Ask my wife and she’ll tell you why they call me ‘Mr. Frugal’ around the house. I’m always on the hunt to reduce costs. It’s a passion. I just can’t help it, and as it turns out, I’m pretty good at it. The internet is one of the recurring expenses, taking a chunk out of our monthly budget, but not on my watch.
Let me list down a few very effective yet easy ways to lower your internet bill without compromising on the quality.
Downgrade Your Internet Plan:
This is a quick way to save money on your internet bill. I’ve seen a lot of people going overboard with a high-priced, high-speed internet for day-to-day tasks when a low-priced, average-speed plan can just as easily support their basic online activities.
If you’ve been stuck in such a fix, I suggest contacting your ISP right away to downgrade your current internet plan to a speed that resonates with your needs.
Some telco companies have a solid customer care that professionally steers internet users towards a ‘perfect’ internet plan that’s not only affordable but also well-suited to their everyday requirements. A few of my friends vouch for Spectrum customer service. They say it’s extremely helpful and they’ve not felt the need to downgrade, because their plan is just right!
So, if your internet plan justifies your internet needs, then perhaps the next tips can help you lower your bill.
Remove Optional Add-ons:
Most ISPs include add-ons like WiFi pods, security software, or some streaming subscription in your internet bill during the promotional period. However, as soon as the period ends, the cost of these services may increase and added to your monthly internet bill.
Here, what you can do is enjoy the perks while they’re free and just before the promo period ends, opt for their removal from your internet plan. You can give any reason like you no longer need the add-on or something. If they’re good, your ISPs will respect your choice.
Use Free or Rented WiFi Equipment:
Some people may advocate buying third-party WiFi equipment rather than renting it from their internet provider. They may think it’s better to pay a one-time cost rather than worrying about lease every month. I mean it’s a fair point, but not so much in the long run.
Third-party equipment may not be covered by your ISP for damages, updates, upgrades, or the regular wear and tear. They may also charge extra for installation. You can see the cost piling up in the future, right?
Therefore, I believe it’s a good idea to use the equipment provided and supported by your ISP, so you can avail free upgrades, replacements, or installation if eligible.
Choose Bundle Offers:
Bundling your internet with TV, phone, or home security services with a single provider is another option to lower your monthly costs. It’s because most ISPs offer discounts and promotions on multi-service bundles, which may cost you less than paying for these services separately.
Some providers even have all-in-one gateways or hubs which support internet and TV connectivity, and removes the need for leasing extra cable boxes. So, win-win.
Ask for a Discount:
Most ISPs offer internet plans at standardized rates, but it’s never a bad idea to ask for a discount. Perhaps, you may come across localized promotions, limited time offers, and value deals that may not be displayed openly on your ISP’s website but active in your zip.
I suggest you contact their customer support and take your chances. Also, while you’re at it, do check out your provider’s social media pages and community forums for insider tips from fellow internet customers.
Bonus Tips:
As a parting gift, I am going to leave you with some additional tips. Keep them in mind to ensure that your internet bill stays within your budget.
- Go for Subsidies:
You can check out government assistance programs like Lifeline or SNAP for low-income families, and if you meet their set criteria, you can get the internet for a discounted monthly price.
- Opt for Self-Installation:
Internet installation, especially from a professional, can be costly. If your internet system is simple to setup, you can opt for self-installation, which is often free of cost.
- Limit Data Usage:
You should be aware of data caps as most ISPs put a data limit on internet plans. Crossing the data limit may spike your internet bill.
