Large internet providers may be nationwide giants, but they’re also household names for all the wrong reasons—long wait times, confusing pricing, and customer service that sees you as just another number. No wonder people are fed up.
This is where local internet carriers who service your county or region present a better alternative. These companies may be much smaller and more limited in their scope, but a smaller size and shorter reach mean more time to focus on your needs. You get faster and friendlier customer support and more reliable on-site service when things go wrong.
Local providers have more freedom to offer clearer pricing plans and flexible service contracts without hidden fees, and because they serve fewer customers per network node, you actually have better chances of accessing higher speeds—i.e., the speeds you pay for—at peak hours!
All this—on top of boosting your local economy! But how do you find the best local internet carrier for your home or business? In this blog we’ll share the top 5 tips you need.
How do I choose an internet provider in my community?
Choosing an internet provider is a big decision. Your internet can be a sizable chunk of your budget and connects your household to friends, family, and educational and employment opportunities—you want to make sure you get the service you need at a price that makes sense.
Tip 1: Check Availability in Your Area
First things first, you need to find a local internet service provider in your area. This is often the most daunting step—most people have a hard time knowing where to even start looking! Local ISPs often have smaller advertising budgets than big ISPs, making them even harder to discover—much like how you’re more likely to be aware of the nearest Del Taco than a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with the best burritos you’ll ever have in your life.
Fortunately, there are tools like the FCC National Broadband Map that can reveal these hidden gems. To find local internet carriers near you, you can also ask around—what are your neighbors or local businesses using?
Tip 2: Compare Speeds and Pricing
By now, you’ve probably found a few options for local providers. Now comes the next question: “How do I know which provider to choose?”
That’s the question these next few tips are going to answer. First, take a look at the pricing plans the internet providers in your local community offer. Pay attention to what upload and download speeds their plans offer, and if their plans include examples of what you can do with them.
For example, one plan might be suitable for a couple living alone, but a family of five might need a faster internet plan that offers higher download speeds for streaming or gaming on multiple devices. Be sure to check for hidden fees, data caps, or contract requirements as well.
Tip 3: Read Customer Reviews
Google, Yelp, and local business review sites are great places to look for feedback about various internet providers. Keep in mind that people are more likely to leave a review online if their experience was exceptionally great or especially terrible.
Facebook groups and Reddit communities are also great places to ask questions about local internet carriers and get honest answers from current and former customers about the quality of their services and the customer experience.
Tip 4: Assess Customer Support Quality
When you’re interviewing for a job, your prospective employer wants to get to know you and see how you would add value to the workplace. The options available to you for local WiFi internet providers or broadband providers are a little like candidates interviewing for a job position—it might help to evaluate them the same way.
Try calling or messaging your prospective ISP to ask them questions about how they provide service. This can give you some firsthand experience with how they keep their current customers happy.
Tip 5: Ask About Service Agreements and Equipment
Some internet service providers offer month-to-month plans, while others require contracts. There might also be installation fees separate from your monthly charges as well as fees for renting or buying a modem or router. If an ISP provides service by contract, there may also be early termination fees to contend with if you have to cancel early—just like if you had to break a twelve-month apartment lease prematurely.
Installation or rental fees for equipment or termination fees can add up in unexpected ways, so always try to be thorough so you can fully understand how much you’d really pay for a local internet provider’s service.
TISD: The Texas Crossroads’ Preferred Local Internet Carrier
With broadband towers across the South Texas area, including Victoria, Lavaca, and Matagorda County, TISD provides rural Texas communities with high-quality Internet services and speeds that rival urban providers. We’re always striving to grow our network and connect more Crossroads residents. See if we serve your area, find the right pricing plan for your home or business, and contact us today to get hooked up!