Tips for Picking the Best ISP

Jan 25
08:48

2011

Hugh McInnes

Hugh McInnes

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

It is safe to say that most internet users overestimate their actual usage rates for data upload and download. Many families end up choosing plans that are better suited for the encumbered data transfers of large business, and many of these families use less than ten percent of the actual data plan they’re paying for. When choosing a broadband solution, users should opt in for a plan that best reflects lifestyle and download rates. Plans can always be scaled up later on if more data is needed.

mediaimage

Only a handful of users fully consume the limits of their data plans per month. Many users are actually spending too much money for bandwidth they’ll never actually use.

Comprehensive research conducted by mobile carriers and ISPs across the country show that over 53% of broadband and 3G customers use less than 20% of their total monthly bandwidth cap.

The average internet user makes use of the internet for social networking,Tips for Picking the Best ISP Articles sending emails, and other low-bandwidth task. A smaller percentage of users spend more bandwidth with large downloads, online gaming, and HD video streaming. Users of the latter variety should think about upgrading their bandwidth caps.

As data consumption continues to rise quickly, more bandwidth-heavy content and applications will become available for consumption. As picture quality and clarity increases, so will the amount of bandwidth needed to support, buffer, and download data. Taking into account other factors, some codecs for audio and video are more efficient than others, wasting less data and thus having faster load times.

Families who prefer a bit of flexibility or who have a wide variety of Wifi-ready devices should consider a wireless internet plan. ADSL providers can usually provide a wireless gateway modem upon request, but as most modems are refurbished older models, the connections can be unreliable. Because of this, wireless internet is especially appealing for families with a lot of trendy devices.

Online gamers should consider larger bandwidth packages, as games like Aion and World of Warcraft can rack up bandwidth. For capped users, this is never a good thing. Bandwidth fees for uncapped services can be terribly expensive if a user goes over the monthly limit. In order to ensure that popular games like these will be compatible with any given ISP’s network, most ISPs will lift the bandwidth cap for certain programs like online games. Families with children and teenagers may need larger bandwidth plans than families with no children. As children tend to download a lot of bandwidth-heavy files like MP3s, the bandwidth cap can easily be surpassed, which results in a rather uncomfortable fee added onto the next billing cycle.

Consider opening a local Wi-fi hub. Working out business plans with ISPs can earn free affiliate points, and even real money.

Beware that even if your bandwidth needs are small today, many factors may eventually force you to upgrade to a plan with more room for larger downloads in the future. The ultimate tip is to stay informed as a consumer, to check out multiple quotes for similar services.