When choosing an internet service Provider (ISP), there is more to it than meets the eye. There are a lot of intricacies that you need to look into so that you can determine which ISP best suits your needs.
For instance, if you are a fan of watching movies, you need an internet connection that gives you a high internet speed. Similarly, if you are an avid online gamer, you need a connection that gives as little latency as possible. Low latency helps prevent the game from lagging as you play.
Among these examples, there are a few other things that you need to take into consideration when you choose a new internet connection for yourself, which have been highlighted below:
Availability
The first thing that you need to look into is availability. I’m sure you must have a generic list of popular internet services that you want to give a shot. But before you progress with that thought, you need to see which of them provide a service in your area.
I’ve been using Xfinity and it is available nearly everywhere in the United States including where I live. I also found the Xfinity internet packages to be quite flexible and budget-friendly.
Once you make sure that your preferred internet service is available in your area, all you have to do now is place an order for a connection as soon as possible.
Don’t Forget the Speed!
Though I’ve mentioned this above, the internet speed that you choose for yourself holds great significance. Here, you have to determine what your internet needs are and which speed will cater to all those needs.
For instance, if you work remotely, you need an internet connection that ensures all your online meetings are seamless as possible. Imagine how embarrassing it would be if your video gets stuck right in the middle of you making an important point at the meeting.
Similarly, if you game online, you will also need a fast internet connection so that you don’t end up ghosting your teammates in the middle of a DOTA 2 campaign or an intense match in Valorant. A slow connection will not only be a nuisance for you but for those associated with you as well.
Look Out for Contracts
Contracts in an internet service are also something that you need to pay close attention to. Some internet service providers may sneak in a “contract” which binds you into using the internet service before a certain time limit.
If you end up opting for another internet service before the contract term ends, you have to pay an early termination fee. However, at the same time, there are also some ISPs who don’t require you to sign a contract or even an early termination fee for making a switch.
Be Mindful About Your Internet Connection Type
The type of internet connection also has a lot to do with how well your internet will perform. There are three choices that you can choose between: satellite, cable, and fiber internet connection. I break it down below for you to understand the perks of all three:
Satellite Internet Connection
While a satellite internet connection may be relatively slow, it is also accessible from anywhere! All thanks to the satellites orbiting the Earth all the time, making it possible to have an internet connection wherever, whenever!
Cable Internet Connection
A cable internet connection is among the most popular internet means in the United States. It makes use of copper cables to transmit internet signals from ISP to your house. A cable internet connection is more reliable than a satellite service in terms of internet speed.
Fiber Internet Connection
A fiber internet connection is the best that you can choose for yourself. Not only does it offer the highest internet speed but its transmission optic cables also run underground, protecting them from infrastructural damage. This ensures that not only is your internet connection the fastest but is also the most durable.
Avoid Data Caps
Just like contracts, you should also keep an eye out for data caps that come with your internet connection. Some internet service providers have a data cap policy, limiting you to a specific internet usage. Once you go overboard, you are charged with a fee.
However, most internet service providers give you unlimited data, but you should still make sure about that before you go ahead with purchasing their services.
A Few Bonus Pointers
- When looking into the availability of an internet service in your area, be sure to check and see if fiber internet is available in your area or not, since fiber internet is pretty scarce.
- You can look for contracts in a “broadband label” while you are purchasing your internet connection. It looks exactly like a nutrition label you find on products in the grocery store. It explicitly mentions any possible contracts and early termination fees that come with your connection.