There are many reasons you may want to ditch your home or business broadband provider for another. For one, you may notice a provider offering better internet for a lot less or get tired of your current provider’s unreliability, or poor customer support. Sometimes you are simply looking for a broadband package that is aligned with your future expansion plans, or you want to take advantage of a massive first-time offer from a new provider in town. This article discusses the basic elements you should know about changing your broadband provider.
1. You are spoilt for choice
Before settling for a provider, it is worth noting that there are dozens of broadband providers out there, each offering a unique set of packages and probably targeting a specific group of internet users. You have to understand your needs before conducting your research. For a quicker and more hassle-free filter-down procedure, consider visiting broadband review sites and checking how various providers are rated.
2. Timing is vital
Since switching to a new broadband provider means paying new subscription fees, you want to ensure you get the best value for your money on your current broadband. That may mean making the switch a day or two before your contract expires. It should also be at a time when you are not in the contract’s minimum terms, as you won’t be required to pay cancellation fees. If your move was motivated by a breach of contract on the broadband provider’s part, you could ditch them without paying the cancellation fees, even if you are still within the minimum terms.
3. Broadband speeds vary
Many people focus so much on the price and convenience fronts that they forget the most important factor: speed. Thanks to the Australian NBN, Australians can now enjoy fast internet speeds and established broadband provide as much as 1,000Mbps, with the speeds being dictated by the plan you sign up for, as well as factors such as your business or home’s location.
If you already know what you will be using broadband for, it shouldn’t be hard finding a suitable package. For example, if you live alone, and the most you will be doing with your connection is streaming movies, 5-10Mbps would be sufficient for standard definition, while 25Mbps would do it for high definition streaming. Around 100Mbps may be required for a family of four moderate internet users.
4. Customer support is crucial
Imagine working from home, and then in the middle of a Zoom meeting with a high-quality lead, your internet service decides it is time to take a break. That could potentially take a near-sure business away from you and ruin your reputation.
These episodes, albeit few and far between, are virtually unavoidable regardless of your broadband provider. The best thing to do is ensure whoever you entrust with your home or office internet is someone who will be ready to help when the balloon goes up. You can check the customer-support rating of your soon-to-be provider on review sites and testimonials on their site.
5. Reliability may come down to the technology used
Technology changes by the day, and many broadband providers are trying their best to stay abreast of the changes. While doing your search, ensure to create a place for technology in your filter-down process. It may prove time-consuming, but acquainting yourself with the latest advancements can help you identify the candidates that are head and shoulders above the competition.
Some companies have integrated channel-optimization features into their routers. These features trim the prospect of connection interruption by ensuring you are connected to a non-congested channel. In doing so, such broadband providers ensure clients always get the speeds they were promised.
6. Contract periods and terms differ
The typical broadband contract runs for 12 months, but some companies offer more or less, depending on the package you sign up for. You want a deal that offers the perfect balance of flexibility and affordability.
Always look at the contract lengths your candidates have to offer to ensure you don’t get stuck with a provider longer than you need to. The best part is that most providers give you a 14-day cooling period at the start of your contract. During this time, you can cancel your subscription without receiving any penalties. However, you may be required to pay early exit charges, meaning you’re better off doing your research before committing to a deal.
7. You can keep your landline number
Users can keep their home phone numbers when switching broadband providers, but this depends on whether or not your new provider has a landline service in their catalog. If they do, you will only be required to provide your landline number, and the broadband service will arrange for it to be transferred.
8. Switching mobile and TV services may require a separate process
Various broadband providers have different terms for TV and mobile service provision. For some, their services are exclusive to their broadband clients. Others give you the chance to keep their services when you move to another broadband provider.
If you are changing your TV provider and broadband provider at the same time, two separate processes will apply. For example, you may receive a dish from your broadband provider and a set-top box from your television service provider. Telephone services may also be provided separately, but only for billing purposes.
Endnote
There is nothing difficult about switching broadband providers. However, if you don’t conduct proper research before committing to a service, you may encounter unexpected problems and even be forced to make another switch. The above tips give you useful insights into broadband services and what it means to switch providers.
