Seven ways to lower your expensive internet bill
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Key takeaways
- If your Wi-Fi bill is getting out of control, you could be able to adjust your internet plan or usage habits to save on costs.
- Review your bill to identify unnecessary extras, data overages, equipment fees, etc. that you might be able to shave.
- Some providers even offer cost assistance for qualifying customers.
- If you can’t lower costs with your current company, try switching internet providers to get a new promotional rate.
Expensive home Wi-Fi bills have a way of sneaking up on you. You may have signed up for a great promotional price, only to have your provider raise your monthly rate after a year or two.
If you’ve been surprised by a high internet bill, there are ways to lower your costs. Find out how to save money on internet with a few key tricks.
Know the details of your internet costs
Regularly reviewing your bill and comparing it to local rates is key to saving on internet costs.
The average broadband bill is $67.57/mo., according to Today Testing. Your bill may differ depending on your location, internet speed and local competition. Areas with fewer options or a higher cost of living typically have higher-than-average internet prices. Check on your bill semi-regularly to ensure you aren’t overpaying for speed, equipment or unnecessary services.
How to get a lower internet bill
Before you overhaul your home internet plan, find out how to modify your plan to keep getting high-speed internet for a lower cost. If you’re searching for how to get cheaper internet, examine your internet statement and try these solutions for a cheaper internet bill.
- Lower your internet speed.
- Remove optional add-ons.
- Buy your own modem and router to avoid equipment fees.
- Bundle or unbundle services.
- Battle price creep by negotiating a better rate.
- Apply for cost assistance if you have inaccessible rates.
- Switch providers to get promotional pricing for new customers.
- Manage your data usage.
1. Lower your internet speed
Assess your household’s speed needs to find out if you’re paying for more bandwidth than you need.
Lowering your speed with your current provider is often the easiest way to save money on internet costs. If you have a high-speed plan of 1 GB or more, you may be able to downgrade your plan speed without noticing a drop in performance.
Before changing your internet plan, make sure you understand the speeds you need. Use these guidelines to determine if a slower speed will work for you:
- Fewer than five connected devices can run fine on 100 Mbps.
- For up to 10 connected devices, speeds of 100–300 Mbps are enough to support most online activities, including gaming or streaming.
- If you have 10–20 devices running multiple high-speed activities, try 300–800 Mbps. More than 20 devices should stick with 1 GB.
2. Remove optional add-ons
Promotional extras can add significant costs when the free trial expires.
New customer internet promotions often include free equipment or services. After the trial period ends, you’ll start paying for these extras. The following list highlights hidden add-ons and their average costs.
- Whole-home Wi-Fi ($15–$20/mo.): Many internet deals include a whole-home Wi-Fi upgrade with one or more Wi-Fi extenders to boost the signal throughout your home. Disconnect your extenders and test your Wi-Fi signal throughout your home. If you still receive a strong signal in all rooms, changing to a standard Wi-Fi router without extenders can save you money.
- Security applications or premium technical support ($5–$20/mo.): Antivirus software or upgraded tech assistance can add to your monthly bill. Consider canceling services like premium technical support or shopping for cheaper security options.
- Mobile lines ($15–$40/mo.): Free or discounted mobile service included in new customer bundles can cost extra once the promotion ends.
- Home phone ($10–$25/mo.): Landline service may be included in bundle packages. Check if your bill is cheaper without the phone, and drop the landline if you do not use the service.
- TV or streaming services ($5–$30/mo.): Additional streaming options or free basic TV packages might come with additional fees for TV boxes or broadcast TV charges. Getting rid of TV and the accompanying equipment is another way to cut costs.
3. Use your own equipment
If your provider allows you to supply your own modem and router, you could cut $10–$15 off your monthly cost.
Companies like Xfinity and Spectrum, allow you to buy your own router or modem instead of renting. Other providers, like Astound Broadband, offer a free gateway for the first 12–24 months. After that, you are charged a monthly fee for your equipment.
Supplying your own equipment may save up to $15/mo., but make sure to purchase the correct equipment. An incompatible router may slow down your wireless speeds.
Also, most internet companies will not provide technical support or troubleshooting on third-party equipment. Decide if this trade-off is worth the money you save on internet costs.
4. Eliminate bundle packages or bundle your services
Bundling essential services or dropping unnecessary extras can help you cut back on internet costs.
Depending on your situation, bundling or unbundling your services can result in cheaper internet. If you pay for multiple streaming services à la carte, an internet and TV bundle could consolidate your services and save money. T-Mobile, for instance, offers $15 off your monthly home Wi-Fi plan when you bundle with mobile service.
Alternatively, bundled packages that include items you rarely use can be simplified to include only necessary services. Dropping bundled extras like home phone service or streaming add-ons could be an easy way to save on your internet costs.
5. Negotiate your price
Your provider may offer discounts or find you a better plan fit if you make it clear you’re considering switching internet providers.
Negotiating with your internet provider can be tricky since many companies now standardize rates. Still, try calling your provider’s customer support line to ask them how to get cheaper Wi-Fi. A representative may be able to suggest solutions on less expensive internet plans or offer retention rates if you are at risk of ending your service.
Before you call, do a little research on competitor rates so you can mention specific prices you’re willing to pay. If you’ve been with the provider for a while, you may be able to ask for a loyalty discount. A representative might suggest less-expensive options or offer retention rates if you are at risk of ending your service.
6. Get help with your internet bill
Some internet providers offer discounted rates for low-income customers.
Internet providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, AT&T, Verizon Fios and T-Mobile offer cheap or free internet options for qualifying customers. You may be eligible for affordable Wi-Fi if your household qualifies for other assistance programs, including Medicaid, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). Check with internet providers in your area for discounted plans for low-income families.
7. Switch your internet provider
Comparing providers and switching to a new plan with promotional pricing can help you save on internet costs.
Switching to a different internet provider as a new customer can get you a lower internet bill. Make sure to compare internet providers carefully, especially on charges for equipment, installation, activation, contracts or early termination fees. Companies like Verizon 5G, CenturyLink, Optimum and Frontier often offer price guarantees for 12 months or more, along with additional perks like free equipment or gift card offers.
When you switch internet providers, remember to return equipment to avoid extra fees. Also, be sure to check for early termination fees with your current provider — some companies offer to cover these fees when you switch.
8. Manage your data usage
Going over your data cap can incur significant fees.
Many internet plans come with a data cap, which limits how much data you can use in a month without paying extra fees. You can typically monitor your usage throughout the month to make sure you don’t exceed the limit. If you find that you’re regularly going over, try adjusting your streaming quality or reducing heavy activities like online gaming or video conferencing.
Still struggling to stay under your limit? Find out if your provider offers a plan with unlimited data.
The easiest way to cut internet costs
Modifying your existing plan is the simplest way to save money on your internet bill — but sometimes switching is your best bet.
The easiest way to lower your internet bill is to modify your current plan. Changing your speed or removing extra services won’t interrupt your Wi-Fi, and working with your current provider to get a lower rate will prevent the hassle of scheduling an installation or undergoing a credit check with a new company. However, switching internet providers may still be your best option if you can’t find ways to cut costs with your current company.
How to save on internet FAQs
What’s the cheapest internet available?
The cheapest internet plans range from $10–$20/mo., but these deals aren’t available everywhere. Depending on your location, the cheapest plans might be around $40–$50/mo. Overall, average standard internet rates range from $60–$70/mo. after promotional pricing.
How much should I pay for internet per month?
Your internet speed and technology (fiber, cable, 5G, etc.) will determine your typical bill. Regardless, if you are paying more than your budget allows, modify your plan or shop around for another internet provider to get a better deal.
Why is my internet bill so high?
Your internet bill can be expensive if you are paying for more speed than you need, renting equipment or paying for optional supplementary services. Providers also tend to raise rates on new customers after a year or two.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
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