STREAMING SERVICES SPOTTING BANKING SCAMS
What the tech?!
Does technology sometimes make you want to mumble or mutter words that you shouldn’t say in polite company? There’s no doubt the world has changed significantly since the Internet Revolution of the mid-1990’s. Tech is evolving more quickly than ever as Artificial Intelligence (AI) expands its reach globally. Here at The Sentinel, we have seen a huge change as more of our readers consume our content online. And yet, we constantly hear from readers who tell us they don’t have a computer, don’t use cell phones or don’t have reliable access to the internet.
So not everyone wants, needs or is able to use technology the same way. Yet oftentimes, we may be forced whether we like it or not to use technology for better or worse. Additionally, technology via texts, emails, or computers can bring with it fraud whether through a scam or virus.
So we hope this edition can answer some of the questions our readers may have about the internet, scams, streaming services and other-related topics. If you have an idea for a future tech topic we can cover, please email us at marketing@lewistownsentinel.com or feel free to use “snail mail” by dropping us a letter using the triedand-true paper and ink!
Bank Smart, Stay Safe: Spotting Scams in a Digital World
Submitted by MCS Bank
In today’s interconnected world, staying vigilant against digital scams is more crucial than ever, especially for seniors who may be targeted due to perceived vulnerabilities. Understanding common scam tactics can empower you to protect your personal and financial information.
1. The “Account Suspension” Alert
You might receive an email or phone call claiming your bank or online account has been suspended due to suspicious activity. The message urges you to click a link
or provide personal information to reactivate your account.
Stay Safe: Legitimate institutions will never ask for sensitive information via email or unsolicited calls. If in doubt, contact your bank directly using official contact details.
2. The “Debt Collection” Threat
Scammers may call, asserting you owe money and face legal action if you don’t pay immediately. They often use high-pressure tactics to instill fear.
Stay Safe: Verify any debt claims by contacting the creditor directly. Never provide payment
or personal information to unsolicited callers.
3. The “Tech Support” Trick
An unexpected call or pop-up message claims your computer has a virus. The scammer offers to fix the issue remotely, requesting access to your device and payment.
Stay Safe: Reputable tech companies do not make unsolicited support calls. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.
4. The “Grandchild in Trouble” Plea
Stay Safe: Always verify the caller’s identity by asking questions only your real grandchild would know. Contact other family members to confirm the situation before taking any action.
5. The “Too Good to Be True” Offer
An email or message informs you of a lottery win or inheritance, requiring you to pay a fee to claim the prize.
Stay Safe: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Never send money or personal information to claim a prize you didn’t enter to win.
You receive a call from someone claiming to be your grandchild, stating they’re in trouble and need money urgently. The caller may plead for secrecy.
Protecting Yourself
•Be Skeptical: Always question unsolicited communications, especially those requesting personal or financial information.
•Verify Sources: Contact organizations directly using official channels to confirm any claims.
•Secure Your Information: Never share passwords, Social Security numbers, or bank details with unknown parties.
•Report Scams: If you suspect a scam, report it to local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov.
Staying informed and cautious can help you navigate the digital landscape safely. Remember, it’s always okay to say no and seek advice when something doesn’t feel right.
Simplifying Your Technology: An Introduction to Managed Service Providers
Submitted by One Stop Communications
In today’s business landscape, technology is not just a tool; it is the engine of your entire operation. From the computer you work on to the cloud where your data lives, every component needs to function flawlessly. For many businesses, this brings up a critical question: who manages all of it? While some may have a dedicated IT person, a growing number of companies are discovering the comprehensive benefits of a Managed Service Provider, or MSP.
So, what exactly is an MSP? Think of it as having an entire team of technology experts on retainer for a predictable monthly cost. It is far more than just an outsourced IT department that you call when something breaks. A true
MSP acts as a strategic partner, proactively managing your technology infrastructure to prevent problems before they can disrupt your business. This approach goes well beyond simple computer repair.
A partnership with an MSP typically encompasses a suite of essential services. This includes day to day IT support for your team, but also critical back end functions. For instance, reliable cybersecurity is the cornerstone of any MSP offering. In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are at an all time high, an MSP implements and manages multi layered security protocols, from firewalls and antivirus solutions to employee training, to protect your company’s most valuable assets. Being prepared is no longer an option, it is a necessity for survival. Furthermore, an MSP handles vital
data backup and disaster recovery solutions. They ensure that your critical business information is regularly backed up, secure, and can be restored quickly in the event of a system failure, natural disaster, or cyber attack. This provides business continuity and invaluable peace of mind. Many also manage cloud storage solutions, allowing your team to collaborate securely from anywhere, and oversee equipment maintenance, ensuring your hardware is up to date and running efficiently to maximize its lifespan and performance. One of the most powerful aspects of the MSP model is its scalability. The level of support can be tailored to your specific needs, making it a viable and valuable solution for businesses of any size. A solopreneur working from their garage can gain access to enterprise level security and backup solutions
that would otherwise be unattainable. A small business with a dozen employees can offload the burden of IT management to focus on growth. A large organization with multiple offices can supplement their internal IT team and gain specialized expertise. The landscape of business is constantly evolving, and technology is at the forefront of that change. Partnering with an MSP is an investment in stability, security, and efficiency. If you are a business owner, it is always worth exploring what a local Managed Service Provider can offer. They can provide a technology roadmap that not only solves today’s challenges but also prepares your company for the opportunities of tomorrow.
Mobile Networks Unlocked: Understanding Carriers and MVNOs
Submitted by One Stop Communications
Choosing a mobile phone plan can feel overwhelming. You are bombarded with competitive offers, flashy commercials, and technical jargon. Two terms you will often encounter are mobile carrier and MVNO. Understanding the difference between them is the key to finding the best service for your needs and your budget.
First, let’s define the players. A mobile carrier, more formally known as a Mobile Network Operator (MNO), is a company that owns and operates the physical infrastructure of a cellular network. This includes the cell towers, servers, and all the technology that makes your phone connect. In the United States, the major carriers are AT&T, Boost Mobile, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
A Mobile Virtual Network Operator, or MVNO, on the other hand, does not own its own network infrastructure. Instead, an MVNO leases network access wholesale from one of the major carriers and then sells it to consumers under its own branding. Companies like Mint Mobile and Cricket Wireless are well
known examples of MVNOs.
To show how dynamic this industry is, the lines between these categories are beginning to blur.
Some companies now operate in a hybrid model. For instance, Boost Mobile, long known as an MVNO, is in a unique position. Its parent company, DISH Network, is actively building out its own national 5G network infrastructure. This allows it to function as both an MVNO by using partner networks for nationwide coverage, and increasingly as a carrier on its own growing network.
So how does this affect the service you actually receive? Since an MVNO leases network access, its customers connect to the very same network of towers used by the major carrier. This is a key point that is often misunderstood: your coverage, call quality, and data speeds are coming from the identical source. Therefore, an MVNO is not an ‘inferior’ service, but rather a different business model for accessing that same reliable network.
The differences lie in the business operations. Because MVNOs do not have the massive expense of building and maintaining a national network, their overhead is significantly lower. These savings are
often passed on to the customer in the form of more affordable, flexible plans. You may find more prepaid options or plans without long term contracts from an MVNO.
When you are shopping for a mobile provider, here are a few things to consider. First, identify which major carrier has the most reliable coverage in the areas you frequent most, like your home and workplace. Once you know that, you can confidently shop from the major carrier itself or any MVNO that runs on its network. Next, consider your data needs, budget, and customer service preferences. Major carriers may offer more perks like bundled streaming services, while MVNOs often focus on providing straightforward, cost effective mobile service. Do not be swayed solely by all the hype. The “best” option is the one that provides reliable coverage where you need it, at a price you are comfortable with. By understanding the relationship between carriers, MVNOs, and the new hybrid models, you can look past the sales pitches and make a more informed decision.
Your Internet Questions, Finally Answered
Submitted by One Stop Communications
Understanding your internet service can be confusing. Between technical terms and competing technologies, it is hard to know what you really need. As local technology and internet experts, we have answered some of the most common questions to help you become a more informed consumer.
1. What do Mbps and Gbps actually mean?
Mbps stands for “megabits per second” and Gbps stands for “gigabits per second.” These are units of measurement for internet speed, indicating how much data can be transferred every second. Since one Gigabit is 1,000 Megabits, a 1 Gbps connection is ten times faster than a 100 Mbps connection.
2. What is the difference between download and upload speed?
Download speed is how fast your connection can pull data from the internet to your device. This is important for streaming video, loading websites, and downloading files. Upload speed is how fast you can send data from your device to the internet. This matters for video calls, online gaming, and uploading large files like photos or documents.
3. How much speed do I really need?
This depends entirely on your household’s usage.
For basic web Browse and email, 25-50 Mbps might be enough. For a family that streams 4K video, plays online games, and has multiple people working or learning from home, a connection of 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps would provide a much smoother, buffer free experience.
4. What is Fiber internet?
Fiber optic internet uses thin strands of glass to transmit data as pulses of light, making it the fastest and most reliable type of internet connection available today. It offers symmetrical speeds, meaning your upload speed is just as fast as your download speed, which is a significant advantage for modern internet use.
5. I see ads for 5G Home Internet. Is that the same as having 5 Gbps speed?
This is a very common point of confusion. The “5G” in 5G Home Internet refers to the “5th Generation” of wireless technology, not a speed of 5 Gbps. While 5G is a major improvement over previous wireless technologies like 4G LTE, its speed and reliability can be affected by distance from the tower, physical obstructions like walls and trees, and network congestion. A 1 Gbps fiber connection will deliver significantly faster and more consistent performance than a typical 5G home internet plan.
6. What is Fixed Wireless or Over the
Air (OTA) internet?
In many rural areas where laying fiber cables to every home is not feasible, Fixed Wireless is an excellent high speed solution. A signal is broadcast from a local tower to a small receiver installed at your home. Today’s advanced Fixed Wireless technology can deliver very fast and reliable connections, often far exceeding what is possible with satellite or older DSL technology.
7. Is Fiber always better than Fixed Wireless?
Fiber is generally considered the gold standard due to its incredible speed and stability. However, modern Fixed Wireless is a powerful and dependable alternative that brings high speed internet to areas that would otherwise be underserved. A quality Fixed Wireless connection from a local provider is vastly superior to older, slower options.
8. Why does my internet slow down at certain times of the day?
This is often due to network congestion. On some types of networks, like cable or certain wireless technologies, you are sharing bandwidth with your neighbors. When everyone gets home from work and starts streaming or gaming, the shared connection can slow down. Dedicated connections, like fiber, are not typically affected
Questions
by this neighborhood congestion.
9. What is latency or “ping”?
Latency, often measured as “ping,” is the delay it takes for data to make a round trip from your device to a server and back. Low latency is critical for activities that happen in real time, like online gaming and video conferencing. Fiber and Fixed Wireless connections generally have much lower latency than satellite internet.
10. How important is my Wi-Fi router?
Extremely important. Your router is like the traffic cop for all the devices in your home. You can pay for a super fast internet plan, but if your router is old or underpowered, it will create a bottleneck and you will never experience the full speed you are paying for.
11. What’s the difference between Wi-Fi and the internet?
The “internet” is the service you purchase from a provider that comes into your home. “Wi-Fi” is the wireless network created by your router that distrib-
utes that internet connection to your devices. If your internet is out, your Wi-Fi will not work.
12. Why should I consider a local internet provider?
A local provider offers several distinct advantages. When you call for support, you are often speaking with a neighbor who understands the specific challenges of your area. Technicians are part of the community, leading to quicker response times and more personalized service. They have a vested interest in building a great reputation right here at home.
13. What are data caps, and what does it mean when your internet is “throttled”?
A data cap is a monthly limit on the total amount of data you can download and upload. Think of it like a mileage allowance on a car lease. Once you use up your data allowance for the month, your provider may charge you overage fees. This is common on satellite and many mobile data plans. This is where throttling comes in. Throttling is the act of your provider intentionally slowing down your internet speed. Your fast connection might be reduced to a crawl, making streaming or even Browse difficult.
The two are often related. Instead of charging fees,
Subscribe to the Sentinel? Here’s how to get your login credentials for digital access
Many of our loyal readers who subscribe to The Sentinel may not be aware that with a paid subscription comes full online access to the newspaper. Here’s how to get a login so that you can access The Sentinel on any device.
Step 1: Associate an email with your subscription by calling or stopping in at The Sentinel office.
Many of our longtime subscribers don’t have an email associated with their account, which is necessary to log in to the Sentinel website or Sentinel All-Access. Our circulation department will setup your email in our subscription system.
Step 2: The Sentinel will contact you with a password for your account. Once
The Sentinel has your email and the name and address for an active subscription, we will contact you within a day to provide you a password for your Sentinel account
Step 3: Log in with your email address and password. See the next article for more details on how and where to log in.
a provider might severely throttle your speed for the rest of the month after you hit your data cap. More subtly, even some “unlimited” plans have a soft cap or a “deprioritization threshold.” Once you use a very high amount of data, your provider may throttle your speeds during times of network congestion to manage traffic. This is why an unlimited plan can sometimes feel slow near the end of your billing cycle. The best way to avoid both issues is to seek out a plan with truly unlimited data, a standard feature for most modern fiber and quality fixed wireless providers.
14. Can weather affect my internet connection?
It depends on the type. Fiber optic internet, being a physical cable underground, is immune to weather interference. Fixed Wireless can be affected by extreme weather events, but modern systems are built to be very resilient. Satellites are the most susceptible to interference from heavy rain, snow, or even dense cloud cover.
15. How can I test my internet speed accurately? For the most accurate result, use a computer connected directly to your router with an Ethernet cable and run a speed test from a reputable website. Testing over Wi-Fi can give you a lower result due to signal interference or the limitations of your device.
How to access The Sentinel on your device through a
There are three main ways you can read The Sentinel online, whether with a smartphone, tablet or computer.
1. Reading posted articles at www. lewistownsentinel.com
Most of the articles found in the printed version of The Sentinel are found on our website, lewistownsentinel.com. For non-subscribers, a limited amount of page views are available monthly,
subscription
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Here is the place to log in on The Sentinel homepage:
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2. Viewing an E-edition of The Sentinel with
TECH EDITION
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Subscribers can also view a replica of The Sentinel pages daily using our All Access platform. Readers can view the e-edition on a computer by clicking “Today’s Paper” at the top of The Sentinel home page, lewistownsentinel.com.
Once on the sign-in page, simply enter your email and password to access the e-edition, including a full archive of e-editions from the past three years.
Subscribers can also view a replica of The Sentinel pages daily using our All Access platform. Readers can view the e-edition on a computer by clicking “Today’s Paper” at the top of The Sentinel home page, lewistownsentinel.com.
Once on the sign-in page, simply enter your email and password to access the e-edition, including a full archive of e-editions from the past three years.
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The Sentinel All-Access also has an app that you can download on your smartphone or tablet. Simply go the Google
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Many subscribers who see love getting the printed Sentinel also enjoy having digital access, especially if they are on vacation or want to read the paper early, before their Sentinel is delivered. All Access also has an archive so you can search by keywords from articles and views newspapers from over three years back. If subscribers are having issues logging in or don’t know if they have an email associated with their subscription, please call 717-248-6741 and press #2 (Newspaper Delivery) to reach the Circulation department.
Streaming television services- worth the subscription?
From staff reports
Gone are the good old days when a person could just have one affordable cable or satellite TV subscription and get all the channels and shows they wanted and needed. Today, we live in the “Wild West” of television, where cable TV, streaming services, and streaming live TV options all intersect and co-exist. Linear television, which is the traditional way households watched broadcast channels over a cable or satellite subscription, is slowly fading away. Younger viewers don’t want to watch a show at a pre-determined time, instead, they want to stream the content they want to see whenever they desire. It can be frustrating especially for folks who don’t have adequate internet at their residence or for someone who simply doesn’t want highspeed internet. And if you’re a Penn State football or Phillies fan, you might risk missing a big game as more live sporting events go to streaming services like Amazon Prime Video or Peacock.
Even “cord cutters”, the term used for those who canceled their cable or satellite service, have become frustrated as more and more (and more) streaming services pop up. Some cord cutters have found that they are now paying as much for their streaming platform subscriptions as they almost were when they paid Xfinity or DirectTV each month. They may feel forced to subscribe to a certain streaming service for just one show or movie they really want to see. Once you subscribe, even if you just want the free trial, it’s often difficult to unsubscribe or easy to forget when a renewal deadline is coming up. So let’s start at the top.
Why is there a myriad of viewing options today?
Simply put, high-speed internet. Over-the-top streaming services like Netflix, YouTube TV or Amazon Prime Video can only exist because of high-speed internet. Twenty years ago and before, video couldn’t load fast enough over the internet, but now you can watch live television over the internet just like through a cable line, provided you have enough internet speed or cellular data.
What do you need to get a streaming service?
A streaming service requires a viewer to have home internet or cellular data to view video on a television, tablet or phone. If you don’t have fast (or any) internet at home, you likely won’t be able to subscribe to Peacock, Netflix or similar services. The good news is that many rural homes are finding reliable internet through local providers or even the Starlink satellite service.
Why are streaming services showing live events and sports that I used to see on network TV?
Money talks. These services are trying to stay relevant and make money through more subscribers. Because live events and sports are often the trigger that will cause a potential customer to subscribe (at least temporarily) to a streaming service, huge sums of money are being bid to secure exclusive rights to live events and sports that viewers want to see in the moment, unlike a movie or show.
For example, Netflix recently purchased the rights to WWE Raw for $5 billion US dollars, which previously had been on the USA Network on linear television. As more live sporting events migrate to streaming services, people who only have cable or satellite will start to feel more neglected and
frustrated, as it becomes more complicated to find out where an event is being shown and how to get it.
In the following table, we’ll breakdown both streaming services like Netflix, as well as live TV streaming options like YouTube TV and Hulu Live. Live TV streaming services basically compete directly with cable and satellite providers like Xfinity, Zito Media or Dish Network. To watch these services on a television, a user will need either a smart TV or a television that is operating a streaming device like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, or Apple TV.
Live TV Streaming Options (require high-speed internet in the home)
YouTube TV:
YouTube TV, which is owned by Google, provides a similar experience to having cable. Subscribers get their local stations (NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, PBS) for the market they live within. For most of our readers, this would be the Harrisburg-Lancaster affiliates like WGAL NBC 8. Be aware, this service does not offer History Channel, A&E or Lifetime. Most other common channels are included. Base plan for $59.99 for the first two months and $82.99 after.
• Five-day free trial
• Over 100 Live channels
• Unlimited DVR space, and ability to view TV on the YouTube TV app on a smartphone or table
Fubo sometimes offers free trials, which is a great way to check out a service and see if you like it. Live many live services, they offer special bundles, like Latino or MASN bundles.
Elite Plan: $74.99 for the First month and then $94.99 Monthly
• Regional NBA, NHL, and MLB games
• 299 Channels
Hulu + Live TV:
Hulu offers 100 channels of live content and has a bundle deal that includes Disney and ESPN streaming services. Hulu does carry A&E, History Channel and Lifetime, unlike its competitor YouTube TV. However, you can’t get BBC America, NBA TV and AMC on Hulu, while they are carried on YouTube TV.
Hulu (without ads) + Live
TV ESPN Plus, Disney Plus, (Ads on select live and linear content): $95.99 Monthly ($82.99 with ads)
• Live Tv plan includes sports channels
• Over 95 channels including sports, children’s channels, news, and entertainment.
• Unlimited DVR
Streaming
services
(These services offer limited live offerings and often have lots of original shows and movies as well as many older programs and mov-
ies. Be aware, that what is on a streaming service one month may go away the next month.)
Hulu
Hulu offers classic sitcoms like The Wonder Years, cult classics like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and original shows such as the docuseries Call Her Alex. Plenty of movies are also offered. Hulu pricing below reflects the many bundles offered with the service.
Hulu with Ads: $9.99 Monthly
Hulu without Ads: $18.99 Monthly
Disney Plus and Hulu, with Ads: $10.99 Monthly
Disney Plus and Hulu without Ads: $19.99 Monthly
This service is owned by NBCUniversal so it includes many of the past and current offerings from NBC, Bravo, Oxygen, Telemundo and MSNBC. Most NBC shows
Fubo Live TV:
Peacock
such as The Voice or Saturday Night Live can be streamed the next day on Peacock. Fans of The Office can watch the entire series including super-sized episodes. There are original shows like Poker Face, starring Natasha Lyonne, and classic movies like Jaws and new releases including Wicked.
Some Big Ten football games as well as all Sunday Night Football NBC broadcasts are shown live through the Peacock service, and on Saturday, Dec. 27 there will be an NFL game shown exclusively on Peacock this year. The service offers lots of live golf, horse racing, soccer, track and other sports as well.
Wrestling fans will appreciate the huge library of WWE content like old Wrestlemania payper-views, as well as access to all current WWE premium live events such as Summer Slam. Philadelphia sports fans who want to cut the cable cord can now subscribe to NBC Sports Philly through Peacock for an additional $24.99 per month and gain access to Phillies, Flyers and Sixers games.
$7.99 Monthly or $79.99 Annually
Peacock Premium:
$13.99 Monthly or $139.99
Annually
• No Ads
• Local NBC live 24/7
• Available to stream on web browsers, mobile devices, Fire TV and Fire Tablet, Android TV, Apple Tv, Chomecast, Google TV, Hisense, LG Smart TV, Vizio, etc.
TECH EDITION
Get all the Disney content your heart desires with this service. Whether its kids’ shows or Star Wars original programming like The Mandelorian or Andor, Disney Plus has it and more. Marvel movies, National Geographic programs, and Disney throwbacks all reside in this service
Disney Plus Basic: $9.99
Monthly
Disney Plus Premium (No Ads): $15.99 Monthly or $159.99
Annually
Paramount Plus
This service is owned by CBS, so most CBS content will stream the next day on PP. For subscribers who don’t have local channels, this service gives you the live local CBS channel (WHP-TV CBS 21 in our market), so you can watch local NFL games on Sundays or NCAA “March Madness” basketball games. The channel offers plenty of original shows like Landman or 1923. New movies like Sonic 3 and old classic shows such as Cheers are included.
Paramount Plus with Ads: $7.99 Monthly or $59.99 Annually
Paramount Plus Premium (No Ads): $12.99 Monthly or $119.99 Annually
• CBS Live
• No Ads
• All Showtime Originals
• Both plans come with a one week free trial.
Apple TV+
This service has leaned in on producing original shows and movies that will motivate subscribing. Heard or Ted Lasso or Severance? These are Apple TV shows, and now the service is also throwing a lot of money at live sports. Under an agreement between MLB and Apple, Apple TV+ has exclusive rights to stream two games every Friday across a 25-week timeframe in the baseball season. That means Phillies fans will miss a few Friday games each year unless they subscribe to the service or at least sign-up for a free trial. Soccer fans who watch MLS will need Apple TV+ to watch some games or MLS pass to see every match. $9.99 Monthly
• No Ads
• One Week free trial
• Three months free when you purchase an Apple device
Netflix
The “OG” of streaming services. Most people know Netflix for its selection of movies and shows, but they are moving steadily into the live event arena, with WWE Raw as well as NFL games. The service will carry two exclusive NFL
games on Christmas Day 2025, including a clash between the Cowboys and Commanders. The highly anticipated Happy Gilmore 2 movie will be released on Netflix in July. Additionally, new seasons of popular shows like The Sandman and Squid Game are our now or very soon.
Standard with Ads: $7.99 Monthly
Standard with no Ads: $17.99 Monthly
• Watch on 2 supporting devices
• Add member for $6.99 with Ads or for $8.99 without Ads
Premium plan: $24.99 Monthly
• Watch on four supporting devices at once
• Spatial audio
• 4K viewing
• Add up to two members for $6.99 with Ads or $8.99 without Ads
If you have Amazon Prime, which provides free shipping on certain orders and other benefits, Prime Video comes with your subscription. This service also has live sports offerings, with exclusive rights to the NFL’s Thursday Night Football games, as well as one Black Friday and Wild Card Playoff game. Like all the other services, Prime Video offers a plethora or both original and classic movie and show content.
$8.99 Monthly for Prime Video alone or Included with a $14.99 Amazon Prime account.
There are plenty of other streaming options (some live, some not) that aren’t covered in the list above, such as Pluto, Acorn, Roku TV, Sling TV and others. Some of these services are specific to a genre like Acorn, which streams lots of British and other Euro television.
In the end, each person needs to decide if it’s worth the cost and hassle to subscribe to any service, whether they keep their cable/satellite subscription or not.
How much would it cost to have live TV plus all the streaming services above?
Let’s say you wanted to cut your cable, and go with all the services above plus have live TV with local channels. Hulu + Live bundles would be your best option, as well the basic streaming options from all other services. The cost to get Hulu + Live, Disney, Peacock, Apple, Paramount, Amazon and Netflix would be $125.94 (with ads), but that’s BEFORE you factor in your monthly internet cost. Your cost for internet will depend on where you live and what options and speed you choose. Cutting “the cord” may still save you in the long run, but streaming costs are only likely to increase over the next few years. So maybe find a “techie” in your family and let them help you sort through all the costs, equipment and logistics if this all makes your head swim!
Contributing to this report was Mina Phillips, Sentinel intern
Disney Plus
Amazon Prime Video
Answers to your fiber-based internet questions
Article courtesy of Black Bear Fiber
Rural Pennsylvanians deserve access to high-speed internet and cutting-edge technology to power their work, education, and entertainment, regardless of where they live.
The founders of Black Bear Fiber, David and Laura Gibbons, were born and raised in central PA. In 2015, they launched Centre WISP to bring internet connectivity to unserved or underserved areas of the state. In 2021, the Gibbons saw an opportunity to bring even better connectivity to the Keystone State by building a network built on the fastest, most reliable internet technology in the world: fiber optic cables. Fiber internet offers faster speeds, more reliability, and enough bandwidth to ensure a smooth connection on every device. With the goal of bringing that cutting-edge technology to central PA, Black Bear Fiber was born. Black Bear Fiber currently operate a fiber to the home
network that is servicing customers in Belleville, State College, Bellefonte, Spring Mills, Centre Hall and beyond.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about fiber-based internet…
How fast is fiber-based internet?
Fiber-based internet is the fastest and most reliable internet available in the area with speeds of up to a gigabit per second.
What are the advantages of switching to fiber-based internet?
A fiber-optic network provides the fastest and most secure internet possible. Having a faster connection makes it easier to access and enjoy the many opportunities available online. Education, business, entertainment, home security, and more can all benefit from a
secure, reliable fiber network. With a fast, fiber-based internet connection, you could enjoy…
• Faster upload and download speeds
• Smoother streaming (without waiting for videos to buffer)
• Increased security with the latest home security systems
• Access to the latest smart technologies for healthcare, home automation and more
• Smoother online gaming
• The ability to use multiple online devices simultaneously
Do I have access to this high-speed, fiber-based internet in my home?
To find out if Black Bear Fiber internet is available in your location—or to register your interest in bringing the service to your street—visit the Sign Up page at blackbearfiber.com/contact-us/
Common financial scams that target seniors
Financial scams are as old as the concept of currency. But consumers’ vulnerability to scams has seemingly increased in the twenty-first century, when the Internet and devices like smartphones have enabled scammers to gain access to potential victims’ financial information and even gain virtual entry into their homes.
Seniors are targeted by financial scammers with such frequency that the term “elder fraud” has entered the English lexicon and is now widely recognized as a notable threat to individuals age 60 and older. In recognition of that threat, the Elder Justice Initiative aims to support and coordinate U.S. Department of Justice efforts to combat financial fraud that targets older adults. Those efforts are ongoing and include a number of initiatives to educate older adults about elder fraud, including warning seniors about some notable scams that criminals use to target older adults.
• Social Security Administration Impostor Scam: When perpetrating this scam, criminals typically contact prospective victims via telephone and falsely claim that suspicious activity has prompted the suspension of their Social Security number. Scammers may also indicate money must be withdrawn from a potential victim’s bank and stored on gift cards for security’s sake. It’s important to note caller ID spoofing is often utilized when perpetrating this scam so an incoming call appears to be coming from the Social Security Administration.
• Tech Support Scam: This scam involves criminals claiming to be representatives from widely recognized companies who are calling to inform seniors that viruses or malware have been detected on their devices. Some also may claim a target’s computer
has been hacked. The Federal Trade Commission notes perpetrators of this scam pretend to be tech support and request victims enable them to remotely access their devices or computer. Granting such access provides an avenue to view sensitive information, but scammers also may diagnose nonexistent problems and charge a fee. But the scam does not
always stop there. Some call back later and offer a refund to account for services that can no longer be rendered or to correct an overcharge. The scammers then request victims’ specific banking details under the guise of “correcting” these alleged oversights.
• Lottery Scam: The lottery scam involves scammers calling potential victims and informing them they have won a foreign lottery or sweepstakes. Perpetrators of this scam typically identify themselves as lawyers, customs officials or lottery representatives. The telemarketers behind this scam may be based in Jamaica, but the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica warns that those behind the scam will ask winners to pay various fees, including shipping and customs duties, until victims’ funds are exhausted.
• Romance Scam: The FTC warns that wildly popular dating sites, social networking platforms and chat rooms provide opportunities for scammers to identify and exploit potential victims. The aim of these scams, which many victims are too ashamed to report even after they realize they’ve been victimized, is to convince targets to send money in the name of love. But the EJI warns that online love interests who ask for money are almost certainly scam artists. These are just a handful of the many ways that modern scammers target seniors. More information about these and other scams is available at justice. gov/elderjustice.
