If you’re moving into a new place, your internet service is likely on the top of the priorities list. When so many of us are working or schooling from home , even a slight delay in setting up your internet can be significant. Check out our recommendations for choosing an internet service provider for your new home.
Find Providers in Your Area
The first step in choosing an internet service provider for your new place is to find out which providers are available in your area. Internet providers may boast nationwide service, but this does not mean they offer service in your area. Coverage areas differ based on providers, so your choices are limited by your location. Just like availability, pricing, and plans also vary depending on your area.
To find providers in your area, Click HERE then enter your zip code.
Determine Your Specific Needs
After you’ve established your provider options, you must determine your bandwidth and speed needs to decide on the right internet service plan for you. Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be downloaded or uploaded from your device, while speed refers to how fast this data can be downloaded or uploaded. You need a plan adequate for accomplishing your everyday internet tasks without lengthy buffering or lagging, but you don’t want to overpay for bandwidth you aren’t using.
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The internet speed requirements for your home depend on how the internet will be used and how many people will use it. If you only use the internet for web browsing and checking email accounts, you don’t have the same needs as someone who frequently participates in online gaming or streaming. The more people in your home who will be using the internet, the more devices that will be connected and the more bandwidth you will need to ensure everyone has the best connection if they are using it simultaneously.
Internet speed is measured in Mbps or megabits per second. The following speed ranges are suitable for these specific tasks:
- 0-5 Mbps: searching on Google, checking email, music streaming on one device
- 5-40 Mbps: video calling, one player online gaming, video streaming on one device
- 40-100 Mbps: downloading or uploading large files, multiplayer online gaming, streaming HD video on multiple devices
- 100-500 Mpbs: quickly downloading large files, multiplayer online gaming for multiple users, video streaming in UHD on multiple devices
- 500-1000+ Mpbs: every member of the household doing as much as they want all the time
You can calculate your specific needs HERE.
Compare Plans
You know which providers offer coverage in your area, and you’ve determined the internet needs for your home, so now you will be able to start comparing plans. You want a plan with adequate speed for all the members in your home to accomplish what they want, and at a price you can afford. The connection bandwidth and upfront cost per month are good places to start, but make sure you also consider the following components:
- Installation and equipment costs. Some providers offer free installation. Some will require you to rent a router or modem from them, while others allow you to purchase these on your own or will even provide them for free.
- Data caps and overage charges. Data caps are restrictions on how much the internet can be used per month. Some providers offer unlimited data, while others have data caps and charge fees for going over them.
- Introductory offers. The price a provider advertises may only be an introductory offer, meaning it will adjust in the future. Find out how much the price will change and when, and make sure to account for that in comparisons.
- Bundles. You may be able to combine cable, satellite television, or home phone service with your internet for a better rate than using separate companies. This can be cost-effective, but if you don’t need a landline or will be using the internet to stream TV shows, bundling would be unnecessary.
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Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate
Consumer Reports found that among a group of consumers attempting to negotiate with their internet service providers for a better deal, 40% received a promotional rate, 16% got extra channels, and 12% got faster internet speeds.
Call Perrysburg Moving and Hauling when it’s time to move!
Are you ready to book your move? You can schedule with us in one of two ways:
- Fill out our Request A Quote form
- Call or text us at 419.740.1005