4 Apparent Signs to Change Your Internet Service Provider

A few months ago, I had to switch my internet service provider (ISP). Frankly speaking, I didn’t want to switch at first because exploring ISPs and their plans always seemed a hassle to me. So, before changing my former ISPs, I called the support and informed them about the service issues.

Following their advice, I upgraded my internet plan. But, unfortunately, nothing changed– the below-par speeds, dropped connections, and frequent outages. I ultimately had to cancel the service altogether.

Luckily, I found a quality internet connection, and this experience also taught me some telltale signs indicating that it’s time to change your ISP. And below, I’ll share those signs so you may determine if you should switch to another ISP. 

Apparent Signs to Change Your ISP

Consistent Slow-Speed Internet

Sometimes, the internet speeds do get slow, especially during peak hours. And if you’re using a cable internet connection, chances are, you may frequently face slow internet speeds because of the shared bandwidth. 

However, if your internet speeds dip even during the off-peak hours, it may be because your ISP isn’t able to handle the network traffic. 

Here, I’d suggest you test your internet speeds via online speed tests. This way, you may figure out if your ISP is offering internet speeds as per your plans. 

And, if it turns out that even during off-peak hours your ISP is failing to provide the promised speeds, then consider it as a sign to switch to another ISP.

Recurring Internet Outages

It’s understandable that the internet connection may not be available sometimes. Natural disasters, such as tornados, rains, earthquakes, etc., that damage internet infrastructure, may cause internet outages.

However, when internet outages become a norm without any apparent reason, then it’s time to hunt for a new ISP. In some cases, ISPs may intentionally limit your internet connection to manage the network traffic. In such cases, you may face an internet outage or throttled speeds.

Costly Internet Plans

If you’re paying dearly for your internet plan and still have to face issues, don’t you think it’s better to switch to another ISP? Well, as I mentioned above, before switching, I upgraded my internet plan with the former ISP. However, since the internet connectivity remained poor, upgrading my plan made no difference.

Honestly, that is when I decided to change my ISP because there was no point in paying a hefty subscription fee for an unreliable connection. Also, as their internet plans were capped, I always had to monitor my data usage to avoid the overage charges.

However, since I subscribed to Spectrum, I believe it is worth the price. Besides being affordable, Spectrum Internet plans are uncapped and offer much better speeds than my previous ISP.

No Extra Benefits

Do you get any additional benefits from your ISP? If not, then let me tell you that some reliable ISPs offer different perks and benefits to their customers without any additional charges.

Some of the free services may include:

• Parental Controls
• Uncapped Data Plans
• No Contracts
• Bundled Plans
• Discounts and Promotional Offers
• Free WiFi Equipment
• Internet Security Tool
• Reliable Customer Support

So, if you’re paying for these services separately, I’d suggest you explore ISPs that offer all or some of these benefits for free.

Bonus Section: How to Choose the Next Internet Service Provider

Before I wind up, I will provide some brief tips on how to choose the next ISP.

Research the Internet Service Providers:

In the first step, research the available internet service providers in your area. Here, you may keep in mind the type of internet connection you want to choose. Other than this, also read online reviews or ask your friends or neighbors about different ISPs, as they may provide detailed insights about their services.

Explore Plans and Prices:

After short-listing the ISPs, explore the offered plans and prices. Also, do keep in mind the internet speeds offered. In addition, you may also compare different plans and choose the one that suits you the most.

Additional Perks and Benefits:

Before finalizing your next ISP, consider the additional benefits that ISPs may offer. In most cases, a single ISP may not offer all the benefits mentioned above. Here, you may consider the perks you’re more interested in.