Picking the right Internet plan can feel confusing. You will see terms like 'bandwidth' and 'data caps', and we like to educate people on how to understand them.
We walk you through everything you need to know so you can choose the best Internet plan for your family.
Understanding Your Internet Usage
Before you pick an Internet plan, it's good to know what you'll be using the Internet for. This helps you find the best Internet for you!
Household Size and Number of DevicesThe first thing to think about is how many people will be using the Internet. Do you have a big family, or not many users? More people using the Internet at one time means you'll need a stronger Internet plan to support everyone.
You will also have to think about how many phones, tablets, and computers that will be connected. If lots of devices are using Wi-Fi at the same time, you'll need a plan that can handle it all. Thermostats, smart lights, and other things will all be sharing the Internet as well
Online ActivitiesDifferent things you do online need different amounts of Internet "strength." Here's what that means:
- Web Browsing or Emails: If you're looking at websites, reading news, or sending emails, you don't need a super-fast plan to support that.
- Streaming Videos or Music: Like to watch YouTube or Netflix? Or maybe you listen to Spotify? For these, you'll want a plan that's a bit faster so you don't have to wait for things to load.
- Gaming: Love video games? Online games need a lot of speed so that everything happens in real-time without any hiccups.
- Working or School from Home: If you're joining lots of video calls for work or school, you'll want a good, stable connection so you don't freeze up in the middle of a meeting.
Key Terminology
Before we dive deeper, let's review some important words that will help you understand what kind of Internet package you need.
BandwidthBandwidth is like a highway. The bigger the highway, the more cars can go on it at the same time without a traffic jam. More bandwidth means more data (like videos, games, and web pages) can move quickly and easily to your computer or phone.
SpeedThis is how fast that data gets to you. It's usually measured in something called "Mbps," which stands for Megabits Per Second. Don't get stuck on the term though! Just remember:
- Download Speed: How fast things like movies or games get to your device. The faster the download speed, the less time you'll wait.
- Upload Speed: How fast you can send stuff (like photos or videos) to the Internet. If you like sharing a lot, a faster upload speed is good for you.
Apsis doesn't have ANY data caps, but other companies do. It is like a limit on how much you can use the Internet each month. Imagine you have a bucket, and each thing you watch videos or playing games—fills that bucket a little bit. Once the bucket is full, you might have to pay extra or your Internet might slow down.
Types of Internet Connections
Now that you know some terminology, let's talk about the different ways you can get Internet at home. Just like there are different types of cars, there are different types of Internet. Each one has its good sides.
DSLDSL stands for "Digital Subscriber Line," but you can just think of it as "Decent Speed Line." It's not the fastest, but it's usually more affordable.
👍 Pros:
Cable (the most common)
- Usually cheaper
- Widely available
- Not as fast as some other options
Cable Internet comes from the same line as your cable TV. It's faster than DSL but can get crowded if everyone in your neighborhood is using it at the same time.
👍 Pros:
Fiber Optic
- Faster than DSL
- Often comes with bundle options for TV and phone
- Can slow down when lots of people use it
Fiber Optic is like the sports car of the Internet. It's super fast, but not everyone can get it because it's not available everywhere.
👍 Pros:
Satellite
- Very fast
- Reliable
- Can be more expensive
- Not available in all areas
Satellite Internet comes from a satellite in the sky! It's available almost everywhere, but it's usually slower and can be affected by the weather.
👍 Pros:
- Available in rural areas
- Doesn't need a phone or cable line
- Slower speeds
- Can be expensive
Choosing a Plan
We all want to save money, but sometimes the cheapest option isn't the best. You need to think about what you're getting for the price.
View all our high-speed internet plans and see why people make the switch to Apsis Internet.
Contract vs. No-ContractSome Internet plans want you to sign a contract for a year or more, while others let you pay month-to-month.
👍 Pros of Contract:
Bundle Options
- Often cheaper per month
- Price is locked in for a while
- Stuck with the same company even if you're unhappy
- May have to pay to break the contract
Some companies like Apsis let you bundle your Internet with other things like TV or a home phone. This could save you money if you use all of them.
ReliabilityThink about how reliable the Internet service is. Ask friends or neighbors who use the same service.
Customer ServiceAt Apsis, we pride ourselves on local and personal supprt. If something goes wrong, you need to know we'll help you fix it fast.
FAQs and Common Pitfalls
You're almost an Internet pro now! You might still have a few questions, or there are things you're not sure about. Let's tackle some of the most common ones.
We have an entire frequently asked questions page for more internet related questions.
Can I Get Faster Internet Later?Yes, most companies let you change your plan if you need faster Internet later on. Just remember, a faster plan usually costs more money.
What Happens if I Go Over My Data Cap?If you have a plan with a data cap and you use too much Internet, two things could happen:
- Your Internet might slow down until the next billing month.
- You might have to pay extra fees.
Most companies give you a choice to install it yourself or have a technician come to your house. If you're good with some basic tech, you can probably do it yourself and save money!
Common Pitfalls to Avoid- Forgetting About Upload Speed: Lots of people just look at download speed, but if you're going to be sharing lots of photos or doing video calls, upload speed is important too.
- Ignoring Additional Fees: Some companies have extra fees like installation charges or equipment rentals. Make sure you know about all the fees before you pick a plan.
- Not Checking Availability: The best Internet plan won't do you any good if it's not available where you live. Always check first!
- Sticking With Old Equipment: Sometimes your Internet is slow because your modem or router is old. Make sure your equipment is up-to-date to get the best speed possible.
Wow, you've learned a lot! We've talked about how to figure out what you really need from your Internet, like how fast it should be and how much it should cost.
We've also gone over those tricky words like 'bandwidth' and 'data caps.' Plus, you even know the pros and cons of different types of Internet connections now.
Choosing the right Internet plan isn't just about picking the cheapest or the fastest option. It's about finding what fits you and your family best. And guess what? You're now fully prepared to do just that! So go ahead, take the plunge and pick the best Internet plan for you.
If you ever get confused, you can always call us (866) 954-5176 or come back to this guide for a quick refresher.
