In this digital age, having access to reliable and fast internet is something we all need. Depending on the type of connection and plan you go for, your monthly internet bill can cost you anywhere between $20 to $100 (or more if you opt for multi-gig speeds).

But, no one wants to pay more than they should, right?

Thankfully, with some smart choices, you can easily shave off some bucks from your internet bill. So, let's take a look at ways you can lower your internet bill.

Take a Look at Your Latest Internet Bill

Before we can look for ways to lower your bill, you need to analyze your current provider, and how much you're paying. Take a look at some of the recent bills and understand how much your ISP is charging. Here are a few questions you need to find the answer to:

  • Am I renting a router? If so, how much am I paying for it?
  • How much download speeds am I getting?
  • Do I have a data cap? If so, do I often incur overage fees?
  • Am I in the middle of a contract?

Once you have an answer to these questions, you can start to plan how you can lower your internet bill. Having this information can be key when deciding on the types of charges you can remove, or reduce from your bill. While there are some fees you can’t remove, there are a few things that can be eliminated.

One of them is paying for your router.

Buy Your Own Modem or Router

This seems counteractive, right?

A lot of people choose to rent a router from their ISP, instead of paying for their own. This means that they have to pay the rent for the router every month. While this is usually significantly lower than what you'll pay for the router, the additional cost will be added to your bill

This will usually accumulate to a higher overall cost over time. If you’re paying $20 per month, and stay with the provider for two years, the total cost can accumulate to $480.

Instead, you can get an amazing router for less than $200. While the initial cost is high, this also means that you can potentially shave a couple of bucks off your bill.

However, this does have a drawback. When you use a third-party router, most ISPs won't provide troubleshooting or support for the hardware.

If you don’t want to get a new router, you can instead opt to get a low-tier internet plan.

Opt for a Low-Tier Internet Plan

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to get Gigabit internet to enjoy high-speed internet.

Most browsing activities like sending out Emails, browsing the web, using social media, and watching YouTube only require around 10 Mbps. Even bandwidth-intensive tasks like HD streaming, online gaming, and video calls require around 30 Mbps.

While the plan you go for depends on your household, you should generally be fine if you get a low-tier internet plan.

Remove Any Optional Add-Ons

When you get internet from a new internet provider, they often offer free services or equipment as an add-on. The only problem is that once the trial period ends, the add-ons are added to your internet plan automatically and can incur a lot of additional costs.

These include add-ons like:

  • Mobile phone plans
  • Landline service
  • TV
  • Streaming services
  • Security applications
  • Premium tech support
  • WiFi extenders

Check for the add-ons that might be added to your plan and unsubscribe the ones you don’t use. If you’re using TV or streaming services with your internet service as an add-on, it might be a better idea to go for a bundle plan.

Go for a Bundle Option with Your Internet Plan

A lot of ISPs provide multiple services, including cable and phone. Most providers will discount multiple services if you opt to bundle them together.

Doing so might also reduce any data caps imposed by your ISP on your plan. This can also help you make the billing process smoother since you'll receive the bill for multiple services in a single bill.

But, before you decide to make changes to your plan, it’s always a good idea to look for some local internet deals.

Check out Some Other Internet Providers

If nothing else is working for you, it might be a better idea to switch to a different internet provider. Instead of browsing the internet and looking for the best internet provider, we recommend using the tool below to find an internet provider with cheaper plans in your area.

When you find an internet provider you find more suitable for your needs, make sure to read their terms and the fine print, which has all the details about their installation, equipment, activation, and contracts.

Some ISPs offer price guarantees and free routers for a specific period, so you can use that to your advantage if you don't want to pay rent for your router, but also don't wish to get a new one. Several providers like Spectrum and Verizon will also offer to buy out your existing contract if you choose to sign with them.

If you’re not ready to change your internet provider yet, it’s always worth a shot to negotiate with your current ISP.

Negotiate your Internet Bill

You’ve already done your research, so now is the best time to call your ISP and start negotiating your internet rates. Before you start the call, keep in mind that this conversation can take a lot of time, which is why it’s better if you call your ISP, rather than send an email.

The phone call is often transferred between multiple agents. While the process can be a little frustrating, it’s important to stay calm and collected.

If you checked for other ISPs in your area, you might have found one that offers a similar internet plan at a lower price. The most effective argument when negotiating your bill is if you’re consistently getting lower internet speeds. You can use the tool below to check your internet speed.

SPEED TEST TOOL

If you’re consistently getting slow internet speeds, it’s a good idea to mention this to the representative, which will better your chances of getting a discount.

While negotiating with your current internet provider is a great way to lower your internet bill, this doesn’t always work. Thankfully, you can always find a better alternative by looking for cheaper ISPs in your area.

If you decide to switch your internet provider or plan, make sure to bundle in other services instead of adding them separately since this can help you get a better discount. Whichever way you decide to go, lowering your internet bill is always a good way to take some of that weight off your shoulders.