In some ways, we are blessed to have an abundance of choices when it comes to internet service providers (ISPs). If you search for “internet providers near me,” you’ll likely find at least a handful of options that offer service to homes or businesses like yours. The only exception is if you live in an especially rural area, and even then, you might have options.
It’s tempting to think of the internet as a utility; for the most part, electricity is electricity, regardless of who does the providing. But in reality, service providers in this space vary tremendously in terms of speed, reliability, and overall service.
So what are the best tests to use to compare internet providers?
Assessing Your Needs
Before you do anything else, you should take a step back and assess your needs. After all, your evaluations of service providers aren’t going to mean much if you don’t even know what you’re looking for.
Think about:
- Core needs. What would you say are your core needs when it comes to internet service? Are you running a business where you need consistent service to remain productive? Or is your connection mostly a means of acquiring entertainment and information?
- Typical uses. How do you typically use the internet in this space? Are you primarily browsing the web and checking your email, or are you regularly streaming high-definition videos and playing video games? Some uses are going to demand faster speeds and greater bandwidth than others.
- Number of users and devices. Similarly, you should speculate about the number of users and devices you might have on this network. Even relatively low-tier internet packages in the modern era are capable of supporting high-definition streaming, but they may not be able to provide streaming to multiple devices at once.
Key Factors to Consider
These are some of the most important factors to consider as you explore your options.
- Download and upload speeds. Obviously, you’re going to consider download speeds and upload speeds. These two variables are arguably the most important in dictating your typical online experience. The more speed you have, the more things you can do and the faster you can do them.
- Connection type. You also need to think about the type of connection that’s available. Fiber internet, for example, is much faster and more consistent than satellite internet, on average.
- Consistency. Some service providers have a reputation for being more consistent and reliable than others. This is largely a matter of infrastructure and management, with some providers investing more proactively in securing consistent service for their users.
- Data caps and other policies. Some service packages are associated with data caps, which limit the amount of data you can use on the connection. There may also be other policies that restrict how you use the internet. Be especially mindful of these as you compare different providers and package options.
- Contractual matters. Similarly, you should pay close attention to the fine print in any contracts that you might sign. For example, you might sign up for an introductory price, but your provider will likely reserve the right to increase that price at some point in the future. You may also face early termination fees if you cancel your contract prematurely.
- Prices. Of course, you’re also going to need to think about prices. You can typically get any kind of internet service you want, so long as you’re willing to pay for it. But at a certain point, the upgrades are more expensive than they’re worth.
- Customer service and satisfaction. Finally, look into customer service and satisfaction. Does this provider have a reputation for resolving customer complaints and restoring service as fast as possible? How do people in your area feel about this provider, and how do they think it compares to other options?
Speed Tests
Once you start working with an internet service provider, you can conduct speed tests to make sure you’re getting the download and upload speeds that you’ve paid for. One of the most reliable is Ookla. but there are many speed test providers you can use. In fact, it’s often a good idea to conduct multiple speed tests using different tools, so you can see if the results are consistent. If you find that your ISP isn’t providing you with the speeds you need, you can raise the issue with them or switch to an alternative provider.
No two ISPs are exactly alike, and no two service packages are exactly alike. If you want to make the best selection for you, your family, or your business, it’s important for you to be able to run these tests, examine these factors, and scrutinize the details so you can find the best fit.
