With technology redefining every aspect of our lives, there’s no doubt that the transition to a digitized lifestyle has not been an easy one. Among a hundred other digital decisions we’ve had to make, choosing an internet service provider is one that isn’t as easy to decide. Choosing an internet service is a long-term commitment so you need to cover every factor on the list before finalizing an internet service provider.

The most vital part of choosing an internet service in your area is knowing what you’re looking for. Without a certain goal in mind, it’s difficult to know where to begin. But lucky for you, you’ve come to the right place! By following only a few steps, we’re going to make choosing an internet service provider a super simplified process! Read ahead to find out how.

Understand the Different Types of Internet Services

There are multiple types of internet connections that you have access to in today’s time. Once you understand the type that suits your online and digital needs the best, you’re already halfway done with the process.  The four common types are:

1. DSL

DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line and it depends on telephone lines to function properly. DSL was a popular option among consumers in the past but with time and competition in the market, this internet type faced a huge decline because of its speed. It’s a reliable option that is used mostly when households or workstations have limited browsing needs. What it means is that you can’t browse high tech news sites with a DSL connection. You need and deserve better than this.

2. Satellite

Satellite internet services use satellite to get service, so you never have to worry about losing a connection no matter where you go. As long as there’s a satellite hovering above our planet, there’s an internet signal present. Compared to DSL, satellite connections have slower speeds and tip toward the expensive side, but its accessibility and reach get the points!

3. Cable

When you find a cable service provider, ask them about other services they offer. Chances are they’re offering internet and telephone along with cable service. And if you opt to bundle all your services (cable, internet, and telephone), you are going to be saving a lot on your monthly bill for all these services.

Compared to DSL and Satellite, it’s an option that offers faster speeds (3 megabytes to 100 megabytes per second) and a more reliable connection as distance doesn’t matter. However, more traffic and more users will eventually weaken the internet signal and slow down internet speed across all devices.

4. Fiber

Fiber is the newest internet service that has taken the world by storm.  It offers faster speeds than any other internet service mentioned above! It uses plastic/glass strands that have no external interference, offering unlimited speed (up to 300 megabytes per second) to users across the world.

While it’s a service wanted by many, fiber optic still is not available everywhere and varies area by area. But if you’re a Spectrum internet user, you’re in luck. Spectrum Internet service offers different fiber optic internet plans depending on availability. Find out if it’s in your area!

5. Checking Availability

Out of the four types of internet services, you will most likely have access to DSL, cable, and satellite. However, if you are looking for higher speeds and have the option for fiber, it’s the best purchase decision you’d make.

6. Looking for Promotions

Once you find out the different internet service providers in your area offering the type of service you’ve chosen, contact them and ask them about introductory offers for new subscribers. Chances are you’ll come across a deal or package you’d be interested in. Most ISPs have such offers to attract new prospects into buying their service so you can use these promos to negotiate with other providers for a better deal.

7. Compare and Contrast

Different providers have different rates for the same type of internet service. Once you have chosen the type of internet service, it’s important to compare the offers from different providers so you select the best possible offer. Take a good look at the provider’s data caps, plans, prices, speeds, user reviews, and more importantly, the installation fees.  Choose what meets your demands.

8. Understand Speed

More times than often, people tend to overestimate or underestimate the amount of speed they need. If you want to stream movies all day long, then anything above 6 megabytes per second will work flawlessly for you. If you’re a hardcore gamer, then anything above 30 megabytes will do! It all depends on the purpose of your online activities. Knowing this can help you save a lot of money!

Make sure to understand and follow these steps when you’re looking for an internet service provider in your area. The last thing you want is a long-term commitment to wasting your money in the wrong place.

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