Do you need to pay a premium for faster Internet?

In today’s connected society, where everyone wants to be doing everything online at once and enjoying superfast download speeds, it’s understandable that many homeowners and businesses would be paying high prices to get the best internet speeds.

There are various types of internet connection, and each different type of connection is used for a unique purpose, which will affect the speed you achieve. Check out this article by Spectrum about the right type of internet connection for your situation, to learn more about whether you’ve got the right connection to suit you.

With internet prices in the USA rising on a regular basis, it’s clear that service providers are making the most out of our need for internet speed. 

That being said, do you actually need fast internet? And if you do, is there any way you can save money? Read on to find out more.

Do I Need Fast Internet?

That depends on what you’re using the internet for. If you’re only browsing the internet occasionally, and simply looking at webpages and staying up to date with the latest social media buzz when you do, then you probably don’t need superfast internet. An average speed will easily meet your needs.

If you’re downloading or streaming a lot of media, such as films and TV shows, playing games on your computer, or connecting multiple devices at the same time, then you’re going to need a faster connection. 

When considering your internet use, it’s important that you don’t just think about your computer. Everything from your phone to any smart devices such as speakers, thermostats and appliances, needs to be taken into account.

Is My Device Affecting My Internet Speed?

In some cases, slow loading times could be the fault of the device you’re using, rather than your internet connection. This might be because your device is old, too full of files to download new ones quickly, or has a virus.

It can be hard to diagnose the problem, but the first step is to test your internet speed on a different device. If it works faster on your phone or tablet than it does on your laptop, then the laptop is to blame, not the connection.

Once you’ve identified that a specific device is making it hard for you to use the internet, you can troubleshoot the problem with your software provider. They can help you to find the issue and fix it. If the problem is unfixable, for example, if your device is incredibly old and no longer able to support the latest software updates, then you should consider replacing your device to be able to enjoy more speed when using the internet.

Can My Router Affect My Internet Speed?

It’s not just the devices you use that can reduce your internet speed; your router could be the problem. Check that it has the capacity to deal with the speed of connection that you’re paying for.

If you’re using an old, outdated router that can’t cope with the internet speed you’ve chosen, then speak to your provider, who will be able to offer you a new router.

If the type of router they’re offering you isn’t exactly what you want, or they’re trying to charge an extortionate price, then browse the internet and computer repair shops to see if they have any deals on a powerful router. Buying a new router will give you better internet speeds in the long term and allow you to make the most out of your internet package.

How Can I Find The Best Internet Deal On The Market?

When you’re searching for the best internet deal on the market, you’ve got to remember that the price per month isn’t the only factor you’ve got to take into account. You also need to check out the internet speed, to make sure that you’re getting the best deal possible.

Another factor to consider is customer service. Many internet providers will offer poor service because they know that they’re the cheapest on the market, or that they can get away with it because consumers simply don’t want the hassle of changing to a new plan. Wasting a lot of time waiting for your service provider to ring you back, or having to go without the internet, can be stressful, so you should think about finding a company that will offer you the service you expect.

Finally, you need to review the hidden costs in signing up each internet package. These include set-up fees, late payment fees, and more. They can quickly make what looks like a good deal turn into a costly experiment, so make sure that you review all of the costs involved in taking out an internet package before you agree to it.