Residential internet service is a competitive business. Internet technology continues to evolve and new players are always entering the market. Therefore, the best deal you could find five years ago may not be right for you today.

Also, many internet providers offer limited-time reduced pricing to get you to sign up, which can cause your bill to increase significantly after the promotional period ends. It’s worth periodically checking your options to determine whether it’s time to switch internet providers (ISPs).

We will help you evaluate what you need in an internet package and explain how to switch internet providers.

Determine your internet needs

The first step in determining your internet needs is choosing which types of internet can best meet those needs. Although more speed is always fun to have, the speeds you need will depend largely on how you use the internet:

·       Casual browsing and social media: Casual web browsing and social media don’t require a lot of speed. Anything up to 25 Mbps should be enough, with the higher end of the range giving you some wiggle room to stream a movie now and then.

·       HD video streaming: Technically, you need about 5 Mbps for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K streaming through Netflix and about twice that for YouTube. In reality, though, these services tend to buffer (preload video) at much higher speeds. If you can, go for a connection that’s at least 50 to 100 Mbps.

·       Online gaming: Gaming only requires speeds of 3 to 6 Mbps, depending on game specifications, but lag can be a problem. For the smoothest gameplay, online gamers should connect at 50 to 100 Mbps or more.

·       Homes with just a few devices: The above recommendations apply to one or two devices connecting simultaneously. If you have a small household, follow the suggestions above.

·       Homes with many connected devices: If you have an internet-connected smart home, or your family has a lot of devices, go for a faster connection. For example, the HD streaming speeds detailed above are per device. If your family watches different movies in different parts of the house, each connection needs plenty of speed. Choose a connection that offers maximum Mbps.

internet providers

Switching internet providers is not always straightforward. You may need to pay a contract break fee though; you may find that your current provider suddenly offers you a better deal when you call to cancel service.

Your favorite internet provider may not offer service in your area, or you may lose bundling discounts if you don’t also change your mobile plan over to them.

Should I switch internet providers? 

Only you can decide whether switching internet providers is right for you. However, with technology evolving rapidly and new companies continually entering the market, it only makes sense to review your options every year or two to see if there is a better choice.

You’ll also want to consider switching if you need faster speeds or feel you’re paying for internet speeds you don’t need. 

How to switch internet providers step by step

Fortunately, it’s possible to switch internet providers by taking a step-by-step approach:

Step 1: Research new providers

The first step is to learn which internet providers offer service in your area. You can use an online internet comparison sites to narrow down your search to providers in your neighbourhood.

Research available plans to determine which ones might fit your needs and budget.

Step 2: Call your current internet provider to inquire about deals

Before you sign up with a new provider, call your existing internet provider. Companies prefer not to lose customers, so they may offer you a good deal to stay.

If your current service is acceptable, it’s worth comparing the offer to those you found from other providers to see if it makes sense to stick with your existing ISP.

Step 3: Choose your installation

Depending on the type of internet service you choose and whether your home has existing lines, you may be able to install your new internet yourself or you may need professional installation.

Your sales representative should be able to help you decide which type of installation is right for you.

Step 4: Test your new connection

If you have a professional installer come to your home, they will make sure the connection is working properly. If you install your own equipment, take the time to check out a few websites and maybe stream a TV show to make sure there are no problems with the connection.

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This article via Freshome does not constitute advice; readers should seek independent and personalised counsel from a trusted adviser that specialises in property, a tax accountant and property design specialist.