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You’ve probably heard through the grapevine that 10-digit dialing will soon be required when making a phone call just about everywhere in the United States. But if you’ve been wondering what 10-digit dialing is and why it’s about to be necessary where you live—and what, if anything, you need to do about it—you’re not alone!

To help answer these questions, your neighbors at Northcentral Connect have put together a quick guide to 10-digit dialing. We also provide some handy tips to make the transition as seamless as possible.

What is 10-Digit Dialing—and Why is it Necessary?

Let’s start with the basics: just like the name sounds, 10-digit dialing simply requires that you include the entire phone number (the 3-digit area code and 7-digit telephone number) whenever you call from anywhere to anywhere in the United States, including for local calls.

Stemming from a July 2020 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) updated regulation, starting in early 2024, 10-digit dialing will be required almost everywhere in the country for all calls. Over the past few years, more and more communities, especially rural areas, have implemented the FCC’s 10-digit dialing requirements for local calling.

Indeed, much of America has been using 10-digit dialing for years, but for many people, adding that area code for every call—even local calls—will take some getting used to. But fear not! Though there may be some minor hiccups and inconveniences when they first start using 10-digit dialing for local calls, most people find the transition a piece of cake.

Will Local Phone Calls Cost More Money?

One common concern is that 10-digit dialing may end up costing you more money than before. Well, the answer is “no.”

Any call considered a local call will still be accounted for as a free local call no matter what. So even though you’re adding an area code to the phone number you’re calling, whether to a friend or business down the street or across the town or county, those local calls remain free of charge to you.

What About Long-Distance Calls?

For phone calls that qualify as long-distance, just about everything remains the same as before, too. When you’re making a long-distance phone call, you’ll still need to dial the “1” before the area code and 7-digit number, just like you always did. And whatever costs you had previously incurred for long-distance calling will continue as well.

But for cell phone users, adding the “1” before the area code remains unnecessary! Just be sure you dial all 10 digits with your cell phone. No matter where you’re calling from or to in the country, your cell phone call will go through without needing to add the “1.”

What about Special Services Numbers?

Important service numbers remain totally unchanged by this policy. For example, dialing “911” will still get you in touch with local emergency dispatchers. “411” directory assistance will also work as it always has, as will “211” for other important community services, like children’s health care, public health, mental health, and related services.

Similarly, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline remains the same. In 2022, it was shortened to a 3-digit number (”988”) to make it easier to remember during critical emergencies, but it can also be reached by dialing 1-800-273-TALK. This crucial resource is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Tips for Transitioning to 10-Digit Dialing

Again, the transition to 10-digit dialing is not difficult. For most people it simply comes down to remembering to dial all 10 digits for local calls, including the 3-digit area code, instead of just 7 digits like they previously did. Still, it can take some getting used to, and some people may encounter bumps in the road.

Perhaps the biggest inconvenience consumers face is the need to reprogram all their local phone numbers in their contacts to include the area code (i.e., all 10 digits of the phone number). And yes, this must be done manually, phone number by phone number, for each local contact in the phone’s memory and for every phone you have. And don’t forget to make the changes to your speed dial or favorite contacts, too!

We realize this sounds cumbersome and tedious, so we suggest taking your time and adding a few numbers a day until your contact list is fully updated with the 10-digit phone numbers for every contact.

You might want to break this task down further into groups, like beginning with your family members, and then proceeding to your closest friends, then any doctor’s offices you frequently use, and then any local businesses you often call. Before you know it, your phone will be updated and you won’t even remember fretting over this transition to 10-digit dialing in the first place!

Now that we’ve explained 10-digit dialing and cleared up the main questions and concerns most consumers have about it, we hope you will find it an easy transition to navigate. And for more helpful information on local (and global) communications, be sure to follow Northcentral Connect’s social pages!

Eleven minutes a day. Recent research indicates that all you need of moderate-to-vigorous exercise to see marked improvements in your health! But given the busy lives most of us lead these days, even getting that amount of exercise can prove a challenge.

Fortunately, modern technology makes it easier than ever to get an invigorating and stress-relieving workout from home. And with the rise of smart home technology, exercise at home is more rigorous and effective than ever.

From home gyms with training apps that lead you step-by-step through routines, to devices that measure your heart rate and pulse oxidation, to awesome new fitness gear and equipment, smart home technology is taking at-home exercise to new heights. And Northcentral Connect’s high-speed fiber internet has the speed and bandwidth to keep these devices and apps running clearly and without the distortions or disruptions that plague inferior forms of internet.

Below we highlight six of our favorite equipment, gear, and other smart home gadgets to help you get in shape at home. But remember—you should always consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine.

Smart Exercise Equipment

We begin with the most expensive options for your consideration: smart home gym and exercise equipment. Though these may be beyond the budgets of many families, these products do demonstrate just how far home exercise equipment has come thanks to smart home technology. They may also get you thinking about how much you may be willing to invest over time in high-tech home gym gear.

Lululemon Studio Mirror

Formerly known only as “The Mirror,” Lululemon, the higher-end athletics apparel company, rebranded this increasingly popular—and extremely cool—at-home exercise device. Before it is turned on, the Lululemon Studio Mirror appears as a regular reflecting mirror.

Once it’s operational, however—and connected through its companion app—the Mirror leads you through workout routines of all kinds, including cardio and yoga, essentially simulating an exercise training class. You can even join live classes “through” the Mirror with trainers and other Mirror-users!

Peloton

For those who really want to step up their workout routines without stepping outside their home, Peloton offers a Tread, Bike and Row for at-home workouts.

Each device features a large screen for instructor-led classes, which are available both live and on demand. The associated app also features classes for dance cardio, strength training, yoga, pilates, barre, and more!

The equipment ranges from $1500-$3000+, but the Peloton app is available for just $12.99/month and can be streamed on your TV, phone, or other devices, even if you don’t have Peloton’s equipment.

Tonal

Our most expensive recommendation on this list is for those who are ready to go all-in on an at-home smart gym: Tonal. Clocking in at nearly $4,000, with Tonal, the most dedicated fitness aficionados will find a nearly complete at-home gym, combined with smart tech features that guide you through workouts.

Tonal’s technology is simply superb—and good enough for LeBron James, who’s teamed up with the company! It monitors your progress on each of the many exercises its attachments facilitate, assesses and corrects your form, and even increases intensity as you grow. Altogether, Tonal can help you get the gains you’ve always dreamed of—and at home, too. 

Other Smart Fitness Devices

Our next set of recommendations are for less expensive devices you can use to help keep track of your fitness metrics and overall wellness. We also include a smart home, high tech-take on an old-fashioned, but highly effective cardio exercise aid!

Garmin Forerunner 745

Though many people adore their Apple Watch or other kinds of smart watches, when it comes to tracking exercise-related metrics, nothing beats a solid, dedicated fitness watch—and the Garmin Forerunner 745 is an excellent choice—and value—for most people.

It includes workouts you can undertake both indoors and outside. It also tracks your daily steps and monitors your heart rate, letting you know when it’s time to take a rest. The Forerunner 745 also stores music, so you can keep yourself motivated without needing to rely on your smartphone during your runs or workouts.

Withings Body+ Smart Wi-Fi Bathroom Scale

Obviously, for most people starting or maintaining a fitness routine, keeping track of one’s weight will be a prime objective. And while it’s tempting to pull out that dusty, old scale from the back of the linen closet, Withings Body Composition Smart Scales are much more useful—and accurate—than a typical scale!

Withings’ Smart Scales’ innovative features analyze and track body fat percentages, water percentages, and muscle and bone mass. You can view your progress on your smartphone or tablet through Withings’ app, tracking your results over time. It’s also incredibly accurate, helping people stay more on top of their weight and with greater precision, too.

Tangram Smart Jump Rope Rookie

Lastly, for a fun way to get your cardio at home without needing to break the bank on expensive equipment, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better option than jumping rope, which simultaneously tones your body, too. Today’s technology takes the humble jump rope to the next level with smart jump ropes, such as the Tangram Smart Jump Rope Rookie.

After connecting to your smartphone and its app, Tangram’s Smart Jump Rope tracks and times your jumps, counts the calories you’ve burned, facilitates routines and interval training with other exercises, and stores your progress over time. It’s quite literally leaps and bounds ahead of the simple rope you first used as a child—and a much more serious exercise now, too!

The six recommendations discussed above can get you moving and in shape without needing to head off to the gym. With a relatively modest investment, you can be on the road to better fitness and health, and all the long-term benefits that come with them. It’s just another way that Northcentral Connect’s advanced fiber network helps you get the most out of your home and take full advantage of all the smart home technology being dreamed up every day!

To learn more ways that smart homes can improve your life and health, follow Northcentral Connect’s social pages!

If you’re a parent and you haven’t been asked by your kids to download Fortnite yet, chances are you will very soon! Fortnite is one of the most popular online video games of all time, and gamers of all ages can’t seem to get enough of it. Its rich replayability, genial graphics, and brilliant blend of savvy strategy and intense action have captivated many millions of people around the world—including very likely, your own children.

But like with any other online activity that kids love, parents might have questions and even concerns about Fortnite and how it’s sweeping up young gamers across continents. At Northcentral Connect, we take your family’s online safety and security very seriously. And while we love online gaming as much as anyone, we understand why parents are cautious about any popular internet trend their kids love to engage in. 

In this article, we take a deep dive into Fortnite, briefly explaining what the game is about, why it’s become such a global phenomenon (especially for children) and detail some safety and security settings parents may want to employ. Keep reading to learn more about this game—and why your kids are likely to obsess over it!

What is Fortnite?

First released to the public in 2017, Fortnite is the brainchild of Epic Games, a major producer of video games. Within just three months of its release, over 5 million copies of the game were sold, a truly astounding number for a new game franchise. It very quickly morphed into one of the world’s most beloved video games ever developed.

Fortnite offers an intriguing mix of action and adventure, strategy and survival. Players are quite literally dropped onto an island to play with and compete against up to 100 other players online (depending on the version of the game they play), requiring each player to quickly adapt to the new terrain, think through their plans carefully, develop and maintain teams, and ultimately outwit one another on route to victory.

On each island, there is a treasure trove of weapons, resources, and other items for players to scavenge—items critical to success in the game. Like with other strategy games, players explore their island territory, hunting and collecting resources to build up their defenses. They’ll also build bases, defensive towers and other settlements to prevent attacks from world-generated enemies.

Today, Fortnite is not one game; rather, there are multiple versions of the game available. The original version, Fortnite: Save the World, is a “cooperative” (or “co-op”) game, in which players work together to achieve missions and goals—namely defending the island from zombies. Next, Fortnite Battle Royale expanded the game still further, allowing up to 100 players to play in any one game, while simultaneously providing options for solo or two-player games, or in small groups (called squads) of three or four teammates. Battle Royale’s ultimate goal? Be the last player standing!

A third version, Fortnite Creative, is a “sandbox game”, where players can more freely roam and discover the lands they encounter and craft and build on them. Another version, Zero Build, focuses on tactics rather than on building up structures and communities. In this way, players can select the type of game they want to play—whether emphasizing base-building, cooperation, or winner-take-all battling—depending on the version of Fortnite they’re up for playing.

Fortnite’s graphic design is more cartoonish than many other similar games, which simulate more lifelike features. That design decision seemingly “tones down” the intensity of the game, and helps broaden the appeal to younger audiences. But don’t confuse cartoonish with amateur—the graphics and effects are outstanding and a considerable draw for players of all ages.

Why Do Kids Like It?

The cartoon-like graphics are not Fortnite’s only appeal to children, however. The game is incredibly compelling—and much to the chagrin of some parents (or even players), even addicting! Like similar games, building structures, crafting tools and weapons, and defending and protecting yourself and your teammates turns out to be enormously satisfying, as well as challenging. And with seemingly endless varieties of factors and variances, especially on the island terrains the game is played on, Fortnite is eminently replayable.

Apart from its exciting gameplay and visual appeal, the social aspect of the game is another major draw for kids. Children can play Fortnite with another friend, or even more collaboratively with a group of friends. They can also text and voice call each other as they play. Thus, it’s a less isolating experience than many other video games can be.

Potential Parental Concerns about Fortnite

Fortnite has been rated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board as “T” for Teen. That means it’s deemed suitable for children ages 13 and up. Other online watchdogs and parental advisory groups, such as Common Sense Media, concur with the “T” rating, citing Fortnite’s interactive chat feature and not-insignificant amounts of violence.

The social aspect of the game means that kids can interact with other players, which could raise some parents’ eyebrows in the same way any other online interactive social media app or program can. Fortnite also includes firearms and related gun-violence, as well, which some parents may feel uncomfortable about.

Fortnite’s Safety and Security Settings

Given Fortnite’s popularity with kids, it’s natural for parents to want to exercise caution, and the programmers seem to respond to their concerns. For starters, Epic built parental controls and settings right into the game.

Some of these parental controls are both strong and protective, especially for online social interactions some parents may be wary of. For example, one Fortnite setting can be activated requiring a parent to approve any new friend with a special PIN number before your child can play with, chat and otherwise interact with that person. Other settings limit texting and chatting even further, allowing chatting with pre-approved friends only or completing turning off chat with anyone—including friends.

For parents worried that their kids may be playing Fortnite too much, Epic created a weekly playtime report that parents can receive via email. It details the number of hours your children play Fortnite, so that their other priorities (i.e., homework, exercise, and extracurricular activities) can be balanced. Epic even lets parents filter out inappropriate language by toggling a setting that detects offensive language in text chats and replaces them with heart shapes.

Fortnite’s popularity continues to endure, and parents are likely to face decisions on whether to let their kids play it whether solo or with their friends. We hope parents are now better armed with both basic knowledge about the game and the parental control tools and settings Fortnite offers so that they can make informed choices that are best for their families.

And for more helpful tips on online safety, be sure to check out Northcentral Connect‘s social pages. We’re here for you!

With the ever-increasing number of devices in use at any one time at home or in the office, many internet users may experience the frustration of sluggish internet. Slow downloads, glitching streams, and dropped video calls can all happen when your internet connection isn’t up to the challenge.

While fiber internet, such as the high-speed fiber broadband network delivered by Northcentral Connect, can make an enormous improvement in the quality, speed and reliability of your internet, there are other steps you can take to make your internet even better. And if you’ve already upgraded to Northcentral Connect’s fiber internet, you also owe it to yourself to make sure you’ve got the Wi-Fi hardware necessary to get the most out of our fiber in every corner of your home!

Keep reading to learn more about mesh networks, including Northcentral Connect’s mesh network products and services and how they can make your internet experience the best it can be.

What is a Mesh Network—and How Do They Work?

A mesh network is simply a patchwork of internet devices setup across your home or business that are interconnected together to disperse internet throughout an area that may not be reached by a single router. Each device in the mesh network—the main router and smaller devices commonly called “nodes”—is linked to one another, transmitting internet around their interconnected network.

To establish a mesh network in your home or business, you will need to invest a modest amount of money in some hardware (i.e., the router and the nodes).  After acquiring that equipment, they must be strategically placed throughout your home or business and in any area you wish to access the internet.

Once set up, the mesh network will work seamlessly—as if they were just one single unit—communicating internet data far more quickly and reliably than ordinary ranger extenders.

What Equipment Is Needed for a Mesh Network?

The most important piece of equipment needed for a mesh network is a more up-to-date router. Indeed, many internet customers are still using antiquated routers that fail to take advantage of all that Northcentral Connect’s high-speed fiber has to offer!

The latest Wi-Fi technology is called Wi-Fi 6. Also known as 802.11ax, Wi-Fi 6 is a substantial improvement over earlier forms of Wi-Fi and can handle fiber’s massive bandwidth and speed capabilities. Its dispersal prowess is also better, and it can communicate with other devices—especially mesh network nodes—more efficiently.

Next, you will need to set up mesh nodes throughout your home. These smaller nodes receive a signal from the Wi-Fi router, helping to form a nexus of internet connectivity in your home or business—as if they were one unit transmitting a signal together.

There’s an element of strategy necessary to this step to ensure your network eliminates all dead zones, but we’re available and happy to assist you with this process!

Do I Really Need a Mesh Network?

Some customers may be wondering if they need a mesh network.  After all, they may already have range extenders in their home. Well, if any internet user has been experiencing lag or disruptions, it may very well be time for an upgrade to a mesh network.

The biggest difference between ordinary range extenders and a mesh network is that, unlike a range extender, a mesh network and its interconnected nodes is designed and engineered to work together as a single unit. That sort of connectivity and advanced technology just can’t be matched by ordinary range extenders.

Mesh networks really show off their value when you have many users (or even guests) at any one time. Too many devices streaming and chewing up bandwidth and internet at once creates a real strain on streaming—not to mention on family relationships!

Mesh networks and their sophisticated technology, however, can help alleviate this strain. And if you also utilize Northcentral Connect’s advanced fiber internet, which is the fastest, most reliable internet you can get, the combination of fiber and a mesh network at home will turbocharge your internet experience even further.

Northcentral Connect’s Mesh Network Plans and Services

Northcentral Connect offers mesh network plans and services that can be set up in your home or business. Our team of technicians and network professionals can help you assess the “dead zones” in your home, as well as the high-trafficked areas you’re most likely to need internet.

Plans and pricing will vary depending on the size of your home, and other factors like the number of walls or floors in the home. But with Northcentral Connect’s mesh network offerings and phenomenal high-speed fiber internet, your streaming will be considerably better, and more people can work on their devices simultaneously than ever before and without interruptions or slowdowns.

So when you’re ready to take your internet to the next level, reach out to the friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives at Northcentral Connect. We can discuss your options and explain how their mesh network plans and services can make all the difference for your internet experience.  And for additional tips to enhance the performance of Northcentral Connect’s high-speed fiber internet in your home or business, check out our social pages!

From its start as a DVD rental delivery service to its modern-day standing as movie and TV series production powerhouse, Netflix is one of the world’s most iconic entertainment brands.

Its ever-changing library of streaming titles provides countless hours of binge time, as well as award-winning exclusive content. And with fiber internet from Northcentral Connect, you can enjoy it all without buffering, freezing, or crashing!

But Netflix subscribers have access to other perks and benefits beyond its vast selection of films and shows. Read below to learn some of the other benefits of a Netflix subscription that you can take advantage of today!

Workout and Exercise Routines

Though Netflix is usually associated with lounging around on the couch, there is another benefit to a Netflix subscription that doesn’t get nearly enough attention—its partnership with Nike and its training and workout routines. Yes, before you settle down for the day, you can enjoy a guided workout through the Netflix app!

To provide this benefit, Netflix teamed up with Nike, one of the world’s leading athletics and fitness brands. The Nike Training Club provides a wide array of exercise and workout routines for people of all ages, body types, and levels of fitness and strength.

Whether you’re learning the basics, developing your core, or looking to lose weight, the Nike Training Club videos on Netflix can get you off the couch and keep you moving. The trainers are knowledgeable and engaging, helping to encourage you and motivate you to push yourself further. We especially like that you can sort the routines by the amount of time you have to exercise, whether it’s just a quick 10 minutes or a more complete 30-minute workout.

Best of all, you don’t have to go to a gym or even leave the comfort of your living room to start improving your fitness—with your Netflix subscription, you can get a solid workout routine at home.

But if you do prefer the amenities of your local gym, you can also access the Nike Training Club workout routines and videos on the mobile Netflix app. The extra flexibility of your Netflix app lets you enjoy your routines outdoors, like in a park or at the beach, or even (when you’re ready) at the gym!

Before you begin, just remember to consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

Yoga and Stretching

In addition to getting in shape through Netflix’s partnership with Nike for workout routines, a Netflix subscription includes another excellent perk that’s sure to improve your health and well-being—guided yoga routines. Like the workouts, Netflix’s yoga features are provided by Nike Training Club, where experienced yoga instructors carefully guide you through the stretches and poses of this ancient practice.

Netflix currently has multiple Nike Training Club series dedicated to yoga. Two of them are more general yoga pose practices and exercises with different teachers and styles. Additionally, in 2022, a special Vinyasa-inspired yoga series was launched with six episodes devoted to that unique tradition of yoga.

Gaming on Your Mobile Devices

After you’ve exercised and enjoyed a relaxing stretch routine, it’s time to check out another awesome feature many Netflix subscribers don’t even realize they have: Gaming! In addition to having one of the most extensive streaming content libraries anywhere, Netflix also lets you game on its mobile apps for smartphones and tablets. 

And Netflix’s game library is surprisingly large as well. It currently includes more than 55 games in many different genres. For example, you can enjoy relaxing simulation games like Country Friends, where you can create and maintain a farm. Or play Townsmen: A Kingdom Rebuilt, and build an awe-inspiring village around a castle. Or dive into one of many adventure games, including one based on Stranger Things! You can even play a dating simulation game if you’d like!

All you need is your Netflix subscription, an iPhone or Android-based phone, an internet connection, and enough space on your phone to download and install the games, and voila—you can play to your heart’s content.

For more helpful information about how to make the best of Northcentral Connect’s advanced fiber network, follow our social pages!

In a span of just a few decades, our world has witnessed a technological revolution that has transformed the way we live, work, and communicate. From the advent of personal computers and the internet to the rise of smartphones and cloud computing, technology has developed rapidly in our lifetime.

But with each innovation comes a need for more internet bandwidth that can handle the increase in data usage. That’s why the dial-up connection that powered your home just fine in the 90’s simply can’t cut it now that your house is full of smart TVs, smart home assistants, smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Today’s digital ecosystem demands far more bandwidth than ever before. Traditional copper-based networks, which weren’t originally designed to deliver internet, are already struggling to keep up with the surging traffic. That’s why Northcentral Connect is proud to offer fiber internet, the only technology built for internet and with plenty of room to continue scaling up bandwidth for homes and businesses.

This is only going to become more important as technology continues to evolve and require more bandwidth in the years to come. In today’s blog, we take a peek into the future and consider some of the new technologies on the horizon—exciting innovations that our fiber is built to handle!

Superior Smart TV Resolution and Picture Quality

Though 4K HDR resolution remains the current top-of-the-line technology for most home entertainment television consumers, smart TV technology is evolving to out-do itself yet again. The next generation of hi-res televisions expected to hit markets in the coming years will be 8K—and its picture quality is as magnificent as you’d expect!

Also referred to as Full Ultra HD, 8K smart TVs pack a whopping 7620×4320 pixels—double the quantity of pixels that 4K can deliver. 8K resolution is almost unimaginably stunning, with brilliant, sharp imagery and color contrasts. Perhaps most impressive, 8K resolution allows smart TV manufacturers to increase the size of their products even more, taking the current industry standard of the already-huge 75-inch smart TV into the 82-to-98-inch range!

8K is not expected to be widely in use for the home entertainment market for another few years, but, once it’s more commonly available, you’ll need an internet connection capable of handling the data necessary to bring it alive on your screen. Only fiber has both the speed capabilities and generous bandwidth to pull this off reliably—and the ability to advance along with other changing technologies, as well.

Innovations to Virtual Reality Will Enhance Home Entertainment Experiences

Though Virtual Reality (VR) has been with us for a while, in many ways, this amazing technology is still very much in its infancy. And its applications in everyday life are expanding as well. Along with Augmented Reality technology, VR can take entertainment to new heights—and make people feel part of the experience, instead of merely being spectators.

Already a not-insignificant part of gaming and video entertainment, recent enhancements in VR technology are making it possible for users to “attend” live events through VR. In fact, over the next few years alone, the power of VR is expected to let fans truly experience the thrill and energy of live music concerts from the comfort of their own home! And beyond just their favorite artists’ individual concerts, music lovers can even feel enveloped by 360-degrees of immersion at famous music festivals, too!

VR is also expected to enhance other kinds of live events. With cutting-edge VR devices, spectators can watch live sporting events and feel like they are right in the stadium or arena, cheering along with tens of thousands of their fellow fans. More practical uses of VR are likely too, including creating “virtual conferences” and meetings, where participants will feel like they are part of their community or right next to their colleagues and co-workers at team meetings.

Again, only fiber’s sophisticated technology can handle the enormous quantities of data necessary to make VR a reality in your home. Its download and upload speeds are faster than just about any other kind of internet, and its bandwidth isn’t shared with other users in your community, which can slowdown or even freeze connections, greatly hindering VR’s incredible effects.

Rise of the Robots!

Though it may seem like something out of The Jetsons, robotic technology has advanced so greatly over the past quarter century that pretty soon, we’re all going to be seeing a lot more of them in our daily lives! And as robots continue to progress even more—and get even “smarter”—we will likely experience their benefits and conveniences more frequently, too.

Robot vacuum cleaners are nothing new, but they are getting increasingly more intelligent and efficient. Engineers are taking their designs to the next level, developing robots that can mop floors and even clean windows! Home robot cleaners are also expected to become more integrated into smart homes, making these handy home robots more responsive to your needs and controllable by your smartphone, tablet or even your voice.

Other robots can help your family in more complex ways. Schoolchildren can take advantage of at-home robot tutors to facilitate learning and help them get over the speedbumps of learning deficiencies. Hailed by parents and educators alike, robot tutors can make reading, math and science just more interesting, as children inherently enjoy interacting with these futuristic creations. They’ll even make completing homework assignments a lot more fun! The future portends greater advances in robot-facilitated education, including the use of robots as teachers’ aids in classrooms, too.

Robots are also expected to help meet another critical need in our increasingly isolated society—the need for companionship. Particularly important for seniors, robots’ “social intelligence” is advancing exponentially, forging connections between themselves and their human owners. Even robot pets are becoming more life-like, as well as more responsive to their owner’s care and affection.

These are just three examples of ways technology will continue to develop and demand more bandwidth in the years to come, which is why we believe fiber is worth the investment. We’re excited to keep our communities connected for many years to come!