Internet service near you

Decisions

The first thing to decide is what kind of internet service you want. Consider your priorities. Do you need high-speed internet? Are you more concerned about cheap internet? Is reliable Wi-Fi the most important thing? Are you looking for unlimited internet or do you need to consider things like data caps and overage fees?

You should also think about whether or not you want cable television and/or home phone service, as some internet providers will have deals or specials based on service bundles.

One thing which will surely affect your choice is your address. You may hear about an internet provider from a friend or co-worker, only to find it’s not an option near you. So, the first thing to do when considering an ISP is to check its coverage area.

If you rent your home, your landlord or property manager may be able to provide a list of internet providers for your address.

Ask friends and family who live near you for suggestions based on their experiences. Find out things like how many people can be on the internet at the same time without the service suffering.  How long does it take to download a file? Do they notice slower internet at certain times of the day? Do they get a lot of buffering when they stream television?

There are many factors that will affect the price of your internet plan – your internet speed, the other services you are bundling internet with, and the length of your contract. When comparing ISPs, make sure you are looking at similar offerings and take all expenses into account.

Once you’ve chosen a provider and a plan, be sure to read your contract very carefully so you understand how the price of your services will change over time or as you make changes to your plan. Also, make sure you are aware of extra fees for equipment like a modem. Are there charges for installation or activation? What is the company’s policy if you are unsatisfied with their service?

 

For more information

Check BBB.org for reviews and complaints about the company or companies you are considering. One thing to pay attention to is how hard or easy it is to cancel when you decide to make a change in your service.

Read more about BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust. 

Visit BBB's home HQ for more resources.