Longform & SEO Writing

Streaming services are quickly becoming an alternative to cable TV and an essential consideration whenever choosing one’s internet connection or plan. However, the addition of new options to the market each year is making it more and more difficult for consumers to weigh their options. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Let’s take a look at two of the biggest names in streaming and what they have to offer.

Starting price	Basic plans start at $8.99/mo.* and include standard definition viewing on one device at a time	Amazon Prime Video’s standalone streaming plan starts at $8.99/mo.* for access to their video library
Approximate Library size (movies and TV shows)	5,000+ U.S. titles available for on-demand streaming	20,000+ U.S. titles available for on-demand streaming, rental or purchase
Ads	All plans are ad-free	Ad-free except for Amazon ads which can be skipped
Simultaneous streams	Up to four devices with premium plan, starting at $15.99/mo.*	Up to two devices at a time with basic plan
Original programming available?	Yes	Yes
When is new content available?	New titles and full seasons are released at 12:01 A.M. PST at various times of the month	New TV episodes added within 24 hrs. after airing with Amazon TV Season Pass. Other content releases vary
Kid-friendly and family programming	Wide variety of age-appropriate TV shows and movies	Large Kids & Family category with varied selection of TV shows and movies
Video quality	480p with basic plans, 1080p with standard plans and 4K or Ultra HD with premium plans; Quality varies with availability	480p, 1080p, 4K or Ultra HD and HDR (High Dynamic Range) with streaming only, Prime monthly or Prime yearly subscription; Quality varies with availability
Device compatibility	Web browsers, media players (Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Roku), smart TVs (Samsung, Vizio, Sony etc.), gaming consoles ( PlayStation, Nintendo, Xbox), set-top boxes, blu-ray players, Android devices, iOS devices and Windows devices	Web browsers, smart TVs blu-ray players, set-top boxes (Roku, Google TV, TiVo, Nvidia Shield), Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Wii), Android devices (Prime Video app for Android phones and tablets), iOS devices (Prime Video app for iPhone, iPad & iPod touch), Fire phone and Fire tablets
Extra perks	30-day free trial	30-day free trial with Prime plan
Critically-acclaimed original shows	Stranger Things, House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Black Mirror, The Crown, 13 Reasons Why	The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Bosch, The Tick, The Grand Tour, Transparent, Hand of God, Mozart in the Jungle, The Man in the High Castle, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 05/24/19.

Best content: Netflix

Source: www.facebook.com/netflixus

If you’ve seen or heard everyone talking about that new show they can’t get enough of (Black Mirror,13 Reasons Why, or Stranger Things, for starters), odds are it’s a Netflix original. They’ve been setting a new standard across the industry with original content that’s only available on their platform. In November and December of 2018 alone, the streaming service premiered more than 120 original movies, documentaries and new seasons of shows.

Netflix’s practice of premiering every episode of a season at once, makes it easy for audiences to binge-watch a series upon release and quickly move on to the next original hit show.

“Netflix is actually shaping the way that consumers are viewing content by focusing on content that’s higher quality and original,” says streaming expert and principal analyst at Frost & Sullivan, Dan Rayburn.

Netflix has become such a trusted source in the media industry that content that previously aired elsewhere experienced an instant boost in attention just from being on the service. So, the question is no longer whether you need Netflix, but whether or not you need additional streaming services.

Best experience: Netflix

Netflix’s interface and intuitive recommendation tool, valued at one billion, makes the service easy to use and navigate. As a monthly subscriber, you’ll be able to add titles to a queue called “My List” to view later. When it’s time to watch, get right to the good stuff with a convenient “Skip Intro” feature that kicks in after the first episode of the series.

Switch from TV shows, movies, new releases and your queue using the high-level main menu, and to keep your content separate, build profiles for each user in your household. Profiles designed for children with age-appropriate content are also available.

Best value: Draw

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Both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have multiple monthly plans offering different tiers of benefits, so there’s a plan for any budget. Both services also host more than enough classic and original content for any film or TV buff. The big decision will come down to what you’re looking for in a streaming service.

If you want a steady stream of original content that won’t be slowing down anytime soon, Netflix is your best option. If you’re looking to rent, buy or stream the most titles, Amazon Prime Video might be ideal for your household.

Take the quiz today to see if Netflix or Amazon Prime Video is right for you.

[Quiz]

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Any Google Chrome user can use extensions, small software programs built to customize a web browser, to build the internet browsing experience they need. The right extensions can transform a standard browser built for the masses into one based on your preferences and online activities. Learn to add, disable, delete and manage your Chrome extensions for the best performance.

How to install a Chrome extension

1. Find the extension* you want in the Chrome Web Store and click Add to Chrome.

2. If an extension requires permissions or data, approve by selecting Add extension.

3. Use the new extension by clicking on the appropriate icon in the right-hand corner of the address bar.

*Some Chrome extensions may be blocked if you’re utilizing a public computer through work or school.

How to uninstall a Chrome extension

If you see the extension’s icon in the right-hand corner of your browser’s address bar:

1. Right-click on the icon and select Remove from Chrome.

If you don’t see the extension’s icon:

1. Choose More or in the right-hand corner of your browser's address bar.

2. Select More tools and then Extensions, or type chrome://extensions into your navigation bar.

3. Right-click on the extension you want to remove and select Remove.

How to manage your Chrome extensions

Open the Google Chrome web browser on your computer.

1. Select More or in the right-hand corner of your browser's address bar.

2. Choose More tools and then Extensions.

Disable or enable a Chrome extension or remove using the controls on the main page. Additionally, you can select Details to allow extensions in incognito mode, repair a corrupted extension and allow an extension to read data on the websites you visit.

Frequently asked questions about Google Chrome extensions

Why should I disable my Google Chrome extensions?

You’ll want to disable and then uninstall a Google Chrome extension if it’s consistently using too much of your system’s resources, collecting and sharing your data or doing any malicious activities on your computer that you didn’t approve. Before installing an extension, do a quick search of it first just to see what other users have experienced. Typically, malicious extensions won’t go undetected by consumers for long.

What happens to Google Chrome extensions after they’re disabled?

After disabling a Chrome extension, it will sit in your add-ons library until you either re-enable the extension or uninstall it. Disabled extensions will take up space on your computer and impact your browser startup time as they collect.

Can Google Chrome extensions be dangerous?

Extensions that come from third-party websites can be designed with malicious intent. Sometimes even official platforms like Android and Google Play have a hard time filtering out malware-infected extensions. Curb your likelihood of downloading dangerous extensions by limiting the amount you add, paying attention to the permissions the extension requires and only installing from official web stores. Antivirus protection is also a great watchdog solution for red flags in a browser extension.

What’s the difference between Google Chrome plug-ins and extensions?

Plug-ins are designed to allow extra browser features without changing the core functionality of your web browser. Chrome extensions modify the browser’s core functionality to make improvements and updates. Plug-ins can be embedded inside a web page and will only affect the page where it’s placed. Extensions, on the other hand, affect the web browser as a whole.

Looking for more ways to maximize your internet experience? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for tips, tricks and how-tos.

Ever had a conversation about a product or service only to see an ad for that exact product popping up on browsers and other internet-connected devices in your home? You’re not alone. According to a study conducted by PCmag.com, 68% of users believe their smart home devices are listening to them when they aren’t aware. The concern is a valid one as smart devices have quickly become a staple in day-to-day life just as quickly as stories of smartphones listening in have become the norm.

Companies say: Yes and no

According to a Bloomberg report, tech and e-commerce giant, Amazon, has admitted to employing thousands of workers to listen to what’s said in the recording proximity of an Alexa-enabled Echo device. Amazon claims it’s all in pursuit of improving customer experience — employees transcribe, annotate and report newly-learned information into Alexa’s software, and this only occurs in a small percentage of recordings.

Facebook, on the other hand, completely denies using your phone’s microphone to inform advertisements on your News Feed. To get those oddly specific ads, the company uses your personal interests and profile information to recommend content geared towards you. They also admit to accessing your microphone (if you’ve given the Facebook app permission) and are actively using a feature requiring audio.

So simply put, they are listening to you in certain situations, but you agreed to it, and they don’t need your conversations to figure out what you’re buying.

“They know a tremendous amount about you and that enables them to make guesses about what to advertise to you that can be uncannily accurate,” former Facebook operations manager, Sandy Parakilas told CBS News.

Although they might not be listening in, the means companies like Google and Facebook do use to create ads, can be just as invasive. A Princeton study showed that Google has trackers on nearly 70% of websites and Facebook monitors users on 23% of websites they browse. Google also admits to having access to “70% of credit and debit card transactions in the U.S.”

How to protect your privacy around your devices

If you’re worried about your data and what large corporations like Google are doing with it, here are a few simple steps you can take to make sure your online activities and private conversations stay private.

Amazon Echo

In the Alexa app on your smartphone device:

• Navigate to the menu on the left side of the screen and select Alexa account

• Pick Alexa Privacy and then Manage how your data improves Alexa

• Switch off the button that says Help develop new features

• Also, switch off the button under Use messages to improve transactions

These settings should give you greater control over what information is sent to Amazon.

Facebook

When you install the Facebook app on any device, it will ask to access your microphone, but it’s easy to deny this access after the fact.

On iOS devices:

• Go to your Settings menu and select Facebook

• Choose Settings and toggle the microphone switch from on to off

On Android devices

• Go to Settings and select Applications

• Choose Application manager and find Facebook

• Select Permissions and then turn off the mic

You can toggle these settings on and off depending on your preference using the instructions above.

Google

Google allows users to assess recordings made by their smart home devices and delete them if they so choose. Users may also opt out of being recorded altogether by turning off the “Ok Google” wake phrase.

On Android devices:

• Choose Settings and then Google

• Select Search & Now and then choose Voice

• Switch Ok Google detection off to turn off the wake phrase

On iOS devices:

• Choose Settings and then Google Assistant

• Select Microphone and slide the switch off

Siri

Yep, that’s right. Siri could be listening as well. Apple introduced the “Hey Siri” wake phrase with iOS 8, so she’s always right there and waiting for a request. However, you can opt out of this feature without disabling Siri completely.

• Choose Settings and then General

• Select Siri and switch Allow “Hey Siri” to off

For more updates on smart home technology and industry trends, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or right here on our resource center.

Once you’ve selected your internet service provider and the plan that works best for you, it’s easy to think that your shopping is over. However, your last decision — your choice of whether to rent or buy a router and modem and if you do buy, which router or modem that is — can be your most important of all. A simple long-term cost and quality comparison is all you need to make the right choice for you.

Do you need a modem and a router?

You may be wondering: “Do I even need a modem and router?” And the answer is yes if you’re looking to wirelessly connect devices in your home to the internet.

Your modem connects your local home network to the internet and a router allows you to connect multiple devices wirelessly to your internet connection. Internet service providers often offer a single 2-in-1 device with an integrated modem and router as an option for monthly rental. However, if you have the option to purchase your own equipment, you may be able to save money in the long run by doing so.

Pros and cons of renting a modem and router

[table id=rentingprosandcons /]

Pros and cons of buying a modem and router

[table id=buyingprosandcons /]

Will I save more money buying or renting a modem and router?

Buying your own modem and router is a great option for you if you:

• Plan on keeping your internet access for more than a year

• Have the option to use your own equipment

• Don’t have roommates that you’ll need to split the cost with

• Have the patience to do some preliminary research

• Plan to customize your equipment in the future

Most providers charge $5-15/mo.* to rent a 2-in-1 modem and router device, commonly known as a “gateway.” Some providers, like CenturyLink and Verizon, give you the option to purchase this equipment upfront and potentially save money without having to go through a third-party vendor. Purchasing provider equipment may be the best way to go if you plan on signing a contract with the provider and the cost of the equipment is less than the total cost of the equipment rental.

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 02/14/19.

Rental vs. purchase of ISP-provided router/modem

[table id=rentbuyispprovided /]

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 02/14/19.

In the example above, you would save $20 annually by purchasing a CenturyLink gateway device. As a Verizon Fios customer, you would only benefit from purchasing an ISP-provided device by staying with the provider for at least 17 months. Otherwise, a monthly device rental would be the most cost-effective.

Other ISPs provide a list of compatible devices in case you’re interested in using your own device for service. If you can find equipment that’s cheaper but good quality, you may save even more money by going this route.

Rental vs. purchase of ISP-compatible router/modem

[table id=rentpurchaseISPcompatible /]

For Cox or XFINITY customers with at least 250 Mbps, an ISP-compatible gateway device like the NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 is a good investment. This device will cost you more than the yearly rental fee for a device from each provider, but you would own your own device for future use with other ISPs. Check out some more gateway devices that work with multiple providers and have earned high reviews from internet users just like you.

1. ARRIS SURFboard AC1900 - Compatible with Cox, Spectrum, Suddenlink and XFINITY

2. MOTOROLA MD1600 - Compatible with CenturyLink, Frontier and Windstream

3. NETGEAR N300 - Compatible with Cox, Spectrum, Suddenlink and XFINITY

It’s also worth noting that many ISP-compatible gateway devices are of higher quality and work better than ISP-provided devices. Often times, ISPs just give you the bare minimum in equipment to maximize their return on rental fees.

If your ISP doesn’t offer the option to use your own modem and router, then your only option would be to select a different provider or to use the mandatory equipment and hope the damage isn’t too bad on your monthly bill. Some providers, like AT&T, even offer their equipment rental at no additional cost with the purchase of a high-speed internet plan.

Tips for buying a router and modem

The best way to maximize your investment in internet equipment is to know what kind of device you need to support your internet activities and your household. Also, decide whether or not you’ll want to purchase a gateway device as we used in the examples above or separate modem and Wi-Fi router devices.

Separate devices are great if you can see yourself upgrading your home network or broadband speed. In either case, you’d simply need to replace your router or modem. To make this change to a gateway router/modem device, you’d have to upgrade and replace the entire device.

Next, consider the download speeds and data plan, if applicable, of your internet plan and make sure to choose a device that’s capable of delivering those speeds. If all else fails, check out the list of compatible devices commonly offered by ISPs with the option to use your own equipment. Many well-known providers like Cox, Spectrum and XFINITY provide extensive lists of alternatives by internet speed tier, so you can pick a model based on your plan.

We recommend at least referencing these lists before you buy a device. Purchasing equipment that is incompatible with your provider, internet speeds and level of activity could make your investment a flop, especially if you can’t even enjoy your internet service.

For more information on equipment rental versus purchase, call an Allconnect® internet expert today. We’ll help you narrow down internet service providers in your area to find out if you have the option to buy your own equipment and whether or not you’d benefit from doing so.

As technology surges forward each year, older adults without proper computer skills or internet knowledge wonder: Is it too late to learn?

If you're less than confident in your tech skills, know that there are plenty of resources designed with you in mind. Once you're online, like many older adults, you'll find that computer and internet use can be a fun, easy way to accomplish everyday tasks and stay connected with your friends, family and community.

Internet usage among older adults has been increasing; 45% of seniors are now active on social media compared to 16% in 2012, according to a Pew Research study. Nearly half of all seniors now own a tablet computer compared to just 4% in 2010.

The best ways to use the internet

The internet is a big place which means there are plenty of ways to use it. Check out a few ways older internet users are taking advantage of their connections.

Research and browsing

The internet is a great place to learn. Even if you don't know the exact web address of what you're looking for, popular search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing put the contents of the internet at your fingertips. When you go to your favorite search engine, you can type in whatever you're looking for to get a quick list of credible results filtered from a massive online database.

Banking and bill pay

Online banking is another popular internet use, as many institutions offer most in-person features online and some exclusive ones too. Set up overdraft protection alerts so you're never at risk of overspending, sign up for paperless billing and check statements online.

This might bring up some security concerns if you're not used to online banking, but generally speaking, paying bills and checking bank statements online is extremely safe as long as you follow a few precautions: use long, unique passwords and update them regularly, use multi-factor authentication if it's available, and make sure your bank's web address starts with “https.”

Keeping in touch

The internet is a great place for timely news, especially if you're not a cable TV subscriber. In a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, 86% of adults said they got their news from digital devices, compared to 32% who still get their news from traditional newspapers.

Aside from news updates, social media is also a great place for you to keep in touch with friends and family. Facebook has emerged as one of the most popular social media platforms for seniors to share information, coordinate and schedule plans with other users and stay connected with loved ones all over the country. Video chat apps like Zoom and FaceTime became essential tools to keep people connected to their loved ones during the 2020 pandemic.

Shopping and delivery

If you've heard of Cyber Monday or Amazon Prime Day, you know that the internet can be one of the safest and most convenient places to shop. With search functions that allow you to comb through entire catalogs of inventory, online shopping can be a safe and easy way to buy last-minute gifts, do your Christmas shopping or even buy groceries for the week.

Popular places for seniors to shop online include Instacart for grocery delivery, Amazon for nearly any product, Postmates for meal delivery, HelloFresh for meal kits, and GoodRx to compare prescription drug prices.

Smart home technology

The category of internet-connected devices known today as “smart home technology” can eliminate many of your everyday home maintenance tasks. Smart devices like refrigerators that organize grocery lists, door locks that alert you of disturbances and medication dispensers that ping your pharmacist for a refill can give older folks the tools and independence they need to age in place comfortably.

• Home security — Smart cameras and doorbells with a companion mobile app let you see live streams and get notified of activity while you're away.
• Health monitoring sensors — Wearable devices track activity and heart rate, and some send data straight to your doctor.
• Automatic medicine dispenser — Sends alerts to you or your family if you've missed a dose.
• Smart light switches — Control lights with timers or voice commands, and make it look like someone's home while you're away.
• Key finders — A Tile or similar device rings an alarm to help you locate lost keys.
• Smart thermostat — Learns your preferences to help cut heating and cooling costs.
• Smart home hub/voice assistant — Sync your thermostat, entertainment system and other devices, and control it all with voice commands.
• Automatic stove control — Timers, motion sensors and automatic shut-off features ease the worry of leaving the stove on.
• Wi-Fi refrigerators — Store your grocery list and get maintenance alerts from an app.

Mobile apps

Mobile apps are software programs you can download onto your smartphone or tablet, often with a different look and functionality than a regular website.

• Ridesharing — Apps like Lyft and Uber make it easy to find transportation similar to a taxi.
• Food and grocery delivery — Order takeout on DoorDash, Postmates or Uber Eats, or send someone shopping through Instacart or Shipt.
• Medication apps — Apps like MediSafe Pill Reminder and MedMinder send notifications for every dosage.
• Banking/bill pay — Many financial institutions have mobile apps, some of which let you deposit a check by photo.

Internet definitions to know

With internet usage comes a brand new way of speaking and a laundry list of new words to add to your vocabulary. Here are a few essential terms to help you become an internet expert.

• Blog — An internet journal or magazine by one or more writers, short for “weblog.”
• Downloading — To move data from a different computer to your computer.
• Email — A way of exchanging messages using the internet, short for “electronic mail.”
• Internet — An electronic super network that connects computers around the world.
• Internet Service Provider (ISP) — Providers like AT&T, Cox, Verizon Fios and Xfinity that offer internet access to homes and businesses for a monthly fee.
• Modem — A device that connects your home network to the internet.
• Router — A device used with your modem that lets multiple devices wirelessly connect to your home internet connection.
• Search engine — A webpage, such as Google, Yahoo and Bing, used specifically for searching the internet.
• Social media — Websites or apps, such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube, dedicated to sharing information and content.
• Uploading — To move data from your computer to another computer.
• Webpage — A single page on the internet — think of a website as a book, and a webpage as one page in it.
• Website — The location of a collection of related webpages, also called a “site.”
• Wi-Fi — A way of connecting to the internet wirelessly.

Reading an internet web address or URL

A web address or URL is just like it sounds: the address of something located on the web. Understanding its structure can help you quickly learn more about a website.

• https:// — Stands for “hypertext transfer protocol secure” and helps your browser find a website. Most browsers add this automatically.
• www. — Stands for “World Wide Web,” indicating the site is located there.
• allconnect — The name of the website or page you're searching for.
• .com — Tells you the type of website and where it's registered (.com for commercial, .edu for educational institutions, .org for organizations, .gov for government).

Direct URLs quickly sort through the different levels of a website, usually separated by a slash. For example, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/protecting-seniors-against-fraud/ uses “/news” as a high-level category, followed by the article title, to take you directly to that specific piece instead of browsing the site's structure.

Helpful tools for internet education

If you're feeling like the last person to learn about the internet, you're actually one of many older adults looking to become better acquainted with this technology. Many assisted living communities and senior-focused organizations provide classes and guided learning.

• AARP — A learning portal covering all things for life over 50, including computer tips.
• GCFLearnFree.org — An entire Internet Skills section covering browsers, online safety, social media, email and Google.
• SeniorNet — In-person tutorials for adults over 55, based in Fort Myers, FL.
• Skillful Senior — Basic tutorials from proper computer posture to keyboard basics.
• TechBoomers — Over 100 free courses on data privacy, social media and popular apps.
• The Senior's Guide to Computers — Education in simplified, easy-to-understand terms.
• Webwise — Interactive tutorials to brush up on computer knowledge.

Check with non-profit organizations in your community, like your local library, for internet education, and check with internet service providers in your area for discounted senior service.

Protecting yourself online from scams

Online scams come in various forms, and older adults are one of the most targeted groups on the internet. Follow best practices like using unique passwords, never clicking links from unknown senders, and using up-to-date antivirus software.

Health insurance scams

Medicare fraud is when someone steals your Medicare plan number and uses your coverage for their own healthcare needs. Inspect your monthly statements and cross-reference them to your own records. If you think it's Medicare fraud, report it by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Counterfeit health and beauty products

Watch out for online health and beauty scams, particularly prescription drugs and anti-aging products. The FDA's BeSafeRx website has a state-by-state database of trustworthy online pharmacies. Watch for phrases like “secret formula” and “breakthrough” as red flags.

Phishing emails

Phishing emails are fake messages that try to get your personal information — name, credit card number, social security number and more — usually through a fake link or attachment. Look for senders you don't recognize, poor spelling and grammar, and links with suspicious URLs. Report phishing emails as spam and forward them to the FTC.

Tech support scam

A tech support scam is when a fraudster impersonates a support specialist to get access to your computer or devices, often through a pop-up window or unsolicited call. Don't click links, dial provided numbers, or grant remote access — hang up and block the number instead.

Lottery scams

Online lottery scams notify you that you've won a lottery you never entered, along with directions to claim your prize. Never give your credit card or bank account information to someone who claims you've won a lottery.

Learning tips for internet beginners

• Jot down a few new terms each week and read through them in your spare time — writing definitions by hand helps you remember them.
• Relate complicated technical concepts to ones you already understand (the internet as a library, a website as a book, a webpage as a page in it).
• Actively use your internet-connected devices to practice what you've learned.
• Ask a friend or family member for help — a younger family member can go at a pace that's right for you.

The best internet services for older adults in 2022

We started with a list of 12 nationwide providers and narrowed it down based on price, value, performance, customer service and available deals.

Best overall: Verizon Fios

If it's available in your area, Verizon Fios is the all-around best internet for seniors. It uses a fiber optic connection on all of its plans, so you'll enjoy fast speeds and reliability, with straightforward pricing and no surprise hikes after the first year.

Best customer service: WOW! Internet

WOW! Internet earned the top score for customer satisfaction of any provider evaluated, including a “fair” rating for technical support from Consumer Reports — the highest any nationwide provider scored in that category.

Cheapest plans: Mediacom

Mediacom's Internet 100 plan offers 100 Mbps for $19.99/mo., one of the cheapest starting prices around (rising to $29.99/mo. in year two). That said, its customer satisfaction ratings haven't been stellar.

Affordable internet for older adults

• Altice Advantage Internet — Anyone 65+ receiving SSI benefits is eligible for a 30 Mbps plan for $14.99/mo.
• AT&T — Seniors in California receiving SSI benefits are eligible for speeds up to 25 Mbps for $10/mo. or less.
• Lifeline — Open to anyone receiving SSI benefits, for up to $9.25 off phone or internet each month.
• Spectrum Internet Assist — Households receiving SSI benefits get 30 Mbps and free modem rental.

What kind of internet plans do older adults need?

You'll see a lot of confusing marketing language when shopping for internet plans, but there are generally two factors to focus on: price and speed. Watch for second-year price increases, installation costs and equipment fees. We recommend aiming for at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speed — the FCC's definition of minimum broadband — which is plenty for checking email, browsing social media and streaming video unless multiple devices are in use at once.

AIKEN, SC — Broad River Retail (BRR) is proud to announce the grand opening of a new 25,230-square-foot Ashley showroom in Aiken, SC. The opening and ribbon-cutting celebration, set to take place on Aug. 29, 2024, will introduce the Aiken community to Ashley's 7.0 store concept.

The brand-new showroom features a contemporary open floor plan, an expanded sleep gallery, and warm, inviting design elements that feel more like home. The Aiken location, which occupies the former Aiken Furniture Company next to Target, is the fifth BRR store to showcase the 7.0 store design and the first Ashley store in Aiken.

“We are very excited to bring a more precise shopping experience to Aiken,” said Charlie Malouf, President and CEO of Broad River Retail. “The 7.0 concept is our most innovative design and we're confident customers will love this true-to-life floorplan that incorporates colors and lighting that you'd find in many modern households.”

BRR is the leading retailer of Ashley furniture in the southeast and continues to expand, with this new location representing another milestone in its dedication to offering high-quality home furnishings to the region.

A new location is also set to open in the Rock Hill, SC Galleria Mall; additional 7.0 upgrades are slated for existing Ashley locations in Raleigh, Glenwood, and Mooresville, NC.

“Broad River Retail and Ashley will continue to offer customers the same premium shopping experience at a great value,” said Manny Rodrigues, Chief Operating Officer. “The Aiken community specifically can look forward to quick deliveries directly from our nearby distribution center in Fort Mill.”

Along with expedited shipping from an inventory of core products and best sellers, Aiken can also expect new career opportunities with Broad River Retail. Positions are available in management, retail operations, sales, and visual impact. Those interested in becoming a Memory Maker are encouraged to visit broadriverretail.com/careers.

“Our Memory Makers are what truly set us apart,” said Stacey McCormick, Senior Vice President of Retail Performance. “We're looking to add passionate individuals to the team that can bring authenticity and care to their position.”

After the initial grand opening and ribbon-cutting, Broad River Retail will host a weekend of events, including giveaways, food trucks, bouquet building, and exclusive promotional offers. Celebrations will kick off at 11 a.m. on Aug. 29, 2024, and will continue through Memorial Day weekend until Sept. 2.

About Broad River Retail

Broad River Retail is headquartered in nearby Fort Mill, SC and is the primary retailer of Ashley furniture in the southeast. Founded in 2003, BRR has expanded to operate 27 Ashley stores and four outlets across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. BRR also manages distribution centers in Fort Mill and Spartanburg, South Carolina, and employs over 800 individuals across its stores, distribution centers, and corporate campuses.

FAYETTEVILLE, SC — Broad River Retail (BRR), one of the largest and fastest-growing independently owned and operated Ashley Store licensees, is proud to announce the grand reopening and completion of design upgrades to its Ashley Fayetteville location.

The reopening and debut, scheduled for [XXX], will feature the 7.0 store design which includes a cleaner look and feel, an enhanced sleep gallery and the addition of an outlet space to optimize use of the 47,000-square-foot space.

“By curating more of Ashley's legendary values in one destination within the showroom, the Ashley Outlet will bring even more firepower to this retail destination,” said Broad River Retail President and CEO, Charlie Malouf. “We are really providing an easier shopping experience through the store with an Ashley Outlet within the showroom as well as providing more reasons for guests searching for home furnishings in the market to come visit us.”

Broad River Retail has served the home furnishing needs of the Fort Bragg area for close to 13 years, but hopes to strengthen and grow its customer base by incorporating successful ideas from previous location renovations. The goal is not only to enhance the customer shopping experience but to make it more precise.

“A major part of the 7.0 store design is the mostly white appearance to the store, and part of the reason for that is it draws color out of the furniture very well,” said Tim Sayles, Director of Construction and Facilities. “We'll also be putting in new, flat LED light panels that cast even lighting throughout the store, and we're going for light levels that look like they're in your house. Because how many times do you go into a store and it looks one color? You get home and it doesn't look that way.”

Broad River Retail has completed six successful “store within a store” outlet redesigns, making Fayetteville the 7th location in line for the upgrade. The nearby Southern Pines store was the very first location to be brought up to 7.0 standards and Four Oaks in the northeast is the only Ashley outlet within 40 miles. The Fayetteville location is a natural next step in Broad River Retail's mission to bring all locations up to standard.

“We have always loved our Fayetteville Store since we opened it in September 2011. The location, the size, the customers, the market, the team, etc. But, it hasn't had a major interior renovation since we opened over 12 years ago. We plan to remain in this location, ideally situated in the market, for several more years,” says Malouf.

BRR is also set to revamp the Raleigh Glenwood and Mooresville, NC locations in the third and fourth quarters of 2024. New Ashley locations in Rock Hill and Aiken, SC are also set to welcome customers in May and August 2024.

About Broad River Retail

Headquartered in nearby Fort Mill, SC, Broad River Retail is the primary retailer of Ashley furniture in the southeast. BRR was founded in 2003 and has grown to own and operate 27 Ashley stores and four Ashley outlets across North and South Carolina as well as Georgia. BRR also operates distribution centers in Fort Mill and Spartanburg, South Carolina and boasts a workforce of over 800 across stores, distribution centers, and corporate campuses.

Broad River Retail has earned recognition as one of Furniture Today's “Best Places to Work” in the furniture industry from 2021 to 2023. The company was also acknowledged as one of the 50 fastest-growing businesses in the South Carolina and Charlotte Metro region in 2023.

Broad River Retail marked the grand opening of the Aiken Ashley store on August 29, 2024, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and storewide promotions through Labor Day weekend.

The Aiken location will be Broad River Retail's fifth store to implement the 7.0 concept and the first Ashley store in the Aiken/Augusta region.

“We are very excited to bring a premier home furnishings and mattress shopping experience to Aiken,” said Charlie Malouf, Broad River Retail President and CEO.

“The 7.0 concept is our most innovative design, and we're bringing Ashley Furniture's combination of quality and legendary values to this market that has already welcomed us so warmly. We believe that customers will love this true-to-life floorplan that incorporates colors and lighting that you'd find in many modern households.”

During grand opening events, BRR also awarded $1,000 to non-profit partner, ReStart Augusta, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing beds to children, families, and veterans.

“The robust retail experience in Aiken provides us with a remarkable opportunity to offer a wide variety of home furnishings and sleep products to this market at exceptional values as well as providing the best customer service in the industry,” said Manny Rodrigues, Broad River Retail Chief Operating Officer. “We look forward to becoming an integral part of this welcoming community for years to come.”

Customers lined the storefront the following Saturday to experience the brand-new showroom and to be one of the first 100 guests with the opportunity to pick from the “Take a Chance” wall. Prizes from Purple, Tempur, and Stanley were up for grabs, along with a $2,500 Ashley shopping spree.

“It's great to see all of this come together. The store is bright and there are so many favorites of mine from our inventory that are on the floor that I'm excited for guests to see and experience up close,” said Home Furnishing Associate, Sierra Hall.

Guests who made purchases were given a voucher for a free meal to Beefed Up! food truck and visitors of the food truck received coupons for $50 off a purchase of $200 or more.

“When guests come to this location they can expect a warm welcome, friendly faces and great products. This weekend is a little taste of what is really great about the Aiken Ashley store,” said Hall.