If we have so many options for home internet right now, then why is everyone so frustrated with it?
Poll data reveals a deep dissatisfaction with the current state of home broadband.
Image credit — Windows on Unsplash
It seems like Verizon is making some serious power plays to bolster its home internet service. But according to a recent poll, a huge chunk of you think that all the major carriers have a long way to go before the situation gets any better.
So, what’s Verizon up to?
Let's get into it. Verizon just made a pretty savvy move by acquiring Starry, a company that specializes in fixed wireless broadband. This is a big deal because it allows Verizon to use Starry's existing network and tech to fast-track the expansion of its own 5G Home Internet, especially in dense apartment buildings and crowded cities where getting a good signal can be a real headache.
Basically, instead of building everything from scratch, Verizon bought a company that has already done a lot of the legwork. As we noted in our article reporting this news, this acquisition helps Verizon get a stronger foothold in the competitive home internet market. It’s a solid, strategic play to improve their offerings and go head-to-head with the likes of T-Mobile and AT&T. On paper, it’s all good news for consumers looking for more competition.
Then why isn’t everyone thrilled?
PhoneArena poll asking who was the best carrier for home internet service. | Image credit — PhoneArena
Here’s where it gets complicated. While Verizon is making moves, the general feeling out there is… well, a bit lukewarm. We recently ran a poll asking which carrier is doing the best job improving home internet, and the results were telling. While Verizon led the carrier-specific vote with 26%, a whopping 40% of the 450+ respondents said that all carriers need to do better.
This tells a story of widespread frustration. Even with T-Mobile making significant gains (coming in a close second at 23.5%) and AT&T in the mix, many people clearly feel stuck with slow, unreliable, or overpriced internet. The problem is that building out network infrastructure is a slow and expensive process. A single acquisition, while smart, doesn't instantly fix years of spotty service or high prices for millions of people. It’s a classic case of a company’s long-term strategy clashing with customers' immediate needs.
My take on this whole mess
Honestly, I get the frustration. It feels like we’re constantly promised a future of lightning-fast, ubiquitous internet, but the reality for many is just more of the same. Verizon’s move is genuinely a good thing for the industry—more competition is always better for us. But it's also a reminder of how far behind the whole sector is in meeting customer expectations.
I think the poll results are a clear signal to all carriers that incremental improvements aren't cutting it anymore. People want a noticeable, tangible difference in their daily service, not just a press release about a corporate acquisition.
I think the poll results are a clear signal to all carriers that incremental improvements aren't cutting it anymore. People want a noticeable, tangible difference in their daily service, not just a press release about a corporate acquisition.
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