Getting a reliable cable and internet provider can be a challenge with the many providers around. It’s vital to vet any provider before committing with them immediately. You need to know about their services by asking the questions provided in this article beforehand to select the one with the best offer.
Before you hire them, consider asking the following queries:
- What Are The Internet Options Available In Your Area?
There are many internet options offered by cable and internet providers. However, it’s good to note that those options might be limited depending on your location. The internet provider might be offering only cable internet in your locality and still offer fiber optics in a different locality. Ask beforehand what services are available in your area; is it DSL, cable, or fiber optic?
Each option determines the speed at which your internet will be running. Therefore, it’s an essential consideration.
If fiber optic is available, go with this option since it’s more reliable than the others.
- Do They Have Service-Level Agreements (SLAs) Or A Contract?
It’s essential to ensure that the providers put a contract to what they’re promising you.
An SLA outlines the services they offer and what you can expect, including maintenance. If they fail to meet the laid standards, you can take appropriate action, which isn’t limited to terminating their services without any consequences.
Some providers will require you to sign a contract that specifies the minimum time you have to use their services, usually two years.
It’s vital to read and understand any terms and conditions before signing any document. If the conditions aren’t favorable, continue scouting for other cable and internet providers.
- What Speed Do You Need?
Most cable and internet providers offer various packages with different internet speeds. Higher speeds call for higher payments.
Let the provider advise you on the best package to suit you based on your needs. Are you to use it for your business where you have less than 100 employees or more than 200 employees? Is it only for streaming movies when at home? How many devices will you connect at a go? These are some of the parameters used to determine the speed you’ll need.
The speed is represented as Megabytes Per Second (Mbps.) For streaming, you might only need a rate of five to ten Mbps.
For efficient use of the internet, you need to select the right one.
- Are There Data Limits?
It refers to the limit of the amount of data you can use in a given month.
Some providers have data caps, while others offer unlimited data. With unlimited data, you enjoy accessing the internet anytime.
Where there’s a data cap, ask about the consequences of you exceeding the limit. Some might offer hard data caps while others soft data caps. With hard data caps, you’ll pay more money to cater to the extra data, or your internet is disconnected. On the other hand, soft data caps won’t cut you off but will reduce your internet speed after depleting yours.
- Are The Speeds Promised Guaranteed?
As previously stated, providers offer different packages, against which the speed expected is provided. Although most cable and internet providers won’t promise that what’s displayed will be delivered, they’re required to provide at least 80% of what they promise.
Knowing this beforehand will prevent you from being caught off-guard.
- What’s Their Response Time In Case of An Issue?
Although the promise from the providers is to provide efficient services, the possibility of a malfunction is still there. You need to know how fast they’ll solve your issues so you continue with your activities.
Let the provider inform you how long it will take them, not only to respond but also to solve the issue.
Be sure to choose a provider with a high response turnover to reduce downtime in your business and allow you to return to your tasks as soon as possible.
- How Available Is Their Customer Support?
Any provider needs to offer customer support.
Inquire if they offer their services at only specific hours of the day or they’re reachable 24/7. Is their support team near your location, or it’s quite the distance? Having the support team near you provides you with better response time in the event of a hiccup. Do they have managed customer support where they can solve your issues remotely without necessarily coming to you? Are there platforms on their websites that allow for seamless communication, such as live chats and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section? Such options will enable you to solve minor issues on your own instead of calling your provider. It saves you time and reduces downtime.
- Are There Any Additional Costs?
Besides the monthly payment and installation fee you’re required to pay, ask if they’re any other costs you’ll incur.
Do you have to pay them for the internet equipment required? Regarding equipment, ask them if you can purchase your equipment or you have to get them from them. Some cable and internet providers allow you to rent their equipment at a fee.
Will you be required to pay for any maintenance service offered? Are there service fees? Are their prices fixed, or is there a possibility of a price increase in the future?
These are some of the answers you need to find from the provider before hiring any of them.
Conclusion
By asking the above questions, you’re in a better position to select the best cable and internet provider to meet your internet needs. Aside from asking these questions, it’s vital to look for reviews from their current and previous clients. You should consider costs as well. All these will guide you to ensure that you will not encounter unnecessary concerns in the future.