The holiday season is upon us, and while you’re busy buying gifts for everyone else, it’s time to add a few of your own items to the list. Think about adding some gifts for the home or family such as technology that can keep you safer, provide you with more convenience and even save money, too.
As you’ve spent more time at home during this pandemic, you’ve likely stretched your internet bandwidth in ways you never expected, but beyond that, you may have put your cyber security at risk. If you want to take your home technology up a notch, it’s time to take a closer look at your internet provider.
“There’s a lot that goes into choosing your internet provider,” says Michelle Gilbert, Vice President of Public Relations for Comcast. “All internet service providers are not created equally.”
So, what should you look for and how can you save some extra cash in doing so? Here, Gilbert breaks down some ways to do just that and how Xfinity can help.
Home savings and security
When it comes time to choose an internet provider, Gilbert says there are three things to consider:
Reliability
“At the end of the day, you need reliable internet. You need enough bandwidth based on how you’re going to be using it,” she says.
For example, a single person who only uses the internet for paying bills, scrolling social media and streaming is going to have a plan that looks a lot different than a family of four with kids who are connected. A family may even have a lot of connected devices that we don’t realize are using bandwidth such as cameras, speakers, printers, even appliances, she adds.
That’s why choosing the right plan is important.
“It’s great to do your research online but when you visit an Xfinity store, or when you visit the store of another provider and you can speak with a technology consultant and have a conversation about what your house looks like and how many devices are connected, they can really guide you,” she says.
Security
There’s more to having a robust, efficient internet connection than just speed, and you must remember that every device is a potential threat your home network, including printers, exercise bikes and refrigerators. It’s not just about bad links anymore.
That’s where Xfinity comes in.
“Last year, our xFi Advanced Security System blocked 6 billion cyber threats from our customers’ homes,” Gilbert says. This feature is free to all Xfinity internet customers, she notes, and suggests asking whoever you are doing business with what they offer in terms of security.
Limit your kids’ screen time, too.
“We have a feature that allows you to pause or un-pause and temporarily halt kids’ WiFi access,” she says. In 2020, parents used this feature 87 million times.
Value
Are you getting the most bang for your buck?
“Look at bundling because you can usually save money,” she says.
“Xfinity Mobile is still the best kept secret. Many of our customers save hundreds of dollars each year on their wireless bill just by adding Xfinity Mobile to their Xfinity services. When you think about where you can save money, bundling is a great opportunity to do so.”
Peacock Premium streaming service is included for no additional cost for all Xfinity Flex customers and also for Xfinity X1 customers who have a subscription to Xfinity Internet and Popular TV.
Save money all year round
Lower your monthly bills by investing in a smart thermostat. These help you save cash on your heating and cooling bill by automatically lowering the in-home temperature when you’re asleep or away from home.
Want to save some money on your homeowner’s insurance? Many insurance companies offer a break to those who have a home security system, like Xfinity’s Home Security System, which sends updates to your phone when it detects an open door or window. It gives you peace of mind while giving your wallet a bit of a break.
Learn more about Xfinity at xfinity.com.
