Key takeaways First things first, find out if internet is included in your apartment or rental utilities Weigh the pros and cons of setting up your own internet and using your rental’s internet, if applicable If setting up your own service, consider the speed you need for the number of devices in your home and the types of internet activities you do every day Consider TV options that make the most sense for your home.Streaming services are a great choice for many since you can use your internet connection and avoid signing up for cable From state-of-the-art fitness centers to off-leash dog parks and even breweries, added amenities can give an apartment complex or other rental unit a major competitive edge.According to the National Apartment Association, cable TV ranks in the top 10 of the most highly sought-after amenities.
It’s right up there with in-unit washer/dryers and hardwood floors! Many apartments even come pre-wired for cable tv and internet service.But there are some pros and cons.Before you sign up, here is our renter’s guide with a few things to keep in mind.
Does your unit come with TV or internet? If your unit does not come with Wi-Fi or cable included, which is likely the case, then you need to find your own ISP or TV provider.Most apartments are set up to handle cable services, but you may be able to get fiber if your apartment is wired for it. Fiber internet provides the fastest speeds of any internet technology type.Cable also provides fast speeds, is widely available and provides more bundling options with TV service.
Internet provider availability varies based on location, so always check your address first to ensure you’re comparing providers available at your home.Connection typeDownload speed rangeUpload speed rangeAvailability 5G20 – 1,000 Mbps10 – 50 MbpsVaries Fiber30 – 8,000 Mbps30 – 8,000 Mbps46% Cable25 – 3,000 Mbps10 – 50 Mbps82% Satellite15 – 350 MbpsAt least 3 Mbps 100% Find a provider that’s right for you First things first, enter your address to find internet providers available to you.Not all ISPs are available everywhere, so entering your address ensures you are choosing from ISPs that are serviceable to your exact address.
Once you know which ISPs are available at your address, it’s time to choose the right internet plan.You’ll be presented with different speeds and prices, so it’s essential you know the internet speed you need to support your everyday internet activities.The more devices you connect to your home network, the more internet speed you’ll need to ensure a smooth connection.
Consider the types of internet activities your household participates in.Gaming and heavy downloading require more bandwidth than web browsing or social media use.Working and learning from home will also require more speed to support video chatting and other activities.
It’s also a good idea to explore bundle options.Some providers, like Spectrum, Xfinity, T-Mobile and Verizon offer discounts if you bundle certain services, which could save you money down the road.What about TV? Streaming has become popular amongst renters because you can sign into your streaming service wherever you are, and many streaming platforms now have live TV.
Check out some popular cable TV alternatives below: Streaming servicesStarting price*Allconnect scoreNumber of channels**Simultaneous streamsCloud DVR storage YouTube TV$82.99/mo.3.95 / 5100+ThreeUnlimited DIRECTV $74.99/mo.3.85 / 590 – 185+Unlimited in home, three mobile20 hours included, $10 for unlimited Hulu + Live TV$76.99/mo.3.55 / 595+TwoUnlimited fuboTV$79.99/mo.3.55 / 5200+101,000 hours Philo$28.00/mo.3.40 / 570+ThreeUnlimited Sling TV$45.99/mo.2.75 / 535+One to three50 hours *Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract.Additional fees and terms may apply.
Pricing varies by location and availability.All prices subject to change at any time.May or may not be available based on service address.
As of 03/21/24.**Channel selection varies by location Consider your need for speed Internet speed is based on the number of data bits per second (bps) that travel from your device to the internet and vice versa.Whether you’re using your apartment or rental property’s internet or subscribing to your own internet plan, first take time to think through what you use the internet for and how much speed you’ll need.Do you check your work email at night and browse the internet? Stream lots of videos? Do you have multiple devices you’d like to use simultaneously? Do you have a roommate who is using your internet as well? All of these things factor in when determining the speed you need.
Pro tip: If you are opting into your apartment’s Wi-Fi, check with current residents to see if they’re happy with the service at key times of the day.For the average tenant, provided bandwidth likely suffices, but not always.If you’d prefer having ultimate control over your provider, speeds and price, consider choosing your own ISP and internet plan.
Not sure what internet speeds you’re getting? Take our speed test to measure your upload and download speed.Check out some popular ISPs and internet plans below.ProviderPrice range*Download speed rangeUpload speed rangeType of internet Verizon Fios$34.99 – $84.99/mo.300 – 2,300 Mbps300 – 2,300 MbpsFiber T-Mobile$40.00 – $60.00/mo.Up to 245 Mbps Up to 31 Mbps 5G Xfinity$19.99 – $299.95/mo.150 – 6,000 Mbps10 – 6,000 MbpsCable Spectrum$30.00 – $70.00/mo.**100 – 1,000 Mbps10 – 35 MbpsCable Frontier Fiber$29.99 – $154.99/mo.200 – 5,000 Mbps200 – 5,000 MbpsFiber AT&T$55.00 – $245.00/mo.300 – 4,700 Mbps300 – 4,700 MbpsFiber Cox$50.00 – $150.00/mo.100 – 2,000 Mbps5 – 35 MbpsHybrid cable/fiber CenturyLink$50.00 – $75.00/mo.100 – 940 Mbps1 – 940 MbpsFiber, DSL Quantum Fiber$45.00 – $150.00/mo.200 – 8,000 Mbps***200 – 8,000 MbpsFiber Hughesnet$49.99 – $119.99/mo.50 – 100 Mbps 1 – 3 MbpsSatellite Google Fiber$70.00 – $150.00/mo.1,000 – 8,000 Mbps1,000 – 8,000 MbpsFiber WOW!$30.00 – $185.00/mo.100 – 5,000 Mbps20 – 5,000 MbpsHybrid cable/fiber Optimum$40.00 – $180.00/mo.300 – 5,000 Mbps20 – 5,000 MbpsCable Mediacom$19.99 – $59.99/mo.250 – 1,000 Mbps20 – 50 MbpsCable Astound$25.00 – $60.00/mo.300 – 1,200 Mbps20 – 50 MbpsHybrid cable/fiber Kinetic by Windstream$24.99 – $299.99/mo.100 – 8,000 Mbps100 – 8,000 MbpsFiber, DSL Starry Internet$30.00 – $75.00/mo.100 – 1,000 Mbps200 MbpsSatellite altafiber$39.99 – $99.99/mo.400 – 2,000 Mbps125 – 500 MbpsFiber Metronet$34.95 – $109.95/mo.150 – 5,000 Mbps150 – 5,000 MbpsFiber Ziply Fiber$10.00 – $300.00/mo.100 – 10,000 Mbps100 – 10,000 MbpsFiber Viasat$99.99 – $199.99/mo.25 – 150 Mbps25 – 150 MbpsFiber Show less Show more *Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract.
Additional fees and terms may apply.Pricing varies by location and availability.All prices subject to change at any time.
May or may not be available based on service address.Speeds may vary.**PABP & Paperless billing + taxes and equip fee.
Price includes $5/mo.AutoPay & Paperless billing discount (within 2 bills).$10/mo.
equip.fee applies.**Wireless speeds may vary.
As of 03/21/24.Avoid potential roadblocks If you determine you don’t want to go with your apartment’s provider, check with the complex to make sure they allow you to add your own lines.If you are allowed to subscribe to a different internet service provider, remember that you will end up paying twice if the service is included in your rent.
In other words, if they’re going to charge you for the service anyway, and what is offered will do, consider going with the provided plan.If you are able to opt into your own service, call our experts to find out what providers are available for your particular address.You may uncover a world of options for service at your building.
Network security Whether you use apartment-provided internet or set up your own service, keeping your network secure ensures your personal information remains safe from security threats.You can protect your network by securing your router.Change the name of your home network if it’s set to a default name, and protect your network with a strong, unique password.
Third-party protection can also be extremely useful in protecting your network.VPNs are a common security measure used to protect personal data.A VPN sets up an encrypted tunnel between your device and server that keeps your data hidden when you use the internet.
Firewalls are another great tool to protect your network.Firewalls monitor all data passing in and out of your network and block anything malicious that could harm your device.You can set up third-party software to protect your device from malware and viruses, but always remember to keep your device’s own security software up to date, too.
Guest Wi-Fi Setting up a guest network can also be a great way to add an extra layer of security to your home network.A guest network is separate from your primary network and can prevent guest devices from accessing your Wi-Fi.It can also keep any infected devices separate from your home network, which keeps your primary devices more secure.
Learn more about setting up a guest network.Weigh potential time and financial savings If you’re moving into a newly constructed complex, installation of fiber-optic internet and other wiring may be included in the contract at little to no cost to the owner, according to Stephanie Anderson with the NAA.Residents, then, receive special pricing through that provider and are encouraged to join by the leasing staff.
The good news: If the complex offers these services, you often won’t have to waste time researching, calling and setting up appointments with the provider.The apartment will do it for you.Further, according to Anderson, properties often designate representatives to handle resident set-up, questions, transfers and equipment returns.
It’s time-saving, no-hassle customer service.Anderson advised, though, that not all apartments will deliver results in the same way.“We are in the business of managing apartments,” she said, “not cable.” Think through the length of your stay How long will you be in this apartment or rental? If you plan to move in a year, and the apartment or ISP calls for a two-year contract, consider that before you sign anything.
Premature cancellation could produce unforeseen fees and you might be on the hook for another full year of payments if you end up moving.Want to go beyond our renter’s guide and find out more about available internet and TV providers in your area? Chat with our experts or search our resource center to find additional information to help you in your search.FAQs How much does internet cost per month in an apartment? Internet costs will vary based on the provider you sign up for, but if Wi-Fi is available through your apartment, it could be included in your rent or utilities.
What is the cheapest way to get Wi-Fi in my apartment? If your apartment offers Wi-Fi service then explore that option since it could be included in your rent or utilities.Otherwise, there are cheap internet options you can look into when searching for your own internet provider.How do I set up Wi-Fi in a new apartment or rental? If your unit already has the necessary wiring for internet service, then you can usually self-install your internet service.
Many ISPs now offer their own apps or self-installation kits that walk you through the process once they send you your equipment.If your apartment already offers Wi-Fi, that’s even better since you can avoid installing it yourself altogether.Written by: Camryn Smith Camryn Smith started writing for Allconnect in July 2022 and has developed broadband expertise across the landscape, including home internet providers, plans, pricing and equipment, as well as internet technolog… Read more Edited by: Anine Sus Editor I Read bio What to read next Read more Featured Tips to improve your internet connection and boost Wi-Fi signal Camryn Smith — 7 min read Featured What you need to stream TV: A beginner’s guide Camryn Smith — 9 min read Latest Thursday, February 13, 2025 Tips for setting up internet and TV in an apartment or rental unit Camryn Smith — 6 min read Wednesday, February 12, 2025 How to set up internet service Robin Layton — 5 min read Thursday, February 6, 2025 New study: Nearly half of U.S.
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