It feels like the cost of internet service just keeps going up.
Trying to save money?
Here are some tips to lower your internet bill.
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6 Ways to Lower Your Internet Bill
1.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
If you own your own modem and router, making the switch to a new provider is relatively easy.
you’re free to often find promotional pricing around the holidays.
Did you know?
Want to save even more?
Ask your ISP about their low-income plans.
Most major internet providers have a low-priced plan they offer specifically to people enrolled in certain assistance programs.
Lifeline Program
Lifeline is another federal subsidy that can help lower your monthly internet bill.
You may also qualify if youre enrolled in certain federal assistance programs.
Reduce Your Internet Speed
Internet service providers (ISPs) charge more for plans with higher speeds.
However, this isnt an option for everyone.
How Much Internet Speed Do You Need?
Youll pay anywhere from $5-$20 a month to rent a modem and router.
That could be $120 a year or more just to use rental equipment.
you might usually find a good router and modem for around $200 total.
(Used and refurbished equipment costs less.)
Its more money upfront, but it could trim your bill over time.
Crunch the numbers and see if it makes sense for your budget.
Negotiating the price of your internet bill works best if your current provider isnt the only game in town.
Competition gives you greater leverage, and you might use that to your advantage to save money.
How to Negotiate an Internet Bill
Do your homework before you call your internet company.
Get internet prices and quotes from other providers in your area, especially their rates for new customers.
Ask about each plans download speed.
Also see to it youre familiar with the terms of your current plan.
Check how the price has changed over time.
confirm you know your plans speed.
Be prepared to back up I found a better deal elsewhere if they ask.
Be polite but firm.
Most companies are willing to haggle for keep you as a customer.
Evaluate each offer your current company gives you.
Ask yourself these questions:
Finally, call on a weekday if you’re free to.
If theyre successful in getting you a lower rate, the app keeps a cut.
Some of these apps also carry a monthly or yearly membership fee.
Why pay for something you dont need?
Then, you could rely on your home internets WiFi for internet access instead.
Just check that to automatically connect to local WiFi networks when youre out of the house.
(it’s possible for you to enable this in your phone parameters.)
Finally, be sure to analyze how much data you use on a monthly basis before downgrading your plan.
On the flip side, consider increasing your data.
Someunlimited data cell phone plansstart at $30 a month.
Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.
She focuses on retirement, investing, credit and life insurance.
When you log into your bank account, how do your savings look?
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
