For many people, broadband internet service is a necessary evil: the service is necessary, but the bill is evil. With seemingly endless advances in speed and capacity, the cost of broadband and mobile broadband has gotten pretty expensive. Cutting out the service would certainly save money, but that is just not an option for many people. So, how do you find cheap mobile broadband or a fast ethernet connection, without compromising the service that you need and want? Believe it or not, it starts with understanding what you’re currently paying for.
Put a Cap on It
Whether it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet, or unlimited broadband usage, people love being untethered. It doesn’t matter that you don’t eat enough to cover the cost of the buffet, or that you don’t use enough broadband to justify the expense because you’ve got choices, right? Wrong. If you are paying for unlimited usage you’re probably paying too much. Take a few weeks and figure out how much broadband you actually need each month, and then see if your provider has a plan with a usage cap that will work for you.
Top Speed Costs More
Have you gotten rid of television in favour of streaming movies and shows online? Do you spend hours each night online gaming? If not, then you probably don’t need the absolute top streaming speed. Yes, it’s nice to download a song in three seconds, but would your life really change that much if you had to wait six or ten? Lower speeds cost less and the difference in download time is something that the average user will not feel.
Consider Bundling
Is your broadband provider the same as your cable or phone provider? If so, check to see if they offer service bundles. Providers are almost always offering deals on bundles that could save you some serious cash each month. Just be sure you understand the terms of the deal so that you aren’t surprised when the promotional period ends.
Shop Around
There’s no such thing as loyalty when it comes to saving money. Most people have several options available to them when it comes to broadband internet service. Look around to see what’s offered in your area, and do a side-by-side comparison. You may find that you’re overpaying.
Make a Commitment
As with unlimited service and top speed, people like the freedom of being able to walk away from their service provider. But when it comes to saving money, a contract may be the smarter choice. If you’re happy with your service provider and you expect to keep them, then signing a contract for a year or two may make sense. Providers typically charge less for contracted service because they know you’ll be around for a while.
Although there may never be such a thing as cheap mobile broadband or broadband, you don’t have to pay top dollar for your service. By understanding how much you use and what speed you need, you can select a service option that is probably lower than what you’re currently paying. Bundling service or taking advantage of promotions can save you even more. With a little effort, you may even find a lower-priced provider in your neighborhood.
Eric J says
Has anyone ever had luck calling and asking a cable provider (comcast) to price match a competitor (century link)?