Now that bills, communication and work are done online, it is essential that you have an Internet connection; however, choosing the right Internet Service Provider (or ISP) can be a daunting task. Between packages, contracts, and monthly fees, it’s enough to make your head spin. Still, there are several things to consider when choosing the right Internet connection for your home.

First, try to find reviews on potential service providers, especially local reviews. Internet Service Providers have different rules and standards for each area they support, so while a company may have done a fantastic job in its previous location, it may be terrible in its current location. Talk to neighbors and look for customer testimonials online. No matter how good the deal is, saving a ton of money isn’t worth having slow or constantly down service.

Next, try to find out what internet speed you need. Any internet service provider you call is likely to tell you that you need the fastest and, of course, the most expensive internet connection. If you only have one or two computers and use the Internet primarily for emailing and paying bills, you’ll probably be fine with the cheapest basic high-speed broadband connection on offer. On the other hand, if you have multiple computers and gaming systems that you want to connect to, you’ll probably want to opt for one of the fastest connections available.

Now that you know what you need and have a general idea of ​​the quality of service you will receive, you can start looking for an Internet Service Provider. There are several types of Internet connections: DSL, cable, and FiOS. DSL requires you to have phone service because it runs over phone lines, but you can still talk on the phone while you’re on the Internet. Cable requires nothing more than a cable connection and a modem. FiOS, or Fiber Optic Service, represents some of the newest broadband technology and works over fiber optic cables. Because FiOS is a newer service, it is not available in all areas, while DSL and Cable are available almost everywhere.

When you look at prices, you’ll find that there are all sorts of installation specials and low introductory offers. Find out what your normal monthly rate will be. Most of these specials end in six months to a year, and the monthly cost can double at that point. Don’t be swayed by low initial registration prices. Also, if possible, avoid buying your own equipment and contracts. Equipment is very expensive and you may tie yourself to an Internet Service Provider because you don’t want to feel like you wasted money investing in equipment. Contracts, of course, make it extremely expensive to switch service providers, even if you’re not happy with their price or service. If you can’t avoid a contract, try to make sure there is a clause stating that the contract can be terminated if the service is unreliable.

By following these suggestions, you’ll find a reliable Internet service provider that meets your needs and won’t surprise you with skyrocketing prices in the future.