Nowadays it is very important to have access to a high-speed Internet service. A reliable home Wi-Fi allows you to surf seamlessly, stream the best online streaming services and even manage remote working/learning. But it is very hard to find an affordable service. According to Leichtman Research Group, the costs of broadband Internet services have constantly gone up in recent years.
Therefore, you have to find ways to lower your monthly Internet bill if you don’t want to go bankrupt. Here are a few of them discussed in detail:
Determine Your Needs
The first step towards lowering your monthly Internet bill is to know about your Internet needs. You might have subscribed to a package like Cox Gigablast Silver Duo but might use it for occasional surfing only. If that is the case, you can think about switching to a lighter bundle. Or if you are a hardcore streamer or gamer, your Internet bundle might not be enough to fulfill your needs. Therefore, it is very important to determine your Internet bandwidth requirement before subscribing to an Internet package.
Determine the Kind of Service That You Need
Before subscribing to an Internet package, determine the kind of service that’ll suit you. Currently, there are three services available; DSL, Cable and Fiber Optic.
DSL
If you don’t have a large family and already have a telephone line, then this is the best choice for you. In this form of connection, the Internet gets delivered to your home via telephone lines. So, if you only need 10 Mbps download speeds and stream content occasionally, this kind of connection will be sufficient for you. However, if you choose it, weather conditions like thunderstorms can cause an Internet outage issue frequently.
Cable
Cable Internet gets delivered to your home by your cable provider. It provides better download and upload speeds than DSL. However, since bandwidth gets shared by the neighborhood, the speeds can get slow during peak hours.
Fiber Optic
Through this type of connection, you get blazing fast Internet speeds. The speeds also don’t get affected by external factors. However, this service is not widely available and is quite expensive as well.
So, depending on your needs and service availability, you can choose any of these three services. If you are looking for an affordable option, it is better to opt for DSL or Cable Internet.
Run a Speed Test
If you think you are not getting the advertised speeds and the bill is too much, you can run a free speed test. If the speeds are slower than the advertised ones, then you can call your ISP to negotiate the monthly bill.
Downgrade Your Plan
An effective way to lower your monthly Internet bill is to downgrade your Internet plan. If you use the Internet for occasional surfing only, you can get your Cable or DSL Internet speeds reduced. Here are a few things to consider if you are thinking about switching to a lighter package:
- What kind of online activities do you engage in?
- How many users do you have at your place?
- How many devices do you have?
- Whether or not you experience slow speeds already?
If you are not getting the advertised speeds, then it may not be a good idea to downgrade your plan.
Sign a Contract
If you are going to be using an Internet service at the same place for at least a year or two, then it might be a good idea to sign a contract. Many ISPs like Verizon and Xfinity offer lower monthly bills for two-year agreements. If you intend to move to a new location soon, then signing a contract might not be a good choice for you. This is because you may have to pay a hefty early termination fee.
Bundle the Services
If you subscribe to TV, voice and Internet services separately, then it might be a good idea to bundle these services. It might not only lower your monthly bills significantly but also speed up your Internet service at the same time. A smart bundle can offer you the following benefits:
- Discounted fees for multiple services
- Free of cost installation
- Free equipment
- Better speeds and more channels
- Advanced features
Order Your Service Online
Ordering your service online can offer you amazing discounts. So, instead of wasting both time and money on seeking customer support, check for online discounts and subscribe to your favorite package easily.
Ditch the Wireless Connection
If you live alone, you can consider ditching your wireless connection for lower bills. A wired connection can offer you better speeds if there are not multiple users at a time. So, determine your needs and cancel your Wi-Fi package to save more.
Purchase Your Own Equipment
The monthly equipment rental costs can significantly increase your Internet bill. So, consider buying your own equipment to save more.
Take Note of the Hidden Fees
Many ISPs can trick you with a cheap starting price. As a result, the actual monthly bills might be much higher than you initially expected. Look for those hidden or additional costs and call your ISP to negotiate your Internet bill. Some common additional costs are:
- Late bill payment fee
- Termination fee
- Installation fee
- Data overage fee
So, if you encounter such hidden fees, call your ISP and politely ask to waive off these additional fees. If you are a loyal customer, then the ISP is sure to entertain your demands.
