How To Choose a New Internet Service Provider

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Cutting through the noise in the world of internet service providers can be overwhelming, especially with countless companies advertising how they're faster, cheaper, and better than the rest. From flashy commercials to enticing promotions, it's hard to know what's hype and what's reality. As you consider switching to a new internet service provider, it's essential to look beyond the marketing claims and focus on what really matters: finding a reliable, affordable, and high-speed connection that meets your unique needs. Here's what you need to know:

Check Internet Availability BEFORE You Move. One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving is assuming reliable high-speed internet is everywhere. It is not. If you're close to a major metropolitan area, chances are good you will have fast, dependable Internet, but if you're considering moving to a rural location, that may not be the case.

Start by entering your new address on the major providers’ websites. Even if a company advertises service in your city, it doesn’t mean it serves every neighborhood. Availability can change from one street to the next with many providers, so check your exact address.

If you’re not sure what services will be available at your new location, visit https://www.highspeedinternet.com to get a breakdown that includes potential speeds and potential prices.

Ask your Neighbors. Your current (or future) neighbors are the best resource to find out about availability and performance. When asking questions, make sure you ask about reliability, customer service, and whether speeds drop during peak hours as well as how often service goes down. Online neighborhood groups on Facebook and NextDoor can also be a resource for you if you need help deciding.

Understand the Types of Service You Are Signing Up For. Just like computers and smartphones, not all Internet services are created equal. Here is the breakdown.

• Fiber-optic is the gold standard for speed and reliability, offering equal upload and download speeds. If high-performance service is important, opting for this level is worth considering. Fiber isn't everywhere, so don't assume just because you move to an area that they have fiber as an option.

• Cable Internet is widely available in locations close to major cities and generally fast, though upload speeds tend to be slower than download speeds.

• DSL uses traditional copper phone lines and can be slower depending upon how far you are from a connecting office. DSL has been phased out for the most part, but there are still Internet Service Providers who still provide internet via DSL in rural areas.

• Home 5G offered by T-Mobile and Verizon uses cellular wireless networks via a mobile hotspot in your home. You can get reliable Internet from Home 5G, however, this service is best if you only have a few devices in your home that need access to the Internet or if you're in a rural area with no access to Fiber or Cable. Don't choose this option if you have a smart home setup. Out of all of the services,Home 5G services from Verizon and T-Mobile seem to be the most misunderstood option. People see the low rates and think the speeds are equal to Fiber or Cable.

• Satellite services such as Starlink offer high speeds almost anywhere, making it a great choice in rural areas, but you're going to pay much more than you would with traditional Cable or Fiber.

Match Your Subscription Speed to Your Usage. Don’t pay for speed you don’t need, but don’t skimp, either. For light web browsing and email, 50–100 Mbps might be fine. If you stream in 4K, game online, work from home with video calls, or have multiple people using the Internet at once, aim for 300 Mbps or more. If you upload large files often (like videos), prioritize faster upload speeds.

For the Love of God, Read the Fine Print. Internet providers love leaving out details about hidden fees, data caps, and “introductory” prices that double after the first year. If you don't want to read all of those boring Terms of Service agreements, upload them to an AI Chatbot such as X's Grok, Microsoft Co-Pilot, Google Gemini, Meta.ai, or ChatGPT. Use the following prompt:"I need you to act as my legal tech expert". I need you to read the following terms of service and break it down for me like a 5th grader. I need you to notify me of hidden fees, data caps and price changes. You can either copy and paste the terms or upload a PDF copy of the terms to your chatbot for it to read and interpret for you.

Bite the bullet and use your ISP's Equipment. I've always heard of tech guys who prefer to use their own router and modem rather than pay the rental fee for equipment. A little-known fact is that ISP equipment should be changed out every 3 to 5 years. Technology changes frequently, and if you want the top speeds from your provider, use their equipment. Also, unless you work in IT, it will be easier for tech support from your ISP to find out what the problem is when you have internet issues if you have their equipment, rather than providing your own. We've had Google Fiber for 6 years and have switched equipment at least 4 times because of upgrades to their network.

Hopefully, this will give you tips to help your family choose the right Internet Provider if you want to make the switch or if you're moving. If you enjoyed this post, let me know in the comments below. If you have any questions, please reach out via email or on social media. I'm always available..

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