A Million Lives

A million lifestyle hacks...unlimited possibilities

by

Choosing the Best Broadband Package: What You Need to Know

Most of us take modern technological marvels such as Internet connectivity for granted. We assume that pages will load correctly, that downloads will not be interrupted and that streaming HD videos will not present an issue. This is due in no small part to the fact that broadband connectivity is faster than ever before. However, choosing the right type of contract is important if you hope to save time as well as money. What are a handful of top tips to keep in mind and are there any worthwhile suggestions to embrace during the selection process? Let us take a closer look. 

Determining the Appropriate Contract Length

The first metric to determine involves the length of the contract in question. From a very general perspective, terms can range anywhere between 12 and 24 months. Keep this in mind, as cancelling a subscription early will normally result in termination fees. If you are planning to relocate to a different home or apartment in the not-so-distant future, it may be wise to select a contract length that will not present a problem during such a transition. In the same respect, determine whether or not your monthly fees will increase when the contract is eventually renewed. 

Data Allowance

Most providers will offer so-called “unlimited” broadband contracts. In other words, there is no cap in regards to your monthly data allowance. It should nonetheless be mentioned that some firms are still associated with specific thresholds. While this might not be important if you utilise the Internet sparingly, it is extremely relevant for those who regularly stream high-definition videos or share large files with friends and family members. In the event that such a limit is exceeded, you will incur sizeable monthly usage charges. It is therefore always best to choose an uncapped plan. 

Initial Installation Fees and Warranties

Some providers will charge you an up-front service fee when installing physical hardware such as cables and wireless routers. While this is not normally a massive amount, it is still important to know whether such fees are able to be deducted from your first monthly bill. 

It is just as prudent to examine the type of warranty associated with these physical devices. For instance, will you be provided with a new router in the event that it accidentally falls off of a shelf? Should a new model become available, can you obtain an upgrade without incurring additional charges? If these questions are not clear within the terms and conditions, it is best to contact a customer service representative. This brings us to the next point. 

All About Word of Mouth

It is always critical to appreciate what others have to say about the broadband provider in question. Never rely solely upon the claims of the official website (remember that they are attempting to market a product). It is much wiser to compare and contrast different offers with the help of third-party review sites such as Broadband Choices. You can also visit online forums and similarly objective sources in order to determine what previous and current customers have to say about their personal experiences. If you find that the company has received a consistent amount of negative feedback, it is best to look elsewhere. 

Whether referring to monthly usage limitations, wireless connectivity or the available customer service options, taking these factors into account is the best way to make a sound decision when the time is right. The good news is that there are many reputable providers, so finding one which suits your needs is normally quite easy.

by

Taking the Mystery Out of Saving Money on Confusing Broadband Deals

Deciphering the different broadband deals on the market and encountering the most appropriate package can be challenging at best and downright frustrating at worst. With so many providers on the market and due to an increasing amount of competition, it seems as if every company is now offering the best bundle at the lowest price. Of course, this is simply not the case. As a consumer, it is important that you know how to separate the wheat from the chaff. Let us take a look at some general guidelines as well as a handful of specific metrics to address before committing to a specific provider.

Your Data Usage Requirements 

Although this may already seem to be completely obvious, many consumers are lured into purchasing plans with massive amounts of broadband data per month. The fact of the matter is that many consumers will require far less than what a contractual package offers. The remainder simply goes to waste. This is very much akin to throwing hard-earned money down the digital drain. So, try to calculate how much data you require per billing cycle. If you utilise the Internet for basic tasks such as checking the weather or watching the news, the chances are high that you will not require the most robust package. Those downloading HD films or watching streaming videos are more likely to leverage the power of high-end broadband deals.

Hidden Fees and Surcharges

In the past, ISPs were not required to quote line rental costs into the price of a broadband plan. This has all changed thanks to the recent actions of the ASA (Advertising Standards Authority). The ASA has ruled that business-oriented Internet service providers are obligated to make these prices clear from the onset. The ultimate goal is to provide consumers with a more transparent perspective so that they will be capable of making informed decisions. Still, be sure to check the fine print associated with any plan before committing.

Online Comparison Portals

This next piece of advice cannot be stressed enough. It can be difficult to navigate to different web pages and contrast what each is offering. Therefore, take advantage of the objective reviews provided by third-party portals such as Broadband Choices. All of the most trusted companies are rated in terms of price, customer service and the types of packages that they have to offer. Navigation is easy and in the majority of cases, you will be able to walk away with a clear opinion. It is then much easier to contact the most appropriate broadband firm.

The Myth of “Unlimited” Broadband

It is important to clear the air in reference to this topic. There is simply no such concept as “unlimited” broadband in today’s digital world. This very same concept is applicable to online storage systems such as Dropbox and Google cloud services. It is therefore ironic that many providers continue to use such a term to describe a specific deal (particularly in the case of smartphone packages). Always take this claim with a grain of salt.

Ask Questions

In the event that any terms and conditions are not made entirely clear from the beginning, never be afraid to contact a customer service representative. Not only will you be able to address any grey areas, but robust client support is one of the signs of a reputable firm.

All of these suggestions should be employed if you hope to find the most amenable broadband provider. You will also save a great deal of money along the way!

A Million Lives

Travelling in all its glory is fun and exhilarating but sometimes you might want to find some information on where to go, what to see and how to go about it from someone other than the go-to websites, especially when it comes to travel hacking and the coolest, most useful ways to get the most out of your next adventure.

Recent Posts