FTC offers across-the-board discounts on its service to those in the military and their families in our South Carolina service areas. Active-duty members of the military can receive a 10% discount on Internet, Voice, Security, and TV plus a 25% discount on Wireless. The offer also extends to those who have retired from the military. “We value our military personnel, their families and their service,” said Chip Chase, director of public relations for FTC. “Offering members of the military discounts on our services is one way we can show how much we, at FTC, care about our customers, our communities...

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The two best ways to extend Wi-Fi range in a home are to add a Wi-Fi range extender and additional router or to add a mesh network. Each solution has its own place, so it is crucial to understand the home’s needs and what factors might affect the range of the original router. Why Does Wi-Fi Not Reach a Room or Outdoor Space? Wi-Fi routers have a limited range, so it could be that the device is simply too far from the router. But if the router's range varies in different directions, it is likely that a wall or large...

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Most modern homes require a minimum internet download speed of 25 Mbps. That is only a bare minimum, however, and homes with more people, devices and consumption will require faster internet download speeds to meet their demands without interruptions. Today, the median fixed broadband internet download speed is 195.31 Mbps, according to Speedtest.net, which is more than enough to handle the average internet demands of most households. Why Do I Need Faster Internet? Most people encounter the need for faster internet when their internet use stretches beyond online browsing and email. Such use can include streaming media, video calls for...

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How To Control Data Usage on a Child’s Phone Giving a child a mobile phone offers a direct line of communication with the child and a way to monitor their location at any time. But with these benefits comes the risk of excessive data use and other safety concerns. Parents can control a child’s phone data use by creating ground rules, setting a good example with their own data use, using data notifications and monitoring their child’s download activity. Online safety for children and healthy screen time habits are concerns for parents, together with the financial cost associated with a...

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Statistics from the State Law Enforcement Division show the property crime rate in South Carolina has been steadily declining since 2011, including in each of the counties within FTC’s service territory. Unfortunately, homeowners can never entirely eliminate the possibility of a break-in, especially when away on vacation. But with the best modern security systems, homeowners can reduce the likelihood of a break-in while protecting their homes against fire or theft, should a break-in occur. What Is the Best Home Security System? The best security systems feature a combination of redundant monitoring, a wide range of monitoring capabilities, easy installation, cellular...

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VoIP is an alternative way to make and receive telephone calls, using the internet instead of the public telephone network. Also known as “internet telephony” or “IP telephone” because of its use of internet communication wires, VoIP is an abbreviation for Voice over Internet Protocol. The technology has been around for a while and most phone companies already use VoIP behind the scenes to make their networks more efficient. Until recently, most telephone customers still used traditional phone lines. Now, thanks to the low cost and added benefits, more people and businesses are switching to VoIP. How Does VoIP Work?...

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Used to connect consumers’ smartphones, tablets and computers — as well as televisions, video doorbells, air-conditioning systems, door locks and lots more — to the digital world, the internet has become a near-ubiquitous part of modern life. And while many Americans have heard of Gig internet, which is among the fastest connection speeds offered nationwide, only a select few have ever actually experienced the amazing benefits it can bring. With gigabit internet connected to a home, users can simultaneously stream movies, upload and download large files, play online games, and participate in video calls on multiple devices at high definition...

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For most homes, a good download speed is between 50 Mbps and 250 Mbps, depending on the number of devices simultaneously in use. A 250 Mbps connection allows a family of four to stream TV, movies and games on multiple devices while using video conferencing, like Zoom, all at the same time. A speed of 50 Mbps is better suited for couples or individuals without competing streaming demands. What Is a Good Upload Speed? A good upload speed on an asymmetrical connection, like cable, is 5 Mbps, while a good upload speed on a symmetrical fiber connection is 250 Mbps,...

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While the official peak of the holiday gift-giving season may still be weeks away on Christmas Day, for FTC Digital TV subscribers, a huge present is coming just days from now. This early December gift should be a very welcome one for lovers of award-winning television series and hit movies. And instead of landing under the tree, it will appear on the TV!  So just what is this early Christmas-season offering? Beginning on Friday, December 9, and running through Monday, December 12, FTC will offer a free SHOWTIME preview event. And for the event’s four-day duration, subscribers to FTC Digital...

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Fiber internet is a broadband internet connection that uses fiber cables, which are more efficient than traditional communication wires, to relay data at increased speeds with reduced lag times. This modern technology allows for internet speeds of up to 1 gigabyte or more, improving download speeds by as much as tenfold over other high-speed internet options. Fiber optics are not only faster (they can send data at 70% the speed of light) but they are also less susceptible to the effects of severe weather, resulting in a more reliable internet connection. Fiber is the single fastest means in the world...

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