Are you coming to the end of your contract with your internet service provider and wondering if you should change your service? If you don't feel like your provider is giving you everything in an internet plan then it might be time for a change. Switching providers could mean new technology options, such as fiber optic, or saving a significant amount of money. BroadbandSearch brings you a complete guide to help you figure out if it's time for a new provider or if you should stay with your current one.
What to Look for if You Want to Change Your Internet Provider
The two biggest reasons to change providers would be to get a better deal or get the latest technology. In recent years, fiber optic internet has grown significantly and more providers are starting to offer it in select areas. As more people choose to cut the cord, faster internet speeds are a requirement to stream programming. Fiber optic is the fastest internet speed available to residential customers so if it is available in your area and within your budget, you should switch now to lock in a good price. Another advantage that residential customers have is the amount of competition in the internet provider market. This allows you to research prices and get the best deal on the market.
These are other questions you should consider before changing. If you answer yes to any of the following, you should look around at other providers:
- Are you consistently reaching your data cap each month? If so, there are some unlimited options or providers that offer enough data to support an entire household.
- Have you added more users since you initially started with your current provider? If so, you need to make sure you have plenty of bandwidth to support everyone.
- Are you planning on moving soon? If so, consider looking at options in your new area. This could be the perfect time to save money after purchasing a new home.
- Are you able to make a lap around the house in the time it takes a page to load? If so, you need to look at a provider that can give you faster speeds.
- Are you still using a traditional dial-up connection? If so, there are multiple more current options that can improve your quality of connection.
- Do you feel like your bill is getting too high or you have been overage charges? If so, it is time to look for a more affordable option.
Once you have done the background research on the providers that are available in your area, it's time to talk to a service representative. See what deals can actually be made for you. You can get your new service connected almost immediately so you don't experience any network interruptions. If you want to switch providers but are still currently in a contract with one, it is important to keep in mind you may have to pay a fee to leave.
FAQ
Will I lose my email address if I switch providers?
You will lose your email address if it is branded with a domain that is hosted by your old provider. If it’s a generic email like Hotmail or Gmail, it will not be affected. If the domain-branded email is attached to a domain you own that is separate from the original provider, you could transfer it to the new provider and retain the email address.
Can I go back to my old provider after switching ISPs?
Typically, there should be no issue in returning to your old provider, unless you left under bad circumstances. Just keep in mind that it will be as if you were opening a brand new account. No data or settings from the first time around will still be in place.
Does any router work with any provider?
Some routers work with different providers, but you shouldn’t assume that they all will. For example, whether or not the routers are interchangeable depends on the type of internet you have. A DSL router won’t work with a cable connection. A fiber router won’t work with a dial-up connection - and so on and so forth.
What is the most reliable internet service?
It is impossible to say which internet service is the most reliable for everyone in every location. One provider might have extremely reliable service in one area but not another. Confusing matters even more is the reality that you can’t really trust online reviews. An article in PCMag claims that as much as one-third of reviews left online regarding internet providers are fake. Your best bet is probably word of mouth. You can also take advantage of free trial periods to try out different providers.
What is the slowest internet connection service?
The slowest internet connection service would be any one that sells a dial-up connection. This antiquated type of internet is more than 100 times slower than the next closest type, which is DSL. The secondary answer to this question, unfortunately, is similar to the previous one. Different providers are slower in different areas, and you can’t really trust online reviews.
