Establishing an Internet Provider
 

As a new home buyer in the Villages, I’m sure most others go through what is now facing me – that is hiring an internet provider. When I ask where to start on this task, which is onerous at best for a non-techie, I’m told to start calling around, or talk to your neighbors. It would be so helpful if there were a website we could go to, enter the village or neighborhood, and get a list of internet providers for that area, along with product type (fiber optic, DSL, cable, etc.) as a starting point. Internet speeds, basic costs, and new subscriber deals? Please!! I’m dreaming of this web site! And a Yelp-like review page by users for the services they provide would be helpful. Anyone know of such a resource? Despite reviewing the dozens of related threads on this Forum, I’m still not sure where to start in getting internet service when I move in next month, or why the same questions need to be asked by nearly every new homeowner.

You said you are a new home buyer, I presume that is a newly built home, not just new to you as in a resale. If so, you would be south of 44 so your choices are cable from Comcast/Xfinity or fiber optic by Quantum ( it think). Spectrum may be in some areas, too. Some people are also using T-Moble Home Internet which is based on 5G cell phone service but the quality of service is very location dependent.

As far as I know, there are no public maps which show the coverage in each area.

Xfinity usually has a great promo for new customers. Got 25 a month for first year with free installation. Buy your own equipment. 100 dollars gets a cable modem and Wi-Fi router

Google is your friend.

Search Internet Providers by Zip Code | HighSpeedInternet.com

Find Internet Providers in Your Area: Availability by Address - BroadbandNow

Internet Providers In My Area By ZIP Code >> Compare Deals & Save

Internet Providers in Your Area | Find Options By Address

Find Internet In My Area - CNET

https://www.broadbandsearch.net/

https://www.highspeedoptions.com/internet

IMHO, the choice is simple. If you are just looking for an internet ISP, pick fiber if you can. This could be Quantum Fiber or Centric. Best pricing, best speeds. Quantum is now 500mbps, up and down, with 4 wireless pods for $50.

We have xFinity (Comcast) and couldn't be happier. Lightning-fast internet, three TVs all on the system (one with something called "xFi Complete" which is a little box for a non-smart TV costing $24 a month but which I'm going to discontinue as an Amazon Firestick does just as well with only one upfront payment). Two iPhones each with unlimited data usage. We don't subscribe to any TV packages; Prime, YouTube and the various other channels xFinity offers are more than sufficient Totals per month:

Internet: $105.00
xFi Complete $24
Amazon Prime $14.00 (I think--haven't checked in awhile)
Two iPhones: $60

Customer service is OK. Haven't had to use it much. Service calls are $100 but if you go to their store on 441 the guys there will give advice on what you can do so that a service call is unneeded. For example this spring after the first lightning storm our internet was going down 5-6 times a day. I went to their store and was told that 90% of the time that just meant an outdated modem, and I could get a shiny new one from their store just by swapping in the old one. No cost.

Overall, very satisfied.

I don't think I have fiber optics. But my question is how would a new Villages resident know the information you're providing without having to post questions on this forum?

Does that really simplify things? If someone doesn't have internet yet, how can they use Google to find out about internet providers?

There may be ads in the newspaper.

It is likely that you will get ads in the mail.

A google search for providers in my area will give you leads.

Go to the companies' websites to see what is available.

Call the companies and ask.

It would be nice if there was a website that contained all the information but I can understand why there isn't. It would not take long before anything posted on the website becomes outdated. Maintaining the website would be a pain and if it wasn't maintained it would be inaccurate.

Ask their realtor
Google
Go to the various providers web site and enter your address
ChatGPT
Ask a friend
Ask a neighbor
Ask the seller
New build, ask the design specialist
Ask electrician

If someone doesn't have internet yet, how would they go to a website to find out about internet providers?

If someone doesn't have internet yet, how would they post on this forum asking for a website to find out about internet providers?

Sorry, by 'new home buyer', I meant I just bought a house in TV for the first time, moving from out of state. I'm asking a more general question: how new residents get information on internet providers, whether it's a new house or a resale.

My recommendation is to sign up with Xfinity Internet service for a year, at least 100 mbps. If you don't like it, you can switch.

My first good chuckle of the day. Thanks

Gee, I wonder how they managed to post on this Forum?