Getting A New Internet Service Installed? Ask These 5 Questions
Did you recently move into a home and need to get home Internet service? If so, it will help to ask the following questions before you sign up.
How Much Is The Installation?
It is always worth asking whether if the installation is free or if you need to pay for it. If you currently have an existing Internet connection running to your home and it just needs to be activated, see if you can potentially have the installation fee waived. Chances are that the previous owner had Internet from the provider, and you can perform your own installation by having the modem shipped to you. It's very easy to do and typically involves calling back to let the provider know some numbers off your modem to activate it.
What Are The Equipment Costs?
Will you be providing your own equipment or renting it? If you're renting, make sure that you know what the costs are for renting equipment. Renting can give you some peace of mind because your Internet service provider will be able to diagnose and troubleshoot the equipment better. If someone does go wrong where the modem stops working, it will be swapped out with a new one free of charge.
How Much Are Service Calls?
There may be a time that your Internet is not working and you need a service call to fix it. Ask what the cost of a service call is and when it would apply. If you're using the provider's equipment, service calls are typically free when it is a problem with their modem or the wiring. However, it is common for customers to be charged when it is a problem that is their own fault, like accidentally disconnecting the cable that goes from the modem to the router.
What Are The Speed Options Available?
You likely have a preference for what kind of speeds you need for your home Internet connection. Always find out about what upload and download speeds are offered for each plan. Don't assume that upload speeds will match download speeds, especially if you are not subscribing to a fiber Internet connection. Many coaxial cable-based Internet providers limit how much bandwidth is used for uploading, which is often much lower than the download speeds.
Are There Data Caps?
Finally, ask about what data caps the Internet service provider has, and what happens if you go over them. Will your Internet speeds be throttled, or will you be charged an overage for a bucket of additional data? You'll also want to know how you can check your data usage if you have a data cap.