7 Questions You Ask When Looking for an Internet Provider

Having internet at home is crucial these days for the majority of people out there. However, looking for the right internet provider can sometimes a difficult decision. It can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first time trying to find the one you can count on without having to think twice.

Are you installing internet into your home for the first time? Upgrading your existing internet plan? Or, making a switch to a new I provider? No matter the reason, gathering as much information as you can work to your advantage before you end up signing on the dotted line. That way, you will be able to get the best and cheap internet deal you need.

Here is a list of seven questions you must ask the internet service provider when it comes to making the 7 Questions You Ask When Looking for an Internet Provider

Do you guarantee internet speeds?

This is the first and foremost question you must ask “is the internet speed guaranteed?” There are several companies that promote their internet speed to reach certain Mbps. In reality, it is not genuine day-to-day speed. You must ask them what the average day-to-day speed is, to get a more accurate understanding.

Are there any additional fees?

Of course, you will like to know upfront about the installation fees, cancellation fees, or cross-connect fees that might be hidden in the small print of the contract. It is important to read what’s written in the contract. If you don’t, it is likely that you end up paying extra fees for the contract cancellation.

Is the equipment going to cost you an upfront price? Or, do you have to pay a service charge to have a specialist come over to your house to look at the equipment? Or, pay the cost of replacement for the equipment (new or upgraded)?

What is your Service Level Agreement (SLA)?

Every (ISP) internet service provider will have an SLA (short for service level agreement). It signifies their commitment to a certain level of quality. It should summarize what you can look forward to receiving from the company with respect to downtime, performance levels, and latency.

Also, the Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) should be incorporated, outlining how long you are likely to wait if anything unexpected happens to their service. Make sure you have this in writing as the internet provider will not defend their side of the agreement. If they do, you can ask for a complete refund on the payment you make.

What are my speed options?

Your (internet) usage will determine which speed will be good for your home or business. Certain factors you need to consider include the amount of streaming and downloading, and the number of devices. All of these are crucial to help you choose the right speed. For example, Netflix recommends an internet download speed of at least 5 Mbps internet for streaming HD videos. The majority of internet providers will offer a wide range of options for internet speed to help customers meet their diverse needs and ask them which option seems best for them.

Is there a contract?

It is important to find out if there is a contract and what its length is. As well, it can work in your favor to find out if the internet provider grants any incentives for agreeing to a longer contract length. Some of the incentives might include a reduced monthly rate or waived fees. When it comes to contracts, however, it is crucial to understand what the process of early cancellation looks like with the internet service provider.

Can I provide my own router or equipment?

You will usually two choices in this realm. You can choose to provide your own router (if it’s allowed by your internet provider) or the provider may give you the option to rent from them for a fee (monthly or annual). However, the benefit to renting a router from the provider is that they will have it replaced or provide maintenance services if there are any problems.

Who will install the router/equipment?

It depends on the complexity of the router or equipment that you will have the option for a technician to install the equipment. However, you might as well take care of self-installation. Keep in mind that you will have to bear the installation fee if you have the technician come over for equipment installation.

At ServiceDealz– a leading digital deal-hunting platform – we understand that a good internet service provider (ISP) will communicate all the required vital information upfront to customers so they can make a well-informed decision. There are some ISPS that do not, which is why asking them is of utmost importance.