Before signing up for an internet plan, it’s important to understand what exactly you will get from your internet service provider. Many telecommunication companies in the market claim to be the ‘best high-speed internet service providers‘, promising top speed and outstanding plans, but you need the one that truly delivers it all.
Finding out which provider is a true fit for you can be a bit challenging to determine. But asking the right questions beforehand helps you avoid hidden fees, slow connections, and unexpected imitations and ensures that you are investing in a service that is good for your home or business.
In this article, I will tell you about some important questions that you must ask your ISP before subscribing to them, as this can help you save your money, time, and hassle.
With that in mind, let’s get started!
What types of internet connections are available in my area?
There are so many internet connection types; each one has its own pros and cons depending on your area and your usage. Let me break down the most common types of internet connections so you can make a wise decision before signing up for a plan:
- Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): This connection type uses copper telephone lines to transmit data. It offers download speeds ranging from 1Mbps to 7Mbps and an average upload speed of 1.5Mbps
- Cable Internet: It uses Coaxial cables to provide an internet connection, offering faster download speeds than upload speeds.
- Fiber Internet: This is the latest technology that uses fiber optic cables to transmit data. It offers symmetrical speeds and enables users to do high-quality streaming and downloading, or uploading large files.
- Satellite Internet: Satellite internet is best for remote or rural areas where the traditional broadband infrastructure is not available. The best thing about satellite internet is that it offers wide coverage and its 24/7 availability. However, the speed can be affected due to bad weather conditions.
What speeds are you offering in my area?
Many internet service providers are offering speeds that can accommodate different types of users. Even if you have decided on your internet plan, still ask about the different internet plan options that, according to your location, and better options that are available, you do not know about.
Are you offering the same download and upload speeds?
Many fiber internet providers promise that they offer equal download and upload speeds, but in reality, they do not.
If you use cloud-based applications, do video conferencing regularly on Google Meet and Zoom, and heavily rely on sharing large data files, then slow speeds will bottleneck your work.
Pro tip: If you are working from home, subscribe to a fiber internet plan so that you can work seamlessly without any interruption.
Are there any data caps imposed on your internet plan?
Always subscribe to a plan that has no data caps, since when you reach your data limit, the providers ask for extra fees. With no data caps, you can use your internet without any stress.
Make sure that how much data you will get in each package and what will happen if you use beyond that limit. Since some providers charge an extra fee, and some lower the internet speed.
If your internet plan promises unlimited data, there is a slight chance that your internet speed can be throttled.
Do you offer bundle plans?
If the provider offers a bundle plan, it’s better to sign up for that. This can help you in lowering your monthly cost, offer you a single bill for multiple services, and allow you to enjoy extra benefits such as streaming discounts.
Moreover, bundles can help you save money as you can subscribe to TV, internet, and mobile plans if they are all purchased together.
Things to consider before signing up for a bundle plan:
- Make sure you subscribe to a bundle plan that actually benefits you; don’t go for a plan that won’t offer you much, and you are opting for it just because it’s effective.
- Understand the contract terms, and look in detail at the promotional pricing that can increase after some time and may include a hidden fee.
What are the contract terms?
Contracts usually have additional fee charges that are beyond the advertised annual rate; this can include installation fees, equipment fees, maintenance fees, and an activation fee. Do read the contract in detail and ask the salesperson to tell you about the hidden charges.
Additionally, the most important thing is that you need to ask your provider about the early termination fee, also known as the ETF. ISPs have this hidden thing written in the contract that if a person cancels the service before the term ends, like in 12 or 24 months, they have to pay an extra fee as a fine for the remaining service of the month.
What happens if there is a problem with my connection?
There can be connection problems with the internet, which is very obvious, and these issues are inevitable. It is important to ask your ISP about this, since you could know what kind of support they offer.
Some have customer support phone numbers, online portals, and have live chat option. It’s important to know what support your ISP is offering so you get prompt help for internet problems.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right internet plan becomes easier when you know what to ask. The more informed you are before signing up, the less the chance of you getting unwanted surprises from your provider. Use these questions as a checklist, and you will be able to make a good decision.
