There is not any secret revelation about how to find the best internet provider in your area. You have to take things in your hands. Otherwise, you will end up signing up for a provider that is far more expensive than you can afford and the service quality will not be up to the mark. If you are moving to a new place, it is better to take some time researching your options and find an internet service provider that matches your needs, just right.
This is a common concern many people face and therefore we came up with a comprehensive guide on how to find the best internet provider in your area.
Here is a step-by-step guideline:
Look Out For All The Options Available In Your Area
This is probably the most important step and requires you to push yourself to go the extra mile. There are dozens of internet service providers operating in the US. There can easily be 8-10 providers operating just in your zip. This is the reason why choosing an internet provider is a gruesome task.
There are plenty of websites such as LocalCableDeals.com to help you find out all the providers operating in your area. Once you are done finding out all the providers, you are good to go for the next step.
Check Out The Connection Type
Once you are done finding out all the options, it is time to check their connection types individually. Normally, the internet reaches your home through channels including cable, satellite, fiber, or DSL.
All of these connections have benefits of their own. Cable internet uses coaxial cables and delivers you high-speed internet. It is a reliable option and you get a Cable TV service too through the same lines. This is a great way of saving some extra bucks. Fiber is a relatively new technology and uses fiber optics cables as a medium. These fiber cables are more reliable than the mainstream cable and you get speeds up to 1Gbps. Satellite Internet isn’t a reliable option as the changes in weather can severely affect your connection. DSL internet uses copper cables. It is slower than Cable and Fiber yet is capable of providing rural broadband speeds.
You can narrow down all the cable and fiber providers if available by leaving out the rest. If your area doesn’t have cable or fiber, we recommend getting satellite.
Take Suggestions From Your Friends And Neighbors
You need to take suggestions from your friends and family before making a decision. Inquire about the service quality, the monthly charges, connection reliability, and how long does it take for Cox, Mediacom, or spectrum internet customer service to solve the issue?
They will be able to give you deep first hand insights into the providers.
Compare Plans
This is another crucial step. You need to ask yourself some basic questions. What kind of internet users do you have? Is it pretty much basic and involves checking emails, browsing, and social media? Alternatively, you are a high-end user and stream videos in high-definition along with online gaming. Choose the plan best suited to your requirements.
Compare Prices
At this point, you will be left with 2 to 3 providers. Now is the time to make the decision. Obviously, you would need a package that fits your budget. However, the monthly charge is not important in this context. There are always some hidden charges and now is the right time to figure those out.
For example, all internet service providers charge you monthly rental for equipment. Therefore, your monthly bill has the price for your plan, monthly rental, taxes, and other fees. Inquire about these charges directly from the ISP. Moreover, you need to find out the price for the plan after the end of the promotional term and the early termination fee if you choose to cancel your services before the contract-term.
Make the Call
If you have finally decided, call the internet service provider and set up an appointment. Ask for discounts and promotions!