The internet is undoubtedly a blessing in disguise. However, the acquisition of this incredible technology can take a toll on your wallet. In fact, most people can’t even afford to have a stable internet connection in their homes.
But that doesn’t mean saving on your internet bill is entirely impossible. That’s because you can reduce your internet cost by following a few useful tips. These include using suitable COX Internet packages for your needs, using your own router and modem, etc.
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To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of useful tips you can follow to get thrifty. So let’s start exploring and save money!
6 Practical Tips for Saving Money on Internet Costs
Even after subscribing to the TV and internet packages possible, you may struggle to save a penny on your internet bill. However, you can turn the tables by following these effective tips. Here, have a look:
1. Reduce Internet Speeds
A leading reason for your high internet bill can be increased speed than your requirement. For instance, if you use your internet bundles mainly for streaming TV shows and casual browsing, you may only need around a 100 Mbps download speed. But if you’re subscribed to a package with more speed, you may need to pay a higher price than your actual use.
Reducing your internet speed can be a great option for saving money on your monthly internet bill. That’s because, when you use lesser speed, your internet service provider will charge you way less than what you usually pay.
This relatively small speed reduction can make a big difference to how much you pay every month and is an easy fix to help shave off some cash from your bill.
2. Use Your Own Router and Modem
Most internet service providers allow users to rent a router and modem in exchange for a minimal monthly fee. This rental charge for the equipment can add up quickly over time and cost you more money.
However, if you plan to use the internet on a regular basis, it’s better to buy your own internet equipment. This can save you money in the long run.
The best part is that you can take your modem and router wherever you want even if you change your internet service. To find an ideal router for your home internet network, you can follow these tips:
- Set a suitable budget to buy the equipment
- Narrow down a few compatible router and modem options
- Ensure your router supports your subscribed internet speed
- Buy a router with the latest wireless protocols
- Pair your device with a mesh Wi-Fi router or extender to boost signals
- Consider additional features like MU-MIMO and service quality
3. Subscribe to an Internet Bundle with TV Service
Bundling your internet services can save you more money than you can imagine. For instance, if you bundle your Cox internet connection with TV, you can save up to $20 per month.
Before subscribing to a bundle, you should check if you’re already paying for any TV or streaming services. If they offer the same networks, shows, or channels as your bundled TV service, waste no time and unsubscribe to those services.
Additionally, you must compare the cost of internet and TV bundles to the price for separate services. That’s because most bundles offer additional services which you don’t need or use, channels you avoid watching, or prices that are too high. In such cases, you should carefully consider your options before paying for a bundled service.
4. Negotiate Monthly Internet Bill
If you’re at the end of your monthly internet bundle, you can easily switch your package and subscribe to a better one. But what if you’re stuck with a year-long contract with your internet service provider and need to save money? Well, you can still shop around and look for better deals to negotiate with your ISP.
That’s because it can be a great way to save money on your monthly bill. Here’s how you can succeed at negotiation:
- Start by gathering information about your current ISP and possible competitors who offer similar plans.
- Make sure you understand the services that are being offered and the prices of each plan so that you can make the best decision.
- Once you have all of this information, it’s time to reach out to your current provider with an email or phone call, letting them know that you’re interested in negotiating a lower rate for your service.
- Explain why their competitor may have an advantage over their current offering, whether it’s faster speeds or larger data packages, and any other potential benefits they could highlight.
Your ISP may be willing to negotiate based on loyalty or if they feel they don’t need to rely on price competition amongst themselves. Additionally, they may simply want more business from someone who is already established with them.
However, if things don’t go as planned, then you should start looking around for other providers to secure better deals elsewhere. After all, competition is what drives the market’s most affordable prices and services – allowing you to get even better bundles from further shopping around.
5. Minimize Connected Devices
Most homes use their internet network to connect several devices including gaming consoles, smart TVs, smart thermostats, phones, voice assistants, smartwatches, security cameras, etc.
However, the more devices you connect to the internet, the more bandwidth they’ll consume, leading to higher costs.
To avoid this, you should save your data by reducing the number of connected devices. You can also reduce the speed of your internet connection as discussed earlier. This way, you may become able to get incredible internet service at a reasonable price.
In contrast, if you live with a roommate or with your family, minimizing connected devices can be quite challenging. For this reason, you should ask them to turn off or reduce their consumption when streaming movies or playing games.
6. Explore Subsidies
If you still struggle to pay for your internet, you can look for assistance from the Government. Check if you qualify for low-cost subsidized internet in any of the following programs:
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Community Eligibility Provision of the National School Lunch Program (CEP of the NSLP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Senior and/or veteran government assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Public Housing (HUD)
- Pell Grant
Final Thoughts
Using the internet without breaking the bank is possible. However, you need to try several tips and tricks before you can save a significant amount on your bill.
So, make sure to reduce your internet speeds, minimize bandwidth usage, and keep an eye out for useful bundles and packages to enjoy using the internet free of worries.
