Resource Center
Welcome to the Shop Like Sam Resource Center — your guide to understanding internet and TV services, choosing the right plans, and saving money. Here, you’ll find simple explanations, expert insights, and practical tips for every step of your connection journey. Whether you’re setting up service for the first time, comparing providers, or troubleshooting your Wi-Fi, this is the place to start.
Explore Our Guides and Tools
Each guide below helps you make informed decisions about your home connectivity and entertainment setup. Learn how to compare plans, optimize your internet speed, and find value in bundles.
Choosing the Right Internet Plan
Learn how to assess your household’s internet usage, understand download and upload speeds, and select a plan that delivers enough bandwidth without overpaying. Includes a breakdown of what speeds different activities require.
Improving Wi-Fi Coverage at Home
Find simple tips for improving signal strength, reducing dead zones, and setting up mesh networks for whole-home coverage. We also explain how routers, modems, and gateways work together to deliver your connection.
Understanding TV Service Options
Compare traditional cable, satellite, and live TV streaming platforms. Discover how to balance channel variety, cost, and viewing flexibility based on your family’s habits.
How to Find the Best Internet Deals
Explore ways to save money on your monthly bill through bundles, promotions, and low-income assistance programs such as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
What Is Fiber Internet?
Understand how fiber-optic technology works and why it’s faster and more reliable than traditional cable or DSL. Learn how fiber is being deployed across the country and what benefits it offers for streaming, gaming, and remote work.
Fiber vs Cable vs 5G vs Satellite
See how different types of internet connections compare in speed, reliability, availability, and cost. Learn which one makes the most sense for your location and online activities.
Tips for Smarter Decisions
- Check availability first: Every provider’s coverage map is unique. Always verify by ZIP code for accurate results.
- Review long-term costs: Compare introductory prices with regular rates and any equipment or data fees.
- Know your speed needs: More speed isn’t always better—choose based on your household size and habits.
- Read provider terms carefully: Pay attention to contracts, installation fees, and customer satisfaction ratings.
- Consider bundles: Combining internet and TV often lowers your total monthly cost.
Popular Topics in the Resource Center
Internet Speed Guide
Learn how internet speeds are measured, what affects them, and how to test your connection for accuracy.
Streaming vs Cable
Understand the pros and cons of cutting the cord, how streaming platforms compare, and how to maintain reliable streaming quality.
Wi-Fi Router Buying Guide
Discover how to pick the right router or mesh system for your home size, device count, and speed tier.
How to Lower Your Internet Bill
From negotiating with your provider to switching at the right time, here’s how to save without losing performance.
Who We Create Resources For
- New Movers: Find checklists and tips for setting up internet and TV in a new home or apartment.
- Families: Compare multi-user plans and entertainment bundles that keep everyone happy.
- Remote Workers: Learn what speed, router setup, and backup connections keep productivity smooth.
- Rural Households: Explore satellite and fixed wireless options that keep you connected off the grid.
- Students & Budget Users: Get advice on finding reliable, affordable internet for studying and streaming.
How We Keep Our Information Accurate
The Shop Like Sam editorial team continually reviews provider data, updates pricing and plan details, and simplifies complex technical information. Our goal is to make your research easier by delivering clear, trustworthy, and current information on every page.
We independently verify provider details and never sell placement in our editorial guides. Transparency and accuracy are at the core of what we do.
Get Started
The best way to use our Resource Center is to explore topics that match your situation—whether that’s finding faster speeds, saving money, or understanding your options. Enter your ZIP code on the main comparison page to see real-time internet and TV availability near you, then return here anytime for guidance on getting the most value from your plan.