It’s estimated that around 25 million people gave up cable television—aka cut the cord—over the past decade. But while that represents a cost saving (depending on how many streaming services you subscribe to!), one charge that we seemingly can’t avoid is high-speed internet in the home.
The average American pays around $61 per month for internet service, but that can be higher if you’re in a household that uses several streaming devices at once. And like cable, some areas are only serviced by one provider, so prices can be higher in those areas due to a lack of competition.
But there are avenues that just about any of us can take to lower our monthly internet bill. Troy Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at four of those strategies.
- Government Subsidies
People enrolled in Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, a Federal Pell Grant, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, and other government services are eligible for a $30 monthly discount on home internet service. Visit this website for more information on eligibility.
- Check Your Speed
You may be paying for far more internet than you need. If you’re in a home with just one or two people and only go online to check email, browse social media, and watch the occasional YouTube video, you don’t need any more than 25 mbps of service. You really need over 100 mbps of speed if there are multiple people in your home using streaming devices at the same time.
- Buy a Modem and Router
Some internet service providers (ISPs) bundle in the cost of the equipment into your monthly bill, but others will list it as a rental and a separate charge. A quality modem and router can be had for $200, but if you’re paying $10 per month to rent these devices, you will easily end up saving money in the long run.
- Negotiate and Don’t Be Afraid to Switch
If you’re in an area where there is competition for your ISP business, use that to your advantage. If you don’t mind switching every couple of years, you’ll probably be able to get promotional rates for a one- to two-year period. Sometimes, you don’t need to switch to save. Just calling up your provider and expressing dissatisfaction with what you’re paying and what the competition is offering can be enough to lower your bill.
To learn more about Troy Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://troy-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
