The internet is starting to become a necessity during this time. However, it has always been a pain in our pockets. Paying too much money for a monthly internet service is just the standard for us. Looking back, the internet we used to know has improved dramatically. Unfortunately, it comes with a hefty price. We will help you lessen your monthly internet expenses with just five valuable tips. Let’s get into it!
Source: HuffPost
Contents
- 1. Avoid leasing internet equipment
- 2. Assess and negotiate your monthly bill
- Start comparing your service with different service providers
- Choose a backup provider, just in case.
- Be ready to cancel your service if it does not go pleasantly.
- Talk to your provider’s retention specialist and clearly let them know your desired terms.
- Never disrespect the customer service representatives.
- 3. Internet and TV bundle is the way to go.
- 4. Watch your data usage every month
- 5. Determine if you qualify for subsidies
1. Avoid leasing internet equipment
Numerous internet service providers charge fees up to $15 per month. Let’s be honest, it will stay with you for a long time. You will shed $900 for renting equipment for around five years. If you do your math correctly, buying equipment instead of renting it will cost you less money in the long run. It might look too expensive at first, but it will help you save more money. It is always better to have your equipment as you get more control over your network.
2. Assess and negotiate your monthly bill
Keep a sharp eye on your monthly bill because some providers might charge you for something you did not ask for. Plenty of internet providers offer deals with hidden fees. If you see anything weird or odd, contact your provider’s customer service as soon as possible.
Negotiations come after you have decided that you are not satisfied with your internet providers. It could, or it could not solve your dissatisfaction. Before you start negotiating with your service provider, make sure that you are knowledgeable enough. Here’s how to properly deal with your ISP.
Source: Stearns Electric
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Start comparing your service with different service providers
Determining your needs and wants from your provider is essential before you negotiate with them. Comparing services from different providers will help you determine where you’re at. For example, if you do not like having year-long contracts, many internet providers, including MetroNet, offer reliable and affordable internet without requiring long-term contracts.
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Choose a backup provider, just in case.
If you have chosen a potential provider, call their customer service and determine their installation services and such. It is crucial because it would be frustrating to be left off with no internet connection at all.
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Be ready to cancel your service if it does not go pleasantly.
You can never tell how your negotiation will end. If it turns out worst, it would be better to cancel your current service immediately.
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Talk to your provider’s retention specialist and clearly let them know your desired terms.
These specialists will do anything in their power to keep you. Most of the time, they will offer you some of the best deals to prevent you from canceling your plan. However, only accept their suggestions if they provide you with a better service without charging you more. It will help if you tell them what you found in other providers and give you the same service. That way, they would know that you were already looking for other providers.
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Never disrespect the customer service representatives.
Avoid losing your temper while talking to them, as it would be unlikely for them to give you better offers. Keep your cool and explain to them what you want.
Source: iLounge
3. Internet and TV bundle is the way to go.
Most internet service providers have been offering TV and internet bundles to their consumers. If you love watching TV shows and movies, it is the best option you could do. These providers will charge you less, even up to $20 to $40 a month, but that’s only if you go for their internet and TV bundle.
You can even bundle your internet, TV, and phone for a more convenient billing every month. However, only several internet providers, including Frontier, offer this kind of service. You may even negotiate with them to give you a discount—who knows; they might even offer you a better deal.
4. Watch your data usage every month
The only reason you are paying heaps of money every month is the speed and amount of data you are receiving. If you have no reason to subscribe to an unlimited data plan every month, consider changing it. You should also watch your phone’s data usage and what plan you are in. If you can unsubscribe to your current plan, it would be better. But some people cannot live without any data outside their home.
Source: The New York Times
5. Determine if you qualify for subsidies
Internet connection is becoming essential like electricity and water, so everyone should be able to connect to the internet at a reasonable price. If some state and federal assistance programs support your household, you will most likely qualify for internet subsidies. Several internet service providers can provide for as low as $10 per month to qualified homes. With the pandemic, some internet providers also offer free internet for a month or more—but not all providers; you will have to check with them.
Here are some of the federal programs that might help you qualify for internet subsidies to give you an idea.
- Community Eligibility Provision of the National School Lunch Program (CEP of the NSLP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Public Housing (HUD)
- Pell Grant
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Senior and veteran government assistance
These state programs will also help you qualify for a more affordable internet:
- California’s Medi-Cal Program
- Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
- Refugee Assistance
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Senior Citizen Low-Income Discount Plans from local power or gas companies.
If these programs currently support you, you should contact your internet service providers as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Source: Addition Accounting
Conclusion
Lowering your internet expenses might be hard at first, but think about the money you will save in the long run if you do it now. Buying your equipment, reducing speed, and negotiating will significantly help you reduce your expenses and save your hard-earned money. You may not even know that you qualify for internet subsidies until now, but having a reliable and affordable internet connection should be for everyone.
