The Chicago Bears formally introduced new head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles on Monday as the two met with the media for the first time since their hirings became official last week.

One thing is clear, Poles views the Bears as being in a position where they can retool the roster and contend soon. Poles alluded to the recent success of the Cincinnati Bengals as they were the worst team in the NFL in 2019 and are now headed to the Super Bowl after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday

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The day started with George McCaskey speaking on behalf of the Chicago Bears at their press conference. Of course, we all knew this was coming so that they could introduce Ryan Poles as the new general manager and Matt Ebeflus as the 17th head coach in franchise history.

Each of them gave a very nice introduction about themselves before taking questions from the media in attendance. They each did a very good job and made a solid first impression. As of now, it seems like the Bears are on the right path with these two.

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The Chicago Bears had their first-ever presser led by Ryan Poles and Matt Eberflus as the general manager and head coach of the organization. It went very well and everyone should be very excited about how these two plan to move this franchise forward.

Of course, it started with George McCaskey introducing himself and bringing in Poles. When Poles first came up, he was incredibly emotional when talking about his family, people he had previous working relationships with within the Kansas City Chiefs organization, and everyone that helped him get there.

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If you’re one of the millions living in Chicago, you’re one of the lucky ones. The city offers its residents a choice from a variety of providers. Residents can find high-speed and reliable internet connections at affordable prices. 

In today’s day and age, this variety is necessary. Every one of us needs access to a stable broadband connection for a number of reasons. Whether you work from home, study from home, or stream your favorite TV shows, an internet connection is a must. 

Chicago has thirty-two internet service providers in the city. To help you narrow down the choices, we have listed the top internet providers in the city. However, before we get to that, take a minute to understand the types of connections that are available to you. 

Types of Connections Available In Chicago

Choosing the right ISP can be a lot easier if you understand some of the technical jargon. ISPs in Chicago offer its residents internet services through five different technologies. By learning what they are, you can make a better choice for your household. 

Satellite Internet

Satellite connections are available all over the USA. If you have a view of the southern sky, you can get access to a satellite connection. While the connection is widely available, there are some concerns you would have to deal with. Because the data has to travel between satellites, there can be some serious delays and lags when you use the internet. But, if you live in a rural and unconnected area, this may be the only choice available for you. 

In most cases, a representative from the ISP will visit your house to install a dish on the roof that connects to the satellites. Once the connection is established, your household will be connected to the internet. Today, satellite connections offer speeds of up to 100 Mbps, with increased reliability. 

Fixed Wireless Internet

Fixed wireless internet connections are an alternative for rural and underserved areas. ISPs offering fixed wireless install an antenna, smaller than the ones used for satellite, at your residence. This antenna links up with the wireless hubs on the ground in your area to create an internet connection. 

For a stable connection, you are required to place the dish under an open sky. Physical obstructions such as trees, hills, and other structures can act as a barrier and reduce the quality of the connection. The farther away your house is from the wireless hub, the lower the speed of the connection. 

Internet Protocol Broadband (IPBB)

IPBB is a type of DSL connection, marketed by AT&T. This term is used to describe the technology which is a hybrid of DSL variants. Simply put, IPBB is just another way to describe a fast DSL internet connection. The connection can offer a speed between 25 Mbps to 100 Mbps but is slower than cable and fiber connections. 

Cable Internet

Cable internet offers its users a high-speed connection by using cable TV infrastructure. As ISPs use the existing coaxial cables, they do not have to install new ones. This makes the connection easily available in most urban and suburban areas. 

Cable connections can offer high internet speeds of up to 300 Mbps in download speeds. But, is only capable of offering 50 Mbps when it comes to uploads. The connection is widely available in Chicago and can be purchased at affordable prices. 

Fiber Internet

Fiber internet is the fastest type of connection on the market. Its one drawback is that it isn’t widely available. Laying the infrastructure, to provide more users with fiber internet connections is very expensive. And ISPs are trying their best to increase fiber coverage gradually. 

Fiber internet uses fiber-optic cables to transmit data between devices. The speeds can reach up to 70% of light speed and offer speeds of up to 1 Gbps. With such high speeds you can perform any task, regardless of the number of devices and members there are in your household. 

Internet Providers in Chicago

Now that we understand what types of connections there are available, we can discuss the choices available. Every ISP differs from the others in some ways, whether it’s the prices, bundled packages, services, or availability in your area. Read on to see the connections offered by the listed ISPs. 

Xfinity

Xfinity, a division of Comcast, offers customers reliable and fast internet and is one of the largest internet service providers in the USA. Their services are accessible to customers in over thirty-nine states and to millions of people in Chicago, Florida, and Illinois. Despite all the existing competition, Xfinity shows no signs of slowing down.  

Xfinity Internet is offered through a cable to its subscribers by using a fiber-coaxial cable. The connection makes use of fiber-optic lines up until the last mile, from where it uses coaxial cable to reach your doorstep. Xfinity also offers Wi-Fi capabilities with the help of the xFi Gateway. The advanced xFi Gateway device also offers users security from cyber threats. 

Xfinity offers a wide variety of speed tiers to its customers, starting from 50 Mbps to 1200 Mbps. Not only is it capable of offering download speeds of 1 Gbps, but also offers a consistent and stable connection at all times. All of the internet packages offer a fixed monthly price when subscribers sign up with Xfinity for a one-year agreement, exclusive of equipment, installation, taxes, and other applicable charges. 

package
Speeds
Price/mo.
Connect
50 Mbps
$20 
Connect More
100 Mbps
$40 
Fast
300 Mbps
$50 
Superfast
600 Mbps
$50 
Ultrafast
900 Mbps
$60 
Gigabit
1200 Mbps
$70 

From the tables you can see Xfinity by Comcast offers various speeds to suit your needs. Their cheapest package, Connect, is suitable for up to four devices and can be used to download music, stream videos, and video chat. On the other hand, their fastest connection, Gigabit, allows you to connect to as many devices as you have, quickly download large files, connect to your household devices, play games online, and stream to your heart’s content. 

Xfinity does offer all of its packages with a data allowance of 1.2TB. For standard users, this allowance is more than sufficient to stream your favorite TV shows, download files, and do other standard activities. If by any unlikely chance, users consume all of the data, Xfinity will not charge you the first time you exceed this limit in the twelve-month period. If the users exceed the limit, they will be charged $10 for every 50GB. 

AT&T

AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the world and offers internet packages through various connections. Its footprint expands over twenty-one states and offers neighborhoods practical options. Once you subscribe with AT&T for a broadband connection, they offer free access to its various public hotspots. 

AT&T has quickly become one of the best ISPs offering fiber internet connections. But, it is only available in select areas. AT&T Fiber offers a range of packages, with symmetrical speeds. This means that the connection offers fast download and upload speeds to the users by using pure fiber cables, with unlimited data.

AT&T Internet is delivered to households by using a mix of technologies, mainly, VDSL2, ADSL2+, G.Fast, and Ethernet. This IPBB connection is faster than traditional DSL, offering fast download speeds that travel across a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable. However, the connection doesn’t offer the same speed for uploads. For internet packages higher than 100Mbps, AT&T offers unlimited data. You can pay the fixed, listed cost when you sign a 12-month agreement. For further information regarding AT&T internet prices, refer to the table below.

Connection
Package
Speeds
Price
AT&T Internet
Internet 25, 50, 75 Mbps
25, 50, 75 Mbps
$55 per month for 12 mos.
Internet 100 Mbps
100 Mbps
$55 per month for 12 mos.
AT&T Fiber
Fiber 300 Mbps
300 Mbps
$55 per month
Fiber 500 Mbps
500 Mbps
$65 per month
Fiber 1 Gbps
1 Gbps
$80 per month

HughesNet

If you live far away from the hustle of the city, HughesNet may be the answer to your internet needs. HughesNet has been offering satellite connections to the US government, military, and businesses. In 1996, it began to offer satellite internet to small businesses and residences as well. In 2012, the service not only got its current name but also began offering broadband speeds via satellite connections. 

As of today, HughesNet has the largest consumer base of any other company. The reason for their success is their dedication to providing broadband satellite connections to people in rural and underserved areas. If there is no connection available to you, HughesNet can come to your rescue. To see if satellite broadband is available in your area, let BuyTVInternetPhone help you. 

HughesNet Gen 5 offers four different packages that differ on the basis of their data allowance. For all four data tiers, you receive download speeds of 25Mbps and upload speeds of 3Mbps, as per the broadband criteria defined by Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This connection allows you to send emails, download files, stream videos, and video chat. 

The satellite modem offered by HughesNet also has a built-in wifi router. You can access the strong connection throughout your house which allows you to connect multiple devices. In addition, the router offers security from all possible cyber threats. 

With HughesNet Gen 5, every subscriber can take advantage of the Bonus Zone. The Bonus Zone offers you a 50 GB data allowance between 2 am to 8 am. So, if you have to download a large file, this is the perfect time to do so. 

WOW!

WideOpenWest, or WOW!, is the sixth-largest cable operator in the US and offers broadband internet services along with cable TV and landline. You can find WOW’s fiber-rich cable broadband across nine states. Their limited coverage, allows them to focus on their smaller customer base and offer them quality service. 

The availability of their speed tiers varies from one area to the other. The high-speed and reliable broadband connections ensure that you don’t face any lags. Additionally, with every plan, you get a data allowance of 3TB! That is a lot of data for a single household and sets aside the need to worry about the monthly consumption. 

WOW internet packages offer download speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1000 Mbps. Starting at just $19.99 per month, the Fast package, is sufficient for small households. You can stream videos, work from home, study online, and connect a couple of devices without any issues. With the Lightning Fast package, you don’t have to worry about anything. Connect as many devices as you need, link your Smart home devices, and download large files easily. 

To ensure that your entire house is connected to the internet, you can also choose to install Amazon’s Eero. With the Whole Home Wi-Fi, sleek devices are placed at strategic points throughout your house, to cover up any dead spots. You can avail of this for an additional $9.99 with any of the broadband cable packages. 

Package
Speeds
Price
Fast
100 Mbps
$19.99 per month
Super Fast
200 Mbps
$29.99 per month
Ultra Fast
500 Mbps
$44.99 per month
Lightning Fast
1000 Mbps
$54.99 per month

How To Make Your Choice

If you are living in Chicago, you have a lot of ISPs at the tip of your fingers. We hope that our guide can help you make an educated choice when you decide to sign up for an internet package. 

Remember, that you cannot make your decision solely based on the price of the internet package. You need to take into consideration: 

the type of connection 
the data allowance
the download and upload speeds
whether the ISP is available in your area
and yes, the price of the package

Once you understand your needs, your choices will become clear. Whether you live in a sprawling urban city, or far away in an underserved area, an internet connection is available to you. With just a bit of research, you can find a reliable service, even if find yourself in the wilderness. If you have any questions, you can always contact BuyTVInternetPhone at 1-855-349-9328.

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Planning for the big weekend? Let us help! After putting together a dinner date guide, we are now moving on to pop-ups, events, and special happy hours! Oh, you’ll also find Valentine’s weekend hotel deals in Chicago toward the bottom of this article. So, if you are trying to figure out how to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Chicago this year, look no further! We’ve got the best info for you.

Valentine’s Day Pop-Ups and Events

Image Credit: Jojo’s ShakeBAR

JoJo’s Candy Land is an immersive dining experience that brings everyones’ favorite childhood board game to life! Decked out with enormous gummy bears, gigantic lollipops, and massive glowing gumdrops, JoJo’s heated Candy Land tent is the perfect accompaniment to the delicious diner food.

As Chicago’s signature Valentine’s Day spot, JoJo’s does not skimp on the festive treats. The Love Shake is sure to steal your heart with the perfect blend of raspberry and red velvet cake topped with a chocolate-covered heart pretzel, a full slice of raspberry drizzled cheesecake, a decadent chocolate-covered strawberry, and finished off with a giant heart-shaped “Be Mine” sugar cookie. But don’t forget about the Love Shake’s other half, the Cupid’s Cocoa. This Red Velvet flavored Hot Chocolate topped with heart marshmallows, a chocolate-covered pretzel and pink chocolate dipped s’mores is sure to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Reservations are available on OpenTable. Walk-ins are welcome too! Also, Valentine’s Day Menu is available until February 20.

Image Credit: aliveOne

Valentine’s Music Trivia Date at aliveOne

2683 N. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60614

A fun Valentine’s Day outing for couples and groups, aliveOne will host FREE Valentine’s Music Trivia from Whaddayaknow! Beginning at 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb.14, guests will also enjoy FREE use of their pool table. The Lincoln Park neighborhood bar that combines the very best of music and spirits will offer specials like $6 The Becky cocktails with Tito’s, La Croix Pamplemousse, fresh lime juice and demerara syrup.

Additional specials include a half-price happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and a $7 PBR and whiskey shot combo. Guests will also enjoy emo music like Fall Out Boy, Taking Back Sunday, Blink 182, and Dashboard Confessional all night.

Image Credit: Estelle’s

Annual “Wine About Your Love Life” at Estelle’s

2013 W. North Ave. Chicago, IL 60647

On Valentine’s Day, the bartenders at Estelle’s will be ready to lend an ear as they invite Chicagoans to cozy up to the bar for their annual “Wine About Your Love Life” night. Half-price glasses of wine will be available all evening for $7 each (normally $14), and selections include Beckstoffer ’75 Company Cabernet Sauvignon, Planet Oregon Pinot Noir, Lobster Reef Sauvignon Blanc and Nomadica Rosé.

Additional specials will include half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and half-price burgers. Candy hearts will be available for customers if they want to give a “sweet” special message to their Estelle’s crush.

Image Credit: Remedy

Enjoys a Special Valentine’s Day Happy Hour at Remedy

2013 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Chicagoans looking for a casual Valentine’s Day night out can enjoy half-price happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Remedy in Bucktown. Half-price house cocktail options include the Rhubarbarella with Aviation gin, Aperol, lemon juice, rhubarb bitters and simple syrup, the Passionably Late with Chinola passion fruit, Aviation gin, lime juice, and soda water, and the Winthrop with Tito’s vodka, limoncello, creme de violette, lemon juice, butterfly pea tea, and vanilla, and more.

Image Credit: The Rambler

Bachelor’s Bingo at Rambler

4128 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60618

Guests are invited to get their group dates together to play The Bachelor-themed bingo at The Rambler in North Center on Monday, February 14 at 7 p.m. The grand prize winner will receive a prize pack featuring roses, champagne, fancy chocolates, rosé wine and more. Specials will include $20 Bottomless LaMarca Mimosas, $4 High Noon Flavors, and $7 Strawberry Kiss cocktails. To reserve a table, email [email protected].

City Cruises is running a special early bird promo for those looking to book now by saving 15% on Valentine’s Day Weekend Cruises using promo code VDAY15 upon checkout! Love is in the air and on our waterfront this Valentine’s Day with City Cruises Chicago. Patrons are invited to celebrate love between Friday, February 12th through Monday, February 14th abroad one of their four dinner or brunch cruises.

With onboard packages and upgrades to choose from, sweethearts can expect a delightful plated or buffet-style meal along with a sweets arrangement, onboard entertainment, and a cash bar, all while sailing along Chicago’s River or lakefront for the best views of the city. Make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable!

Image Credit: Fever Chicago

You don’t need to know all things classical music to enjoy the evening; simply sit back and savor the stunning pieces you’ll hear. Walk into one of Chicago’s historical buildings where the walls will be flickering by candlelight to create a magical atmosphere. Prepare to be taken into the clouds with these most treasured masterpieces!

Enjoy classic pieces such as Romeo and Juliet, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and iconic Beatles lovesongs bathed in candlelight in the remarkable Stan Mansion. Drinks are available for separate purchases.

1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

Gift the experience of a 75-minute encounter with a beluga whale in the chest-deep water or a shark feeding tour. Actually, how about a date with the adorable penguins? Shedd Aquarium has the perfect Valentine’s date planned for you and your loved one! Come live your mermaid dream here at Shedd Aquarium and watch how the entire vast ocean celebrates your love.

Plan A Romantic Staycation With These Valentine’s Hotel Deal

And, as promised! Here comes all the V-Day hotel specials for you to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Chicago in the most pampering way possible. After all, why not make it a full day when you have such amazing deals?

155 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607

Looking for a romantic getaway in the heart of Chicago with ultimate privacy and relaxation? Love is in the air as soon as you step through the door at Nobu Hotel Chicago with amenities made for couples looking for an intimate weekend away, perfect for a long Valentine’s Day weekend.

Couples can unwind in Nobu’s various rooms and suites with teak soaking tubs, an exclusive Nobu bed, yoga mats, and traditional Japanese tea service, making each room the perfect spot to fall in love. Take a dip in the one-of-a-kind Tranquility pool and relax in the fitness center with sauna rooms ideal for unwinding and tranquility.

221 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

This year Valentine’s Day and the Superbowl fall only one day apart! Enjoy this rare weekend at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel and book the “Romance & Rivalry” package that includes accommodations in the Presidential Suite and a welcome amenity of champagne and roses.

The package also features Valentine’s day dinner for two at FireLake Grill House & Bar with a romantic multiple course dinner in Upper FireLake, a bottle of premium wine, and two cocktails and chocolate-covered strawberries to go. The next morning begins with a game-day brunch in Upper FireLake where you will load up on your game-day food favorites including two cocktails and unlimited beer and wine.

71 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Spend this Valentine’s Day at a riverside setting in the heart of Chicago! Spoil the one you love most with a stay at Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown and indulge in some of the largest guest rooms the city has to offer. Reserve the hotel’s Valentine’s Day package that features luxury accommodations, a champagne bottle upon arrival, cupid-approved welcome amenity, and a “Build Your Love” itinerary for guests to choose their own romantic adventure.

Itinerary options include a private lingerie fitting experience, Champagne helicopter tour, or couple’s spa experience. You and your sweetheart will enjoy scenic views of the Chicago River and the spectacular cityscape while sipping on champagne from the comfort of your recently renovated room.

5200 Pearl St, Rosemont, IL 60018

Back by popular demand, the beloved ‘Room Full of Roses’ package is returning to The Rose Hotel Chicago O’Hare. Guests are invited to stay in the ultimate, over-the-top Valentine’s Day experience. Featuring a King suite filled to the brim with over 400 roses and complementary bubbles upon arrival, welcome amenities, and a complimentary breakfast in bed for two (courtesy of Thorn Restaurant & Lounge), this package is sure to make this Valentine’s Day the most memorable one yet. Rooms will sell out! Book your unforgettable stay here.

2301 York Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Escape the city this Valentine’s Day and plan a romantic weekend at The Drake Oak Brook. Spend a romantic evening under the stars by reserving a heated igloo that offers a blend of delectable cuisine and crafted cocktails or reserve the Champagne Sunday Brunch at the iconic Colonial Room. Book the “Couples Escape” package, which includes newly renovated suite accommodations, champagne breakfast in bed for two, one-hour in-room couples massage and late check-out of 2 p.m. Indulge in what your body and heart need this holiday at The Drake Oak Brook.

1 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with your lover in the heart of the city at Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel. Book the Valentine’s Getaway package from February 11 through 14, or even February 18 through 21 if celebrating later this year, and receive breakfast for two at Staytion Market & Bar and a late checkout of 1 PM allowing you to have a leisurely morning after spending the evening with your sweetheart. Don’t skip a visit to Raised Bar Chicago on the third floor of the hotel for craft cocktails and delectable dining. The cocktail bar will feature a special Valentine’s Day menu with signature cocktails and bites during the holiday weekend.

Featured Image Credit: Estelle’s

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