How to Choose Your Next Internet Service Provider in 5 Simple Steps

Whether you’re a remote worker, gamer, streamer, or casual user, I bet a reliable internet connection is a necessity now. Our lives depend heavily on the internet now and an unreliable internet connection only adds to our troubles.

But all this fuss can be avoided by choosing a reliable internet service provider (ISP).

Choosing a reliable ISP isn’t difficult at all; you need to just follow 5 simple steps. Below, I have discussed these steps so you get the best internet connection that complements all your online needs. Now, let’s start.

Internet Service Providers Availability

The first step to getting the best internet connection is to find out the available internet service providers in your zip code.

ISPs extensively offer their services in urban areas. However, rural internet users may not have that many options.

Internet Connection Type

So, once you’ve shortlisted the ISPs, now is the time to review the internet connection types they offer. Below are some common internet connection types:

Fiber Internet

Unarguably, fiber internet is the fastest internet connection type available. Fiber internet offers symmetrical internet speeds i.e., the same download and upload speeds, and uses fiber optics to deliver the internet via light signals.

That said, fiber internet can be more expensive than other connection types and has limited availability.

Cable Internet

Cable internet uses coaxial cables to deliver the internet, the same technology that is used to deliver TV services. Because of this technology, cable internet is one of the most widely available internet connections and offers reliable internet.

A major drawback of cable internet is that nearby users have a shared connection. Hence, cable internet users may face slow internet speeds or bandwidth issues during peak hours.

Satellite Internet

Among all the major internet connection types, satellite internet has the widest availability. It’s because satellite Internet does not depend on cables or fiber optics but on low-orbiting satellites around the earth.

Unless you’re living in a rural area, I won’t recommend you opt for satellite internet. It’s because satellite internet may not offer great speeds.

Determine the Internet Speeds You Want

Knowing how much internet speed you want is vital as your online experience will depend on it. Once you’ve decided on the ISP and connection type, now is the time to know how much internet speed would suffice your online needs.

To do so, consider the internet users and devices in your house. As a general thumb rule, the more users or devices you have, the greater bandwidth you’ll need. Also, online activities, such as online gaming, HD streaming, or using heavy tools/software for remote work may require a lot of bandwidth.

However, if your online activity only includes communicating, surfing the web, and checking emails, then you may not need high speeds.

Check Internet Plans

Now that you know how much internet speeds would be sufficient for you, it’s time to explore the internet plans offered by shortlisted ISPs. When choosing an internet plan, keep the following factors in mind:

• Data Caps: Not all but some ISPs may impose data caps on their internet plans. Ideally, no one wants to have capped data because it may affect the online experience. Also, keep in mind that ISPs may charge an overage fee in case users cross the allocated data for a specific period.
• Internet Bundles: Bundling your internet with other services like TV, phone, and home security can be a cost-friendly option. Luckily, most ISPs let users bundle their internet with these services in a single plan.
• Contracts: Like data caps, some ISPs may impose contracts to bind customers. In case a user is not satisfied with an ISP’s services and terminates the contract, then the ISP may charge an early termination fee.

Luckily, ISPs are available that tick all the above boxes. Spectrum Internet Plans, for example, offer uncapped internet plans with no contracts at affordable rates.

Quality Customer Support

I believe it does not matter how reliable an internet connection is, chances are, it may malfunction sometimes due to any reason. And when that happens, you should be able to rely on swift customer support offered by your ISP.

Be it inquiring about the plans, general query, or seeking help for a technical error, reliable customer support should help you in all. Here, I’d suggest you research a little and read reviews about the shortlisted ISP’s customer service on the internet. Also, you may ask your neighbors, colleagues, or friends if they find their ISP’s customer service helpful or not.

Bonus Suggestion: Research About Hidden Fee

Before I wind up, this suggestion may help you save your hard-earned money. Some ISPs may charge a hidden fee, which most people are unaware of. It may be in the form of an activation fee, infrastructure fee, or more. To make matters worse, ISPs may bind the customers in a contract too.

So, before you choose an ISP, make sure they do not charge any hidden fee.