4 Ways To Lower Your Internet Bills

Get the best value from your internet service by evaluating your usage. Then look into negotiating your bill or switching to a cheaper service.

Saving money feels pretty damn good, especially on costly (but often necessary) expenses like internet. But what can you do?

If you’re happy with your provider, but not your bill, try negotiating or bundling your services. Looking to make a change? If you’re lucky enough to have options, switching providers can help you score a great deal.

Here are six things you can do to lower your internet bill.

1. Stop Renting Your Modem and Router

If you plan on staying with your current internet provider for a few years it is far more cost-effective to buy your internet hardware rather than renting it.

Many providers charge $8 to $15 per month to rent their equipment. If you stay with that company for two years, the total rental costs would be $240 to $360. You can buy a top-rated modem and router for less than $100. And if you’re looking for additional savings, Amazon sells refurbished units for up to 50% less than brand new.

However, keep in mind that some providers won’t offer support or troubleshooting for your personal hardware.

2. Reduce Your Speed

Internet providers are taking high-speed to the next level, with plans that promise download speeds of 100 Mbps or more. That’s great if you need that level of service. Most families don’t.

Dropping to a lower, more appropriate speed could reduce your monthly bill by $35 or more, depending on your carrier. Consult the chart below to help determine what speed you need, then contact your provider to lower your plan. The recommended speeds assume multiple devices doing the activities listed, so you can adjust down if you only have one device gaming or streaming HD video at a time, for example.

A family of 4 to 7 people with heavy usage and streaming doesn’t need anything over 100mbs, in fact, 70mbs is probably more realistic.

3. Negotiate Your Bill

Life is a negotiation. You don’t need to be the world’s best salesperson to play the negotiation game with your Internet service provider. Your position is simple: I know of a better deal elsewhere, and I’m prepared to leave your company to get it. That’s all you need.

Be polite, but firm. Don’t bluff. The better you can back up your position with information and proof, the more leverage you’ll have. Research the promotional prices that your provider and its competitors are offering to new customers. Be prepared to actually cancel your service and change providers.

4. Check For Government Subsidies

The government offers subsidies for broadband Internet if you fall below a certain income threshold or are enrolled in certain government programs. The nonprofit EveryoneOn can help you find out if you qualify.

There’s more information on the Federal Communications Commission website. If your income is at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines or you participate in government programs such as Social Security Income, Medicaid or others, you could qualify for a broadband subsidy.

For a family of four, 135% of the 2017 federal poverty level income is $33,210 per year. Sometimes, providers such as Comcast also offer free or reduced Internet if you meet these guidelines and have a child in school.

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This article was inspired by Stephen L. at Nerd Wallet.