Your internet connection is the most important utility in the house and therefore, it requires a great deal of responsibility before getting a connection for your house. In a pandemic where we have to stay at home and manage our work, a steady internet connection is crucial to get us going. However, with so many internet providers operating in America, it is difficult to get the right one for your home.
There are many different factors to consider while getting one for your house. For example, the connection type plays a crucial role in determining the quality of your internet. Satellite internet is great but it has problems when the weather conditions are not perfect. As a result, you may experience some connectivity issues.
To help you make an informed decision, we came up with a complete guide on how to find the right internet service provider in your area.
Check for Connection types
There are different ways to get to the internet. Every connection type has its pros and cons.
Fiber
This is arguably the most advanced broadband internet technology. Fiber internet is set to revolutionize the internet forever. Thanks to the network of fiber optics, which are special cables made up of glass and transmit more data, faster than any other connection type. However, the drawback is that the fiber infrastructure requires a massive cost, and therefore, it is not readily available.
Cable
This is the most common type of service present in America. Cable internet is delivered through the coaxial cables, the same lines that are used to transmit TV service. Cable internet is easily available in almost all states in the US. Unlike satellites, the weather conditions do not affect the connection quality. Cable internet delivers internet speed up to 1 GIGABIT. Spectrum is the most accessible cable TV providers.
DSL
DSL stands for digital subscriber line and widely accessible in America. It is cheaper than most cable and fiber providers. However, the download speeds are less. CenturyLink is a DSL provider.
Satellite
Satellite internet is accessible everywhere in the United States. Many providers are operating. They install a dish on your rooftop or terrace. This dish must have a clear view of the southern sky. The dish receives signals and you get the internet service. The speeds are good but not something you’d like to have. The weather has a great influence on your connection.
Check for download speeds
The performance of your internet is contingent upon the download speeds you are getting. The higher the download speed, the better is your overall experience. The download speeds vary from provider to provider but you can always check your internet speed at speedcheck.org. However, we recommend getting 100 Mbps from a cable or fiber provider for basic to moderate usage. If you have heavy usage and multiple people use the internet at a time, you need more than 300 Mbps for your home.
Check for contracts
The contracts are somehow the most annoying thing about getting a subscription. Ideally, one should have the liberty to cancel the subscription whenever they feel like without paying a termination fee. By setting a contract, you are bounding a customer in a legal framework that has no meaning whatsoever. Therefore, check for the contracts whenever you are finding a service provider in the area. Go for the one without a contract.
Check reviews online
Once you find all the providers in the area and select one of the providers, check the online reviews. These online reviews are a great insight into the services provided by the ISP. You can check the problems faced by the provider and how the customer service works.
Compare deals
Every provider offers great deals for the internet and TV. Check the deals that have a great value for money.
Call the provider directly
Call the customer service of the provider directly and inquire more about the plan. Ask for the promotions and deals. Check all the additional prices that are not mentioned on the website. These values may give you an idea about how much the plan would cost after adding everything up.