AFFORDABLE BROADBAND INTERNET FOR HOME USERS

There are definitely questions to ask when shopping around for a broadband service. It’s no secret that there are numerous Internet Service Providers (ISP) nowadays that offer broadband services. Some even come with add-ons like a free phone call package, cheaper cable TV subscription, among others. But should home users like you let these packages entice you? What should you look for in a broadband service? Following are some factors that you may want to consider:

• Availability and Stability. It doesn’t make sense at all to compare prices and services of different ISPs if some of their broadband packages are not even locally available to you. Make sure that the broadband services, along with the add-ons that come with it are available in your area before you evaluate the other factors in buying a broadband service. When a service is available, try to find out if it is stable as well. You wouldn’t want to have an on and off connection especially when you’re in a middle of a file upload or download.
• Affordability. This is a no-brainer. Obviously, we all wanted to pay less on anything including internet connection. But of course, this is just one factor, there are more factors to weigh and consider. The good thing is that, ISPs would more or less offer the same range of prices, all you need to do is evaluate other factors to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
• Speed and Performance. A Broadband service’s speed is measured in mbps (or kbps); the rule is, the higher the number, the better. Nobody wants a slow internet connection as much as nobody wants a slow computer system. To optimize the performance of your computer while browsing the net, use a system tool such as PC Speed Up that can take optimize your computer’s settings. That’s one speed and performance issue taken care of. Now you only need to make sure you find an ISP that can give you the internet browsing acceleration that you want. Speed and performance are specifically important for online gamers or for those who download and upload files on a daily basis so the next factor should be considered along with this factor.
• Compatibility with Browsing Habits. You should think about your browsing habits such as how frequently do you upload or download files online, how much time you spend chatting with friends, watching streaming movies or listening to streaming music, how much emailing you do on a daily basis, and more.
• Add-ons. You have to consider bundle deals and packages that ISPs offer as well. You may want to look at your current phone usage and phone bill and see if consolidating your phone package with a broadband internet might save you more money.
• Length of Contract. Be very cautious when signing yourself up for a plan or bundled package. Most plans come with a cancellation fee and you don’t want to face the problem of paying such amount especially when you find out later that you’re not satisfied with the service after all. Most providers also offer free email addresses, you may consider not opting for this as you don’t really know until when you will be using the broadband service. You will end up losing your old emails when you end your contract with an ISP; better use a generic email service provider.

Choosing a broadband service can be a challenging task especially if you want to make sure you get a service that will make your internet experience enjoyable instead of the other way around. But you might as well evaluate several providers before starting up a service than having all sorts of connection problems with one later. Better safe than sorry, right?