The Internet has become one of the most important parts of our lives. Whether at home or on the road, we all expect a fast and reliable service from our ISP (Internet Service Provider). However, it's easy to be overwhelmed by a bewildering array of options and the risk of making the wrong decision. Don't worry, we have your support. Let's look at some factors to consider when choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Connection Type

There are three different types of connections: fiber optics, wired networks, and wireless broadband. Therefore, it is important to check the type of connection provided by the IPS. Fiber broadband gives you super fast download/upload speeds over fiber and tends to be more stable than copper wire.

Copper Broadband uses copper phone lines for faster internet connections than older traditional phone lines. Connection speeds are slower than fiber broadband, but widely available in most areas.

Wireless broadband connects your home or office to the Internet through a radio transmitter. This is a high-speed internet service that gives you more mobility and flexibility, but is susceptible to interference from electrical equipment, weather conditions and trees.

Speed

How fast does your connection need to be? If you're just checking email and surfing the web, you might get away with 5 Mbps or less. However, to stream HD video, you need at least 15-25 Mbps. If you live in a house full of people streaming video at the same time, you need 50 Mbps or higher. As a general rule of thumb, if you have more than three people in your household using the same connection, it might be worth upgrading to a faster speed.

Price

How much are you willing to pay for internet service? If money is not an issue, feel free to ignore this factor. However, most people have a budget, so it's important to look at the provider's prices and compare them to your budget.

Modem fee

Some providers charge an additional monthly fee for the modem they lease to you. It's no big deal if it's just a few dollars a month, but some providers charge $10 or more a month for a modem, which can weigh heavily on your pocket. Always ask if there are hidden costs!

Fair Use Policy

Most ISPs have a Fair Use Policy (FUP) included in their plans, which means that if you exceed this limit, your speeds will be reduced, or in some cases, stopped for the month. So be sure to check FUP before subscribing to any plan, because in some cases there is no mention of FUP anywhere, but if you hit it, your speed will still be throttled.

Take away

Finding the right internet plan can be a daunting task, especially when you have to sift through all the jargon and technical terms they use in advertising and sales copy. However, with a few tips and tricks (mentioned above), you can easily cut through the clutter and find the best option for your needs!