First Time Internet Buyer’s Guide

Mustering up the courage and experiencing something new is commendable. The thrill of stepping out of your comfort zone and preferring adventure to the same easygoing routine is what makes one confident.

My freshly graduated cousin was in a similar situation recently. He got an amazing work opportunity in Louisiana, so he had to move to a new city.

He found himself a small apartment after which he started the actual quest: finding himself an ideal internet service provider (ISP).

He kept on saying, ‘I want a speedy ISP that is not very heavy on my wallet.’

I know what was going on in his head, as I was on the same boat a couple of years back. This is what I told him:

if you’re also an enthusiastic first-time internet buyer like my cousin, I’m sure you must be super confused as well. I know it’s a lot to think about which is why I’ve compiled this guide to help you confidently pick the ISP suitable for your needs.

Basic Internet Word Bank

Before you go ahead and enter the ISP world, I would highly encourage you to familiarize yourself with these few fundamental internet terms:

Internet Buyer’s Lookbook

The lookbook shown above is a gist of all that you have to do before selecting the ISP of your dreams. To get to know these pointers better, continue reading as I have explained them in detail below.

1. Availability

What do you do when you go to a different city for holidays and start craving for pizza?

You instantly look for good pizza places near your hotel, of course.

Similarly, when you move to a new apartment and start thinking about getting an active internet connection, you begin by wading through the different ISPs available in your area. Knowing all your internet options before you start shopping can help you make the best choice.

How can you check which ISPs are available in your region?

You can do so by entering your zip code in the tool given on the extreme right of this page. As soon as you enter your zip code, the tool will provide you with a list of all the ISPs available near you.

For example, when I first moved to Saint Louis and started searching for ISPs, I entered the zip code of my area (which was 63101) in a zip code tool. Resultantly, I was shown the following ISPs:

1. Speeds are "up to," are not guaranteed and will vary.
2. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For 5GIG, single device wired speed maximum 4.7Gbps. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
3. Speed based on wired connection. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit spectrum.net/modem. ©2024 Charter Communications. SeeOffer Details for terms and conditions.
4. Stated speeds are not guaranteed.

This list gave me a better understanding of all the options nearby. Based on my preferences and guidance from the respective customer support teams, I was able to narrow down my options.

Just always remember that internet service availability is location-dependent. Beginning your search by shortlisting the internet providers available at your address will help you streamline the succeeding steps, saving both your time and energy.

2. Speed

What is pizza without a cheesy crust?

Bland, dry, unappetizing (my opinion).

Similarly, what is an internet connection without good speed?

Slow, unreliable, annoying!

When choosing an ISP, the average speed of the internet connection emerges as a significant factor influencing your overall online experience.

Keeping in view these factors, we have compiled a little speed guide for you:

Remember my cousin who has shifted to Louisiana?

He shares an apartment with two of his friends. All three of them are hybrid workers and so greatly rely on the internet. Based on their internet usage requirements, they wanted an ISP that not only offered lightning-fast speeds but was also reliable.

Price wasn’t a concern for them as all three of them were earning well and besides the bill was to be split between three people. Keeping in mind their usage patterns, they signed up with Optimum. They chose this provider mainly because it offered:

• Incredible speeds
• Unlimited data
• No annual contracts
• Free access to WiFi hotspots
• Enhanced reliability
• Amazing customer

The speeds offered by Optimum were suitable for my cousin and his flatmates. Your ideal internet speed might be different based on your individual requirements.

In simpler words, a good internet speed differs from person to person. Just analyze your requirements, jot down your online activities, see how many people are using the internet at home and you’ll be able to come up with your dream internet speed.

3. Connection Type

Now that you’re aware of your speed requirements, you can go ahead and select the right type of internet connection.

Speed and connection type are interrelated. For example, if you want blazing-fast, symmetrical internet speeds, you’ll opt for fiber internet.

If you’re looking for reliable internet speeds that are also affordable, then cable internet would be the right choice for you.

However, for a small household with basic internet needs, DSL internet would be an ideal fit.

I’ve discussed these three prominent connection types in detail below:

Fiber Internet

+Speeds not available in all markets.

Cable Internet

DSL Internet

Shortlist the ISPs offering your preferred internet connection type and start comparing them to make a well-refined choice.

4. Comparison

Wow, you’re almost there!

You’ve narrowed down the ISPs available near you based on your speed requirements and the connection type you need.

All you have to do now is compare them based on the factors mentioned below:

5. Selection

Phew, wipe those beads of perspiration resting on your forehead.

You’ve really pulled it through.

Now that you’ve mastered several aspects of an ISP and done a comprehensive comparison, the time has finally come to declare a winner.

How will you do that?

By combining all the information that I’ve discussed so far and choosing an internet service provider that works best for you. Once you’ve chosen your ISP, analyze the features of its internet plans and sign up with the one that meets all your requirements.

Bonus Point: Equipment You’ll Need

Take a sigh of relief and pat yourself on the back.

By now, you must’ve chosen your ideal ISP and that’s great.

A wise approach now would be to get to know the equipment that you’ll be needing.

However, the general pieces of internet equipment that you’ll find in every house are introduced below:

Talk to your internet provider’s customer service team and ask them about all the devices you need, equipment renting options, and the installation process and charges.

Yay, you are finally well-equipped to set up the internet service at home. Have fun surfing the web!