4 Ways To Reduce The Amount Of Money You Pay For Broadband Internet
- By Cathy Butler
- Published 09/8/2010
- Broadband
- Unrated
Not something that was widely available to the general public 15 years ago, most of us who access the internet today wouldn't know what we would do without broadband internet.
Whilst many of us have often got used to the speed of broadband and are even looking for faster varieties, when it was first used, the difference between broadband and the then standard 56kbps modem internet access was obvious. According to the United States Federal Communications Commission in 2010, broadband is defined as a type of internet access that can transfer at least 4 megabits per second, or 4 million bits, compared to the 56,000 bits of a traditional modem
And although broadband now works out cheaper than running a 56kbps modem if you're anything more than a very basic user, broadband charges can still be expensive. Therefore, if you're looking to reduce the amount of money you pay for your broadband internet, take a look through these 4 points.
1. Shop around - the easiest to find the cheapest price of almost anything is to shop around, which is extremely easy thanks to the popularity of online comparison.
Allowing for you to compare dozens of different companies and prices at once, there are online comparison websites to help you with a whole range of different services, from car and travel insurance to your weekly grocery shop and more recently, broadband internet suppliers.
Simply enter your Post Code into one of the websites an
d sit back whilst all of the available suppliers in your area are listed, along with their best price and what you will receive for your money.
2. Lower how much bandwidth you need - if you really need to lower how much money you pay, take a look at how much you actually you use the internet and whether you can opt for a lower package.
For instance, most broadband suppliers offer a variety of different download speeds, which could be as low as 4MB but as high as in excess of 25MB. Therefore, if you're currently paying for the top level but are only using the internet for an hour a day, you may be able to cut your costs by opting for a cheaper level.
3. Take it as part of a package - as with a lot of things in life, if you take out another service from the same supplier, you're likely to receive a discount, often a substantial one.
For example, whereas broadband may cost you 15 pounds a month, if you were to take out a television and phone package too, it wouldn't be uncommon for the savings to be to the extent where you would in effect be getting broadband for free.
4. Use a 3G broadband dongle - rising in popularity in recent years, having a 3G broadband dongle allows you to access the internet through your laptop wherever you are in the country.
What most people forget, however, is that these 3G broadband dongles can be used on any computer that has a USB slot and therefore if you're paying for internet at home and a 3G broadband dongle for when you're on the go, get rid of your home internet and just use the 3G broadband.
Whilst many of us have often got used to the speed of broadband and are even looking for faster varieties, when it was first used, the difference between broadband and the then standard 56kbps modem internet access was obvious. According to the United States Federal Communications Commission in 2010, broadband is defined as a type of internet access that can transfer at least 4 megabits per second, or 4 million bits, compared to the 56,000 bits of a traditional modem
And although broadband now works out cheaper than running a 56kbps modem if you're anything more than a very basic user, broadband charges can still be expensive. Therefore, if you're looking to reduce the amount of money you pay for your broadband internet, take a look through these 4 points.
1. Shop around - the easiest to find the cheapest price of almost anything is to shop around, which is extremely easy thanks to the popularity of online comparison.
Allowing for you to compare dozens of different companies and prices at once, there are online comparison websites to help you with a whole range of different services, from car and travel insurance to your weekly grocery shop and more recently, broadband internet suppliers.
Simply enter your Post Code into one of the websites an
2. Lower how much bandwidth you need - if you really need to lower how much money you pay, take a look at how much you actually you use the internet and whether you can opt for a lower package.
For instance, most broadband suppliers offer a variety of different download speeds, which could be as low as 4MB but as high as in excess of 25MB. Therefore, if you're currently paying for the top level but are only using the internet for an hour a day, you may be able to cut your costs by opting for a cheaper level.
3. Take it as part of a package - as with a lot of things in life, if you take out another service from the same supplier, you're likely to receive a discount, often a substantial one.
For example, whereas broadband may cost you 15 pounds a month, if you were to take out a television and phone package too, it wouldn't be uncommon for the savings to be to the extent where you would in effect be getting broadband for free.
4. Use a 3G broadband dongle - rising in popularity in recent years, having a 3G broadband dongle allows you to access the internet through your laptop wherever you are in the country.
What most people forget, however, is that these 3G broadband dongles can be used on any computer that has a USB slot and therefore if you're paying for internet at home and a 3G broadband dongle for when you're on the go, get rid of your home internet and just use the 3G broadband.
Cathy Butler
Cathy Butler is a mobile phone reviewer specialising in reviewing broadband deals. Cathy also specialises in mobile broadband and home phones.
View all articles by Cathy Butler