How TVInternetUSA Reviews Internet Service Providers

Evaluation Criteria

• $0 = 5
• $1 – $10 = 4
• $11 – $20 = 3
• $21 – $30 = 2
• Above $30 = 1

Description

This metric scores the equipment cost associated with a package to help you understand its overall value. A lower equipment cost means a higher score.

Evaluation Criteria

• $0 = 5
• $1 – $50 = 4
• $51 – $100 = 3
• $101 – $150 = 2
• Above $150 = 1

Description

We assess professional installation and package activation fees to determine the total worth of your package. The lower the installation cost, the higher the score.

Evaluation Criteria

• 56-days or more = 5
• 28-56 days or 1-month free trial/demo = 4
• 14 days = 3
• 7 days = 2
• None = 1

Description

This measures the provider's confidence in its service by evaluating the duration of the money-back guarantee or free trial period. Longer guarantees result in higher scores.

Evaluation Criteria

• 3+ years = 5
• 2 years = 4
• 1 year = 3
• Less than 1 year = 2
• No promotion price period = 1

Description

We consider the duration of promotional pricing of the service to determine price consistency over time. A longer promo period means greater price stability and better value for your investment.

Evaluation Criteria

• $0 / mo. = 5
• $0 - $15 / mo. = 4
• $16 - $30 / mo. = 3
• $31 - $60 mo. = 2
• $60 - $100 or more = 1

Description

This standard assesses prorated and fixed ETFs by factoring in the lowest amount the provider charges depending on the contract terms and conditions.

Evaluation Criteria

• $41 – $50 or more = 5
• $21 – $40 = 4
• $11 – $20 = 3
• $0.01 – $10 = 2
• $0 = 1

Description

We evaluate the discount value each provider offers on bundled services. Higher discounts mean greater savings when you combine multiple products.

Evaluation Criteria

• Fiber:
• 2 Gbps - 5 Gbps = 5
• 1 Gbps – 2 Gbps = 4
• 500 Mbps – 1 Gbps = 3
• 100 Mbps – 500 Mbps = 2
• Below 100 Mbps = 1
• Cable:
• 1 Gbps or higher = 5
• 500 Mbps – 1 Gbps = 4
• 100 Mbps – 499 Mbps = 3
• 10 Mbps – 99 Mbps = 2
• Below 10 Mbps = 1
• 5G Wireless:
• 500 Mbps - 1 Gbps = 5
• 300 Mbps – 500 Mbps = 4
• 200 Mbps – 300 Mbps = 3
• 100 Mbps – 200 Mbps = 2
• Below 100 Mbps = 1
• Satellite:
• 180 Mbps - 220 Mbps = 5
• 130 Mbps – 180 Mbps = 4
• 80 Mbps – 130 Mbps = 3
• 30 Mbps – 80 Mbps = 2
• Below 30 Mbps = 1

Description

This metric measures the maximum download speeds—based on testing results from providers’ broadband labels of the fastest offered plans.

Evaluation Criteria

• Fiber:
• 2 Gbps or higher = 5
• 1 Gbps – 2 Gbps = 4
• 500 Mbps – 1 Gbps = 3
• 100 Mbps – 500 Mbps = 2
• Below 100 Mbps = 1
• Cable:
• 100 Mbps or higher = 5
• 80 Mbps – 100 Mbps = 4
• 60 Mbps – 80 Mbps = 3
• 40 Mbps – 60 Mbps = 2
• Below 40 Mbps = 1
• 5G Wireless:
• 75 Mbps or Higher = 5
• 50 Mbps – 75 Mbps = 4
• 25 Mbps – 50 Mbps = 3
• 10 Mbps – 25 Mbps = 2
• Below 10 Mbps = 1
• Satellite:
• 15 Mbps - 20 Mbps = 5
• 10 Mbps – 15 Mbps = 4
• 7 Mbps – 10 Mbps = 3
• 5 Mbps – 7 Mbps = 2
• Below 5 Mbps = 1

Description

We calculate the maximum upload speeds, similar to download speeds, to help you gauge performance when sending data.

Evaluation Criteria

• 100% = 5
• 80 - 99% = 4
• 60 – 79% = 3
• 40 - 59% = 2
• Less than 40% = 1

Description

We compare the real-time speeds listed on provider broadband labels with the latest FCC benchmarks by connection type.

Evaluation Criteria

• 100% or more = 5
• 90 – 99.9% = 4
• 80 – 90% = 3
• 70 – 80% = 2
• Less than 70% = 1

Description

This metric compares the speeds providers advertise with the speeds you actually receive using the FCC Measuring Broadband America (MBA) Fixed Broadband report. A higher score indicates that the provider delivers the promised performance.

Evaluation Criteria

• 0.75 or more = 5
• 0.6 – 0.75 = 4
• 0.45 – 0.6 = 3
• 0.3 – 0.45 = 2
• Less than 0.3 = 1

Description

We compare ISPs’ performance, per connection type, during peak hours with off-peak hours using data from the FCC MBA Fixed Broadband report. A higher value indicates minimal performance drop during peak times, reflecting consistent network performance.

Evaluation Criteria

• No data cap = 5
• 1 TB or higher cap = 4
• 500 GB – 999 GB cap = 3
• 100 GB – 499 GB cap = 2
• Below 100 GB cap = 1

Description

This metric evaluates the provider's data limits, with higher scores reflecting more generous bandwidth allowances.

Evaluation Criteria

• 0 - 30% = 5
• 30 – 60% outages per year = 4
• 60 – 90% outages per year = 3
• 90 – 120% outages per year = 2
• 120% or higher = 1

Description

We assess each provider’s network reliability by analyzing outage frequency over a 6-month period. A lower rate of outages indicates a more dependable network.

Evaluation Criteria

• Fiber:
• 0 - 10 ms = 5
• 11 - 20 ms = 4
• 21 - 35 ms = 3
• 36 - 50 ms = 2
• Over 50 ms = 1
• Cable:
• 0 - 15 ms = 5
• 15 - 30 ms = 4
• 30 - 60 ms = 3
• 60 - 100 ms = 2
• Over 50 ms = 1
• 5G Wireless:
• 0 - 50 ms = 5
• 50 - 100 ms = 4
• 100 - 150 ms = 3
• 150 - 200 ms = 2
• Over 200 ms = 1
• Satellite:
• 0 - 100 ms = 5
• 100 - 200 ms = 4
• 200 - 400 ms = 3
• 500 - 600 ms = 2
• Over 600 ms = 1

Description

We score latency per connection type based on the figures listed on provider broadband labels. Lower latency means a faster, more responsive connection.

Evaluation Criteria

• 0.5% or less = 5
• 0.51% – 1.0% = 4
• 1.01% – 1.5% = 3
• 1.51% – 2.0% = 2
• Above 2.0% = 1

Description

This factor measures the percentage of data packets lost during transmission, based on the FCC MBA Fixed Broadband report. Lower packet loss by connection type indicates a more reliable and efficient network.

Evaluation Criteria

• Multiple methods (Online, mobile app, phone, auto-pay, in-person or more) = 5 points
• Four methods (e.g., online, mobile app, phone, auto-pay) = 4 points
• Three methods (e.g., online, phone, auto-pay) = 3 points
• Two methods (e.g., online and phone) = 2 points
• One method (e.g., online only) = 1 point

Description

We assess the ease and convenience of paying your bill using official provider sources. Our scoring is based on the number of available payment methods.

Evaluation Criteria

• Full transparency (detailed breakdown of fees, taxes, surcharges, or any additional fees) = 5
• Mostly transparent (Lacking detailed breakdown) = 4
• Moderately transparent (Lacking "Understanding your Bill" resource or page for the internet) = 3
• Somewhat opaque (Unclear costs in broadband labels and disclaimers) = 2
• Very opaque (Lacking either broadband labels or disclaimers) = 1

Description

Using official provider sources, we measure how clearly ISPs communicate the breakdown of fees, taxes, surcharges, and any additional costs on your monthly bill.

Evaluation Criteria

• Five or more channels (phone, email, chat, self-service, in-person) = 5
• Four channels (phone, email, chat, self-service) = 4
• Three channels (phone, email, chat) = 3
• Two channels (phone and email) = 2
• One channel (phone only) = 1 point

Description

We consider the ease with which you can reach a provider’s customer support. A higher score indicates greater accessibility and flexible support options.

Evaluation Criteria

• Instant Connection (0 - 10 sec) = 5
• Fast Connection (10 - 30 sec) = 4
• Moderate Wait Time (30 sec - 5 mins) = 3
• Slow Response (Over 5 mins) or Self-Service IVR= 2
• Frequent Disconnections = 1

Description

This metric assesses response times and the reliability of customer service. Higher scores mean more responsive and dependable customer support.

Evaluation Criteria

• Internet + TV + Mobile + Home Security = 5
• Internet + TV + Mobile = 4
• Internet + TV only = 3
• Internet + Mobile only = 2
• Internet only = 1

Description

We check the value of each provider's bundled service offerings. A higher score indicates a more comprehensive bundle that meets multiple needs in a single package.

Evaluation Criteria

• Included at no extra cost = 5
• Under or equal to $10 (integrated + separate) = 4
• Greater than $10, less than $20 (integrated + separate) = 3
• Greater than $20 (integrated + separate) = 2
• Not offered = 1 point

Description

We assign value based on the availability and cost of Wi-Fi extenders or mesh Wi-Fi setups, considering both integrated and separate options. A higher score indicates that these features are offered at little to no extra cost.

Evaluation Criteria

• Full Compatibility = 5 (Provider fully supports all third-party routers/gateways without any restrictions)
• High Compatibility = 4 (Wide range of third-party devices supported with minimal restrictions)
• Partial Compatibility = 3 (Most common third-party routers/gateways are supported with restrictions)
• Limited Compatibility = 2 (Limited selection of third-party devices supported)
• Not Compatible = 1 (Provider does not support third-party routers/gateways)

Description

This metric assesses how easily you can connect third-party routers or gateways, reflecting the provider’s flexibility regarding non-proprietary equipment.

Evaluation Criteria

• Comprehensive suite (firewall, anti-malware, network monitoring, parental controls, and identity theft protection) = 5
• Strong security (firewall, anti-malware, network monitoring, parental controls) = 4
• Moderate security (firewall, anti-malware, parental controls) = 3
• Basic security (firewall and anti-malware) = 2
• Minimal or no security features = 1

Description

This indicator compares providers based on the range of advanced security features included with their internet connection. A higher score reflects a more robust suite of protection tools.

Evaluation Criteria

• 12+ features = 5
• 9 – 11 features = 4
• 6 – 8 features = 3
• 3 – 5 features = 2
• No app = 1

Description

This factor compares providers based on the availability of their self-service app. It evaluates how many helpful features are integrated into the app to streamline account management and service control.

Evaluation Criteria

• Internet + TV + Mobile + Home Security = 5
• Internet + TV + Mobile = 4
• Internet + TV only = 3
• Internet + Mobile only = 2
• Internet only = 1

Description

This metric compares the dollar value of bundled services and promotional offers provided throughout the calendar year—excluding federally or state-sponsored discounts./p>