Tuesday, February 28, 2023 – What to do if your Internet is too expensive – How to make sure your downloads aren’t infected with a virus

What to do if your Internet is too expensive

These days it seems like everything is getting more expensive, but one service that’s always been notorious for regular, but stealthy price increases is Internet connectivity.

If you’ve been paying for Internet service for a few years you’ve probably noticed trends like this:

You sign up for a new Internet plan and the monthly rate seems quite reasonable, but over time your bill creeps ever higher until you’re paying as much a twice what you paid when you first signed up.

These changes tend to be gradual – just an extra buck or two this month, then another small increase a few months later.

Like the proverbial frog that doesn’t realize that the water he’s sitting in is getting hotter until it’s too late, you might not notice these small increases until they have accumulated into a huge sum.

If you’ve recently discovered that your once-affordable Internet service plan is now stretching your budget, there are several things you can try in order to get those monthly fees back under control:

1 – Call you ISP’s Customer Service line and ask for a price reduction. Oftentimes they’ll respond favorably and lower your bill right on the spot to keep you from jumping ship.

But if the rep you’re talking to can’t seem to help, ask to be transferred to a “Retention” rep. Those folks typically have a lot more leeway in regards to the deals they can cut than the lower tier reps that always answer the phone when you first call.

2 – If Customer Service can’t (or won’t) help, check out your current ISP’s competitors to see if they can offer you a better deal.

Most Internet providers offer low introductory rates to new customers for the first year, during which time you’ll be able to save a ton on your monthly payments. Of course your rates will start to rise again after the introductory period has expired, but at least you will have enjoyed a year of greatly reduced rates.

Then when your contract period is up (which is usually after two years), you’ll be free to shop around again.

And guess what? You’ll likely get a great deal from your original ISP if you call them up at that point since you’ll once again be a “new customer” in their eyes.

3 – If there are simply no other feasible options in your area due to a lack competition, call your ISP’s Customer Service line again and ask about downgrading to a lower service tier (which you’d get at a lower price).

Of course if your Internet download and upload speeds are already barely tolerable, downgrading won’t really be a viable option. But of you’re currently paying for 400Gbps download speeds you just might be able to get by quite well with something like 200Gbps.

Bottom line: Most customers will find there’s indeed a way to reduce their Internet service fees without getting stuck with a noticeably slower connection.

What you do online will determine whether that’s the case or not, but most households will fare just as well with a 200Gbps download speeds as they do with twice that amount.

And now, one final thought: Many rural areas across the U.S. are finally getting some real choices in terms of competition, and that means things are likely to get better in terms of price options real soon.

The latest from Rick’s Daily Tips Tech Blog…

• How to make sure your downloads aren’t infected with a virus

It’s an extra step or two, but the peace of mind you’ll get makes it worth it.

• Q&A: How can I quickly see what time it is in a foreign country?

This post offers a couple of easy solutions.

• Click here to see today’s ‘Picture of the Day’.

Every morning I post a new photo that I find inspiring, intriguing, or just plain beautiful to look at. Jumpstart your day by checking it out.

Rick’s Daily Pick…

Kirkas 10X Magnifying Glass with Light and Stand (#ad)

Do you have trouble seeing well enough to do tedious, close-up work such as soldering or sewing? If so, this can help.

Today’s post from ‘My Daily Smile’…

Do giants really exist? The answer is yes.

There have actually been many throughout history.

Tech news that caught my eye…

• The future of phones is DIY repairability

• Elon Musk: Remaining Twitter employees will receive ‘very significant’ stock awards

• Meta backs new system that allows minors to stop their intimate images from being posted online

• Canada is reportedly banning TikTok from government-issued devices

• Report: Most ransomware payments go on to fund many further attacks

Wondering how you can help me keep doing what I’m doing?

1 – If you’d like to help support my work, you can do so by leaving me a tip.

Every penny of your tip will go towards my blog’s web hosting and other related fees, which are substantial.

2 – You can Forward this email to a friend along with a short note of recommendation. (Just click the “Forward” button or link.)

Rest assured that anything you can do to help me keep helping folks will be greatly appreciated.

Have a question, comment or suggestion? Hit the Reply button and reply to this email. I love hearing what you have to say…

Thanks so much, and have an amazing day.

Your tech buddy,

Rick Rouse
https://www.RicksDailyTips.com