Not sure how to choose an internet service provider? Deciding on the right internet service provider (ISP) can be a daunting task. There are so many different providers out there, and each offers its own unique set of features and benefits. It can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.
Before you can make a final decision, it is important to consider a number of different factors. Price is usually the primary concern for most people, but it shouldn’t be the only factor you take into account when making your decision about choosing an ISP.
In this article, I will talk about some of the things you should take into consideration when choosing a new ISP as well as recommend some ISPs that I think you should consider using for your internet service.
What Should I Consider When Choosing An Internet Service Provider?
As mentioned, when it comes to choosing an Internet service provider, it is important to consider several different factors. Some will be more important than others, depending on your individual situation and preferences. However, it is a good idea to focus on most of these so you can make an informed decision.
Here is a brief list of some of the things you should consider when choosing an ISP. We will dive into these in more detail below.
Speed (Upload/Download)
how fast your internet is really going to perform for you is based on several factors. These include your distance from the ISP’s server, the type of connection you have, and other factors such as the time of day and how much people are using the internet in your area. You can get an idea of the speed by looking at other people’s reviews or asking the provider directly. Generally speaking, faster speeds will result in more expensive plans. However, if you plan on doing a lot of streaming or other activities that involve a lot of bandwidth, you probably want to choose a plan that offers higher speeds to get the best performance for your money.
Reliability
How often does your internet service go down? This helps you determine how reliable the service is overall and whether or not it will be a good fit for you. It is important to research the company you are interested in and understand its reputation to insure you are getting a reliable and consistent level of service.
• Security – while most internet service providers offer basic security features like firewalls and antivirus protection, you can also find companies that offer additional security services that provide peace of mind. For example, many providers offer identity theft protection services to help you protect your information if it becomes compromised. These kinds of features are often offered at a premium cost but may be worth the investment for more security.
Cost
Of course, one of the most important things to consider when choosing a service is the monthly cost. You want to evaluate the total cost of the service, including the setup fee, as well as any additional fees. In addition, you’ll want to compare the cost with other providers in your area to make sure you get the best deal.
Customer Service
Another thing you will want to consider when choosing an internet service provider is the quality of their customer service. A good provider will be able to provide you with prompt and courteous customer service and will respond to any issues you may have in a timely fashion. This is a rarity in today’s age, unfortunately.
What Do I Definitely Need To Consider When Choosing An ISP?
Speed
The speed of the internet refers to how quickly you can download and upload data. The download speed measures how quickly you can retrieve and download data from a website. The upload speed conversely measures how quickly you can upload data to the internet. If you are constantly uploading videos or photos, this is an important measurement for you to understand because it is directly tied to the quality of your experience.
Additionally, if you are remote working definitely consider a provider that offers high upload speeds. Upload speed is important for remote working when using things like Zoom, Google Meet, and WebEx which all require video/audio streaming. When you have lesser bandwidth you end up sacrificing the quality of your video which results in grainy audio and video or dropouts altogether.
For remote workers, it is a safe bet to aim for a 200 MBPS upload and download rate, which provides you with the required bandwidth to effectively do your job. If you are a home user however and just want to browse the web, check your email, and do social media then lower speeds should suffice. For most people that would be 100 MBPS download and 50 MBPS upload which would provide you with more than enough speed and data to run all of your basic online activities.
Look out for providers that offer fast download speeds without mentioning upload speeds. This usually means that the upload speeds are abysmal. I’m not going to name names, but once you do your research it will become clear. You also want to beware of providers that advertise as having a “top speed” of 500 Mbps but have an average speed of 60-80% of what they claim. If this does happen to be the case you want to avoid these providers and look elsewhere for other options.
Price
What does each tier cost in comparison to other plans? What is the monthly recurring cost of the plans? Does the quoted price include all fees and equipment rentals?
These are extremely important questions to consider price-wise. If the price does not include equipment, they will add it to your bill after installation. Your $50 internet service can turn into an $80 dollar bill each month after accounting for rental fees and equipment charges. So be wary and do your due diligence when comparison shopping.
Also, read the fine print for intro pricing because it can cost you more than advertised once that period ends. For example, the ISP might say you pay $60 for your first 3 months. You need to know what the price is after those first 3 months. In some cases, you might find that the ISP increased your monthly rate from $60 to $90 per month, which is pretty significant.
Contracts are another thing to be aware of. A lot of ISPs offer an introductory contract for a specific period of time. Once you reach your end of the contract the rates will increase substantially. Some contracts can be up to 24 months or more which makes a pretty big difference in your monthly bill after the introductory period. Which is a perfect example of the old adage “If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.”
Customer Service
What time are the customer support representatives available and what methods of communication do they use?
What kind of customer service reviews does the ISP have online? This is important so you can get an idea of the type of service that they provide to customers.
Some ISPs only provide support by email while others will provide email, phone, and chat support. This can make a difference if you have an issue that needs immediate assistance.
Remember you want to choose an internet service provider than will actually help you when needed.
What is the Difference between Fiber Optic Cables and Coaxial Cable?
Fiber optic cables and coaxial cables are quickly becoming the main methods of offering internet, outside of satellite services like Starlink.
So let’s talk about the differences between these options so you can make a better-informed decision.
Fiber optic cables transmit data by sending pulses of light down a thin strand of glass. Because data is encoded into light waves rather than electrical signals, fiber optic cables are faster than traditional cables that deliver the same signal over copper wires. This allows providers to offer customers faster and more reliable services that are capable of reaching greater distances than older technology can deliver.
On the other hand, coaxial cables deliver digital signals over a cable made up of several copper strands. Coaxial cables can transmit large amounts of data at high speeds and are often used to transmit television signals and other content. However, coaxial cables can only reach a limited distance before needing to be replaced or upgraded to a more advanced network solution.
There are several different types of internet service available including DSL, cable, satellite, and fiber. Each type of service offers different benefits and drawbacks so review your options carefully before deciding which provider to choose.
Customers interested in DSL service need access to a phone line and a modem in order to connect to the network. This one is becoming less popular as the internet speeds are slower and few people have landlines now.
I Would Choose These Two As Internet Service Provider
If you are still reading then that means you are learning something – so I am extremely glad about that. Additionally, thank you!
I now am going to suggest two ISP providers that I personally have been with for a while and have no complaints about Google Fiber and Starry Internet. Both offer great speeds at great prices with solid customer support. Let’s dive into them a little more.
Google Fiber
Google Fiber is fairly new to the scene but has already shown itself to be a strong competitor to other high-speed internet providers in the area. Their gigabit service is capable of providing blazing fast speeds with very little lag time, making it an excellent choice for those who work from home or need a constant connection to their online devices.
They also operate their own wireless network, meaning you never have to rely on other companies for your connectivity needs. If you want the best internet connectivity possible in your area, you should definitely consider signing up for Google Fiber.
Read More: Learn More About Google Fiber
Starry Internet
Starry Internet is a well-established provider of high-speed internet services that covers most of the Northeast region of the United States. They are best known for their fiber-optic network, which is capable of delivering upload and download speeds that are up to 200 times faster than those of the average home internet connection.
They also offer affordable plans with no data caps and no contracts, which makes them a great choice for those who are tired of dealing with hidden fees and complicated terms and conditions from their internet service providers. If you need a reliable high-speed internet connection for your business or home, it’s hard to go wrong with Starry Internet.
Read More: Learn More About Starry Internet
Ready To Choose An Internet Service Provider?
I hope this information has been helpful as you decide who to choose for your internet service. Choosing the right provider can make all the difference when it comes to the quality of your internet experience, so be sure to take your time when making your decision,
What are your thoughts? Was this a helpful introductory guide? How would you choose an internet service provider for your first place? Let us know in the comments below!
Best of luck adulting!
And Remember,
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