Determining the Best High-Speed Internet Provider for You

Internet is just as essential as any basic utility. Around 85 percent of American households have high speed internet service.

It’s easy to find internet providers, but not as simple to choose a plan that allows you to get the best value for your money.

Check out this guide to determining the top high speed internet provider in your area.

Get Local

The first step in choosing an internet provider is to start local. This might seem like an obvious step but when it comes to internet service, the quantity of nearby customers is key.

The number of homes in your neighborhood with the same service is a sign of the wireless strength in your neighborhood. Internet providers won’t invest heavily in places where customers are scarce.

Avoid new companies with only a few customers in your area by checking Highspeedoptions.com. You might have to wait around for reliable service while the company goes through growing pains.

Choose an internet provider with a local office that can send out technicians when you have issues. The more customers in your area, the more technicians you can expect in your area.

Easy Service Appointments

Internet issues arise even in the best of scenarios. But after a storm, your service could be down for days if your internet provider doesn’t have solid customer service.

The issue might come from too few customers in your area or a history of bad customer service. Ask the company how it addresses service outages.

Are they willing to offer account credits when the internet is down for extended time periods? Can you get a same day appointment if something goes awry with your internet during the day?

You want to know the internet provider is customer friendly before going through the hassle of a lengthy installation. Remote work is on the rise.

An attentive internet provider can be the difference between you losing a deal at work or clients if you’re a business owner.

Plans, Pricing, and Speed

There are hundreds of internet plans to choose from online. Most of them offer standards of speed and data, but not all.

Look at one-time fees like installation and equipment costs to ensure you’re comparing apples to apples. Large deposits and/or fees can make a low monthly service fee much more expensive than a provider with no upfront costs.

You’ll also want to ask about data caps and overage fees. Some providers simply slow down your service once you’ve exceeded your limit.

Others charge extra for usage. Make sure you understand the financial commitment you’re making especially if a contract is in place.

In general, plans without a contract are best because you can quit at any time without financial penalty. Early termination fees vary, but rarely are they less than a few months worth of service.

Bundles and Discounts

One exception to the no-contract recommendation is with bundles and discounts. There are some bundles that make sense with a contract.

If you’re operating a home business, for example, and need a dedicated land line, getting your internet service at a fraction of the cost is a great idea. Bundles offer top speeds at heavy discounts because you’re guaranteeing the provider a certain number of months of service.

Since your usage is for business, you need a long term, reliable carrier that you can turn to for all your services. This one-stop-shop offers conveniences that trump being able to get out of a contract early.

Larger internet providers offer signup bonuses for new customers. Make sure you’re keeping an eye out for promotions that come in the mail.

You’ll receive a special offer code that might not be advertised on the provider’s website. These deals can take a chunk out of your first month’s bill and sometimes provide you with added incentives like gift cards or free subscriptions.

Emergency Broadband Benefit

Millions of Americans qualify for low income assistance that can help lower monthly internet costs. The FCC is now offering an Emergency Broadband Benefit for any families suffering a loss of income due to the coronavirus pandemic.

You can save around 75 dollars on your monthly internet bill. A member of your household must receive government benefits like SNAP or free school lunch in order to qualify.

Need for Speed

Paying top dollar for lightning speed internet only makes sense if it fits your lifestyle. Working from home or using a connected TV are two common reasons to opt for top internet speeds.

But if you’re doing most of your work from an office or travel a lot, you might not want to fork over half a weekly paycheck for internet. Some phone companies offer the ability to tether your phone for internet service.

This might be a cheaper option that grants you the flexibility you need while traveling. Compare service plans in your area to decide the best value based on how often you’ll be streaming movies or participating in Zoom calls.

Look at past internet bills to check out your data and usage. You might be surprised to learn that you’re paying for broadband that you rarely use.

Choosing an Internet Provider

Finding an internet provider starts with opening your mailbox. Providers common in your area will often send out promotions and discounts to lure new customers.

These deals can provide access to top discounts and freebies that you wouldn’t find advertised online. Avoid a long term contract unless you plan on sticking to one provider over the long haul.

Bundled services can offer great discounts and reliable service that you can monitor all in one place. For more information and tips, visit our blog for updates.