Setting Up New Internet Service

Jul 19, 2013

RouterForgetting to clean off the blinds when you move is understandable. Subjecting yourself to weeks without Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube while tiptoeing around a squalor of cardboard boxes is not. After all, how are you going to catch up on Downton Abbey when your TV is still packed in its box (without Internet, that is)? To ensure you’re able to stay sane in the aftermath of your move, here are a few ways to keep internet service on the list of things you actually remembered.

Plan Ahead

Not every move is expected, but to the extent that you can anticipate when you’ll arrive at your new internet hub, you should. A little over two weeks before you move is enough time to make sure a tech is waiting at your door after you’re finished unloading. It’s important not to crowd the chaos of unpacking with an Internet install, so keep that in mind as well.

Shop Around

Comparison shopping for Internet is about as exciting as watching slugs do whatever it is they do, but it’s still an important step in finding good rates from a trustworthy provider. There are a few third-party sites that will help unearth worthwhile deals, so Google up something like highspeedinternet.com and start sleuthing.

 Ask Questions

Once you’ve zeroed on a provider, get them on the phone and start the interrogation. At the end of the day any sales rep is happy to take your money, so don’t be worried about offending them with every query or concern you have. It’s their job to answer your questions, so fire away. Some good starting points are how many fees will be added on top of the advertised price, if those prices are locked in or will go up after a certain time period, and if there are cancellation fees. Most providers display an advertised price for Internet packages that are bundled with home phone, but they won’t tell you the total cost until you’re on the phone. Its shady, but it’s Industry-wide so don’t be insulted that they’re desperate to get you on the phone, use it to your advantage.

Consider Your Contract

There are a few more things that you should consider asking before you finally decide to strike a deal with the devil any service provider. For starters, find out what kind of contract you have to enter in to in order to get the deal that they’re offering and weigh whether the savings is worth the inability to change your mind. Most companies tend to have contracts of at least 12 months though depending on how good a deal there is, it could easily be 24 months.

Always check into what kind of deal you can get by bundling services. Companies tend to give extra price breaks if you combine cable service with internet and even deeper price discounts if you add telephone service in. See what kind of deals are on the table and compare them to your needs. Don’t commit to a bundle with more stuff than you need in an effort to save a few extra dollars; you’ll end up regretting it in the long run.

Additional Factors

Just because you get information from a company about their product doesn’t mean that you are obligated to use them. Take the time to practice due diligence when it comes to finding what you need at a price in your budget. There’s more to consider than pricing and providers too. Take your area’s Internet infrastructure, for instance.

How much dark fiber is there in the network? What the heck is dark fiber? It’s the fiber optic cables that are already in place but are not in use. The more dark fiber there is in an area, the more customers that area can handle without cutting into your speed and connectivity. Check on the reliability and uptime percentages for providers in your area as well. Getting a great deal isn’t so great if the network is down more often than it’s up.

Close the Deal

Empowered with the knowledge of an Internet Savant, you can now confidently close the deal. If you take the time and follow the steps and ideas laid out here, you’ll have no problem getting things ready to go when you make the move to your new home. Now all that’s left to decide is which takeout to order while you stream Downton.

This article was written by the folks at Movearoo.com. Movearoo is dedicated to becoming your #1 resource for home services, moving guides, and expert advice. Visit their Internet availability page to see what services are offered in your new neighborhood.

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