The internet has become an important part of our daily lives. It is hard to imagine a world without this amazing technology. It helped the world stay connected during the madness that was coronavirus. So, we can safely say that Internet Service is the gift that keeps on giving.
A reliable and high-speed Internet Service ensures that you stay connected with your family and friends 24/7. Getting a reliable ISP, however, isn’t as easy as dialing the Spectrum 1800 number. With so many internet companies offering great services, it can be difficult to pick the right one. Having said that, let’s go through the things you should consider before getting a new ISP:
1. Know Your Internet Type
The internet is arguably the biggest disruptor of traditional communication. The technology itself has come a long way since the days of the dial-up connection. Today, you have affordable DSL and blazing fast fiber internet. Knowing the types of connections can make it easy for you to select the right internet service for your home or business needs.
We’ll start with satellite internet Service. This type of internet is powered by satellites orbiting the globe. Satellite internet is available where there are no other means of internet connectivity. Rural locations and remote areas typically have satellite internet. DSL is the next type of internet connection. It is available in almost all U.S. states. It is affordable and great for small households.
Cable and fiber are some other types of internet connections. Cable internet is a product of TV cable companies. Fiber internet, on the other hand, offers transmits signals via fiber optic. It offers great speeds and is extremely reliable. The only drawback is that it has limited availability.
2. Look for Availability
Now that you know the type of internet connection you want, it’s time to check its availability. You can check whether the provider is available in your area by entering your zip code on Google. This way you’ll be able to get a complete overview of the companies operating in your area. If you’re living in a densely populated area, chances are you’ll get major providers in your area.
You can also visit your local internet shop to know about the service they provide. Make sure to shop around and know about the options available in your locality. This way you’ll get an idea of whether you’re going for the right ISP. Also, this can give you insights into the availability of fiber internet in your region. Yes, fiber internet is great but it isn’t available everywhere.
3. Compare Prices and Plans
Almost every internet company has competitive pricing plans. You may not find too much of a difference when it comes to pricing. But sometimes, even a dollar can make a difference. Fiber plans are usually more expensive than cable and DSL, but they come with great speeds and low latency. You can compare the fiber plans of different ISPs to know which one meets your budget requirements.
Also, make sure to know about their data caps, annual contracts, and hidden fees. Internet companies offer discounts and promotions to attract new customers. Your internet plan may look quite promising on the price aspect, but discounted prices usually last for 12 months. The same can be said for hidden fees. Also, look out for equipment rental while you still can.
4. Look for Service Level Agreements
Service-level agreements are contractual commitments between ISPs and customers. This is a commitment on part of the ISP to provide support for lag time, latency, packet loss, etc. SLA bounds ISPs to certain obligations. Good ISP agree to SLAs with their customers. Make sure to discuss the SLA with the potential internet Service provider, as many companies don’t offer SLAs at all.
5. Check Customer Support
Providing good customer support is crucial to the success of any business. Quality customer support is the key to a customer’s heart. Customer support ranges from answering customer queries to upgrading the internet infrastructure. It begins the moment the customer walks into the store. Customer representatives take customers through a complete journey.
Make sure to check the company ratings when it comes to customer support. Read customer reviews on the internet. Ask your friends and family about their internet plans and customer support. This way you’ll be able to get an idea about the customer support the internet company offers. Make sure you do the needful and you’ll be amazed by the result you see.
