How to Know You Are Paying Too Much For Broadband
Most people choose a broadband package once and then forget about it. Some might put a great deal of time and effort into finding the best package at the time. However, just because a service used to be great value for money does not mean that is still the case. Regardless of if you spent a lot of time researching your options, don’t you want to make sure you aren’t paying too much for broadband?
If you have the same package for an extended period, it depreciates in value. First of all, any new customer bonuses will have long since expired, and you may find that you currently pay as much as double what you did at the beginning. Secondly, circumstances change with time. Fiber may have come to your area, you may use the Internet a lot more, or routers may have improved. There are lots of reasons why your initial setup will no longer be good enough.
To figure out if you are paying too much for your broadband, read on.
What are you paying for?
Before you can understand if you are paying too much, you must know what your money is currently getting you. When you pay for broadband, your monthly fee is paying for download speed, upload speed, monthly data, and other perks.
When it comes to download and upload speeds, more is always better. You may not notice that websites load particularly slowly; however, as Internet connections improve, web designers expect their customers to have faster connections. This shift means there is an increased reliance on integrated photos, videos, animation, and special effects. The best way to keep up is to have a fast download speed. Upload is a little less important. However, advances in things like smartphone cameras mean that commonly uploaded items like photos and videos are getting larger, so it is worth getting faster uploading capability.
Saving money means having a greater data allowance. This may sound counterintuitive since packages with fewer benefits are generally cheaper. However, if you ever go over your data limit, you will find that each MB you use will come with a hefty price tag attached. The easiest way of avoiding nasty surprises in your monthly bill is paying for unlimited data and then never thinking about it again.
The value of extra perks is defined by what you want. Some providers quickly offer television packages, but this is worthless if you never watch them. Remember that just because a perk is there does not mean it has value. For a perk to be worth something, you have to have and use it. Otherwise, it is likely driving the price of your package up for something you do not want.
Can you get the Same Service for a Better Price?
When you signed up to your current provider, you likely had an initial bonus offer that meant you paid less than you currently do. After a few months, your contract changed and then changed again later. Slowly, over time, you’re paying more and more.
Spend a little time on a comparison site and look at how much other providers are charging for the same rates you are currently getting. You will likely find that switching providers will save you money. Better yet, your current provider might be offering your current package to new customers at a heavily discounted rate.
If you find that your current provider is offering the same service to other people for less, give them a call. All you have to tell them is that you want to terminate your service and they will be quick to cut the price so that you will stay. If you are willing to haggle, you may find that the company you work with will throw in extras, so you get even better deals than those advertised to new customers.
Another way you can go about this is to use Trim to help you cut down on your monthly bills. When you sign up with Trim, they automatically monitor your bills and negotiate with your providers on your behalf to save you money. Sign up for a free Trim account now!
Can you get More for the Same Price?
If you do not mind how much you are paying now, then consider seeing if you can get more for your money. You may find that other companies offer a faster download or upload speed, including television packages, mobile packages, and more for the same price.
This is particularly useful when you want to upgrade to fiber. As this ultrafast type of broadband rolls out across the country, it is worth keeping an eye out to see when it comes to your area. Once it does, your provider may not offer it. In that case, switching will be the best option. Fiber costs a little more, but it is also the best value for money, particularly if you like streaming television or downloading video games.
Once again, if you do not want to switch provider or you see that the best deals are offered to new customers, call and threaten to leave. Broadband providers have entire teams dedicated to keeping your business. If you are happy with how much you pay but want more for your money, they will likely give you some perks. You might secure an increased data allowance, a television or mobile package, or another discount.
A quick look at other broadband providers on a comparison website will quickly tell you if you are paying too much. The question becomes, what is it that you want to do? The two main options are to pay less for the same package or to get more for your current monthly fee.
If you are willing to leave your current provider, you will have a better time. They may offer you bonuses to stay, but these will likely be temporary, and they involve a lot of negotiation. It is better to use your broadband comparison site to find a package that you like and then sign up for it.
