To select the right internet service provider, you have to consider the speed they offer, the type of connection, service charges, and additional services.
Through the power of the internet, the world is now at our fingertips. We can contact anyone at any time regardless of the distance.
We are also able to get information about distant places while sitting in our house.
However, you cannot just have access to the internet without doing anything.
You need to have a suitable internet service provider or ISP.
These ISPs will give you a connection with which you can access the internet.
This is why it is crucial to select the right internet service for you.
With that said, let us look at some tips that will help you select the right internet service.
1. The Speed Of The Internet
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The internet speed should be the first of your concerns.
The type of work you will do should determine what the speed of the internet service will be.
The speed of the internet service is called bandwidth, and it is measured in megabytes per second or MBPS.
This indicates how much data or information your computer can download from the internet per second.
The higher the bandwidth, the more information your computer can download per second.
For high-speed bandwidths, you will also have to pay more.
If you want to stay connected to your network and have a strong mobile signal then you can buy a 4G signal booster.
You can check the best prices on Spectrum internet plans and compare them with your local ISPs to get a better idea about it.
There are quite a lot of bandwidth services that you can ask from your ISP.
A shortlist of these internet speed limits is given below-
For Casual Browsing
For casual browsing, you do not need high-speed internet.
A simple 1-5 MBPS should be sufficient if you wish to use the internet just for casual browsing.
Casual browsing includes using search engines, mailing, using social media, etc.
For Gaming
If you want to use the internet for gaming, you obviously need a stable and fast internet connection.
But for gaming, you need to have a better consistency rather than high speed.
Generally, 5-10 MBPS internet speed is enough for gaming.
But be sure that the internet service is consistent because latency or packet loss will give you a bad gaming experience.
Video Conferencing Or Standard Streaming
It is not uncommon to see people holding important meetings and conferences on the internet.
Because the meetings are crucial, and all the participants must hear each other clearly, the internet needs to be smooth and fast.
This is why an internet service with a speed of 5-10 MBPS is the right choice.
High-Definition Video Streaming
If you feel that an internet speed of 5-10 MBPS is not sufficient for your streaming, you can upgrade it to high-definition video streaming.
For a high definition streaming, you need to have a speed of at least 10-20 MBPS.
For Downloading Large Files
If you need to frequently download large files such as different software or any other programs, you need super-fast internet service.
Generally, the most suitable bandwidth for downloading large files is a bandwidth of 50 MBPS.
2. The Connection Method Of The Internet
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Internet service can be connected to your home in three different ways. They are:
- Cable service
- Satellite service
- Optical Fiber Service
Cable Service
Internet service is provided to the house by a cable service.
This is the most common form of internet service.
The speed that you can achieve through a cable connection can be as much as 100 MBPS.
However, the downside is that you will be sharing your internet with other people, so the speed can get very low during busy times.
Satellite Service
Internet service is established in your house through a satellite.
Although this type of service is seen in some houses, it is best not to use a satellite service.
The speed you receive from a satellite service can reach up to 20 MBPS.
Optical Fiber Service
This is the latest method of internet connection.
The internet is provided to your house through an optical fibre connection.
It is the best form of internet connection as the speed can reach up to 500 MBPS.
Digital Subscriber Line
A digital subscriber line or DSL provides an internet connection to your house through an existing power line.
The speed can reach up to 100 MBPS, and it is the cheapest of all the connection methods.
However, the drawback is that the farther you are from the ISP, the weaker the connection will be.
3. Available ISP in your area
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There should be a lot of internet service providers in your area.
Some are well-renowned while the others not so much.
This is why it is always best to talk with various ISPs and understand the service they provide.
Check if the ISP also has some sort of additional perks, such as free connection.
Always check the available options at your hand and select the one that benefits you the most.
4. The Price Of The Internet Service
The price of internet service should also be a big concern.
Generally, the price is directly linked with the speed and the connection method.
A high-speed internet connection with zero latency will cost you much more than an internet connection with low bandwidth.
You should also check with different ISPs and compare the prices.
If you see a similar service is provided by two ISP, but one has a bit lower price, definitely go with that one.
An internet connection can be expensive, and it is wise to save as much money as you can.
5. Additional Services & Packages
Some ISPs will not only provide suitable internet service but will also give you additional services.
These services include installing antivirus, promotional offers, bundles, and so on.
Here are a few things to look for.
1. The Bundles
Different providers will have different types of bundles and packages.
However, you have to be careful about the cost because many providers try to upsell you by giving you things you do not really need.
You may not need the streaming services they provide if you already have access to a cheaper option.
Bundle offers can also be great, but before choosing one, compare the costs.
2. The Promotional Offers
Promotional offers are there to attract customers, especially the newer ones.
You will find providers paying special discounts for new customers.
Compare the offers of different providers in your area.
For instance, one provider may charge you $40 instead of $50 for the first 6 months, whereas another provider may charge you $30 for the whole year.
Take your time and do your research.
3. Customer Service
Sometimes your Wi-Fi may stop working, you may have problems with your internet cable, or your provider’s server can go under maintenance.
In these situations, you would want a quick and accurate update.
Some providers have excellent customer service and come to aid at a moment’s notice.
In contrast, others do not even pick up the phone when you need them.
Look for online reviews about the provider you want to choose.
Ask around the neighbourhood if they have the same provider and see what they have to say.
How To Negotiate With Your Internet Provider?
Despite all the thorough background checks and amazing offers, you might still be unsatisfied with their services after a while.
You may have increased internet bills once the offers are expired or have to pay extra for the same services.
In that case, you should switch your internet provider.
That is the easiest solution unless there is only one provider.
This is actually a very common case where an entire area is serviced by a single provider.
This may make negotiating difficult, but there are still some ways.
For starters, you can switch to satellite internet.
It is less reliable than cable internet, but some companies offer great services.
You may even find a stable & consistent connection if you are in the right area.
You can plead to them about your bills and ask them for a different deal.
Tell them how long you have been using their services and have been a very loyal customer.
Ask them to lower the prices.
Keep in mind you have to be consistent and keep your cool.
Do not agree to their first offer right away, and keep haggling till you get a good deal out of it.
Talk about your previous complaints, and use them as your bargaining chips.
Talk about network speeds, billing errors, or any mistake they made in the past, and show them exactly why you deserve a lower price.
Final Thoughts
Internet services are an absolute must at present. It is hard to imagine a single day without the internet.
To enjoy the best internet service, you should follow the tips mentioned above and choose the right provider.
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