Which Internet Service Provider of the Big 2 is Right for You?

There are hundreds of internet service providers in the nation, but many people wonder just how many are available in Phoenix, AZ. The truth is, despite the immense size of the city, we’re constrained with our choices. Of course, there are fixed wireless providers in the area. Still, these are primarily for home users (since most wireless speeds aren’t very high). Of course, there is always the option to purchase satellite internet from HughesNet and ViaSat.

 

But let’s not get started on the quality and dependability of satellite internet. However, anyone who has had satellite knows it’s one of the least dependable and bandwidth throttling forms of the internet you can get, almost as bad as mobile data. We’ve dug into the pit and found the top two internet service providers, and the results may vary, but there are a couple of high-quality solutions. Before you keep reading, know that it’s not just because we use a particular internet service provider, but we lack choices regarding internet service providers.

 

The “Best” Internet Service Providers in Phoenix

 

The best internet service provider is hardly an understatement, but two direct ISP’s are available in and around the city. They’re better known as CenturyLink and COX Cable. While we understand that both of these companies have some of the most substantial amounts of complaints, according to the Consumer Affairs website, it’s all we’ve got – two of the nation’s most notorious ISP’s duking it out for the limelight.

 

Which One is Better?

 

Before we conclude this, we will look at some valuable data between the two companies and give a proper analysis of every detail. In the end, we’ll disclose our best network solution. Of course, it’s ultimately up to you to decide, though!’

 

And in This Corner: CenturyLink Business Internet!

 

There is a small number of people who are eligible for CenturyLink’s Fiber+ internet. However, it’s only about eight percent of the city can get it. They claim that users can get up to 1 GB (Gigabyte) download speeds, but the truth is that the speeds are rarely above 50 Mbps (Megabytes per second). Add that to CenturyLink’s constant problems with random disconnections and some of the worst IT Support (which is all outsourced out of the country); it’s not even worth your time. Many users complain that it takes weeks after signing up to get a technician out to install the services if they even install them after coming out.

 

Let’s look at what CenturyLink DSL can offer, however, for businesses. 

 

• Fastest Reported Download Speeds: 140 Mbps
• Average Download Speeds: 50 – 100 Mbps
• Upload Speeds: Up to 20Mbps.
• Price: $65 per month.
• Modem Included: Nope! It’s $10/month or a $100 purchase.
• Deposit Required: They say NO, but that’s not true. You pay for the first month before you ever even get service.
• Modem Wi-Fi: Yes. Their modems feature Wi-Fi.
• Dedicated IP: No. You have to pay extra for that.
• Port 80 Unlocked for Local Website Hosting? No, and they can’t do anything about it.
• Business Security: None. Companies have to provide that themselves.

 

This is essentially the same high-speed internet people can get for their homes. If you’ve ever looked at the outage map at DownDetector for CenturyLink, though, you’ll notice not only is the whole country continually having problems, but there is ALWAYS a big yellow or red dot over Phoenix – they’re always having problems. Plus, if you’re ever late with an advanced payment (keep in mind you pay for your internet a month in advance), they’ll tack on an excellent little late charge (even if it’s the next day). 

 

And the Returning Champion: Cox Cable

Cox is the internet service provider that’s been around much longer than CenturyLink, and there are many advantages that you can get with Cox Cable. The only downside? You have to sign a contract with them for a minimum of a year. They’re also a little more expensive, but you get much faster speeds on average with cable internet over DSL, and many people know that cable internet is often more reliable. It also gives a dedicated IP address (all you have to do is ask for it if you are using DHCP first).

 

Let’s look at the best basic business package a person can get.

 

• Static Ip Address: Yes. It’s only $10 per month.
• Local Website Hosting: All you have to do is contact them. They don’t allow home connections to do so (although many say they aren’t strict about this).
• Average Speeds: 100 Mbps download, 20 Mbps upload (consistent).
• Wi-Fi: Yes, but cheaper to provide yourself. See “Prices” below.
• Business IT Support: Yes. They have bad reviews for some home users but not as many for businesses.
• Reliability: 99% Guaranteed Uptime
• Wi-Fi Hotspots: Yes. Up to 10 employees at once can access Cox Wi-Fi Hotspots with their login credentials.
• Computer Security: They have hardware-level security and Cox Business Security Suite powered by McAfee. You get 25 Licenses with this service.
• Prices: $134.99 and a 1-time charge of $25 for their modem. Only $130 if a user provides a Motorola DOCSIS 3.0 modem themselves (It’s much cheaper to purchase the modem and Wi-Fi router yourself than to pay for the one they offer). Tack on $99 if you want a modem and Wi-Fi router, and 9.99 per month (Totaling $238.99 to get started).

 

Let’s Talk About Security

 

Security is everything, and Cox doesn’t let down with that. Of course, they aren’t the perfect managed solution for your business. Both companies can also provide VoIP services, but they are costly to add to your plan, and many people complain about problems as soon as they switch to Cox Communications for their phone services.

 

Therefore, you’re better off going with an MSP (Managed Service Provider) on your own. Their most significant vital points are reliability and uptime, making them a suitable choice as an internet service provider. They do have better package options for small businesses and even corporations. Unfortunately, the “cons” is that users must sign a contract, and that contract bounds them until it expires (meaning, you have to pay for service, and you can’t get away from that even if you find a different internet service provider, or go with CenturyLink).

 

What Do We Think?

 

While both of these internet service providers do kind of suck, according to many people, CenturyLink has been notorious for years for having the worst possible support and a complete lack of dedication. Not only that, but their IT Support representatives can’t do anything for you, and they are full of genetically engineered pat responses for everything. Also, good luck if you need to close the language barrier gap. We’re sticking with Cox Cable because they provide guaranteed uptime, privacy features, managed services, and quality file backup services to our customers!