Looking for Internet offers? Here’s how to get the best deal

With virtually everything being done with a click of a mouse or a tap on the screen, the Internet has become an essential service. From ordering food to filing taxes, we need the Internet for everything, but an internet connection is not enough; you also need a reliable service provider offering seamless access to the World Wide Web. There is a plethora of Internet Service Providers (ISP) touting a wide variety of services, but before you check out that list of internet offers, you should know how to choose one from the lot.

Here are the key factors to consider while opting for an internet offer:

• Upload speed
  This is the speed at which you can send data from your device to the Internet. For instance, if you post a video or photo on the Internet, you are “uploading” data. Also, you need fast upload speed if you are running a file server from your office or using a cloud-based storage and backup system.
• Download speed
  The speed at which you can receive data from the Internet onto your computer or other devices is called the download speed. Streaming a movie, playing online games, and video conferencing all require a good download speed as a slow internet connection will result in dropped calls, video lagging, and other hassles like buffering while streaming a video.
• Data limits
  Back in the days when internet connections were a luxury, broadband connections had low speeds and data caps, which limited internet usage. Nowadays, internet plans provide unlimited uploads and downloads. Even if they want to limit data speeds, they reduce the speed after a specific amount of data usage (say, 1,000GB) but still offer unlimited uploads and downloads.
• Ultra HD
  Almost everyone prefers streaming movies in ultra-high or 4K definition, but this resolution comes with increased data usage. Watching a video in 4K consumes more than 5GB data every hour, so you should choose from offers that provide data usage based on ultra-HD streaming requirements.
• Zombie devices
  These are devices that shuffle along in the background and silently consume data all day long without you even noticing them. Some of the most common zombie devices are smartwatches and security cameras. And since these devices are connected to the Internet 24/7, they eventually lead to decreased internet speed due to data limits. Having said that, many internet plans provide data limits that make the internet usage of these devices insignificant.
• Future considerations
  Both 4K video and zombie devices will become as common as 720P video and smartphones in the near future, so even if you don’t see yourself using these screen definitions and devices, you will definitely be affected by data inflation as technology advances. So if you’re in a long-term contract with an ISP, ensure that you choose an internet offer that takes data inflation into consideration and also provides impressive speeds.

Now that you’re aware of what factors to consider while choosing an internet offer, here’s a comprehensive list of ISPs to help you get the best ones:

• Xfinity
  This ISP is known for its cable internet offers and is one of the few providers offering its services in over 40 states. It has several options, from the basic “no-frills” plans to bundle options that let you combine broadband internet, TV, phone, and home security. The basic plan called the Performance Starter offers 25Mbps download speed at $50 per month with a 1-year agreement, while the most extensive plan is the Gigabit Pro that offers 2,000Mbps (2Gbps) download speed at $299.95 with a 2-year agreement.To top it all, Comcast Xfinity customers can access thousands of wireless hotspots across the country through their Xfinity WiFi Hotspots app, which can be a lifesaver if your cable internet is down when an assignment or a project report is due.
• CenturyLink
  This Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) provides internet offers ranging from 20Mbps to 100Mbps at $49 per month. Also, if you’re planning to stream HD movies at home or work on a cloud-based system at work, their Fiber Internet plan offers speeds up to 940Mbps. Note that all the rates mentioned are exclusive of additional taxes, fees, and surcharges and require paperless billing.Most internet plans by CenturyLink are capped at 1TB, and this provider is a great option if you’re looking for fiber connections at reasonable rates or if you’re a TV lover looking for reliable internet connection. However, they do not offer Wi-Fi hotspots like Xfinity.
• AT&T
  This ISP provides great internet offers and is also known for its bundle options. AT&T owns DIRECTV, which makes it a great way to stream your favorite TV series and movies at great speeds. They have internet bundles for rates ranging from $84.98 to $154.98 per month with download speeds of up to 100Mbps. Also, the price is based on the number of TV channels you wish to include. The basic plan offers 160+ channels, whereas the DIRECTV PREMIER package offers 330+ channels. And you don’t have to worry about exceeding the data limit as their plans offer unlimited data usage.Additionally, just like Xfinity, AT&T offers Wi-Fi hotspots across the nation and is an ideal option if you want a fast internet connection with high data caps and single billing for Internet, TV, wireless, and home phones.
• Verizon Fios
  Another top ISP to check out if you want to use the Internet for more than just casual browsing and emails, Verizon Fios offers plans with some of the fastest internet speeds. It offers three basic plans: 200Mbps at $39.99 per month, a 400Mbps download speed at $59.99 per month, and the most popular fiber internet plan, Gigabit Connection providing up to 940Mbps at $79.99 a month. All the prices are inclusive of auto-pay, taxes, and equipment charges.

It’s important to explore your options, read the reviews of multiple ISPs, and compare their prices and features before signing a contract. Also, ensure that you read the fine print regarding the payment and services you will receive under the chosen plan so that you don’t get stuck with a plan that doesn’t fit your bill.