You’ve got a sweet deal with your internet service provider, but are they giving you the best bang for your buck? There is a range of internet packages being offered in our marketplaces. And each carrier is trying to lure in new customers with promises of super-fast speeds, unlimited data usage, and discounted prices. But these deals aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Let’s explore some of the factors you need to consider when comparing deals on new internet services.
The Types of Home Internet Service
If you have cable TV, you will have access to cable internet. If you do not have cable TV, cable internet may or may not be available in your area. Satellite internet is essentially a connection that a satellite company makes to a satellite in space, which then beams the connection down to an antenna on your roof. Fiber-optic service – often just called FiOS – is the fastest and also the most expensive, but if you need super-fast internet, it’s worth paying for FiOS.
Start with Local Services
We suggest you start your search at the local level and then narrow it down. While most cities have multiple options for internet providers, such as cable or fiber optic operators, it’s important to keep the companies’ track record in mind. For example, if their customer support leaves something to be desired or they request certain usage patterns that are against privacy laws, look elsewhere. By researching the most popular local service providers in your area beforehand, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises once you sign up.
Compare Rates
Service providers will use a lot of different tactics to get you to sign on with them. They may only offer the information you want on their website, on voice mail, or on specific days and times when they’re available for talking with you. Be prepared to make a list of questions on your own and start checking off what’s important to you in an internet plan before signing up with anyone.
Consider the Price/Mbps
Your price per Mbps is the most important thing to compare on internet plans. This achieves two things for you: firstly, it highlights how low some of the advertised prices are for higher speed plans; secondly, it shows you what speed you can actually get for your money with each provider. If you have the time, you should use that information to research why that provider wants to charge so much for their faster speeds.
