The internet has become a necessity and a vital fixture in our lives. As a matter of fact, in many American households, a reliable internet connection is considered a monthly utility. As a result of the increased demand, the average cost of broadband internet service has skyrocketed. People are finding themselves spending hundreds of dollars monthly on the internet alone.
Cumulatively, the cost of internet can become too much for some users. This is the time when you have to look for an affordable internet provider. If you have no idea how to find cheap internet providers in your area, we have some tips for you.
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Find the internet providers in your areas
The first part of this process would be to find the internet providers available in your area. This is important because not every provider you have in mind will be available in your area. Coverage areas vary from one provider to the other, so you must know what’s accessible to you. Keep in mind, your choices will actually be limited to the internet providers that offer services in your particular area. This will also help you narrow down the packages, prices, and speeds offered in the location.
Compare plans, prices, and speeds
The easiest way to find an internet provider you can afford is to check the prices, speeds you will get and the available internet plans. Always shop around for the best price you can get. With some providers, the monthly price for the internet may be lower during the first year of the contract and then shoots up in the second year. You’ll also want to get an internet plan that provides adequate speeds for your needs and a reliable service. At this point, you have to compare the providers accessible in your area to find the best fit. You will definitely find one with all the qualities you’re looking for and suits your specific needs.
Determine the type of internet service you need
There are various types of internet connections available including DSL, cable internet, and fiber optic. Depending on your internet usage, you can go for any of these options. That said, knowing the type of internet connection that works for you will also help find the best cheap internet provider. If you casually surf the internet, check emails, and stream some music, a DSL connection would do the trick. Cable internet is sufficient for people with medium internet usage like streaming on multiple devices and downloading large files. The other option would be fiber optic service but it’s not widely available for residential use and tends to be costly.
Find out how much internet speeds you actually need
This is very important when trying to cut down costs on internet. There are so many people who are paying for internet speeds they don’t really need and end up not utilizing their internet to its full potential. Take the time to figure out how much speed you actually need for your household. The internet plan that you choose should provide adequate speeds to accomplish all of your online tasks with ease. But the speeds should not be too much that you end up paying for bandwidth you won’t use. Therefore, carefully evaluate your speed needs and this should include the number of smart devices connected to your internet, how often the people in the household stream movies simultaneously and downloads on a regular basis.
Bundle your internet service
Bundling is really a money saver if you do it right. Most internet companies will be willing to slash your monthly bill by up to $20 or more if you decide to bundle your internet with TV. However, when thinking of bundling pay close attention to the additional TV services or streaming services you’re already paying for. If the newly bundled TV service offers the same channels or networks, tell them goodbye and move along. Also, not all bundles will benefit you because they can come with services you don’t need, channels you probably won’t watch, or prices that are still not reasonable. Hence, compare the cost of bundling with getting each of your required services separately. Go for the cheaper option.
Get your own modem and router
Many internet providers will be more than happy to lease you a modem and wireless router at a fee. But as the months go by the extra equipment rental fee stacks up. The best option would be to buy your own modem and router, and save money in the long run. Besides, you’re probably planning to stay connected to the internet for several years. It will be way cheaper to buy your own equipment and on the plus side, you can take it with you wherever you go. Make sure the equipment you buy is compatible with your provider.
Negotiate your monthly bill
One of the best ways of getting affordable internet is negotiating your monthly bill. You don’t need the skills of a fast-talking salesperson to negotiate your internet bill. If you feel that the price of your internet is too high, you can call your internet provider to negotiate it. First of all, do some research to find out what the competing providers charge the customers in your area. Call the customer retention department and let them make you an offer that will lower the bill without downgrading the service. What you have to do is remain clear about what you want and say it politely but firmly. If they are adamant, be ready to cancel the service and move on to an affordable ISP.
Ask about promotions and discounts
You can get a discount on your internet when you order the service online. Most ISPs will waive the installation fees or the activation fees. You can also try to call your ISP customer service and ask about any discounts they are currently offering. Also, look out for any holiday coming up because this is when there are additional promotions.
Conclusion
There are a few steps to getting an affordable internet provider that will not have you breaking the bank. Comparison shopping can greatly help you find a provider that offers reliable internet services at a reasonable price.