Signs of summer are everywhere – butterflies flitting around, zinnias in bloom, afternoons spent swimming at the community pool and kids hanging out with friends until the streetlights come on. All too soon, however, those sights and sounds will turn into chaotic mornings and hectic back-to-school schedules. It’s hard to imagine that back-to-school time is in sight.

Perhaps, between trying to work, last-minute trips and trying to keep the kids entertained, back-to-school slipped your mind. Now that you’ve received emails about enrollment, another thought arises, “is my internet speed fast enough for my household?”

It’s no surprise that studies show afternoons and evenings are peak times for high bandwidth use, especially during the week. While students are working on homework, someone else is streaming a TV show, playing a video game, or working remotely. With all the smart devices in homes – the average home has more than 30 devices – families need plenty of bandwidth to keep students zipping through each assignment while everyone else is connected.

If you think you just have a couple of devices in your home connected to the internet, think again. Start by adding up all your devices that require internet connectivity such as:

• TVs
• Gaming systems
• Security systems, cameras, and doorbells
• Smart speakers and other smart home devices, such as Alexa-enabled devices
• Computers, laptops, tablets and mobile phones
• Guests’ devices

Now, consider all the online activities that you do with those devices. Many of them are always running in the background, constantly using up your bandwidth. Streaming shows and movies or other videos on multiple TVs, multi-player games, security cameras and video doorbells, and working from home all use up a high amount of bandwidth.

Think of it like water flowing through a pipe. The wider the pipe, the greater the volume of water that can flow through it. The same applies to bandwidth strength and the flow of the volume of data. The number and type of devices and the types of online activities all play into the amount of bandwidth you need. Don’t worry, we can help you find the right fit for your household and budget.

Concerned about your finances? Twin Valley partners with federal and state entities to provide financial assistance that can help you save money each month. If you meet any of the following criteria, you are eligible for a $30 discount on internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program.

ACP Eligibility (must qualify for at least one):

• Income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Any of the following federal benefits:
  1. Medicaid, FPHA, SNAP, SSI, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
  2. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  3. National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program
  4. Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year

Additional assistance may be available through the federal Lifeline Program and, for renters, through the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program. Learn more by following the link at the bottom of this article.

For a free evaluation, or if you have financial questions, please contact us during regular business hours at 800.515.3311, or contact us online at twinvalley.net.