skip to main content

Consumer Advocacy Editor

Chili Palmer

Chili Palmer covers home tech services, with a special focus on understanding what families need and how they can stay connected on a budget. She handles internet access and affordability, breaking news, mobile services, and consumer trends. Chili’s work as a writer, reporter, and editor has appeared in publications including Telecompetitor, Utah Business, Idaho Business Review, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, and Switchful.com.

Xfinity logo with internet outage icon
Is Xfinity Internet Down?

by | Mar 17, 2026 | Brand Guides, Equipment Guides, Internet Outage

Figure out if Xfinity internet is down in your neighborhood, learn why outages happen, and get tips on getting back online fast.

Optimum logo with illustrated icon of arrow pointing up with dollar sign overtop to communicate Optimum price hikes
What Do You Actually Pay for Optimum Internet?

by | Mar 16, 2026 | Brand Guides, Internet Buying Guides

Optimum raises monthly prices after 12 and 24 months. Know what to expect.

AT&T Fiber versus Optimum
AT&T vs. Optimum: Which Internet Provider Is Best for You?

by | Mar 16, 2026 | Provider Comparisons (Versus)

Both have insanely fast fiber, but AT&T wins with great ratings and straight pricing.

CenturyLink versus Optimum
CenturyLink vs. Optimum: Which Internet Provider Is Best for You?

by and | Mar 16, 2026 | Provider Comparisons (Versus)

Both providers have fast fiber and no data caps—but Centurylink has a simpler deal.

Google Fiber logo with internet outage icon
Is Google Fiber Internet Down?

by | Mar 16, 2026 | Brand Guides, Equipment Guides, Internet Outage

Find out about Google Fiber outages and what you can do to get back online.

Optimum versus Verizon
Optimum vs. Verizon: Which Internet Provider Is Best for You?

by and | Mar 16, 2026 | Provider Comparisons (Versus)

While Optimum has slightly cheaper plans and better satisfaction from its customers, it ultimately falls short of delivering the same quality and coverage that Verizon Fios plans can. If you’re trying to shave a few bucks a month off your bills, you can pick up Optimum and at worst cancel easily if you don’t like what you get, but we think Verizon Fios is the provider you’ll want to be with for the long haul.

Optimum versus T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
Optimum vs. T-Mobile: Which Internet Provider Is Best for You?

by and | Mar 16, 2026 | Provider Comparisons (Versus)

Optimum has the edge with speed, but T-Mobile’s straightforward plan and policies receive higher customer ratings.

Kinetic down detector featured image
Is Kinetic Internet Down?

by | Mar 13, 2026 | Brand Guides, Equipment Guides, Internet Outage

Check your Kinetic internet and learn about troubleshooting and refunds for outages.

person using credit card to type in numbers on laptop to pay bills
How Much Should I Be Paying for High-Speed Internet?

by | Mar 12, 2026 | FAQ

The available internet packages will vary greatly by location but on average cost about $50.00 per month for about 100 Mbps of speed. The average advertised package for stand-alone internet service in America is around $50 per month during the initial promotional offer and about $60 per month after the promotional period expires.

Get started with family video calls
How To Get Started With Family Video Calls

by | Mar 9, 2026 | How-To, Streaming Guides

Great video calls require fast internet, a stand, decent lighting, and more. Get the details.

Best Video Calling Apps for Families

by | Mar 9, 2026 | Streaming Guides, Technology

Choose an app for family video calls based on your devices and privacy concerns.

Optimum outage information
Is Optimum Internet Down?

by | Mar 9, 2026 | Brand Guides, Equipment Guides, Internet Outage

Check your connection, troubleshoot, and decide whether it’s time to switch providers.