There are many reasons you might want to change your internet provider, whether you want to save money if you live in an area where the cost of living is high or you are not happy with your current provider’s customer service policies. However, you could stand to lose money on a decision you make hastily, and there are a few steps you can take to ensure you make a choice that best suits your internet needs.
1. Plan Before You Switch
Switching internet providers may require some planning, as you may have a gap in service during that time. Making plans for this can be especially important if you use your internet to run a home-based business or work from home and share files and other data with long-distance coworkers and managers. You might want to ask providers how long it will take to set up your new service and whether you will have to wait for certain equipment to be installed.
As you search for new services, you may also want to consider what speeds you require. This can be especially important if your family plans to use the internet for web surfing, streaming content, and gaming. You may have to pay a higher monthly charge for higher speeds and for those packages that include unlimited connectivity.
2. Consider Bundled Services
Some providers offer bundled services for both residential and commercial needs, and the total cost may be lower than what you pay for certain services individually. For example, if you use different providers for your television and home phone, bundling these services along with internet could be worth the cost of switching. If you find more than one company that offers bundled services, consider comparing prices for each before you make your choice.
3. Call Your Current Provider
Recent data suggests that nearly 50 percent of small businesses start from people’s homes, and if you are an entrepreneur who wants to save money on commercial internet usage, a phone call could accomplish this. Some providers may be willing to lower your monthly bill if you let them know you are thinking of switching to another company, especially if you are a long-time customer. Let your customer service agent know what kind of service you are seeking, as well as your budget, and you may be able to wrangle a good deal.
4. Consider Current Services
If you are using an email address provided by your current internet service, you may have to plan for a gap in service or create a new email address with a server that is not connected to your provider. If you use this address for business, the gap may cause a loss in business, so it may be important to move to a new address before you switch providers. Let your clients know how to contact you so you can ensure continued quality customer service and inform them about the switch in plenty of time.
5. Make Your Final Choice
Once you find a company that best suits your needs and budget, you may want to review its reputation and terms of service. Speaking to a customer service representative can help you understand exactly what you are getting for your money. For example, if you have chosen Earthlink Internet for your connection needs, you might want to ask about what speeds the company offers, how they are delivered, and what types of extras or bundles you can purchase. The more you know about the services, the more confident you might feel about your decision.
Making the switch to a new internet provider can help you save on residential and commercial connection services. Careful planning and understanding your needs may help make the process simpler.