Recently, FTC was awarded a combined six awards by readers of The Sumter Item and the employees at the company are humbled by the unbelievable level of support. Most recently the readers selected FTC for the following awards in the Best of Clarendon contest: Best Internet Service Provider Best Cable/Satellite Company Earlier in the year readers voted for FTC in the following categories in the Best of Sumter contest: Best Internet Service Provider Best Cable/Satellite Company Best Home Security Company Best Local Cellular Company FTC is proud to be a part of the communities it serves and the people who...

Read More The Voters Have Spoken!

In the modern business world, the internet has become a true force to be reckoned with and its influence and power have become nearly impossible for savvy business owners to ignore. The World Wide Web ranks among the top influencers of today’s connected consumers and an ever-growing share of everyday commercial transactions are moving into the online space. In fact, according to KPMG research, 55 percent of today’s consumers consult online reviews and recommendations before going through with a purchase and estimates indicate that e-commerce will account for 95 percent of all purchases by 2040. Of course, for these reasons...

Read More 7 Startling Stats That Highlight the Importance of Cybersecurity

For the dad who has it all, it can be a challenge to thank him with just one gift on just one day a year. This Father’s Day loved ones can raise the bar with functional tech gifts that are sure to leave dad speechless and have him tinkering for hours: Tile Combo Dad can stop the morning “phone, wallet, keys” search ritual with Tile. This nifty little lifesaver will help locate those important “misplaced” items, which in turn will stop a lot of frustrating interrogations on where those pesky keys went each morning. Dad can pop a Tile on...

Read More 6 Tech Gifts That Will Wow Dad This Father’s Day

Apple fanatics, rejoice. In spring 2018, the brand debuted an attractive new iPad option, a sixth-generation model introduced with a much more affordable price tag than previous models, an upgraded processor and so many features it can be overwhelming to even attempt to cover them all. For those looking to get the most out of this new 9.7-inch iPad, we’ve compiled a list of the best tips and tricks to maximize device usage with iOS 11 or later. Make Note-Taking Much More Efficient There’s nothing worse than having a brilliant yet fleeting idea, only to lose it while fumbling to...

Read More 4 Hidden Gems of the Sixth-Generation Apple iPad

In today’s modern world, computers play a role in nearly every part of consumers’ daily lives. In addition to the video gaming, word processing, homework and programming functions that the original personal computers primarily served, today’s laptops and desktops are used for education, entertainment, shopping, selling, banking, photo ands video storage, correspondence, travel booking … the list goes on for miles. And, for better or for worse, the more tasks and activities consumers use their computers for, the more personal information is stored on them. This is why, for reasons related to personal security, sentimentality and practicality, it’s important not...

Read More 4 Important Steps to Take Before Selling a Computer

How do I get my Wi-Fi to reach the back porch? We’ve all been there: You’ve been rocking out to a playlist that’s streaming on your phone, then you walk to the backyard and the music sputters and stops. Or maybe you have a “dead spot” in the guest bedroom on the second floor and can’t understand why your internet connection is so dodgy there. A weak Wi-Fi connection can be troublesome, but FTC has a solution for you. In your home, an internet signal is delivered via a cable connected to a small box called a gateway — aka...

Read More Make the Most of Your Internet With Premium Wi-Fi

Imagine a consumer opening his or her banking statement in hopes of booking that last-minute spring break vacation for the family and noticing thousands of dollars in unauthorized transactions. Not only is the vacation jeopardized, but also, potentially, the consumer’s identity. For millions of Americans each year, that scenario has become a scary reality. A 2018 online survey conducted by The Harris Poll indicates that nearly 15 million consumers experienced identity theft in 2017 with stolen funds totaling more $16.8 billion. With numbers that staggering, everyone likely has someone in his or her immediate family or workplace who has fallen...

Read More The 4 Most Common Types of Identity Theft and How to Report Them

Most Americans are eagerly counting down the days to their spring vacations — relishing the chance to get away from the daily grind, check out some new or old-favorite destinations, and forget about their work-related worries for a while. But soon-to-be vacationers aren’t the only ones who are excited about their upcoming escapes. Spring break also marks a golden opportunity for burglars, who know that, when school lets out for the annual spring pilgrimage, families’ houses are left abandoned as they hit the road in search of rest and recreation. Whether they’re headed to the beach, the mountains, overseas or...

Read More Avoid the Spring Break Break-In: 6 Ways to Make a Home Less Inviting to Burglars

Most consumers know to be skeptical of the email from the “Nigerian prince” looking for help securing the millions of dollars in inheritance money he’s due. And, for a wide range of fraudulent emails and internet offerings that are simply (and often wildly) “too good to be true,” the same can be said as today’s typical consumer is far too savvy to be so easily duped. But today’s cybercriminals have also grown more savvy and their email and internet scams have become more convincing. Here are five common and often very persuasive email and internet scams to keep your eyes...

Read More 5 Convincing Email /Internet Scams — and How to Avoid Falling for Them