Choosing an internet provider makes a substantial difference in your online experience, whether working, gaming, browsing, or streaming. With numerous options available, it can be difficult to determine which suits your needs—but these easy tips will guide you in the right direction.
Assess Your Needs
Before getting into options, it’s crucial to understand your usage patterns. Every activity, from streaming to videoconferencing, requires different bandwidths and speeds. A high speed internet provider may group users into one of three categories:
- Light usage. Plans ranging from 10-25 Mbps (megabits per second) are appropriate for checking emails, occasional streaming, and browsing.
- Moderate usage. Video chatting, streaming in high definition, and online gaming require a plan at 50-100 Mbps.
- Heavy usage. Streaming in 4K, using multiple devices, and heavy online gaming require plans at 200 Mbps or more.
By learning about and understanding your usage, you’ll avoid paying for speeds and features you don’t need.
Compare Local Providers, Speeds, and Bandwidth Options
Provider offerings vary by service area, and the best way to start the search for an ISP is to see what’s available. Connectivity options may include:
- DSL. It uses existing phone lines, making it a cheap but slow choice for basic usage.
- Cable. It’s faster than DSL and comes in through the same lines that service your TV.
- Fiber. Offering the fastest speeds, fiber internet isn’t available in all areas.
- Satellite. It’s good for rural areas, but it’s slow and can be vulnerable to bad weather.
Every ISP offers a range of internet speeds, which are typically categorized in megabits per second. Bandwidth is a measure of the amount of data transferred at one time. To find the right plan for you, consider availability, speed, and bandwidth.
Read Contract Terms and Compare Prices
ISPs often have different pricing tiers, including regular rates, promotions, and term lengths. Think about:
- Promotional rates. Some providers offer low introductory rates that increase sharply after several months.
- Contract lengths. Some internet service providers require one- or two-year commitments, while others have month-to-month agreements.
Read the fine print carefully, as some contracts include early termination clauses, installation fees, equipment rental charges, and other costs not included in a provider’s advertised prices.
Ask About Data Limits and Service Level Agreements
Some plans have data caps, which limit monthly usage—and going over the limit can be costly. If you play games, stream, or videoconference often, choose an unlimited plan. Fast internet is great—if it’s reliable. If possible, choose a provider with an SLA (service level agreement) that guarantees minimum uptime.
Ask for Recommendations and Read Reviews From Other Customers
Before choosing an internet plan, read online reviews and ask neighbors, family, and friends who they use. By seeking input from others, you’ll learn how providers handle:
- Service interruptions. Are internet outages common in your town?
- Speed consistency. Does the provider’s internet speed live up to its promises?
- Availability of support. Do customer service agents address concerns promptly?
Choosing a home internet provider involves research, but it’s a worthwhile effort that will help you find a plan that fits your budget and meets your needs. By evaluating your usage, comparing plan options, and looking for fine print, you can make informed decisions and end up with the right internet plan.
