your IP address?
The simple answer to this question is yes. A VPN will change your IP address, in fact it's one of its most basic functions. When you use a VPN to connect to the internet and access websites or services across it, you are presenting an IP address to the wider internet that belongs to the VPN company instead of your own. So while, technically, a VPN doesn't change your actual IP address – the numeric identifier your ISP uses to tag your computer on its network and make sure the data you want gets to you – the IP address you show to the wider world beyond the VPN is changed, and can't be traced back to you. An IP address is a unique string of numbers that's assigned to each internet connection. You've probably seen one when poking about on your PC, and they take the form of 000.000.000 but with other numbers instead of all the zeroes. There's a limited number of possible combinations in this format, so IP addresses aren't always handed out on a permanent basis, and ISPs will recycle them depending on who's online at particular times. However, they will keep records of who's using which address, and each block of addresses will be associated with a particular ISP and therefore geographical location, so you can often tell where someone is from by looking at their IP. Sponsored: protect Your Privacy. Unlock the World ExpressVPN gives you the freedom to browse the internet safely, securely, and without limits. With ultra-fast servers in 94 countries, your data stays private and your connection stays lightning-fast—whether you're at home or on the go. ✅ Top-tier encryption to keep your data safe ✅ No activity logs—your privacy is our priority ✅ Bypass geo-restrictions and access content worldwide ✅ 24/7 customer support ready when you need it ✅ Easy-to-use apps for all your devices Experience the internet the way it's meant to be—open, private, and secure. Join millions of users who trust ExpressVPN to keep them safe online. When you connect to a VPN, you use that IP address to connect to the VPN server, which may be in another country or just down the road. It doesn't really matter where in the world it is, and connecting to one in a different jurisdiction may have some benefits. What happens next is that your VPN provider routes all your internet traffic through its server using its IP address, effectively shielding yours from the wider internet. Protect your privacy Along the way, your transferred data is also encrypted, so snoopers and eavesdroppers can't tell which sites you're visiting and what you're doing there. The best VPNs also have a no-logging policy, so there's no connection between the IP address that the VPN was using, and you as their customer. This means that using a VPN to change your IP address becomes a good idea if, for example, you're using public Wi-Fi, which has become notorious for snooping on your internet usage in order to gather data about you and your habits. Using a VPN can help stop advertising tracking too, and can protect your identity. In this way, it's far better to use a VPN than Incognito mode on your browser, especially if you're using sensitive sites such as banking or even online stores. While changing your IP address with a VPN doesn't make you completely invisible or anonymous online, it goes a long way toward protecting your identity and location. Join millions of users who trust ExpressVPN to keep them safe online.
