Things you need to know when switching internet service providers

The Internet Service Provider (ISP) industry is one of the lowest ranking industry concerning customer satisfaction. There may never be a time in the near future when you do not have any unresolved internet issues, but if it gets to the point of you pulling your hair out then it might be time to let go.

Although dissatisfaction is a huge reason for changing your ISP, let us take a look at some other reasons too. I bet you wouldn’t have thought of many.

Reasons for switching 

In a world where the cost of living is increasing by the day who doesn’t want to save costs. Internet providers offer great introductory prices and this is the most common reason for people regularly switching from one provider to another. For example, if you were looking at Spectrum Hawaii plans you will have noticed that they offer promotional prices to new customers for the first 12 months of service. These prices are around 20% lower than the standard rates. 

Another reason for switching providers is to upgrade internet speeds. You may have stayed with your current ISP for years but obviously if there is a better speed at a better price available in the market you would want a piece of that.

Who doesn’t like great customer service? I know I do. If I had to wait on never never-ending calls to my ISP’s customer service in vain then I would turn to a provider that cares a little more about its customers. I believe a lot of us would.

A less common reason is your current provider exiting the location you live in. We always hear about providers extending their coverage area but if they’re not profiting from a location they would just close down office and leave after a while.

Canceling existing service

It is important that you look into your ISP’s cancellation service before deciding to, actually, pull the plug. If you signed a term of service agreement for a year or two and want to cancel before the term ends then you may want to know the consequences. Therefore, it‘ll be a good idea to check your provider’s website or call customer support. You may also want to check into temporarily suspending your service instead of canceling it while you check out another provider.

Early Termination Fee

If you signed a contract with your current provider to keep the services for a specific period before canceling then there may be an Early Termination Fee (ETF) applicable upon cancellation. These fees differ between providers and some providers would even waive this if they have a satisfaction clause in their contract and you can prove dissatisfaction with their service.

Equipment

If you were using company equipment then that would need to be returned in good condition and timely manner to avoid any additional fees for it upon cancellation.

Buy-Out

Many ISPs such as Spectrum, Verizon, and SuddenLink offer buy-out plans for new customers who are bound in contracts with their current ISP. The buy-out plan means that your new provider will reimburse you for the ETF you had to pay in order for you to cancel your services with the previous provider.

Find Internet Service Providers Near You

There are thousands of internet providers in the United States but not every provider covers every area in the country. To find out which providers serve your area you can go to localcabledeals.com and search for ISPs near you. All you have to do is to put in your zip code and you’ll see all your options in one place. From there you can start checking out providers that seem like they would fulfill your needs.