(855) 771-3154
Over 50% of the internet market share comprises of cable providers. If you’re planning on acquiring a cable internet connection for your internet needs, then you need to be knowledgeable regarding the jargon surrounding it. From provider choices to plans and pricing, you need to ask a lot of questions before reaching the right decision.
We has prepared a list of common queries you must ask any cable internet provider before subscribing. This helps you to consider all the factors before deciding between multiple providers and their multiple offerings.
Common Queries to Ask While Purchasing a Cable Internet Connection
Let's start with some considerations that help you be better equipped to deal with what entails a cable internet installation and get the best output.
1. What is the Installation Time for Cable Internet?
No one wants to sit around and wait for the cable guy. If you have some time-sensitive internet-related activities, knowing how long it will take to install a cable internet connection is important. You could be someone who works from home, or your kids use internet research for homework.
In such cases, working with a loose period is not ideal. It could take from a few hours to a few days depending upon your area and your provider. For this reason, having a timeline helps you make alternate arrangements. Always make sure you confirm the duration of installation with your provider.
2. What is the Installation Fee for Cable Internet?
Every provider has a different price structure for installation. Some offer free kits like Cox's Easy Connect that help you self-install. Some also provide the option of on-pay professional installation. Others do it for completely free.
Learning and comparing the installation process can be very pivotal in determining the cumulative price of your subscription.
3. What is the Benefit of Bundling Cable Internet?
With some providers, bundling your internet with add-ons comes at an advantage. This entails benefits like a larger selection of channels, discounts, etc. The reason for this is that some providers upgrade their service for subscribers who opt for bundled services. Here’s a general overview of what can you get by bundling your services:
In addition, you will also find that bundling TV and internet is cheaper than purchasing a subscription to a streaming service. Some providers throw in a streaming subscription or two with the bundle. Knowing all of this helps you make a much more informed decision about your provider and the plan you choose.
4. Does Cable Internet Work for Small Businesses?
With fiber internet sweeping the market, it is natural to wonder if cable is the right option. However, several cable providers such as Spectrum, Xfinity, etc. provide competitive internet plans that are good for small businesses.
But whatever plan you're getting from any cable internet provider, you should ensure to inquire regarding the speeds, pricing, and other factors. It will help you make an informed choice and you can choose the right cable provider for your business's needs.
5. What is the Equipment Rental Fee with Cable Internet?
A plan might look cost-effective on paper; however, hidden fees especially equipment rental fees tend to burn a hole in your pocket. But this is no longer an issue since now providers must declare all charges i.e. equipment costs, service charges, etc.
But, the one thing that you should be concerned with is the increase in these prices. You should inquire from providers regarding how often they increase the prices of overall plans and other included costs.
That way you can get a clear idea of what you can expect in terms of the internet expense you'll be bearing every month.
6. Does Cable Internet Have Parental Controls Wi-Fi Network?
Parental controls ensure that your children are using the internet safely. They help you block or filter content not appropriate for kids while finding family-friendly programming.
Parental controls also come in handy for managing internet addiction in children by limiting the time your children use the internet. Parental control options vary with every provider and software used, which is why asking about the specifications of different providers helps you make a sound decision.
7. Are There Contracts with Cable Internet?
The fine print is not everyone's cup of tea. Sometimes a deal or a package may appear very attractive and lucrative. However, contracts bind a customer with the provider for an extensive period.
In order to break out of these contracts prematurely, some companies demand a hefty cancellation fee. Before settling on a provider or a package, ask about the contract termination fee and factor that into your decision.
8. What are the Charges for Moving Cable Internet to a New Location?
There are a lot of worker bees and business owners out there who are alike in one area; their work takes them places in the literal meaning of the phrase. Having to move a lot is taxing enough but getting an all-new internet connection and paying the upfront fees again adds to the hassle.
This is why you should always ask your provider if they charge for moving or changing addresses. Regardless of whether or not you are anticipating a move, you should always confirm if there is a fee for relocating.
9. How to Pay Cable Internet Bill?
With all the conveniences the internet brings to our lives, internet billing can be rather confusing. Internet companies have different ways of charging the customer. It is very important to analyze your billing method and scan your charges thoroughly.
Some offer credit card deduction and Autopay after the initial contract agreement from the customer. Others send a bill to your home every month with all your regular monthly charges and other fees like equipment rental, and add-ons which you pay yourself.
Things to Know Before Subscribing to Cable Internet
While buying a product or service, it is natural to want to know the basics of things. This saves you from getting swindled or making a non-favorable purchase decision. This also helps in the optimal use of the purchased goods. Here are some frequently asked questions about a cable internet connection.
1. What is the Main Difference Between DSL and Cable Internet?
Laymen often tend to confuse cable and DSL internet. This is because they both use copper wires to deliver the internet. The difference is that cable uses coaxial cables that were designed for cable television programming. Whereas DSL uses telephone lines.
This is why, unlike DSL, cable offers higher speeds and more reliability. A connection powered by coaxial cables is unaffected by distance as opposed to a DSL line that offers compromised connectivity in far-off areas.
2. How Fast is Cable Internet?
Understanding internet speeds with respect to your usage is important. Cable internet is capable of 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps in download speeds. As for upload speeds, cable tends to offer a speed from 5 to 50 Mbps. This is higher than DSL internet but lower than fiber internet. This puts cable at a comfortable sweet spot between the two options.
3. Where is Cable Internet Available?
Cable is a very popular choice among internet users in the US because it is readily available encompassing nearly 90% of American households. People also tend to go for cable because they can pair their internet with cable TV.
4. Who is Cable Internet Best For?
Multiple types of users can benefit from cable more than any other kind of connection including:
5. How Does Cable Internet Work?
Cable Internet works on the principle of simple data transmission. Your provider sends the signal in the form of data packets through the coaxial cable to the modem in your house. You connect that modem via ethernet cable to your computer or your router. This is how you get internet through cable in your house.
6. Which Cable Internet Provider is the Best?
Xfinity offers you the best selection of plans, whereas Cox has the most room in choice because of their custom plan options. Spectrum takes the cake when it comes to affordable bundles. If you have very low internet usage, Xtream powered by Mediacom is your best bet.
7. What Equipment Is Needed for a Cable Internet Connection?
Here's an overview of what you need to establish a functional cable internet setup:
Pre-Call Checklist Before Ordering Cable Internet
If you want to save time and hassle, you can have these things at hand before calling an agent to subscribe to a cable internet package.
- Social Security number
- Payment Method
- Zip code and street address
- Email address and phone number, you want to register with.
- A pen and a paper to take notes.
You will find that some of these queries are too simple. Well, there is no such thing as a wrong question. Now these are all questions you should ask before subscribing to a cable provider. The more you know about what cable internet is before purchasing, the better.
