How To Save Money on Your Internet Plan

How To Save Money on Your Internet Plan

Between rent or mortgage payments, car payments, utility bills, groceries, and so much more, finding internet plans that can fit within your budget can sometimes feel like an insurmountable task. It isn’t, though; it just takes a bit of legwork and some finesse! The next time you’re viewing HughesNet plans or considering making a change to your internet services, keep these tips in mind to save money without sacrificing your streaming quality.

Know What Type of Internet Service You Need

Not all types of internet services are created equally, and some are more expensive than others. DSL and cable internet services have been around for quite a few years now and have download and upload speeds that work well for the average household. Because they are common and what most people use, they typically have the best deals. In some cities, a new option known as fiber optic internet is becoming available. This service is much faster but is not widely available and typically costs much more since rewiring is often part of getting the service. Some people even rely exclusively on wireless 4G or 5G data, but because the download and upload speeds can vary greatly (anywhere from 3-40 Mbps), this option is best for people who don’t use a lot of wireless internet or who are always on the go and don’t have access to a dedicated router.

Check Out Online Pricing

When you talk to someone on the phone to help you create your wireless internet package, you may notice a phenomenon: it often costs more than if you were to sign up online. While internet service providers don’t really say why this is, going theories are that it costs to pay a customer service employee or because the employee is working for an extra commission by signing you up for unneeded services. If you can, sign up for your new internet service online. Doing so often saves you money, especially if you sign up for a longer contract.

Buy Your Own Modem and Router

You’ll notice one thing when you sign up for online services. The cost of renting a modem and router isn’t listed in the initial quoted price. Instead, you’ll see those charges right when you’re about to finish the checkout process. Renting wireless internet equipment through your service provider can tack on as much as $20 to your monthly bill. That means spending hundreds of dollars over the course of your contract. It’s easier and more affordable to purchase your own modem and router, and you can buy high-quality ones for less than $200. As an added bonus, if you decide to switch providers, you won’t need to go through the hassle of returning equipment, which often requires you to mail it yourself or even go to the nearest field office to return it in person.

Bundle Your Internet With Other Services

Wireless internet providers often offer wired phone services, cell phone services, and cable television services as well. However, the decrease in people using cable TV and home phones mean they are losing money on these options. For this reason, many companies provide excellent discounts for people who sign up for more than one service. If it will save money to sign up for cable TV in addition to the internet, do so. You can then renegotiate and potentially remove the television service at the end of your initial contract.

Lowering your internet bill is doable, as long as you put in a bit of work to ensure companies aren’t taking advantage of you. If you can’t negotiate the prices of your current service, look into other companies, even if your contract isn’t up yet. Many providers will pay to end your current contract if you sign with them for two years or more.