Another Look at Broadband Labels

Broadband labels are an essential tool for consumers, providing clear and concise information about internet service plans. These labels help you make informed decisions about your internet plan, ensuring you get the best value for your needs.

Similar to nutrition labels on food products, broadband labels offer a snapshot of key details about your internet service. This includes information on speed, data limits, pricing, and other important factors. By understanding these details, you can choose the right plan that fits your usage and budget.

One of the main benefits of broadband labels is transparency. They provide a straightforward way to compare different internet plans and providers, making it easier to understand what you’re getting. This can help you avoid any surprises on your bill and ensure you’re not paying for features you don’t need.

Broadband labels also highlight important aspects of your internet service, such as download and upload speeds. Knowing these speeds can help you determine if a plan is suitable for activities like streaming, gaming, or working from home. Additionally, labels may include information on data caps, which is crucial for heavy internet users who need unlimited data.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has implemented broadband labels to promote transparency and consumer awareness. By reviewing these labels, you can make more informed choices about your internet service and find the best plan for your needs.

To see our labels you can visit gibsoncoops.com/labels/. You can also learn more about broadband labels and how they can help you choose the right internet plan, visit FCC Broadband Labels.

Fiber internet is a cutting-edge technology that uses light signals to transmit data, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections compared to traditional cable or DSL. This means smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and a better overall online experience.

Unlike traditional internet connections that rely on electrical signals through copper wires, fiber internet uses thin strands of glass or plastic to carry data as pulses of light. This allows for significantly higher bandwidth and faster data transfer rates. As a result, fiber internet can handle multiple devices and high-demand activities like streaming, gaming, and video conferencing without slowing down.

One of the key benefits of fiber internet is its reliability. Fiber optic cables are less susceptible to interference and signal degradation, ensuring a consistent and stable connection. This is especially important for households with multiple users and devices, where a reliable internet connection is essential.

Fiber internet also offers symmetrical speeds, meaning the upload and download speeds are the same. This is a significant advantage for activities like uploading large files, video chatting, and online gaming, where fast upload speeds are crucial.

At Gibson Connect, we are proud to offer fiber internet plans that cater to your needs. Whether you’re a casual browser or a heavy internet user, our fiber internet provides the speed and reliability you need to stay connected. Learn more about our fiber internet plans and how they can enhance your online experience by visiting gibsoncoops.com/connect-home.

It’s #TechSupportTuesday! Ever wonder why your Wi-Fi slows down at certain times of the day?

If you’ve noticed your Wi-Fi speeds dropping during peak hours, you’re likely experiencing network congestion. This common issue occurs when multiple devices in your household are using the internet simultaneously, putting a strain on your connection. Streaming movies, gaming, video calls, and other high-bandwidth activities can all contribute to network congestion, leading to slower speeds and buffering.

Network congestion is similar to traffic on a busy highway. When too many cars are on the road, it slows down the overall flow. Similarly, when too many devices are competing for bandwidth, it can slow down your internet connection. This can be particularly frustrating when you’re trying to work, attend online classes, or enjoy your favorite shows and games.

Fortunately, there are ways to manage network congestion and improve your Wi-Fi performance. One effective solution is to prioritize your most important devices using the Gibson Connect Smart Home app. This app allows you to allocate more bandwidth to specific devices, ensuring that your work, school, or gaming activities run smoothly even during peak times.

Here’s how you can use the Gibson Connect Smart Home app to manage network congestion:

• Download and install the app: Visit gibsoncoops.com/protect to download the Smart Home app and follow the installation instructions.
• Access device prioritization settings: Open the app and navigate to the device prioritization section. Here, you can select which devices should receive more bandwidth.
• Set priorities: Choose your work computer, gaming console, or any other critical device and allocate higher priority to ensure they get the bandwidth they need.

By prioritizing your devices, you can reduce the impact of network congestion and enjoy a smoother internet experience. Learn more about Gibson Protect and how it can help you manage your home network at gibsoncoops.com/protect.

At Gibson Connect, we understand the importance of keeping your personal network safe while you navigate the digital world. That’s why we offer Gibson Protect, a comprehensive security solution included in all of our plans. Gibson Protect ensures your router is always up-to-date with Managed Wi-Fi, blocks unsavory content with content filtering, and protects your network from threats.

Managed Wi-Fi keeps your router’s firmware updated automatically, providing the latest security patches and performance improvements without any hassle. This means you don’t have to worry about manually checking for updates — we do it for you.

Content filtering is another essential feature of Gibson Protect. It lets you easily block unwanted and inappropriate content, ensuring a safer browsing experience for you and your family. Whether it’s preventing access to harmful websites or filtering out explicit material, content filtering adds an extra layer of protection.

Network security is crucial in today’s digital age, and Gibson Protect excels in this area. It safeguards your home network from cyber threats, including malware and unauthorized access. With robust encryption and advanced security protocols, you can surf the web with confidence, knowing your personal information is secure.

To take full advantage of Gibson Protect, download the Smart Home app and explore all the features it offers. Learn more about Gibson Protect and how it can keep you safe by visiting gibsoncoops.com/protect.

Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but staying informed can help you avoid falling victim. The FDIC’s article provides valuable advice on how to recognize and protect yourself from various types of scams.

The article covers the different tactics scammers use, from phishing emails to fake investment opportunities. It emphasizes the importance of being skeptical of unsolicited offers and requests for personal information. Remember, legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive details through insecure channels.

Key tips include verifying the identity of anyone asking for personal information, being cautious with your financial details, and regularly monitoring your accounts for unusual activity. The article also highlights the importance of reporting any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities to help prevent others from being targeted.
Taking these precautions can significantly reduce your risk of falling for scams. For a detailed guide on avoiding scams and protecting yourself, check out the full article here

https://www.fdic.gov/consumer-resource-center/2021-10/avoiding-scams-and-scammers

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to brush up on best practices for protecting your devices, data, and privacy online. You can protect yourself online by following a few simple steps. Here are a few cybersecurity essentials that everyone should be aware of: 

Using Strong, Unique Passwords 
Your password is the first line of defense against cyber threats. Ensure your passwords are strong, unique, and not easily guessable. Avoid using common passwords like “password123” or “admin” and consider using a password manager to keep track of your credentials securely. 

Being Alert for Phishing Scams 
Phishing scams are one of the most prevalent online threats. Cybercriminals use deceptive emails, messages, or websites to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details. Always scrutinize unexpected emails, especially those requesting personal or financial information, and verify the sender’s authenticity. 

Thinking Before Clicking on Links/Attachments 
Exercise caution when clicking on links or opening attachments, even if they appear to come from trusted sources. Hover over links to preview the actual URL and ensure it matches the expected destination. If something seems off, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Keeping Software Updated 
Outdated software can leave your devices vulnerable to security exploits. Regularly update your operating system, applications, and antivirus software to ensure you have the latest security patches and protections. 

Using Antivirus Protection 
Invest in reliable antivirus software to protect your devices from malware, viruses, and other online threats. An effective antivirus program can detect and prevent malicious software from infiltrating your system. 

Avoiding Public Wi-Fi for Shopping and Banking 
Public Wi-Fi networks may not always be secure, making them hotspots for cybercriminals to intercept sensitive data. When conducting online shopping or banking transactions, opt for secure, private networks or use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for added protection. 

Recognizing Secure Websites 
When sharing personal or financial information online, ensure you are on a secure website. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, indicating a secure, encrypted connection. 

So, as autumn arrives make sure that cybersecurity is at the top of your list. Arm yourself with cyber smarts and safeguard your digital life! 

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that helps you secure your internet connection and protect your online privacy. It creates a private tunnel for your data, shielding it from prying eyes and ensuring that your activities are kept confidential. Imagine it as a secure, encrypted pathway for your data to travel through the internet, away from potential hackers and snoopers.

How Does it Work?
When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a secure server before reaching its destination. This means that your IP address is masked, and your data is encrypted, making it much harder for anyone to track your online movements or intercept your information.

Why is it Important?

• Access Restricted Content: With a VPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be limited in your region.

Who Should Use a VPN?
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a remote worker, or simply someone who values privacy, a VPN can be a valuable addition to your online toolkit. It’s especially useful for anyone concerned about data security or who wants to access global content safely.

Curious to learn more about VPNs and how they can enhance your online security? Check out this detailed guide from Microsoft Azure: What is a VPN?

Gibson Connect does not provide VPN as a service.

It’s #TechSupportTuesday again and we’re taking another look at the new broadband labels. These new labels allow you to have a clear view of what you’re paying for with your home, business, or mobile internet. Let’s look at these two labels, one from Gibson Connect and one from a national competitor as an example. When comparing plans or providers, make sure to pay close attention to the “Monthly Price” and “Additional Charges & Terms” sections. These will show you what you can expect to pay monthly, when you first sign up, and what you will be charged for things like Managed Wi-Fi, Professional Installation, and Late Payment Fees.

It’s also important to compare the “Monthly Price” on the label to what the company is advertising, so you don’t have any billing surprises in the future. We don’t do temporary discounts, but many companies do, which is why it’s so important to check the label.