The cheapest internet is going to be the subsidized internet for those in financial difficulty, the very programs we primarily discuss on CheapInternet.com. The next best option is to try and find a great deal on DSL or Cable Internet. But if you are on this page, you likely live in a rural area where none of these options are available. That leaves satellite internet, which is available just about everywhere across the United States by a variety of national companies.
A satellite Internet connection offers a dependable, affordable and fast way to connect to the Internet. You can usually get a fast satellite line for less than $50 a month, and mid to low orbiting satellites can provide speeds of 2 megabits per second (Mbps) or more. This means that you get an exceptionally dependable connection with speeds that rivals a cable or DSL line. Signal latency latency can be an irritation, but once you get used to a potential very slight pause upon requesting a page, it’s not a big deal.
There are a number of ways to keep the cost of your satellite connection low. First, you need to make sure that you’re buying an appropriate plan that matches your data needs.
Depending on your Internet habits, you might not need anything more than a 1.0 megabit per second connection for checking email and doing some light web browsing. If you regularly stream high-quality videos or if you consider yourself a power Internet user, you’ll need at least 1.5-2.0 megabits per second. However, a 2.0Mbps connection will often cost more than twice as much as a satellite provider’s entry level plan, so only choose this option if you’re sure that you’ll need it. View all of your provider’s Internet options to make an appropriate choice and don’t overspend on an extremely fast Internet connection if you won’t really use it.
Since satellite Internet connections require a dish, you’ll also need to find out if your Internet provider charges for installation, maintenance or equipment. Be sure to take these costs into account when comparing different pricing options.
Keeping Costs Low With A Contract
Once you’ve decided on the appropriate bandwidth, compare different options and discuss setting up a contract with a few satellite Internet providers.
Most satellite ISPs offer six, 12 or 24 month contracts. Find out your options and weigh a long term contract’s lower monthly price against the cancellation charges that you might incur if you cancel the plan early. Speak with an ISP representative to explore contract options.
If you’re sure that you’ll use satellite at your current address for a year or more, you can often drastically reduce your rates by signing a long-term contract. Be careful to read the terms of the contract carefully. Most satellite Internet providers gradually reduce cancellation charges as you fulfill the terms of your contract, so you’ll pay less for canceling in the 11th month of the contract than you’d pay for cancelling in the first month. However, some providers have a flat cancellation charge, so be sure to ask.
You should also ask about any service fees. There’s a decent chance that you’ll need a service visit at some point, so make sure that your provider will service your Internet connection for free. Ask whether there are any charges and see if you can get a detailed breakdown of your bill. Remember to call your satellite company’s customer service line when your plan is about to expire to sign a new contract, or you’ll see a sudden jump in your monthly bills.
By assessing your household’s Internet needs and taking advantage of your provider’s pricing programs, you should be able to get a great rate on your satellite connection. Always read your contract carefully and remember that your term can change when you renew your contract.
Share your satellite signal through WiFi to save money
And don’t forget that if you have neighbors very close by, generally if you are in a multi-family housing complex, you can share a WiFi signal with them and they can chip in to offset the monthly charges.
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