Internet Plans for Working from Home

Remote working is the new standard but as desirable as it might look, it is not a walk in the park. Running a blender at the back, crying kids, weak internet signals, jittery videos, and disconnecting online calls can ruin your work-from-home experience. 

I have done it all and it is a nightmare, to say the least. While there is no way to put an end to the background noise issue, a stable internet connection like Xfinity Internet can easily help you avoid repeating, “Can you hear me?” So, let me save you the trouble by ensuring that you choose the best internet package as well. 

Keep reading to discover the best Xfinity Internet Plans on the market and find out which one is ideal for working from home. 

Best Xfinity Internet Plans for Working from Home

Picking an Xfinity Internet Plan for Working from Home can be quite challenging because there are so many good options. Even the basic Xfinity plan (Connect), checks all the boxes for an ideal work-from-home package.

Here is a quick overview of all the internet packages offered by Xfinity: 

Prices, speeds, and package availability may vary from area to area.

For choosing the right internet plan for working from home, focus on the value and your work requirements. Nearly all the packages offered by Xfinity and good enough to meet your basic work-from-home needs, however, if you are a developer, designer, or video editor, you might want to upgrade to Xfinity’s superfast internet package. 

My Recommendation

If you live alone at home and have an entry-level job that only requires you to handle email flow, video calls, uploading basic documents, and staying in touch with your team, you can opt for “Xfinity Connect.” 

However, if you have a tech-savvy job that requires you to handle a lot of files, upload videos, stream videos, edit and send content, etc., “Connect More” will offer you great value for money.

In case, you have a small business set up at home and are sharing your internet with your partner or family, you need to upgrade to the “Xfinity Fast Internet plan.” 

There is no doubt that Xfinity is one of the most reliable and affordable ISPs in the market right now. However, before you think about buying the package of your choice, make sure to check the availability in your area as well. 

The brand is currently available in 35+ states; you can check the availability in your area by entering your zip code or location on the website.  

Rise of Remote Working 

Now I know what you might be thinking. Isn’t remote working out of fashion?

Before I signed up for the job, my views were the same. 

As a new addition to the workforce, I thought remote work was so 2020. So I whipped out my blazers and dress shirts to get ready for some workplace drama. However, my preps came to a halt when I learned that even after many years, remote and hybrid work is still a dominant workstyle.

The recession, dwindling economy, and changing paradigm of tech have made remote and hybrid working the only mode of survival for business. 

Before you think I am bluffing, here are some stats to turn your doubts into trust. As per Notta, 16% of global companies offer 100% remote jobs. This number might not be convincing, so add 28.2 % of companies offering hybrid work as per Forbes. 

Moreover, a whopping 83% of the workforce considers hybrid work as the ideal model for business today. Similarly, 59% of the employees prefer companies offering them hybrid work. These numbers built a solid case that remote working will stand the test of time. 

What Makes An Internet Plan Ideal For WFH?

Now, I know I vouched for Xfinity, but even Xfinity offers multiple plans. You have the inexpensive plan, the high-speed plan, or even a basic plan. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all model. 

Therefore, if you are considering an internet plan, here are some parameters to help you shortlist your WFH internet options.

• Download and Upload Speeds

Most internet service providers (ISPs) highlight download speed because upload speed is not considered as important. However, when choosing a package for working from home, you need to set personal preferences based on your internet usage. 

For reference, a small email with a file attached requires somewhere between 2 to 5 Mbps speeds. However, if you attend online meetings or stream work video in 4k you will need somewhere between 20-40 Mbps. 

In case, you do not just want to rely on light work apps, you can opt for a plan that offers 40-100 Mbps. My recommendation is to stick to a plan that offers somewhere between 50-100 Mbps download speed and more than 10 Mbps upload speed. 

Here is a quick rundown of the optimum speed requirement for your work activities: 

• Customer Support 

In the digital world, reliable internet is everything. However, when outages occur, you can’t always rely on DIY tutorials. In such situations, reliable customer support becomes your unsung hero. While most of the ISPs offer customer support, there are time and channel limitations.

To avoid this, look for an ISP that offers 24/7 customer support, multiple support numbers, social media assistance, and email support as well. While these factors are generally overlooked, they can significantly improve user experience. 

• Number of Users

Number of users is an important factor when you live with a huge family. However, most people do not mention that the number of users is equally important if you live alone. How?

Well, most of us have multiple devices. If you are a multitasker like me, you might find yourself researching on your phone while typing on your laptop, with the TV running in the background. So, the number of users should be your priority as well. 

• Wi-Fi and On-the-Go Options 

Your expensive Internet package is useless unless you have a no-dead-zone home Wi-Fi installed. This is especially important if you like to take work from your bed some days, the kitchen counter the other, and home offices for the rest.

Since remote working is all about freedom, never choose an internet connection that is limited to your home. Choose an ISP that offers the go-free hotspot option as well. This will help you stay connected and work on the go. 

• Data Cap 

While purchasing an internet package for working from home, most people underestimate the importance of data allowance. Moreover, hidden data caps can surprise you. This is the reason most WFH employees prefer a package with unlimited internet.

A good way to ensure that your package is indeed limitless is to go through the terms and conditions. However, if you stick with Xfinity, you will enjoy a good, unlimited data allowance for residential use. This applies regardless of the package you choose.

• Security 

Opting for an affordable internet package does not mean it should cost you your precious data. For personal use, most people do not care too much about data security. However, in the corporate world, data compromise can cost you your job.

When you are on company premises, security is the duty of the IT department. However, in a remote setting, your internet becomes your first line of defense. Reliable ISPs like Xfinity offer xFi Advanced Security to ensure that your data stays safe. 

• Price

For customers on a budget, price can often be a deciding factor. Cheap plans are attractive but this means you are signing up for a low speed, fewer features, or bad customer experience. Make sure you don’t have to compromise on anything, focus on the price and value ratio.

Editor’s Verdict

A good way to gauge value is by comparing the features and price of each package. As a remote worker, “Xfinity Connect” is a very good option. This package offers maximum value without compromising on overall speed or other features.