People use the Internet for nearly everything, from working to playing games, streaming movies, and even keeping track of the house while they’re away with smart home devices. When it isn’t working as well as it should, the consequences can be serious. When that happens, it’s time to switch Internet service providers. Read on to find 12 clear signs it’s time to switch your ISP.
1. The Internet Slows When You Need It Most
One of the top signs you need a new ISP is the Internet slowing down during peak usage times. People who have traditional cable Internet experience this problem almost every day because their Internet connections are shared amongst neighbors. When lots of people in the same area use the Internet, the speeds slow. The easiest solution is to switch to a fiber-optic ISP.
2. Constant Buffering
For those who love streaming movies, there are few things more frustrating than frequent buffering. If it seems like everyone is spending more time watching a spinning buffer wheel than their favorite shows, it’s time to switch to a faster Internet connection.
3. Frequent Outages
No ISP is entirely immune to outages, but it shouldn’t be a frequent occurrence. If there haven’t been any natural disasters or power outages in the area, and the Internet is still going out multiple times a month, that’s a sign the ISP has an unreliable network. Switching to fiber Internet will alleviate the problem since it’s the most reliable type of connection.
4. Failing Speed Tests
An Internet speed test can offer direct insight into whether or not an ISP is living up to its word regarding upload and download speeds. If devices are routinely failing, switch to a better provider.
5. Limitations on Device Use
Families that pay for home Internet shouldn’t have to boot each other off their devices in a scramble for bandwidth. A good ISP will provide sufficient bandwidth to allow multiple Internet-connected devices to run at once without interfering with each other.
6. Unexpectedly High Bills
Internet service agreements tend to come with a lot of fine print. As a result, people often end up paying more than they expected and more than what was advertised when they signed up. If it’s been a few months and hidden fees are starting to pop up, start looking for alternative ISPs.
7. Constantly Hitting Data Limits
Many ISPs cap data use. If the household is constantly exceeding its data limits and getting hit with overage charges, it’s time to make a change. Switching to an ISP without data caps can make a huge difference.
8. Poor Customer Service
Sometimes, things go wrong. That’s the case even with good service providers. Pay attention to what happens when they do. If every outage means several hours on the phone, that’s a sign of poor customer service.
9. Late Technicians
Some issues can’t be fixed over the phone. When that happens, the ISP has to send out a service technician. Usually, the company provides a four-hour window. Your time is valuable. If the technicians reliably don’t show up during that arrival window, they’re not worth your time or money.
10. Inconsistent Wi-Fi Signal
If you have a smart home or even just a few extra smart appliances, you need a reliable Wi-Fi signal throughout the space. If there are slowdowns or dropped connections in one or more parts of the home, it’s time to switch to a more reliable provider.
11. Lack of Advanced Features
Modern Internet users require advanced features like parental controls and enhanced security. If a family’s current ISP doesn’t provide them with these, it’s worth switching to one that does.
12. Overuse of Phone Hotspots
If the Internet is cutting out often enough to necessitate the use of a phone hotspot at home, that’s a bad sign. Find an ISP that will offer more reliable service.
The Best Internet Service Providers Are Fiber
Fiber Internet is by far the quickest, most reliable, and most effective option for home Internet. Whether you’re a gamer, a work-from-home professional, or an avid streamer, it’s worth making the switch to fiber-optic.