Several rural areas in Missouri will soon have access to broadband internet thanks to the ongoing efforts by Charter Spectrum to keep people connected. The company has seen that those who live in rural areas are sometimes at a disadvantage when it comes to internet services because lines don’t pass through close enough to their homes or because companies simply don’t want to expand. Roughly 60,000 businesses and homes could benefit from the expansion with areas including St. Louis, Lincoln, and St. Charles.

Costs

This venture will cost millions of dollars to complete as over $248 million will be spent in Missouri alone. More money will be spent in rural areas if Charter decides to make other expansions in the future. Charter Spectrum has dedicated at least $200 million for the investment to expand with another $48 from grants and auctions that have been won. The cost of the entire project to expand internet services to rural areas could be close to $5 billion once everything is put in place. The company wants to focus its efforts on at least 24 states with rural areas where higher internet speeds could be beneficial.

Notes From the Governor

Governor Mike Parson is ready for the growth to begin as he knows that many families have children who need faster internet to take classes online or to perform work after school with ease. There are some homes that don’t have internet at all and would be able to possibly work from home or connect with family and friends if they had the services provided by Charter. The economy could also begin to thrive if more businesses are able to utilize internet services to place orders or to connect with others who might have input about how to sell products or offer services.

Government Input

Senator Roy Blunt has seen the need during the pandemic as families aren’t really able to provide the education that their children need without internet services. Some families have had to rely on libraries and free hotspots so that children can do their homework. Blunt is pleased with the money that’s being spent on the expansion and wants to encourage further growth so that even more families and businesses can get the internet services that they need. He is also in support of grants and other types of funding so that companies like Charter have the financial means to make the growth happen.

What’s Offered?

Homes and businesses will have access to 1 Gbps high-speed internet once the expansion takes place. The speed will be at 200 Mbps to get everyone started. This speed is typically fast enough to allow for research that needs to be done for homework, interacting with teachers and class members online, and engaging with doctors and nurses during virtual appointments.

There is a package that is offered by Charter to make the internet services offered as affordable as possible. Spectrum Mobile and television services are included in the package, but residents and businesses aren’t required to obtain those services. There are no data caps for the services provided, which means that those who have internet through Charter Spectrum don’t have to worry about how much internet they have used during the month or if the service will be slowed down until the next billing cycle begins. No modem fees are involved, and there are no long-term contracts to sign.

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If you want to save money on your internet bill each month or you’re struggling to make sure your bills are paid and need internet in your home, here is some information that you want to read about. There’s a new Emergency Broadband Benefit that is meant to help families due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial situations that have occurred. The goal of the benefit is to help keep families connected so that they can look for work, work from home, and stay in classes.

The Basics

A discount of up to $50 will be offered by the benefit for those who qualify. You do need to complete an application to see if you’re eligible. Those who live on Tribal Lands could qualify for up to a $75 discount on their broadband internet bill. If you’re eligible, you can get a $100 discount that can be used toward various types of equipment that are needed, such as a tablet or a laptop. Families would need to pay more than $10 but less than $50 toward the overall price of the equipment and would need to purchase the items from a company that participates in the benefits program.

Eligibility

There are a few criteria that you need to meet in order to be eligible for the benefit that’s offered. One person in the home needs to only meet one criterion out of a long list. The household income needs to be at or below 135% that is determined by the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You would also be eligible if your household receives SNAP benefits, Medicaid, or Lifeline. If someone in your home receives free or reduced lunch or breakfast through a school program, then you would likely be eligible. You would be eligible if you received a Federal Pell Grant during the designated time period for the program. If you have had a significant decrease in your income since February 29, 2020, then you would likely be eligible. Keep in mind that you would need to have an income of less than $99,000 if you’re single and less than $198,000 if you file with someone else. Some providers have their own criteria that you would need to meet as well.

Applying

You can apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit program in a few different ways. Your internet provider should have information about whether or not it’s participating in the program. If the provider is participating, then you can apply through the company. This is usually the easiest way to apply as the provider will know how much the discount would be and can directly apply it to your bill. Another way would be to apply through the GetEmergencyBroadband.org website. All of the details about eligibility criteria are posted on the website as well as an application. You can also see a list of service providers if you want to contact a company and apply that way. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can call 833-511-0311 to talk to have an application mailed to you that you would then send back to the address listed on the form. You would need to send in proof of your eligibility with your application in order for it to be processed. Once you know how much your family qualifies for, you can then talk to your provider about obtaining equipment and getting a discount on your bill.

The post How The New $50-A-Month Emergency Broadband Benefit Works appeared first on RVCJ Media.

Sometimes, internet companies will increase your bill after you’ve been with the company for a few months or at the end of your contract. This increase is usually gradual so that it’s not noticed right away. With some companies, you might notice a significant increase at one time with claims that it’s attributed to a better connection or higher speeds. If you don’t want to change internet providers, there are a few ways that you can negotiate with the company to try to get your bill lowered.

Speed

You can usually lower your bill by asking to decrease your internet speed. The higher speeds are typically more expensive because you’re asking for the company to provide a better connection for your home than it does for another home. Look at how much you download and upload as well as some of the tasks that you perform with the internet in your home or business to get a better idea as to the internet speed that you can comfortably have. You’ll likely find that the speed can be lowered without impacting what you do each day.

Be Nice

When talking with the provider, you want to be as polite as possible instead of being mean and demanding. If you can talk to each other like adults, then you’ll find that most companies want to work with customers and are willing to offer a lower rate instead of losing the customer altogether. Even if the representative is rude, you still need to try to maintain your composure and can always speak with a supervisor if you feel that the representative isn’t professional.

Equipment

When you have internet service connected, you’ll usually be asked if you want to use the provider’s equipment. If at all possible, try to use your own modem and router. This will usually save you money each month as many companies attach fees to your bill while you use their equipment. If you’ve been using the company’s equipment and you send it back, then you need to let someone know as soon as possible so that the portion of your bill associated with the modem and router is removed.

Bundle

Sometimes, you might enjoy using one company much more than another. This is when you can negotiate with the company to get a better deal by bundling multiple services. Most internet providers can offer internet, television, and phone services together so that you only have one bill each month. As you add more services together, you can usually save even more money on your bill. Pay attention to the channels that are offered with the television service. If you stream services, you want to make sure to eliminate the streaming or the television so that you don’t pay for the same channels through two bills.

Compare

When you tell your internet provider that you’ve found a cheaper service somewhere else, then you’ll usually find that the provider will offer to lower your bill so that you stay with the company. Most companies don’t want to lose customers because they’ll lose revenue. They would rather offer a lower monthly rate so that they can keep that customer and possibly gain new customers once you refer the provider to others instead of you telling other people not to use the provider because you can’t negotiate.

The post Negotiation With Your Internet Service Provider appeared first on RVCJ Media.

Internet and TV providers like to advertise or lead their new potential customers to their bundle packages that give you multiple services together. The most common bundle package subscribers choose is internet and TV. If you’re shopping for internet and TV together or apart, you might be wondering if an internet and TV bundle is really as good as it sounds and will it be right for your family.

While you certainly don’t have to bundle your TV and internet service if you don’t want to, however, there are some benefits to bundling up if you choose to do so. Here are five reasons why you should bundle your TV and internet service together. Let’s dive in. If any of these reasons sound appealing to you, bundling your TV and internet may be the best solution for your family.

1. One Convenient Bill

Bundling your TV packages and internet service together means you’ll receive one convenient bill for both services instead of two or three. This can help prevent extra late fees if you forget to pay your bill and makes putting together the family budget much simpler.

2. Price Break On Both Services

The easiest way to start saving on TV and internet service is to bundle them together. Many providers will give you a price break on both services when you bundle. You could save anywhere from $10 to $50 a month depending on which provider and bundle you choose. Just be careful to choose a bundle that is actually right for your family and not one that just sounds good because of how much you’d save. If you just make your decision based on the potential savings you’ll receive, you may find yourself still overpaying for both services.

3. More Freebies When You Sign Up

TV and internet providers are known to offer huge incentives to new customers that sign onto their service. These incentives include things like free installation, prepaid gift cards, streaming devices, extra channels, faster internet speeds, more data or no data caps, whole home Wi-Fi service, waived equipment fees, contract buyout programs and more. The deals you can get depends on what providers you choose and services you subscribe to.

4. Faster Internet Or More Channels

When you decide to bundle sometimes providers will give you free upgrades like faster internet speeds, better equipment, more equipment and other incentives if you bundle the internet with your TV service. It’s your provider’s way of saying thank you for your extra service by bundling. These free upgrades are usually to give you a better experience in hopes you’ll stick around longer as their customer with little effort afterwards on their part.

5. You Actually Need Both Services

If you’re looking for both TV and internet service, why not get them together? If you’re happy with one service through your chosen provider, it’s likely you’ll be happy with them providing your other service as well. Bundling will save you time and could save you money as well. It only makes sense to at least consider it as an option.

The post 5 Reasons Why You Should Bundle Your TV & Internet appeared first on RVCJ Media.

India is a cricket crazy nation and for some people, cricket is no less than a religion. It is also true that the cricket board of India which is the Board of Control for Cricket in India is the richest cricket board of the world and the Indian cricketers also earn pretty good. However, the statement as per which the Indian cricketers earn pretty good doesn’t hold true in case of Indian women cricketers as there is a huge difference in the salaries of men cricketers and women cricketers.

When it comes to men cricketers, the BCCI awards them annual contracts in four categories – A+ (Rs. 7 crore), A (Rs. 5 crore), B (Rs. 3 crore) and C (Rs. 1 crore). But as far as women cricket is concerned, there are only three categories – A (Rs. 50 lakh), B (Rs. 30 lakh) and C (Rs. 10 lakh).

It is quite obvious that the salaries of women cricketers are less than men cricketers because women’s cricket is not as popular as men’s cricket and it also doesn’t generate much revenue but what has startled everyone is the fact that even the lowest contract amount of men cricketers is more than the highest contract amount of women cricketers. In simple words, the lowest salary of men cricketers which is Rs. 1 crore is 50 percent more than the highest salary which a women cricketer will get.

Twitterati was quite upset with such treatment meted out to Indian women cricketers and they went on to slam the BCCI for being biased as it is the board which is responsible for ensuring that women cricket is promoted more and women cricketers play more matches but BCCI is spending less funds on the development of women’s cricket.

Here are some of the reactions:

#1

A 'Grade C' male cricketer gets twice as much a 'Grade A' female cricketer would. #BCCI #India https://t.co/GPhKSbT72G

— Manasi Pathak (@ThatUnitedLady) May 19, 2021

#2

To add a bit of context, of the 26 per cent of BCCI surplus (excluding IPL) distributed among cricketers: Senior international men get 13 per cent, Senuor domestic men get 10.4, women and junior cricket get 2.6 per cent.
Yess, 2.6 per cent. Promotion of sport, you see!!!

— Amol Karhadkar (@karhacter) May 19, 2021

#3

BCCI announces packages for India Women.

The usual frugal amount compared to their male counterparts.

Sexism on Indian cricket Twitter will now bifurcate into:

1. Brazen sexism. Women, hence.

2. Sexism in the guise of capitalism. Profits generated, hence.

As always.

— Abhishek Mukherjee (@SachinAzharCT) (@ovshake42) May 19, 2021

#4

A Grade C India men's player earns INR 1 Crore. The three players in India women's highest pay grade get only half of it. The Women's team may not fill your coffers, but they have no obligation to it. The onus on increasing their commercial value is responsibility of the BCCI.

— Venkata Krishna B (@venkatatweets) May 19, 2021

#5

This gender pay gap is outrageous! It must be corrected immediately https://t.co/IpjzCzcvz2

— Faye DSouza (@fayedsouza) May 20, 2021

#6

‘Let women’s cricket generate as much revenue and interest as men’s cricket. Then they can get more games and money’ …
… is a silly argument precisely because it is part of the bcci’s job to ensure women get more opportunities and for their matches to generate more revenue

— Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) May 21, 2021

#7

India's #WomensCricket team aren't given the respect and value, as compared to the #MensCricket team. We need to host an #ipl for women too, then see the interest and value they get

— Shane Albuquerque (@shane5114) May 20, 2021

#8

1. "Women don't play as many matches, so they don't deserve par salary"

Women players don't have agency over fixtures – it is up to the BCCI to schedule regular games for them. They don't deserve to be paid peanuts because BCCI could not care less about them playing.

— mahu's thoughts dot blogspot dot com (@originalmiks) May 19, 2021

#9

In IPL lowest pay is 20 lakhs for 2 months, while a women cricketer is getting 10 lakhs for one whole year “too much equality?”

— abhinav aggarwal (@abhinavaggarwa1) May 20, 2021

#10

First of all, it's not about the money, it's about kind of structure created by men where they continuously remind women that, listen lady that's your place in society and don't ask for more.
And cover up it withwell that's all about demand and supply and we believe in equity.

— Lokesh Yadav (@Lokesh49554273) May 20, 2021

#11

When both genders work equally hard, then the pay should be equal too

— Akshita (@Akshita05306363) May 20, 2021

Pay disparity among the two genders have always been a matter of concern but as per many Twitter users, this much difference is certainly equivalent to insulting the women community. What do you have to say on this matter? Let us know.

The post BCCI Gets Slammed For Pay Disparity, Men Cricketers Get Rs 7 Crore & Women Get Just Rs 50 Lakhs appeared first on RVCJ Media.

James Neesham, the New Zealand cricketer, has been quite active on the social media networks and he certainly tries to answer the questions asked by each and every fan and follower. However, sometimes the Kiwi cricketer comes up with really funny replies which also display his wittiness and good sense of humour.

Recently, a follower asks James Neesham whether he will be able to take the wicket of the Indian skipper Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma in the final of the World Test Championship. This is what the online user, “Do you think you can get the wicket of @imVkohli or @ImRo45 in the #WTCFinal?”

Do you think you can get the wicket of @imVkohli or @ImRo45 in the #WTCFinal ?

— Aakash Mandal (@iamakki135) May 20, 2021

James Neesham responded with, “I would say that’s very unlikely”.

I would say that’s very unlikely https://t.co/S2YO22loW5

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) May 20, 2021

India and New Zealand are going to face each other in the finals of the World Test Championship in June at Southampton and both the sides have announced their squads. James Neesham won’t be able to take the wicket of Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma or any other Indian batsman as he is not a part of the Kiwi test squad. New Zealand has announced a 20-member squad under the leadership of Kane Williamson and they will be playing a 2-match test series against England before clashing with India in the WTC final.

James Neesham made his test debut in the year 2014 but he hasn’t been a part of the Kiwi test squad since 2017. He has played 12 test matches in which he has scored 709 runs and has taken 14 wickets as well.

Another Twitter user tried to warn James Neesham by telling him that if he has Bitcoin, he should sell it otherwise he will be in loss. Here is what online user wrote, “JIMMY if you have Bitcoin please Sold it, Otherwise u gonna be in Lose”.

James Neesham gave a pretty hilarious reply as he wrote, “Actually you only lose money WHEN you sell”

Actually you only lose money WHEN you sell https://t.co/TvdsoiCSni

— Jimmy Neesham (@JimmyNeesh) May 20, 2021

That was quite funny, wasn’t it?

The post Jimmy Neesham Responds To Fan Who Asks, “Can You Get Wicket Of Virat Or Rohit In WTC Final?” appeared first on RVCJ Media.

The Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been in the news constantly in the recent past, whether it is because of his interview in which he accepts that he is losing confidence as he is not getting enough chances to play for India or due to his social media gimmick for which he posts a photo of himself getting vaccinated while sitting in the garden.

Recently, Kuldeep Yadav’s teammate and Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal opened up on the matter of Kuldeep Yadav mostly warming the bench. One of the biggest reasons for Kuldeep’s exclusion from the team is the comeback of Ravindra Jadeja in the squad.

In 2017, Jadeja was dropped from the Indian team for the shorter formats and at that time, Kuldeep and Yuzi used to play with the team and Hardik Pandya was also in the team then. Pandya who is known for his hard-hitting style of batting is also a medium pacer but because of his injury in 2018, Ravindra Jadeja got the chance to make a comeback.

While talking to a sports channel, Yuzi said that Ravindra Jadeja was included in the team after Hardik Pandya got injured and he is an all-rounder who can also bat at the seventh position in the team. Chahal added that unfortunately for them, Ravindra Jadeja is a spinner, if he had been a medium pacer like Hardik Pandya, they both (Chahal and Kuldeep) would have played together.

Yuzi and Kuldeep played quite a few matches together after the Champions Trophy 2017 but for the last two years, Kuldeep Yadav has been finding it difficult to play for the team.

Chahal added that he and Kuldeep played 50-50 percent matches in the series and a team is of 11 players who are chosen based on the combination and Kuldeep was not fitting into the combination. Yuzi also says that he will still be happy even if he doesn’t get the chance to play but the team is winning.

Presently, Yuzvendra Chahal is getting ready for the tour of Sri Lanka, however his performances in the recent past have not been as per expectations whether it is for the Indian team or his IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The post Chahal Opens Up On Kuldeep Yadav Not Playing Enough For India, Says Jadeja Is The Reason appeared first on RVCJ Media.