Comparing Internet Service Providers Online - Important Considerations
The fact that most people in the U.S. have an option of at least two internet service providers is certainly a great thing – but it can be confusing at the same time. Often times consumers hear different stories from every internet company and they simply don't know who to believe. Many users continue to overpay for service because they don't want to deal with the hassle of finding a better deal. The good news is that if you focus on a few key factors you'll be able to quickly and easily decide not only which company offers the best service but how can give you the best overall value.
A Word About Value
Remember that getting the lowest price isn't always the best value. It's far too common for consumers to be looking so hard for the lowest price that they skip over the best deal. For example, consider that Company A is offering internet access for $24.95 per month. That might be the lowest price available but if you discover that you can get speeds twice as fast from Company B for only $26.95 per month, it may well be the better value. That's why it's so important to consider the big picture – and not just the bottom line price.
Long Term Value Versus Short Term Value
There are many online only options that can offer you the chance to save a significant amount of money. These deals can be fantastic – but it's important to look at the long term impact. For example, a deal might offer you free equipment, free installation and a discounted rate for the first 3 months. Sounds like a great plan, doesn't it? While it might be – it might also be true that you're required to lock into a 2 year contract. If that price goes up significantly after the discounted first 3 months, you may end up with a bad value after all.
An Easy Way to Compare Long Term Values
The easiest way to compare your long term values is to figure out how much it will cost per month for the required contract time with various internet service providers. For example, if your contract is for a minimum of 12 months, you'd add up all the starting costs plus the cost of service for those 12 months. Take into consideration any discounted first months you may get as well as cash back or other money saving offers. Once you've added up the total cost over those 12 months, just divide by 12 to see what the real cost of your monthly plan will be.
When Money Saving Offers Are Worth It
The truth is that too often consumers will switch to a company they're not that interested in just because the company in question is offering perks. A free gaming console, $200 cash back or free modems or wireless equipment might sound great, but if you're not otherwise interested in the package, it won't be a deal you'll be happy about for long. The real value offers from these promotions come when you get the best deal from the company you already wanted to work with.
Choosing the Best Company for You
Once you've compared all the deals and have broken down the true monthly cost of the internet service providers offering service in your area, you'll be able to compare your options much more easily. While you might find that one company offers the absolute lowest monthly price, another might give you much faster service for just a few dollars more. Carefully consider your options, compare your own needs and you'll find the best value for you.
A Word About Value
Remember that getting the lowest price isn't always the best value. It's far too common for consumers to be looking so hard for the lowest price that they skip over the best deal. For example, consider that Company A is offering internet access for $24.95 per month. That might be the lowest price available but if you discover that you can get speeds twice as fast from Company B for only $26.95 per month, it may well be the better value. That's why it's so important to consider the big picture – and not just the bottom line price.
Long Term Value Versus Short Term Value
There are many online only options that can offer you the chance to save a significant amount of money. These deals can be fantastic – but it's important to look at the long term impact. For example, a deal might offer you free equipment, free installation and a discounted rate for the first 3 months. Sounds like a great plan, doesn't it? While it might be – it might also be true that you're required to lock into a 2 year contract. If that price goes up significantly after the discounted first 3 months, you may end up with a bad value after all.
An Easy Way to Compare Long Term Values
The easiest way to compare your long term values is to figure out how much it will cost per month for the required contract time with various internet service providers. For example, if your contract is for a minimum of 12 months, you'd add up all the starting costs plus the cost of service for those 12 months. Take into consideration any discounted first months you may get as well as cash back or other money saving offers. Once you've added up the total cost over those 12 months, just divide by 12 to see what the real cost of your monthly plan will be.
When Money Saving Offers Are Worth It
The truth is that too often consumers will switch to a company they're not that interested in just because the company in question is offering perks. A free gaming console, $200 cash back or free modems or wireless equipment might sound great, but if you're not otherwise interested in the package, it won't be a deal you'll be happy about for long. The real value offers from these promotions come when you get the best deal from the company you already wanted to work with.
Choosing the Best Company for You
Once you've compared all the deals and have broken down the true monthly cost of the internet service providers offering service in your area, you'll be able to compare your options much more easily. While you might find that one company offers the absolute lowest monthly price, another might give you much faster service for just a few dollars more. Carefully consider your options, compare your own needs and you'll find the best value for you.
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