According to recent reports, only five percent of homes in America don’t have internet at this point. That’s down from around 15 percent just ten years ago, and there may come a time in the very near future when that figure is even lower. Of course, having home internet and being happy with your internet service aren’t exactly the same thing. Based on the latest surveys, more than 40 percent of Americans aren’t completely satisfied with their current internet service. Some feel their internet is too expensive whereas others say it’s too unreliable. Many are dealing with both issues.
In light of that, quite a few people are looking for alternatives. If you’re among them, it’s certainly possible to find a more reliable and affordable internet plan than the one you have right now. Use the following measures to get a plan that will meet your needs without going over your budget.
Don’t Pay for More Internet Than You Need
First of all, one of the keys to more affordable internet is not paying for more than you need. Many people are tempted to choose the fastest internet available to them, but the faster it is, the more expensive it tends to be. Most people don’t need the fastest speeds to support their internet needs. In fact, the average household needs 50 Mbps or less.
Granted, there are exceptions to that rule. If you have numerous connected devices and your family does a great deal of streaming and gaming, you may need 100 Mbps. If someone in your household works from home or your children attend virtual school combined with those other activities, you may actually need 500 Mbps. If you’re currently paying for the fastest possible internet but you don’t really need it, you’re spending far more than necessary. Getting more affordable internet may be as simple as switching plans.
Compare Plans and Providers
Comparing plans from different providers can also help you find more affordable and reliable internet. Some providers offer virtually identical plans with major price differences. Be sure you’re truly comparing apples to apples, though. When you’re looking at their plans, dig deeper to find out if there are extra charges to factor into your total monthly bills. Consider their advertised speeds, which are their speeds to you, as well as their actual speeds, which are the speeds you get in your home.
Think about their connection types too. DSL is widely available. It offers high speeds, and it’s usually more reliable than cable and satellite internet. It uses existing phone lines, so you most likely won’t need to spend extra money having your home wired for it. It’s typically less expensive than certain other options as well.
Fiber is fast and incredibly reliable. It’s not available everywhere at this point, and not all homes are wired for it. Both setup and monthly payments can be more expensive, but many people feel that its quality is worth the extra investment. That takes us into the next point to keep in mind.
Don’t Judge By Price Alone
Affordability is a key factor when you’re choosing internet providers and plans, but you shouldn’t choose a plan based on price alone. As mentioned, there are several variables to consider. Those listed above are some of the most important. Different providers’ uptimes and customer service should also come into play. After all, if a provider is known for frequent outages and their customer support is lacking, you may not actually be getting a better deal with a cheaper internet plan.
Finding the Right Internet Plan for Your Family
Numerous internet providers and plans are at your disposal. Figuring out which one is best can be confusing; after all, there are several factors to consider. Remembering the points mentioned here while you’re exploring your options can help you find the right one for your family. Along the way, keep in mind that a cheaper plan doesn’t necessarily mean a better value. Quality, customer support, and add-on fees also need to be taken into account.