Deciding My ISP

[visuore]

Hey guys I was looking in to streaming games and such. My computer is completely capable of streaming, although, my internet is not. I have the standard Time Warner plan. I've heard it sucks pretty hard. Although this kind of stuff is not under my control, it is under my parents. BUT I can convince them to change if it is in a good price range.

All in all I was wondering if there was another reliable ISP with a close enough price range and a good enough upload speed to stream to at least 480p, hopefully 720p

My stats are: 45 Ping, 16.17 Mbps DS, 0.98 Mbps US.

 

[USAFRet]

That depends entirely on what is available at your specific residence. And obviously, we out here can't know that.

(and don't post your address here for us to go look for you)

 

[visuore]

How would I look myself?
You could also just tell me some ones the have a good history and I can search myself. I don't know anything about ISP's

 

[USAFRet]

How would I look myself?
You could also just tell me some ones the have a good history and I can search myself. I don't know anything about ISP's

It doesn't matter who has a good history if they are not available in your area.
http://www.broadbandreports.com/search will look based on your zip code, as to what is available.

But...Since you have Time Warner, it is unlikely there is another cable internet company servicing your area.

For instance, in my area, I have Cox cable, Verizon FiOS, Verizon DSL, or maybe some other completely crappy options.
If I thought that Cox Cable sucks (and it mostly does), I couldn't use Time Warner or Comcast if I wanted to, because they do not service this area.

And "I've heard it sucks pretty hard" does not mean it actually does suck. 16 down/1up is not necessarily 'sucking'.
Time Warner does have other plans. But 'faster' will cost more.

 

[USAFRet]

Also, if one of my kids had come to me and said, "Dad...we need better internet speed so I can stream game videos to my friends"...I'd say "OK, but you have to pay the extra cost over what we have now. Either actual money every month, or cutting the grass and dish washing just became your permanent job. Stuff ain't free."

Be careful what you wish for.

 

[visuore]

I've got a job. That's no object for me. And I'm looking for one at the average same price, so alright.

 

[USAFRet]

I've got a job. That's no object for me. And I'm looking for one at the average same price, so alright.

Well...generally there isn't a lot of actual choice in ISPs.
Cox/Comcast/Time Warner do not operate in the same areas. You might have a choice of Verizon FiOS, but that is quite limited.
If Time Warner services your area, almost certainly you do not have the option of Cox or Comcast. You'll just have to search at the above link.

 

[visuore]

AT&T U-verse any good? I don't have FiOS in my area.

 

[USAFRet]

AT&T U-verse any good? I don't have FiOS in my area.

It depends. You will find good and bad reviews for all of them. I have no specific experience with UVerse.

But be sure to check into ALL the specifics. Not just upload/download speed, but also monthly caps, etc.
And if your parents are currently on a bundle plan with TW, that comes into play as well. Changing the TV and maybe the house phone situation will have an effect on what you might change to.

 

[visuore]

Dish is our TV, I'm not sure about phone though. I'll have to check.

 

[USAFRet]

Dish is our TV, I'm not sure about phone though. I'll have to check.

A UVerse bundle with Net/Phone/TV may well be cheaper than Dish TV + TW Net. Initially, anyway.

You and your parents will have to look at ALL the alternatives, and see how they stack up. There is literally no way for anyone out here to know your particular circumstances.
And sometimes, the options change from one side of the street to another. I know people who have FiOS, and the neighbor right across the street cannot get it.