Tired of paying beyond your budget month after month? Explore effective ways to reduce your utility bills or compare providers.
27 May, 2020 | Posted by: Pablo Mendoza
Category: Tips | No Comments
Texas is one of the highest consumers of electricity in the country, with an average monthly bill of over $130. With our long, hot summers, this comes as no surprise. Staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter doesn't have to strain your pocketbook, however.
There are important steps you can take right now to reduce the amount of money you spend on utility bills. Not sure where to get started? Read on to learn how to save money on your electric bill!
Keeping your house cool in summer is easily one of the biggest contributors to your electricity bill. It's very important that you make sure that the hard work your HVAC unit is doing stays inside your home.
Windows and doors are the biggest places of loss for your home. Go through your home and make sure the seals on all the doors and windows are in good shape. If they're not, have them fixed.Â
If you have a little extra money saved, you might even consider swapping out single pane windows for double pane windows. They'll do a better job of keeping the cool air in and the hot air out.
You can save significant amounts of money by changing how you run your air conditioner. Consider bumping the temperature on the thermostat up a few degrees during the day. It is recommended that you set it to 78 during the day in the summer to minimize your usage.
Better yet, consider investing in a programmable thermostat. This allows you to run the air conditioner at one temperature during the day and another at night.Â
An HVAC unit that's not in good shape is going to end up costing you a lot more money than one that is. Even minor issues like dirty air filters can impact the efficiency of your HVAC unit and drive up the cost of your electric bill.
Have your air conditioner inspected and serviced at the start of the summer each year. Not only will this save you money on your electric bill, but it'll help you catch problems early, saving you from having to hire an emergency HVAC technician.
Are you hanging on to your old appliances? They might actually be costing you money instead of saving it.Â
New appliances are much more energy-efficient than older models. This is even more true if your appliances aren't in the best condition. The less functional the appliance, the harder it's going to have to work to stay cool, and the bigger the drain it is on your wallet.
Texans use a ton of electricity running their homes. Thankfully, Texas also allows electric companies to compete for your business, a luxury people in most other states don't have.
Texas Electricity Ratings makes finding the best provider for your needs super easy. You can read reviews about electricity providers in your area and compare their rates. Did you know utilities are not the only home service where you can shop compare and save online? You can also do the same with you home internet service providers, tv providers, and home security service. Companies like Konecteaze.com are built to help you shop and save based on the best options available at your address. Wether its AT&T, Spectrum or satellite internet service, konecteaze.com has you covered.
Keeping your home comfortable and functional in Texas doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg, but you will need to take some steps to reign in your utility bills. Always service your HVAC system at the start of summer, keep your appliances in good shape, and exercise your right to shop around for the best electricity provider for your needs.
Need help finding a good electricity provider? That's what we're here for! Use our comparison tool today to compare rates from 135 electricity providers in Texas.
If you're planning a relocation, whether you're switching providers or transferring service to your new location, find out the best time for setting up internet
27 April, 2020 | Posted by: Pablo Mendoza
Category: Deals & Packages, Tips | No Comments
If you're moving soon and are experiencing a little stress on how to pack up and start relocating, you're far from alone. According to recent statistics, about 35.5 million Americans pack their bags and move to a new house each year.
One of the most stressful and essential things about moving to a new home is knowing how and when to start setting up internet there. Several factors go into deciding when internet installation needs to take place, including knowing the specific situation that you're in, the options available to you in your new location, and what providers work best for your individual needs.
Here, we're going to take an in-depth look at some of these essential factors so that you get a clearer picture of when you need to begin installing internet in your new home. Read on to make your moving experience as seamless and stress-free as possible!
The first thing that you need to consider when deciding when to set up an internet connection is the specific situation and circumstances of your move. Internet options are going to differ based on your location and point that you're at in the moving process. Read on to begin thinking about some aspects of relocation that you'll need to consider!
Generally, you have two options when it comes to internet: satellite and cable.
Satellite internet can be accessed from anywhere in the US. It's basically a communications service that's provided through a series of three wireless satellites that work together to bring a connection to your home. In rural areas, this may be your only option since there aren't internet lines everywhere. It's slower and performs fewer functions than cable internet does, but it's something, and it works. It also takes a bit of time to set up, so you'll need to call a provider a few weeks before moving.
In more populated areas, you're likely to have internet options via cable. These are often of superior quality because they connect to a series of digital lines closer to your home than the satellites are. Cable is faster and more efficient, but it costs more than satellite internet does. It also isn't available in many areas of the US.
Cable internet can be set up much faster than satellite can. It will likely only take a couple of days to get it up and running at home. As a result, you can worry about this while you relocate rather than before you do so.
Because cable internet isn't offered everywhere, you're going to need to do specific research on the place that you're moving to. If you're headed to a less populated area, you're unlikely to have as many options as you would in a big city.
If you live in an area that has satellite internet exclusively, you're going to need to set it up sooner rather than later. It takes about two weeks to install these services, so you'll want to plan accordingly. If you wait until the later steps of your move, you're likely to find yourself without internet for a few weeks.
In addition to considering the location you're moving to, you'll need to think about your lifestyle and the urgency of your need for an online connection. Read on to get some ideas of what lifestyle factors may cause you to need an internet connection more quickly than you otherwise would.
If you work at home, you'll need to set up your internet immediately. Not doing so can cause a huge financial strain on you at one of the worst possible times. Moving costs can be pretty high, and you'll need a way to pay them off.
Make sure that you contact an internet provider early- possibly before you even begin to move- and ask them to set up WiFi at your new place. If you wait a long time, you're also more likely to forget to contact them. This could be detrimental to your work life, so get on top of your internet now!
According to psychologists, feeling isolated has incredibly adverse effects on both mental and physical health. In addition to making the risk of depression go up, it also makes you 30% more likely to suffer from a stroke later in life.
If you don't rely on online communications to talk with friends and relatives, you probably could bear to spend a few days waiting for it to get set up. However, most people do require an internet connection to communicate with those they love. If you have friends that live far away from you or are in a long-distance relationship, having internet from the moment you move into your home is essential.
You're going to be stressed out because of the move- don't isolate yourself on top of that!
Keeping children occupied during a move is difficult, and it's even harder if you don't have a TV set up for them to watch.
If you have children, it's essential that you get the internet up and running quickly regardless of your lifestyle. While you unbox your things and organize your new home, setting your child up with a TV show or iPad is a good way to keep them occupied and out of your way.
Using AT&T is a great idea if you have the option to do so. They have a new streaming service, AT&T TV, which is a great alternative to DirecTV. It's faster and has more options so that you don't need to worry about kids getting antsy while their favorite shows are loading.
After you have a rough idea of when you need to start setting up internet in your new home, you'll need to look into the providers that cater to your area. This means doing your research to ensure that your specific needs are met by the provider that you select. Read on for some information on how to find the perfect internet provider to suit your lifestyle and needs!
The first thing that you'll need to do when looking for an internet provider is to research the options that are out there to you. This can become a pretty overwhelming process when you have no assistance- after all, there are so many providers out there, and each one has its own unique features! Luckily, we're here to help, so we've compiled a short list of internet providers that you may be interested in using as well as the features that make each one of them unique.
When choosing an internet service for your home, you can do yourself a huge favor by choosing a full bundle that includes internet, TV, and streaming services. Some packages even offer phone service and data, which is a great way to save on an additional phone bill! When you choose a bundle package, you'll only be paying one price for all the entertainment services that you and your family will use on a daily basis.
This not only means that you'll be saving money, but it also means that you won't need to worry about keeping track of and paying multiple bills. Life is busy and it's easy to get disorganized, especially when you're frantically moving items and unboxing your belongings during relocation. You won't need to worry about logging into many websites to pay your bills when you have a bundle- you'll simply only need to set a reminder and pay once.
When choosing an internet package, one of the most important things to keep in mind is the speed of internet that you need. If you have the luxury of living in a place where you can choose between various cable or satellite providers, you'll need to look into the bandwidth of the internet connection for each provider. You may also want to read reviews of other customers who have chosen different internet services to see which of them are happy (or unhappy) with the speed of their service.
If you have a larger family or you work from home/spend hours out of your day online, you're going to need a faster connection. This is also the case if you stream a lot of video or make many Skype calls. Consider these factors and be realistic about the connection speed that you require.
However, staying within the budget you set is just as important as getting a high-speed connection. If you spend too much money on internet, you may find yourself under a lot of financial strain when paying the other bills you need in your new location. Until the bills come in for the first month of water, electricity, etc, you don't truly know how much these amenities are going to cost you in your new home.
That's why it's important that you stick to your budget when purchasing your first internet plan. If you decide that you have more money than you thought, awesome! You can change things around later. But don't strain yourself right away, especially when you have to deal with immediate moving costs.
There are many factors that go into deciding when to begin setting up internet in your new home. From knowing your situation to considering your lifestyle to researching the providers that cater to your area, there's a lot to think about.
Now that you have an idea of when you need to begin internet installation while relocating, it's time to start researching some of the packages that you can buy. Click here to get more information on internet/TV bundles that you can choose from after moving to your new location. You can also call us at (888) 376-0763 to discuss internet packages with an expert. This is a great way to get help deciding on the right bundle for you.
Have a smooth move!
When it comes to a slow internet connection, take matters into your own hands by testing the speed at one of the following reliable test sites.
08 February, 2024 | Posted by: Pablo Mendoza
Category: Technology, Tips | No Comments
According to a Pew Research study, 28% of Americans claim to be "constantly online." In fact, internet access is so important that the UN declared it a human right not too long ago.
Today, we rely on the internet in order to keep our work, social, and personal lives running smoothly. When we experience a slow internet connection, we can become frustrated and irate. This makes sense considering how helpful of a tool the internet is.
We pay good money to our internet service providers (ISPs) and when our connection is slow, we feel like we're being ripped off. Luckily, there are ways to test how fast your internet really is.
Interested in learning more? Continue reading and we'll walk you through what internet speed actually is and how to test how fast or slow your connection is.
We can relate internet speed to something like water pressure. It's all about how much volume you can move in a certain amount of time.
Computers that are connected to the internet are able to move information to each through in electronic packets. What's a packet? It's basically a unit of data.
Think of a packet like a drop of water. When you increase the water pressure, you deliver more drops of water in a faster amount of time. And a faster internet connection means that you're delivering more packets in a faster amount of time.
The volume of data that's moved through a connection in a certain amount of time is the internet speed for that connection.
Let's look at an analogy. If you wanted to, you could wash your hair with water that's barely trickling out of the showerhead. But you would probably prefer to have enough water pressure so that you could wash all of the shampoo and conditioner out of your hair in a fairly short amount of time.
When we look at internet speed, you could in a sense stream a video by watching it one frame at a time, and then waiting a few minutes for it to buffer so that you could see the next frame. But nobody in their right mind is going to want to watch a video in that way.
When you have a fast internet speed, you'll be able to do everything faster and more smoothly online.
Whether you're constantly asking yourself "why is my Wi-Fi so slow?" or you're relatively satisfied with your internet speed, it's still worth testing.
By knowing what your internet speed is and how it compares to the recommendations from internet-based services, like Hulu or Netflix, you can end up getting the most out of your internet connection. Because the speed of your internet is so crucial to accessing the web, you should regularly test your internet speed.
By knowing your internet speed, you'll able be able to find the best deal on ISPs. This is because, when you're comparing different service providers, you'll be able to have a reference point to know if the speed they offer is actually going to be helpful to you.
After you complete your speed test, you're most likely going to see two numbers in the results. One will be your download speed and the other will be your upload speed.
The download speed is the speed at which data travels from the internet to your device. For example, if you open the Instagram application on your smartphone, your download speed will determine how quickly it takes to load your feed.
The upload speed is the opposite. This is how quickly data travels from your device to the internet. So if you wanted to post a photo to your Instagram account, your upload speed will determine how quickly it takes your photo to get the Instagram server so that all of your followers can see it.
For the majority of internet plans, your download speeds are going to be a lot faster than your upload speeds. This makes sense considering that users are most likely going to be consuming content rather than producing it.
Scrolling through your Twitter feed, reading an online article, or streaming music and videos are all things that don't really require upload bandwidth.
Upload speeds are much more important when it comes to interactive applications. Video chat and especially online gaming require fast upload speeds in order to provide a smooth and seamless user experience.
Fast upload speeds are also extremely important when you're trying to share big files.
CenturyLink is a well-respected internet service provider that provides internet speeds of up to 1,000Mpbs in some areas. And if you live in one of the 21 states that gets AT&T's internet service, then you should definitely consider them too.
Now that we've gone over the importance of having good internet speed, let's go over the best internet speed test sites out there. We'll look at the top sites and how they operate.
SpeedOf.Me is lightweight and built to replicate real-world downloading and browsing conditions.
It does this by requesting a series of files of increasing sizes. It then records the speed at which these files are downloaded. This test records in real-time with information on the latency, upload, download, and other info like your server location, IP address, and more.
There's also a history section where you can compare past records of your tests so that you can monitor changes. Plus, you can easily share your results on Twitter or Facebook.
Rather than picking a location, the site figures out the fastest and most reliable server from over 100 available servers. And all of the files are uploaded and download in sequences, instead of simultaneously, to replicate actual internet browsing conditions.
With SpeedOf.Me, you're going to get the best-looking internet speed test as well as the best data and features.
If you want an internet speed test that's going to give you the most data, then you should definitely consider TestMy.net. This website gives you options for testing latency, upload, download, or a combination. You can select what you're interested in and the test will run automatically.
The test will then give you multiple detailed graphs that show you exactly how your internet performed.
Another cool feature is that this test can show you how your internet speeds compare to others in your area. You can even get the national and world average speeds. And you can save the results for future use too.
If these numbers seem foreign or confusing to you, TestMy.net also provides plenty of guides so that you can better understand your test results.
Owned by Ookla, Speedtest.net is one of the most popular internet speed tests around. The technology is both fast and smart. Speedtest picks a nearby server, runs a complete test, and then provides you with information about your download and upload speed, packet loss, and latency.
Speedtest is a multithread test. This means that it tests several servers at the same time. Critics have pointed out that multithread tests don't replicate real-world network traffic in the same way that single-thread tests are able to do.
Because of this, the results might actually be inaccurate.
Deciding on what constitutes a good Wi-Fi speed will depend on what you intend to get out of your Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). This is the package size and includes the upload and download speeds.
Basically, the number you get is how fast it transfers information.
For general internet browsing, such as reading blog posts and sending emails, you should be fine with a download speed of around 10 Mbps. If you live with another person and you both like to stream HD movies on Netflix, you'll want around 20 Mbps.
However, a large family in a big house that loves to watch 4K movies and play online video games may need 100 Mbps. Especially if you have lots of computers, tablets, phones, and smart TVs.
The number of connected devices, size of your home, and internet-connected activities you plan to do will all determine how fast of a Wi-Fi speed you'll need.
Frontier Communications is a great ISP that offers average speeds ranging from 6Mbps to 115 Mbps, so everyone can find a Frontier plan that works for them.
There are several things that you can do so that you can make your internet speed even faster.
First, you can update your security. If people nearby are somehow getting access to your internet, you're most likely going to experience a slow connection. By making a complex password and adding WPA2 security, you can keep your Wi-Fi safe from intruders.
You can also get a router extender. A router extender won't necessarily make your internet faster but it will make it more accessible throughout your home.
If your router is at one end of your home, and you're getting very weak access on the other end of your home, you can install an extender. This device will extend the range of your Wi-Fi so that you can access it from more areas in your house.
A ping rate is the reaction time of your internet connection. It's basically how quickly you get a response after you've sent out a request.
If you have a fast ping, then you'll have a more responsive connection. And in applications where timing is crucial, like with video games, you want to have a fast ping rate. These rates are measured in milliseconds (ms).
The higher number you have for your ping rate, the more lag you're going to experience.
When it comes to gaming, you want your ping rate to be around 50ms or lower. If you have a speed of over 100ms, then you'll experience noticeable delays. And if your ping rate is over 170ms, some games will just simply reject your connection.
For gamers who reside in rural areas, their choices of internet access are usually quite limited. Satellite internet like Hughesnet and Viasat, can then be a good option to fulfill their gaming needs. However, satellite internet isn't suitable for every type of video game.
With satellite internet, you can get broadband-like speeds wherever you are, so long as you're within your provider's reach. Unfortunately, the problem with gaming on satellite internet is latency. Latency is the time that's required for data to travel the distance between the satellite dish to the geostationary satellite and back.
So with internet satellite, you're going to generally have poor latency and ping when it comes to gaming. You can still play games online, but you'll probably want to avoid ones that require split-second decisions like Call of Duty and Fortnight.
Strategy games often work on a turn-base system. So lag won't be noticeable here. Lag will be noticeable, however, with shooting and sports games.
HughesNet is a popular satellite internet service provider that delivers a minimum of 25Mbps on every one of their plans. Viasat is another reputable provider that offers speeds ranging from 4Mbps to 25 Mbps.
However, if you live in a rural area and want an alternative to satellite internet, then you should consider getting a fixed wireless connection by Rise Broadband.
Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now understand what is a good internet speed. And by testing for slow internet, you can better understand how the technology in your home works and how it affects your day to day affairs.
Are you interested in finding the best internet deals in your area? If so, contact us today and see how we can help you!
If you're looking to get out of your current contract and switch home internet providers, explore these important factors to consider.
19 April, 2020 | Posted by: Pablo Mendoza
Category: Deals & Packages, Tips | No Comments
Internet use has grown exponentially over the past two decades. Chances are, you're part of the 110 million U.S. households with an internet connection right now. The web completely transformed how people communicate, work, and pay their bills.
From looking up urgent driving directions to working from home, having a reliable internet connection has never been more vital in today's society. Homeowners even rely on internet-based smart home technology to manage utilities and beef up their security. Parents depend on home internet providersto power their kids' wifi-connected tablets and games.
As your internet needs grow, you need an ISP that can keep up with growing demands. You don't have time to deal with constant video buffering, disconnections, downtime, and slow-loading webpages. It's critical to explore all your internet options to find the best deal for your money.
Finding the right home internet provider starts with asking the right questions. Here are several questions to ask when searching for a new provider.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a home internet provider. The first point to consider is availability. Your internet options are strictly limited to providers that service your area.
There are a couple ways to start your search. You can type in your zipcode and see all the available ISPs in your area, or you can visit a particular ISP's page and search by zipcode there.
You'll notice that some areas have more ISP options than others. Denser, metropolitan areas, like San Francisco, have more available cable and DSL ISPs than rural communities.
A house, apartment, or property must reside within a certain distance from a provider's service equipment. Since many rural homes are too far away from a cable and DSL service equipment, they use high-speed satellite internet instead. If your only choice is satellite internet, your limited to two choices: HughesNet and ViaSat.
Homes with access to Cable and DSL internet have more options available. Use your zip code to discover if these top internet providers are available in your service area:
Even if cable and DSL providers do service your area, you can always opt for high-speed satellite internet if you prefer. Satellite internet is available in all 50 states.
Once you've narrowed down the ISP choices in your area, your next question is price. Some ISPs provide a wider variety of monthly plans, services, and payment options. You'll notice that some providers are more expensive than others too.
Home internet providers typically price their monthly plan in tiers. The higher the tier, the better the quality. Take, for example, CenturyLink: plans start at $49 a month for 20 to 40 Mbps and increase to $55 a month for speeds up to 140 Mbps.
Think about your needs when researching ISP prices. For example, if you only use the internet for web browsing and YouTube videos, you could get away with the lowest-tier plan with a smaller data cap. If you're a gamer or work from home, you may need an unlimited data plan.
Do you want internet and TV? Consider a monthly bundle plan. This is a popular option for families. These plans are more expensive but often come with higher internet speeds and generous channel packages.
TV and internet bundle providers price their monthly plans by speed and additional services. For example, WoW! Cable packages start at around $89.00 for 100 Mbps and over 130 channels and increase to $114 month for 500 Mbps internet speeds.
Many ISPs require contracts for service, with some as long as two years. This means you're committed to stay with your ISP until your contract is up. If you don't want to stay tied to one provider, many ISPs, like Frontier, have no-contract plans.
If you want high-speed internet, learn how internet speeds work since most monthly plans are priced by speed. Consider everything from your needs to the number of people in your household. The more connected devices you have, the more bandwidth you'll need.
Here are a few rules of thumb to remember:
If you're using just one or two connected devices for web browsing, email, social media, and occasional video streaming, you'll need at least 20 to 25 Mbps per month.
Moderate to heavy video streaming and gaming would need at least 50 Mbps, but 100 Mbps is more reliable. Heavy internet use, including 4K+ video streaming, gaming, and large volume downloading.
If you have multiple people in your household, you'll need enough speed to accommodate several devices and varying degrees of internet activity.
Data limits can also impact your internet speed. Data caps aren't uncommon, and several ISPs price their monthly plans by speed and data limits. Top ISPs with data limit plans include HughesNet, CenturyLink, Viasat, AT&T, and Xfinity.
Your zip code may be limited to only data limit plans, as well. Like choosing internet speeds, you need to assess your needs when selecting the right data caps. For example, Viasat's Unlimited plans start at $70 for 60 GB of data, $100 per month for 100 GB of data, and up from there.
If you go over your data limit, your internet speed may slow down or be limited. Overage charges may also apply. Choose a data limit that gives you enough wiggle room each month.
You also need to consider whether or not you need a landline phone. This service may be included with a plan or cost an additional fee. Phone lines are often included in large internet and TV bundles.
Internet security has never been more critical. Thankfully, top home internet providers password-protect home networks. This information is typically printed on the back of your internet modem equipment.
After installing your modem and router, your connected devices should automatically recognize your internet network. Your network name should match the information included on your equipment. Next, type in the provided password to log onto the web.
Your ISP-provided password is composed of scrambled numbers and letters. However, you can set your own home network password in your network settings. Create a strong password that's hard to guess.
If you're hooking up internet for the first time, an ISP technician will likely visit your home and set up your internet for you. They can also help you set up your network name and password.
For added security, your ISP will likely recommend an internet security software. Cybersecurity software protects your web browser and computer from malicious software, viruses, ransomware, and more threats.
There are also ISPs like CenturyLink that offer wifi with built-in security. CenturyLink provides customers with a secure internet gateway that protects against malware, botnet attacks, and viruses. Use your zip code to find out if CenturyLink offers this service in your area.
Extra security is essential for ISP customers with smart home technology. The more connected devices you have, like computers and smart home thermometers, the greater the need for internet security. You don't want hackers breaking into your home remotely.
Equipment is always required to access the internet at home. You'll need at least an internet modem and router for cable and DSL connections. For high-speed satellite internet, you'll need to buy an additional Viasat or HughesNet satellite dish.
Internet equipment is easy to install. You can always have an ISP technician handle everything for you. The cost of your equipment is typically covered in your first month's payment.
You're not always limited to your ISP's equipment either. You can upgrade to a higher quality modem or router, as long as it's compatible with your ISP service. You may need to call your ISP to help you connect your internet over the phone.
If you decide to switch to a new home internet provider, you may be required to send your equipment back to the original ISP. There's also the option of dropping off your equipment at your ISP's retail location.
Connecting to the internet should not be difficult with the right ISP. If you're frequently having a hard time logging on, that may be a red flag to switch to a new provider. It shouldn't take more than a few seconds to log onto your network and surf the web.
Test our your connection by visiting a popular homepage to see if it loads. There are also sites that test your website speed for you. If you're not happy with your web surfing speed, consider upgrading your monthly plan or switching to a new home internet provider.
If your device isn't recognizing your home network name, try restarting your device, modem, and router. If the problem persists, call your ISP's customer service line. They may need to reconfigure your connection remotely.
If your password isn't working, you'll need to call your ISP immediately in case your connection is compromised. If your connection keeps dropping, there may be some interference that's obstructing the connection. Your ISP's technician can visit your home and inspect your wiring for any connection problems.
A hallmark of a top ISP is 24/7 assistance for troubleshooting. While field technicians work within specified service windows, a remote agent can walk you through troubleshooting steps on the phone. If you're frequently having issues getting the help you need, consider another internet provider in your area.
Your connection issues may be related to your home's electrical wiring. This is a common problem for homeowners who are unfamiliar with their home's wiring. If you're still having problems connecting to the internet, you may need to call a general electrician.
You want to save every dollar you can. Fortunately, you can use special offers, deals, and discounts to keep your internet costs down. These offers are typically limited to new customers only or the first six months of service.
Most top ISPs offer deals. Specials are an excellent opportunity to try out an internet and TV bundle at a fraction of the cost. Plus, stay on the lookout for deals that apply to longtime customers, as well.
ISPs advertise special deals on their websites, but they also send out exclusive deals by mail. You may even score a deal on the phone while researching your options.
With a special offer, you could get monthly high-speed internet for under $40 or even additional services for free. These deals don't last, so you have to pounce on them when they're available.
As more homeowners become dependent on the internet, stellar customer service is essential. Even when a connection goes down due to a storm, you need an ISP that picks up the phone when you call. An ISP that ignores your concerns is a big red flag.
If there isn't a retail location nearby, make sure your ISP is easily accessible in other ways. Your ISP should be available by phone, email, online chat, and in person. Friendly and reliable customer service is critical if you work from home.
Your ISP should also follow up to make sure an issue is resolved. They should also clearly communicate when there are outages in your area. Most ISPs will notify customers about outages when they call or have an outage map online.
You're just one step away from switching to a new ISP. Don't settle for home internet providers that don't accommodate your internet needs. Follow this guide to find an ISP that offers your preferred level of speed, bundled services, availability, and customer service.
Are you ready to compare providers in your area? Get started by plugging in your zip code or call one of our internet experts to find the ideal plan for you.
The cost of high speed internet service has steadily risen over the past several years but even more so for customers who stay loyal to their internet service providers. Few customers realize that there are certain powers you have as a consumer that can help you leverage a better price for your internet service.
29 March, 2022 | Posted by: Pablo Mendoza
Category: Deals & Packages, Tips | No Comments
Is your broadband bill higher than usual this month?
It’s not unusual in an uncompetitive broadband market like the one we have. Internet service providers have been hiking up their prices year after year, taking full advantage of the lack of choices consumers face. You may not have the best internet, fastest internet or best internet deal but that doesn't mean you can't.
The cost of an internet connection may be falling elsewhere, but it definitely isn’t in the US. A mere 25 Mbps connection in the state of New York costs almost double of what consumers are paying in London, UK!
Here’s what many consumers don’t know — the price of your internet isn’t set in stone, it is possible to negotiate and bring it down!
Consider the following:
There may only be a few players in the broadband market which gives them some leverage, but at the end of the day, it’s the customers that help them make money. Failing to satisfy customers means their bottom line takes a hit.
Even in an uncompetitive market, ISPs have to value their customers, so if you have a bone to pick with them, get on the phone and let them know. They’ll much rather accommodate your needs than lose you as a customer altogether.
Haggling with profit-driven internet service providers comes down to two main things:
· Being prepared to cancel services so the rep has to make counteroffers
· Being incredibly patient and polite to not irk the representative on the line
You won’t be able to make your point without knowing your situation. You need a clear picture of your account’s standing in order to convince the other party in your favor.
This will be a lot easier if you pay your monthly bills on time and when you’re nearing the end of your contract.
Print out your bills and take note of your payment history and the amount you pay annually; you’ll have to refer to these numbers to make your case.
Negotiations are significantly more difficult when you’re in the middle of the contract because you’ll most probably be charged with a cancelation fee.
Go through your account history in detail. Did you take advantage of any promotions that were offered? How often did you experience price hikes in your duration with the ISP? Think about any issues you’ve had with their services.
To further strengthen your position, it’s important to be aware of your options. Don’t shoot in the dark, do your research and find out what other internet service providers in your area are offering.
Know that there are parts of the country that only have one service provider; if you happen to be in such a situation, be ready to put up a good fight because the ISP has the upper hand.
It does require a few difficult and long phone calls, but if you’re prepared, you should be able to negotiate a better deal!
Not sure what other internet service providers are available in your area? Use KonnectEaze to find out! KonnectEaze makes consumers’ lives simpler by allowing them to compare internet packages from different ISPs at a single platform. Call 888-376-0753 for more information.
