After shopping for home internet, there’s nothing worse than discovering that your internet bill is increasing year over year. In some cases, your internet bill could even double or triple after a year. You might see an uptick in promotional offers from your internet provider, making it easy to fall into a web of broadband booby traps, or as I like to call them, internet pricing traps. So whether you’re just starting your home broadband search or looking to switch providers, these tips can help you shave hundreds of dollars off your internet bill.
“How did I get here?”
Let me set the scene for you. You recently moved into a new home and want to set up internet service. You tried signing up online, but for some reason, you’re being asked to call the internet service provider’s customer service hotline instead. You hop on the call and want to sign up for the lowest speed tier, but the customer service representative recommends you go with a plan with more speed.
The rep tells you all about the added benefits of going with the faster plan. The monthly price is decent for the speeds you’re getting. You’re hesitant but excited to try out the free streaming service promotion. You sign the contract. A little over a year passes, and you notice your monthly bill has tripled in price. Sound familiar?
You think it must be some kind of mistake, so you call your internet provider. They explained that the price increase was due to the expiration of the promotional rates you were first offered. On top of the price increase in your monthly bill, the faster plan came with an HBO Max subscription, which you are now paying for in full. You’re frustrated and ask yourself, “How did I get here?”
There are different pricing traps, some more obvious than others. The scenario above is just one example. But you don’t have to fall prey to these schemes. Read on for some tips you can use to avoid these broadband booby traps.
