If you feel intimidated by switching utilities from your old place to your new one, you are not alone. It can feel like a juggling act trying to choose companies and time everything to be turned on and off at the correct times. The location of your new home predetermines some utility companies like water and electricity. Still, you will often have the option of several different internet service providers requiring you to make a choice. Of course, reliable internet service is crucial to help you stay connected for work, education, and in touch with family and friends. There is a lot of information to consider, so we have broken down everything below to simplify the process.
Comparing Internet Service Provider Options
● Cost - The most important thing to consider when researching the cost of internet service providers is to realize that if you sign up for a promotional rate, usually 12 months, your internet bill will increase to the standard price. Make sure you consider long-term pricing and not just the promotional rate. You also need to factor in equipment and installation fees. You will usually have the option to purchase equipment like modems and routers upfront or pay a monthly rental fee. Installation services can be an upfront cost of anywhere between $50 and $150, but sometimes you can get that fee waived if you purchase your internet plan online. Many providers offer bundles that include TV, phone service, and/or home security, so you will have to decide if a package better suits your needs.
● Contracts - Determine what type of contract makes the most sense for you. Some internet service providers offer month-to-month service instead of long-term contracts. This is important because ending a contract early can lead to early termination fees.
● Data Caps - If you work from home or do a lot of streaming and gaming, you will want to ask about data caps. A data cap is when internet providers limit the amount of internet a customer is allowed to consume each month. Going over the cap may mean additional charges added to your bill and/or having your service throttled or slowed down. Internet service types more likely to impose data caps include cable, DSL, satellite, and fixed wireless internet. Fiber optic companies rarely impose data caps, but it is always wise to ask.
● Speed - The speed you need will depend mainly on how you use the internet. Ask yourself how frequently you stream TV/movies and how many people will be regularly gaming, streaming, and downloading on their devices simultaneously. It is recommended to have a minimum of 50 Mbps for households of 1-2 and above 100 Mbps for households of 3-4. Choosing the fastest internet plan can be tempting, but you can easily pay too much for bandwidth you will never use.
● Reliability - More important than speed is knowing that your internet connection will always be available when you need it. Having unpredictable service can be stressful when your job and/or education rely on the internet. A provider that is consistent with speed and service will be the most reliable. Get recommendations from anyone you know in the area or online community groups to determine the level of reliability that each internet service provider can provide. Ask individuals if they are happy with their current company's speed, availability, customer service, and pricing.
● Customer Service - Good customer service is the pinnacle of any company. Research the reputation of potential internet service providers by looking at customer reviews. In addition to finding the “best deal”, seek out companies that place a greater emphasis on measuring and improving satisfaction among their customers. It is good to compare overall ratings instead of focusing on a few negative or positive reviews.
Remember, you can always negotiate and ask questions. Before signing any contracts, be sure you fully understand all the terms and conditions. This may require you to read the fine print! Thoroughly researching the options does take a little extra time, but due to the importance of internet service, you want to choose the one that best fits your requirements.
We hope these tips help simplify the process of choosing an internet service provider for your new home. Portable storage solutions from 1-800-PACK-RAT can also help simplify your move. Storage containers can be brought to your door at your convenience. Once you’ve packed your unit, you can store it at one of our secure nationwide warehouses for temporary or long-term storage or have it shipped to your new home locally or long-distance. Whatever your moving and storage needs may be, 1-800-PACK-RAT makes it simple.