Seven Strategies for Reducing Your High Internet Costs

If you’ve stuck with the same Wi-Fi plan for years, it’s common to see your monthly internet bill inch up over time. Discover how you can trim your internet costs and pick up some savvy strategies for reducing your bill.

Understanding Your Internet Expenses: On average, broadband bills hover around $67.57 per month, as per Today Testing. However, your bill might vary based on factors like your location, plan speed, and the number of internet providers available in your area. Generally, areas with fewer options or a higher cost of living tend to have pricier internet bills, whereas regions with more providers often boast cheaper options due to competitive market dynamics.

Moreover, it’s typical for monthly prices to soar once a new customer promotional period concludes. If you’ve witnessed a significant price hike, it’s crucial to scrutinize your internet bill and ensure you’re not overpaying for speed, equipment, or services you don’t actually need.

Strategies for Lowering Your Internet Bill: Before you consider overhauling your home internet plan, explore ways to tweak your existing plan and keep enjoying high-speed internet at a lower cost. If you’re on the lookout for methods to secure cheaper internet, delve into your internet statement and give these solutions a shot to slash your bill:

1. Adjust Your Internet Speed: One of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce your internet bill is by tweaking your current speed with your provider. Some companies, such as Kinetic by Windstream, offer speed upgrades to new customers at discounted rates. However, once the promotional period ends, the standard price might inflate your bill by $30 or more. If you’re on a high-speed plan of 1 GB or more, chances are you can downgrade your speed and still enjoy Wi-Fi that meets your needs.

However, before making any changes to your internet plan, ensure you understand the speed requirements for your usage. You wouldn’t want to switch to the cheapest option only to realize later that the slower speed can’t support your online activities or the number of devices connected in your home. Here are some guidelines to help you determine if a slower speed will suffice:

• For fewer than five connected devices, a speed of 100 Mbps should suffice.
• For 5–10 or fewer connected devices, speeds ranging from 100–300 Mbps are usually adequate for various online activities, including gaming or streaming.
• For 10–20 devices engaging in multiple high-speed activities, consider opting for speeds between 300–800 Mbps.
• For more than 20 devices, sticking with 1 GB speed is advisable.

2. Eliminate Optional Add-Ons: Often, new customer internet promotions include complimentary equipment or services. Once the trial period concludes, these add-ons are automatically integrated into your plan and can cost $20 or more per month. Here’s a breakdown of potential hidden expenses and the average costs these features might be adding to your monthly internet bill:

• Whole-Home Wi-Fi ($15–$20/mo.): While many internet deals include a whole-home Wi-Fi upgrade with one or more Wi-Fi extenders, not all homes require them. Disconnect your extenders and assess your Wi-Fi signal throughout your home. If you still receive a strong signal in all areas, transitioning to a standard Wi-Fi router without extenders can yield savings.
• Security Applications or Premium Technical Support ($5–$20/mo.): Antivirus software or upgraded technical assistance often incur costs once the free trial ends. Consider canceling services like premium technical support or exploring cheaper security options.
• Mobile Lines ($15–$40/mo.): Free or discounted mobile service included in new customer bundles may translate to additional costs once the promotional period ends. Evaluate if the free mobile service is worth it after the promotional period expires.
• Home Phone ($10–$25/mo.): Landline service may be bundled with internet packages. Determine if your bill is cheaper without the phone, and drop the landline if you rarely use it.
• TV or Streaming Services ($5–$30/mo.): Additional streaming options or free basic TV packages might be part of an introductory price. However, even “free” TV packages usually entail additional fees for TV boxes or Broadcast TV charges. Cutting out TV and associated equipment can lead to further savings.

3. Utilize Your Own Equipment: Certain providers, like Xfinity and Spectrum, offer the option to purchase your own router or modem instead of renting one. Alternatively, some providers, such as Astound Broadband, provide a free gateway for the initial 12–24 months, after which you’re charged a monthly fee for the equipment.

Using your own equipment can be a viable solution for securing affordable internet, potentially saving you up to $15 per month. However, it’s essential to ensure that you acquire compatible equipment. Failure to purchase a compatible router could limit your wireless speeds.

Moreover, bear in mind that most internet companies won’t offer technical support or troubleshooting assistance if you utilize third-party equipment. Consequently, you’re on your own if you encounter Wi-Fi issues. Before bidding adieu to your rented equipment, weigh the trade-off and determine if this option aligns with your preferences.

4. Reevaluate Bundle Packages or Unbundle Your Services: Both bundling and unbundling your services can lead to cost-effective internet solutions, contingent on your circumstances. If you’re currently paying for multiple streaming services separately, bundling internet and TV services might consolidate your expenses and result in savings. Conversely, bundled packages encompassing services you rarely utilize could be streamlined to include only essential offerings.
5. Negotiate Your Price: While negotiating with your internet provider can be challenging, given that many companies now standardize rates, it’s still worth a shot. Try reaching out to your provider’s customer support