How to Get Internet (With or Without a Landline or Cable TV)

Families use their Internet access to stay connected to other family members and friends, complete schoolwork, play video games online, even run entire businesses from home — and all of these endeavors have different bandwidth needs that Internet providers can meet.

Whether you’re getting ready to move, or you’re just unhappy with your current Internet service and looking to upgrade, there are a few factors to keep in mind before you choose a new Internet service provider and begin the installation process.

Let’s explore some of the ways that Internet plans differ and why they matter for your home Internet needs.

Figuring Out Your Home Internet Needs

Not every Internet plan is created equal. If they were, some individuals would be paying much more than they need to for Internet capabilities they simply won’t use.

If you’re unsure of your home WiFi needs but want to make sure you’re only paying for what your family will use, you’re not alone.

Here are some of the factors that help to determine the price points of different Internet options.

What Speed Do I Need?

The most significant difference you’ll find among Internet plans, especially within the same provider network, is speed.

How fast or slow your Internet connection is can make a significant difference in workflow if you work from home and often have to upload and download large files, communicate with coworkers via video chat, or use Internet-intensive creative programs like Photoshop or Logic for extended periods of time.

Speedy uploading and downloading is also crucial for avid online gamers who are running data-heavy programs for hours at a time on their devices.

Similarly, students who are using their Internet connection to complete assignments or even attend class over video chat programs like Zoom will need a high-speed Internet connection to keep up with the demands of their schoolwork.

Self-employed business owners, work-from-home employees, gamers, students, and even individuals who regularly utilize their home WiFi connection for everyday activities like video and music streaming can all greatly benefit from a speedy Internet connection.

Within most Internet service providers’ offered plans, the fastest Internet speed will often be the most expensive option.

If you only use your Internet connection for casual browsing purposes and aren’t often downloading files or streaming high-resolution content, a more basic Internet package will likely be sufficient, and you’ll likely spend less money as well.

Find out more about what Internet speed your household needs.

What Internet Service Provider Is Best for Me?

Generally, the most important deciding factor when it comes to picking an Internet service provider is your location.

Xfinity is currently available to users in 39 of the 50 states. AT&T Internet offers a high-speed fiber option, but it’s only available to users in certain areas. Verizon Fios fiber-optic Internet is serving more than 15 million users in private homes and businesses around the U.S.

If you live in a metropolitan area, you’re not likely to experience connectivity issues with most major Internet providers. However, certain rural areas may be out of the range of service for some companies.

Enter your address here to find out what Internet offerings are available where you’re moving or where you currently live.

Should I Bundle My Internet with Other Services?

If you’re looking to save on your monthly home expenses, bundling your WiFi with other common services like TV and phone into a package is one of the best ways to do so. Not only do packages save users money, but they also streamline the payment process, so you only have to worry about one monthly bill instead of several across all of your services.

Though the service packages of the past may have forced users to compromise on one service or another in order to qualify for a low monthly rate, today’s options are much more varied and personalized to fit the needs of each user.

Some of the industry’s leading providers, such as Xfinity, Comcast, Spectrum and Cox, offer individualized packages to provide families of all lifestyles with the phone, Internet, and TV services they need at the price that suits their budget.

Best Low-Budget Internet Options

Are you working within a limited budget for your Internet access? Don’t worry, there are plenty of options for low-income families that provide excellent Internet services for a fraction of the cost.

In fact, if you qualify for the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, you may be able to access monthly discounts of up to $50 on your WiFi bill for six months.

Major companies like Xfinity, Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, and Optimum offer low-cost Internet options as well as affordable bundles for cable TV and phone service. All you have to do is call your provider (or potential provider) to find out whether they offer any low-income programs or special discounts that you could qualify for.

Moving Your Internet Service to a New Home

Are you in the process of moving and wondering if your Internet access will be able to move with you? The first thing you’ll need to do is contact your Internet service provider to make sure the plan you currently have is available in your new location.

As we mentioned earlier, many high-speed Internet options are only available in certain locations, which might make your transition tricky, depending on your provider and needs.

In some cases, moving to a new location may make you eligible for a service upgrade or even a special bundle or deal that ends up saving you money each month.

Make sure to ask your provider if they offer any additional services in your new location.

If you do have to switch providers based on a lack of service in your new home, you will likely qualify for a first-time customer discount with the next Internet service provider you choose.

The Internet installation process in your new home will vary based on whether you’re bringing your router and modem with you and whether a representative from your Internet company needs to lay new wiring or repair existing wiring.

Different Internet providers may have varying recommendations when it comes to switching your service to a new location. Companies like Spectrum, Optimum, Xfinity, and Fidelity even offer their own personalized guides to installation that can help you establish a WiFi connection in your new home quickly and easily.

Can I Self-Install My Internet Devices?

Yes! If you feel equipped with the tools and know-how to set up your Internet connection in your new home yourself, you can absolutely do so, in almost every situation.

Self-installing your WiFi router and modem can save you money on technician fees and help to limit the number of people entering your home.

Most major Internet service companies provide self-installation kits with detailed instructions to help you complete the task successfully.

Find Your Best WiFi Connection Options with SmartMove

With so many great Internet providers out there, it can be hard to make a choice—especially if you’re looking for cheap Internet service without a phone line or cable connections.

Whether you choose to bundle your services for ease and convenience or focus on ways to get home Internet with no strings attached, SmartMove can help you find the perfect provider that offers plans within your budget and covers your region. Connect with us today to learn more.