The Internet is becoming important to the fabric of everyday life. Whether you're using the internet to work in the office and communicate with clients and customers or are streaming entertainment on Netflix or Disney+ at the end of a long day, having a reliable internet connection is crucial to living in the 21st century. That being said, internet service can get pricy, especially after your new customer discounts expire. If you're looking for different ways to save on your internet bill, here are five steps to consider.
Buy Your Own Modem and Router
If you currently rent a modem and router from your internet provider, this can add an unnecessary charge to your bill. Quite frankly, this additional fee isn't necessary if you have the ability to buy a router from a big-box retailer or even second-hand on Craigslist or eBay. Buying your own modem and router instead of leasing them from your ISP is a great way to knock anywhere between $7 to $20 off of your internet bill, depending on your internet service provider.
Reduce Your Speed
Do you really need the fastest most expensive internet plan available to you? If you're a photographer uploading photos and using online picture storage regularly, then the answer might be, "Yes." After all, having quick upload speeds can ensure that you're able to keep your business running smoothly and don't wind up unnecessarily tying up your computer.
However, even if you do a lot of streaming or play online video games, the chances are high that you don't need the best upload speeds or download speeds available to you. Even moving from the top tier of internet speed to the tier lower than what you're currently paying for can play an important role in reducing the cost of your internet service.
Negotiate Your Bill
If you have a lot of time on your hands, it may be able to get a deal better than the currently-offered promotion price of internet service if you call your ISP to negotiate. Keep in mind, this is best done over the phone and your ISP will likely try and change your mind.
If you stay firm and even threaten to walk away to another internet provider, however, you'll likely be placed on hold and then offered a better deal. Sometimes this whole process can take up to two hours on the phone, but if you're patient and willing to stay calm while negotiating, you'll likely get a great deal on high-speed internet.
Bundle Your Services
If you also are interested in saving on your phone service or television, bundling your services could be a great option. A website like High Speed Internet Deals allows you to compare different options from a wide variety of internet service providers, allowing you to make the best decision for you and your needs.
From big-name providers like Verizon, Xfinity, and AT&T to smaller, local options like Spectrum or COX, you can research actual speeds in your zip code for existing or new residential customers with ease. Best of all, High Speed Internet Deals has exclusive packages and deals with different providers, making it even easier to bundle and save on your internet, phone, and television service.
Check on Subsidy Programs
Many local and state governments have different programs that help to subsidize the internet. While Australia's NBN internet has pioneered the way for getting more Australians access to high-speed internet, the United States has retroactively included broadband access in its Lifeline Program. The Lifeline Program helps low-income consumers gain telephone and internet service via mobile phones. If you're able to qualify for these sorts of programs, they may be another useful way to save on your internet fees.
