The Internet is an important part of our daily lives, and modern man simply cannot function without it. Apart from helping us stay connected to the world, the internet also powers our smart homes. So, even our homes need it too.
However, with roughly 3000 internet providers in the US, each of them offering multiple internet plans, choosing the right one for your home feels like an impossible feat.
But the good news is that I got you. You don’t have to haphazardly visit every internet provider website.
I have compiled the best tried-and-tested tips to help you choose the best internet plan, without signing up for an expensive one.
An internet plan varies by different factors, i.e., connection type, speed, availability in your area, price, data caps, and customer service. You can narrow down your options by evaluating your needs based on these factors. Let us explore.
3 Tips for Choosing the Right Internet Plan
1. Which Connection Type Is Suitable for You?
There are roughly three major types of internet connections that are used in homes. Each has its distinct features, pros, and cons, which compel people to choose one.
Satellite Internet: This is a popular choice for people who live in rural areas where other internet connection types are not available. However, it severely lacks in speed and latency.
Fiber Internet: This one is best if you want an ultra-high-speed and reliable internet connection. I’m talking about gig-speeds and almost no downtimes. However, it will burn a hole in your pocket every month, and it has limited availability in the US.
Cable Internet: This is most commonly available in urban and suburban areas and delivered through copper coaxial cables, which also transmit cable TV. While this fits the budget for most, downtimes during peak hours and asymmetrical speeds are its biggest cons.
The right connection type largely depends on its availability where you live. Online platforms like BuyTVInternetPhone help to locate the types of connections available in your zip code.
2. How Much Speed is Enough for You?
Internet speed depends on the number of people and devices that will be using it. Plus, the online activities for which you need the internet.
Just to give you a rough idea: A 100 Mbps internet speed is sufficient for web surfing, social media, attending online calls, and occasionally streaming movies for three to four people. Moreover, a 500 Mbps internet connection is perfect for more than four people and bandwidth-heavy activities like 4K streaming and online streaming.
Some people get internet service offers more on a 75 Mbps connection because they live near the network provider, and their neighbors don’t hog the bandwidth. Others go for 100 Mbps to support their heavy multiplayer gaming activities.
Once you’ve narrowed down the internet service providers in your locality, it’s time for you to weigh your online activities and narrow down on the right internet plan.
3. Are Data Caps and Contracts Really Annoying?
These two factors also have a direct impact on an internet plan.
Data Caps limit your monthly data usage, and if you go beyond, you will either have to pay overage fees or the provider will throttle your internet connection for the rest of the month.
I would recommend opting for an internet plan with a data cap only if there is a limited number of users. This will save you a lot, as internet plans with data caps are really budget-friendly. For instance, Cox internet plans have a generous 1.2 TB data cap, and their prices are significantly lower than the competitors.
Contracts, on the other hand, bind you to one internet provider for a certain amount of time. If you ditch the provider before that time, you have to pay a hefty fine. Internet plans with contracts are also easy on the pocket. So, you can opt for it if you plan on not changing your address.
Checking each of the above-mentioned factors off the box will narrow down your options more and more.
Bonus Tips on Saving More
Now that you have a fair idea of what aspects to consider before getting an internet plan for yourself, let me share some tips that you can follow while subscribing to an internet plan.
- Stay away from the trap of limited offers. They are as fleeting as our government’s ability to stand by its promises. Most internet providers offer insanely low prices for the first couple of months, and as soon as this honeymoon period is over, you are stuck with a crazy expensive internet plan. So, do not let these promotions trick you into buying what is not for you.
- Fine print is the bane of every American consumer’s existence. The same is the case with internet consumers, too. Internet providers mention unreasonable things in the fine print, which we are too lazy to read. The result? We get ambushed with hidden fees or a contract worse than your first marriage.
- Consider bundle deals as they are a great way to save a pretty penny. Most internet plans come bundled with mobile or cable discounts. While it may be a headache to switch your provider for affordability, you can save roughly $40 to $50 every month.
Follow these tips, and I can guarantee you will land on the right internet plan that won’t make you miserable in the long run.
