Internet service providers (ISPs) are widely available nationwide, even in the most rural areas. Nowadays, while several of us depend on the internet for work, entertainment, and smart home support, finding an ISP that provides reliable internet at affordable rates can be an uphill task. Here are the factors to consider when choosing a cheap internet plan.
Type of Service
ISPs offer varied internet services that differ in speed and costs, depending on their mode of transmission. The four types include:
- Fiber connections – Fastest and most expensive, Fiber connections provide internet via high-speed fiber optic cables. Availability is typically limited to big cities.
- Cable- This mode uses coaxial TV cables to transfer data.
- DSL- Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) connections utilize copper wires in telephone lines as a mode to connect you to the internet
- Satellite – Satellite connections are generally slow and are mainly seen in remote rural areas.
Your Neighborhood
Where you live affects the price of your internet plan. ISPs often offer services with different pricing within areas based on Zip codes. If your chosen ISP has already installed infrastructure in your region, you could benefit from cheaper plans.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the amount of data that you can transfer between your computer and the internet within a specific time. All users connected on a plan have to share the allocated bandwidth. If you have many data-hungry devices logged onto a single connection, you will require higher bandwidth. Estimating your household’s bandwidth requirements can help you reduce the cost of your internet plan.
Internet Speed
High internet speed can allow you to download data very fast. While this is great for streaming movies in HD and downloading large files quickly, keep in mind that ISPs generally charge higher rates for high-speed plans.
Contract Fine Print
It is essential to read the fine print of your service contract before subscribing to a cheap plan. While your monthly rates may be low, substantial termination fees could set you back by hundreds of dollars if you decide to end your contract early.While researching and comparing ISPs, knowing your internet requirements can help you make an educated decision in choosing the best internet plan within a small budget.
