18 WebsiteCompass FAQs Dr. Webbie Answers your frequently asked questions QUESTION: I often order online. How can I prevent my packages from being stolen after delivery? ANSWER: This is a question many people are asking. An estimated 20 percent of Americans have had at least one package stolen from their front porches, mailboxes, or apartment mail rooms. Here are some options to help you minimize your risk of theft: • Carefully consider where to have the packages delivered. Instead of your home, use your office address, so packages will be brought inside a building instead of being left on a front porch. Other options include a P.O. box or parcel locker. • Opt to have the deliverer obtain a signature upon delivery. That way, the package can’t be left unless someone is home to sign for it. • Track the packages after ordering so you’ll know when they’ll arrive and can make arrangements to be there. • Band together with your neighbors. Ask if they’ll bring in packages when you’re not home, and offer to do the same. Additionally, let your neighbors know if you had a package stolen so they can stay vigilant. • Have the deliverer leave the package at the back door rather than on the front porch. • Install a security camera. Most cameras sync with your Wi-Fi and a phone app, so you can check on packages throughout the day. The mere presence of a camera may be enough to deter would-be porch pirates. But even if it doesn’t, you’ll at least have evidence for a police report. This last tip won’t prevent theft, but it will ensure you get financial compensation should a theft occur. If you’re ordering a high-value item online, such as a new smartphone or tablet, pay a few extra dollars for insurance. You can usually do this either through the vendor or the delivery service. QUESTION: Which U.S. states have the fastest average internet speed? ANSWER: According to April 2023 data from worldpopulationreview.com, here are the U.S. states with the top 10 fastest average internet speeds: 1. Maryland – 506.70 Mbps 2. Virginia – 505.60 Mbps 3. District of Columbia – 473.80 Mbps 4. Delaware – 469.70 Mbps 5. Washington – 451.00 Mbps 6. Rhode Island – 433.30 Mbps 7. Pennsylvania – 430.80 Mbps 8. New Jersey – 427.80 Mbps 9. Texas – 425.90 Mbps 10. Georgia – 414.90 Mbps For the U.S. as a whole, the average internet speed is 322.84 Mbps. Generally speaking, states with higher population densities and more urban areas tend to have faster average internet speeds, while rural states tend to have slower ones. However, even states with slower internet speeds overall may still have footprints with internet speeds among the fastest in the country. It’s important to note that every state is seeing increases in average internet speed each year as our country’s telecoms work diligently to provide faster speeds by building fiber networks.
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