(BPT) - Just like electricity, broadband is now part of daily living. It keeps us productive at work, entertained at home, and connected to friends and family near and far. It is at the heart of how we work, play and communicate. For so many, the virtual world has become a deeply valued pathway to education, entertainment, community and friendships.

Today, more than 50% of U.S. households have access to fiber broadband, and in the next four years, that number could rise as high as 75%, according to the Fiber Broadband Association. People are relying on the internet more than ever.

In fact, home internet use has nearly doubled in the past five years. The average household now streams, games, works and connects across multiple devices, consuming about 700 gigabytes of data each month.

But not all broadband is created equal, and choosing the right internet provider matters. Here are five features to look for to help you have safe and reliable online experiences:

Futureproof innovation. Technology moves fast, especially in the era of AI, and your broadband should keep up. Look for internet providers offering Wi-Fi 7, the latest generation of Wi-Fi, which delivers faster speeds, more reliable connections, smoother gaming and streaming, and supports an ever-growing number of devices.

Personalized services that fit your lifestyle. The best internet providers focus on delivering great experiences - not short-term discounts. They offer tailored plans with features like traffic prioritization for work calls or gaming, content controls to protect children, and advanced security that keeps your IoT devices running smoothly. By choosing an internet provider that prioritizes experience, your household gets a reliable home network experience today that adapts to your needs tomorrow.

Safety and security. Prioritize internet providers that make online protection simple and transparent. Look for provider mobile apps with dashboards that show blocked threats, parental controls to safeguard kids from cyberbullying or harmful content, connected security cameras to monitor your home, and identity monitoring and theft protection. In the first half of 2025, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission received 748,555 reports of identity theft - a sharp rise from 2024 - underscoring why strong cybersecurity matters.

Self-service and convenience. Managing your internet should be as easy as managing your bank account. A good internet provider lets you pay bills, check your network, and troubleshoot from an easy-to-use app. Bonus points if they offer flexible installation options and real-time support through chat or notifications.

Wi-Fi beyond the home. People today live their lives on the go, so Wi-Fi coverage should extend beyond the home to outdoor and shared community spaces. Imagine working from a café, streaming at the community pool, or staying connected at a neighborhood concert. All with the same reliable connection you have at home.

"Choosing the right internet provider can shape your family's daily life and strengthen your community," said Calix Chief Customer Officer John Durocher, who leads a team of experts helping internet providers launch innovations that transform lives. "Today, speed at a fair price is table stakes. The best providers go beyond speed - they deliver exceptional experiences that make life simpler, safer and more connected."

With the right internet provider, you can experience the many benefits of having a secure, connected home. Wi-Fi powers remote work and school, doorbell cameras that parents can check from an app, and lag-free video calls for remote workers. Kids can do homework indoors, on the patio or even at the park, while seniors connect their tablets effortlessly for safe, reliable online experiences.

"The needs of residential subscribers are not static; they are always expanding because technology is always advancing," added Durocher. "An excellent internet provider will deliver new capabilities and features before you even know that you need them."

For more information and to look up an innovative internet provider near you, visit BlastWiFi.com/locator.