6 Affordable Internet Services to Consider
In the digital age, having an active internet connection throughout the day has become necessary. So, it is hardly surprising to see people trying hard to find the best internet providers offering good speeds. When choosing an internet provider, the cost is one of the most important things to consider. One should not have to pay extra for their home internet connection when many companies offer reliable services at affordable rates.
Astound
Are you looking for the fastest available internet in your area? Get a connection from Astound. It offers internet plans ranging from 100 to 1,200 Mbps without charging too much. The company’s packages usually start from around $20 and go up to $80 for a month. In some cities, the prices start as low as $5 or $10! However, you can enjoy such low prices only after agreeing to a lock-in period of two years, and the rates will change after that. Remember, the pricing, plans, and special offers differ from city to city, so speak to Astound’s customer service team to learn about the best option for your home.
CenturyLink Fiber
CenturyLink Fiber is also known as Quantum Fiber in some areas. It offers some of the most affordable internet services, with monthly plans between $30 and $70. For $30, you can get a speed of 200 Mbps, which is still higher than most internet service providers for this price. On the downside, only 100 Mbps is offered at this price in select areas. Of course, the speed can go up to 940 Mbps if you pay more. The best benefit of CenturyLink Fiber’s deals is that there is no price increase after 12 months of signing up. So, you will continue to pay what you did in the beginning.
Xfinity
If your priority is finding cheap wireless internet packages, Xfinity is a service provider you must look into. Their prices go as low as $20 per month. However, the speed can put a damper on your mood at 75 Mbps in some areas. That said, there are several plan options, and you can upgrade to enjoy a whopping speed of nearly 6,000 Mbps. This plan has a data cap of 1.2 TB, with a $10 fee for every extra 50 GB you consume.
Suddenlink
If you’re able to get a connection from Suddenlink, look no further because it might be the best internet in your area. Suddenlink is a regional brand that has merged with Optimum, so all its plans are now available under the latter’s name. The company offers some of the most affordable internet services, which can go as low as $19.99 based on your location. However, this price is applicable only for the first year, and it increases from the second year onward. Also, the cost doesn’t include the modem fee, but you can buy your own device to save more.
Mediacom
If you’re in the Midwest or Southwest, check out Mediacom’s packages for the most affordable and fastest internet in your area. You pay as little as around $20 for a 60 Mbps plan for the first year. While the price increases afterward, it is still affordable at around $30. However, there is a cap of 200 GB, and consuming more data than the limit costs extra. You must also pay to get their $12 modem device. You can save this amount if you buy a modem or use a pre-existing one.
WOW! Internet
With prices starting at around $25, WOW! is another good option for cheap wireless internet packages. It offers affordable deals with speeds up to 100 Mbps, enough to connect you over multiple Zoom calls when working from home or attending classes. This speed suits smaller families needing internet for gaming and streaming. However, the data cap of 3 TB can be a downside.
In addition to the above, you can contact local providers to learn about the fastest internet available in your area.
Top tips to reduce the cost of your internet connection
Here are a few easy tips to help you reduce your internet bill further:
Buy your own devices
The best way to get the cheapest deals from an internet provider is by having your own modem and router. Nearly all providers will charge you extra if you decide you buy and use their devices. Also, most of their cheapest plans exclude these devices, so it will be cost-effective for you to have your own.
Reduce your internet speed
Check whether you really need a high-speed connection. Lowering your internet speed opens up many more affordable internet plans. Numerous providers offer packages as low as $10 to $20 per month for lower speeds.
Check whether you qualify for government subsidies
You might be eligible for affordable broadband internet plans if you qualify for government-sponsored programs. Some programs that give access to cost-effective plans include Lifeline Program, National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP), Pell Grant, low-income programs, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and WIC.