How Do Families Prepare for Back-to-School?

The internet has become as essential as pens and notebooks. According to telecompetitor.com, 85% of Americans view internet access as a utility, with average speeds reaching 209?Mbps download / 62?Mbps upload. But what does your household really need to support students?

Back-to-school shopping habits have evolved—families are strategic, tech-savvy, and budget-conscious. According to recent findings:

• 56% of parents are concerned about product availability and check stock in advance. Many people now start shopping early to avoid surprises.
• 20% of parents began shopping in June, nearly double the 11% the previous year.
• 70% of consumers say social and creator content influences what they buy for school supplies.
• 33% of parents plan to use social media to assist in back-to-school shopping, which is a rise of eight points year-over-year.
• 40% of parents expect to buy used or refurbished items this season, up from 35%. Especially for electronics and apparel.
• 18% of shoppers intend to use AI tools to find deals and manage their purchases.

What’s clear is every family has its own approach. Social media now acts as a virtual shopping assistant, helping parents discover products, compare prices, and read authentic reviews via short-form videos and creator content.

But the internet isn’t just powering shopping habits—it’s become a vital school supply. Students need reliable internet access to complete homework, attend virtual classes, and collaborate on group projects.

What Should Students Look for in an Internet Plan?

Reliable internet is just as essential as pens and notebooks, but navigating plans can feel tricky. Here’s what you should prioritize when choosing an internet plan to support a successful school year:

1. Fiber Internet with No Data Caps or Throttling
   1. Data caps limit how much you can do online, be that streaming lectures or submitting large assignments. Once you hit the cap, speed throttling can make online tasks painfully slow. EarthLink’s fiber internet plans come with no data caps, ensuring students can focus on their education worry-free.
2. Speed That Supports Student Needs
   1. Many students require internet speeds of 25 Mbps or higher for homework, video calls, and online research. For households supporting both students and remote workers, faster speeds like 100–800 Mbps ensure seamless multitasking across multiple devices.
3. Flexibility for College Students
   1. College students tend to move frequently and often share living spaces. Flexibility is key:
      1. Can the service transfer easily to a new location or roommate?
      2. Are there early termination fees?
      3. Can bills be conveniently split among roommates?

EarthLink provides plans with flexibility to match students’ dynamic lifestyles, from no-fee transfers to hassle-free support.

Key Takeaways for Back-to-School Internet Success

Putting this all together, here’s a quick checklist for finding the ideal internet plan as school begins:

• Students often need at least 25 Mbps for homework and research.
• Homes with multiple devices should opt for 100–800+ Mbps to avoid slowdowns.
• Fiber internet offers the best combination of speed and reliability.
• Plans with no data caps or throttling keep internet running smoothly all month.
• College students benefit from flexible plans that simplify moves and billing.
• Summer is the perfect time to evaluate and upgrade your internet plan.
• Need help? Chat with EarthLink’s Internet Experts at 866-618-0264 to find the best plan for your home!

Make Back-to-School Stress-Free with EarthLink

EarthLink understands how important reliable internet is for families. With no data caps, fiber-fed reliability, and plans tailored to your needs, we’ve got your back.

Need advice on picking a plan? Call our friendly Internet Experts today at 866-618-0264 or visit our website to see what internet options we offer in your area. With EarthLink, this back-to-school season is all about setting your household up for success.