ISPs aren’t exactly famous for their customer service. In fact, Time Warner, which is now Spectrum, once received one of the lowest customer service scores possible not only in the industry but out of all companies scored in the Customer Satisfaction Index.
Customer service is such an integral part of a business, and when it’s combined with fast and reliable internet service, you’ve got yourself a high-quality ISP.
Here’s how to find an internet service provider that actually provides quality service. We’ll take a look at things like customer reviews, company history, price comparisons, and more, so you can ensure you’re getting the best deal for home or business.
1] Check the Reviews
Customer reviews should never be taken lightly, especially if you know nothing of the company you’re thinking of purchasing internet services from. Checking the reviews can help you avoid poor customer service or faulty equipment, and help save you hours of time and thousands of dollars in the long run.
Customer reviews can be found on review sites, on the company’s social media pages, or on the company’s website. Pay close attention to good and bad reviews alike, and look for patterns.
If the company has generally positive reviews, it’s likely that bad service is something that only occurs by happenstance, and isn’t a habit of the business itself. Sometimes, equipment malfunctions or a single customer service agent makes a bad impression.
Don’t put too much stock into one or two bad reviews, but when you start noticing a pattern (like poor connections or rude customer service representatives), it’s a good indicator of the truth of how the business operates.
Customer reviews are a free and easy way to get a better idea of how your ISP cares for its customers, and what you’re likely to experience in working with them. Don’t ignore them!
2] Check the Company’s History
A company’s reputation is about more than what its customers are saying in the reviews. A company’s history can tell you a lot when you do a little research. As we mentioned earlier, Spectrum (which was once Time Warner) received a terrible customer service rating from the Customer Satisfaction Index.
This kind of information is invaluable, because customer reviews are often a bit biased, whereas the Customer Satisfaction Index operates on strict standards. You’ll also want to take a look at the company’s values and how they treat customers. Poor customer service can reveal a lot more about a company than you might think.
You may find that your ISP provider doesn’t care at all about its customers, and instead only cares about everyone paying their bill on time. You’re more than just a number, so don’t choose an ISP that treats you like one!
3] Compare Equipment and Speed
Obviously, one of the most important factors in choosing an ISP is the equipment and service speed. Slow internet can make using it frustrating, and faulty equipment can make everyday use nearly impossible. Some ISPs are still using outdated equipment and operating at slower speeds.
While these services can potentially be cheaper, they’re not necessarily worth the trouble. If you’re having trouble finding the right ISP for you, you can search internet service providers by zip code on internetadvisor.com.
With new technology on the rise, internet speed and reliability will only improve in the coming decades. We’re already seeing such technology as 5G connections and fiber optic cables being used for faster and more reliable internet.
Be sure to compare services and equipment before committing to a service package, you might find that even the largest internet service providers can’t match the little guy’s offers.
4] Compare Prices
Price, of course, is one of your greatest concerns when you’re looking for an ISP. It can be incredibly easy to fall into the marketing trap of tacking on several more services you don’t need, so be certain of what you do need before going in.
It’s also important to ensure that whatever “business” options you’re being offered are actually faster or more reliable as advertised. Sometimes, you’re only getting a slight upgrade for a much greater price, which makes it almost not even worth the upgrade.
Check your personal or business budget, your specific internet needs, and then compare them to the packages offered by several ISPs. You’ll want to pay for a useful tool, not something that never works and will only cause you frustration.
The Bottom Line
Good service is important when you’re choosing an ISP. You want your internet to work, to be backed up by a good customer service reputation, and high-quality equipment. Check these few items before making a decision, and you’ll get the best deal possible for either your home or business internet needs.
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