In the wake of the global pandemic, students nowadays rely more on the internet than ever before. From online classes to virtual exams, everything requires an internet connection and being a student, you need a connection that is fast enough to support your downloading requirements, reliable enough to keep you connected during an examination and economical enough to fit your monthly budget.
However, with so many internet providers offering their services in the market, finding the one that meets all the criteria is not easy. Therefore, in this article, we will list all the top-performing internet providers that are perfect for students. So, without further ado, let us get started:
How Much Internet Speed Do Students Need
In today’s world, where students are taking classes and working on projects simultaneously, a fast and stable internet connection is necessary. Students certainly cannot afford to lose their internet connectivity in the middle of an examination, which is why we always recommend getting a high-speed service from a trustworthy provider.
Here is a quick break down of the required internet speeds for different activities:
Digital Books
Recommended Speed: 3 – 5 Mbps per student
To use online textbooks, lecture videos, podcasts, and other study material, you need at least 3 to 5 Mbps of internet speed per student.
Chat-Enabled Apps
Recommended Speed: 6 – 8 Mbps per student
To use chat-enabled apps where teachers deliver lectures and interact with students, you need at least 6 to 8 Mbps of internet speed.
Learning Games
Recommended Speed: 4 – 6 Mbps per student
To use gaming apps for your kids that help them in the learning process, you need at least 4 to 6 Mbps of internet speed.
Cloud Storage
Recommended Speed: 4 – 6 Mbps per student
To keep your school homework and university projects on cloud storage, you need at least 4 to 6 Mbps of internet speed per user.
Which Providers Offer the Best Internet Plans for Students?
1. Comcast Xfinity
Xfinity by Comcast is the largest residential internet service provider in the US serving millions of customers in 40 states. Xfinity uses a Hybrid Fiber Coaxial Network to deliver tremendously fast internet speeds to its subscribers that go up to 2000 Mbps.
Therefore, if you are wondering which provider offers the fastest internet speeds in the country it is Xfinity. The company also caters to the needs of students by providing them with exclusive plans that match their study requirements.
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The student internet plans by Xfinity start from $55, and upon successful subscription, you get access to thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots to keep your devices connected to the web without burning your mobile data. Xfinity also gives you an option to bundle your internet deal with TV so that you can entertain yourself in your leisure time.
Furthermore, if you plan to switch your phone to Xfinity Mobile, the provider will give you a $50 prepaid card, deliver your sim to your home with easy setup instructions, and most importantly, provide 5G connectivity, which will be accessible throughout the country.
2. Charter Spectrum
Spectrum is the second-largest cable service provider in the US reaching 113 million customers in 44 states. The company is widely available in New York, Texas, California, and other urban areas of the country with its friendly student packages.
The key feature that separates Spectrum from the rest of the providers in the market is its easy-to-understand pricing system. The provider charges the same price for similar plans in every state of the US. Thus, if you are planning to move to another university, you do not have to worry about any price hikes.
Unlike Xfinity, Spectrum not only covers residential areas but also on-campus housing. Therefore, if you do not have access to a high-speed internet facility on your campus, then spectrum internet is the one to choose.
The company offers incredible internet speeds with unlimited data so that students can live stream as many lectures as they want. Spectrum also gives you nationwide access to its Wi-Fi hotspots so that you can stay connected to your online class even when you are on a run.
3. Frontier Communications
Frontier is another major internet service provider in the US serving customers in 26 states with the most coverage in Florida, California, and Connecticut. Frontier offers a huge variety of internet plans for students of every kind, be it an undergrad or a K-12 school kid.
The company perfectly caters to the needs of individuals who need high upload speeds, Wi-Fi to study on the go, and a ton of bandwidth that supports the devices of all roommates.
The highly recommended Fiber Optic 50 Mbps internet plan by Frontier costs $49.99 per month and includes 50 Mbps of maximum download speeds, unlimited data, no hidden costs, and freedom to share as many lectures with your fellow students as you like.
Frontier also gives you a discount plan for the first 12 months of service. However, after the first year of service, the prices will revert to their normal rates.
Final Words
These are the best internet service providers for students. Make sure to check the availability of the provider in your area before you start comparing their plans. To quickly narrow down your options, use your area’s zip code and street address.