If you still think access to the internet is a luxury, it’s time to step into the 21st century. Internet access, especially in the U.S., is pretty mandatory.
Think about it – we use the internet in so many aspects of our lives. We use it to find jobs, go to school, manage finances, stream TV and movies, and connect with family and friends.
But for many renters and homeowners, the monthly internet and cable bill feels anything but essential. It feels expensive.
If you’re on a tight budget, especially if you’re out of work or experiencing reduced income, lowering your internet and cable bills can free up a good chunk of change each month. The good news is that affordable options do exist. The key is knowing where to look and what to ask.
Decide What You Actually Need
Before you take out your anger on the poor customer service representative on the other end of the phone, take a beat. Breathe. Figure out what you really need when it comes to internet and cable.
Here are a few things to consider first:
- How many people use the internet at home?
- Do you work from home?
- Do you attend online classes?
- Do you stream in 4K on a regular basis?
- Do you play video games?
- Do you watch live TV, or do you prefer to watch streaming apps?
It’s pretty absurd to fork over hundreds of dollars every month for high-speed packages designed for heavy gaming or large families when your actual needs are pretty low-key.
Take basic streaming or browsing, for example: you don’t need the speeds that someone who frequently live streams games would need. Downgrading to a lower speed can significantly reduce your monthly bill without affecting daily use.
The same goes for cable. If you only watch a handful of channels, you may be paying for dozens you never touch.
Call And Negotiate Your Bills
Think your cable and internet bills are fixed? Think again.
You probably have some leeway to negotiate a lower rate. Companies don’t want you to cancel; they’d rather keep you as a customer, even if that means giving you a better deal.
So, pick up the phone and call them! Be polite and direct. Ask if there are any current promotions you could qualify for to lower your bills. You can also ask if any equipment you’re renting can be lowered.
Also, don’t be afraid to play the game and mention that you found a better price elsewhere. Again, companies don’t want to lose customers.
The worst thing that could happen? Nothing changes. The best thing that can happen? The outcome is a lower monthly rate without the hassle of switching providers.
Consider Low-Income Internet Programs
If your income is lower than the average for where you live, you could qualify for discounted internet programs offered by major providers.
Many companies offer low-cost plans or discounts for households that participate in programs such as:
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Section 8
- Free or reduced school lunch programs
These plans can provide reliable internet at a reduced monthly rate. Some might even throw in the equipment for free, or offer services without any contract requirements.
Eligibility rules vary by provider and location, so check directly with companies serving your area. If you’re already enrolled in other government assistance programs, it’s worth asking whether you qualify for internet discounts as well.
Consider Cutting the Cord
Cable is often the most expensive part of the bundle. Many people are paying well over $100 per month for channels they don’t even know about. Do you really need 324 different music channels?
Streaming services are pretty popular nowadays, and it’s not hard to see why. They offer more flexibility. Instead of a huge bundle and complex contract, you can choose what you need and leave out what you don’t.
The best part? You can absolutely change your services every month depending on your preferences.
If you’re a college basketball fan, you may want to choose a service that has the right channels from November through April. After that, you might not care too much about having those sports channels.
Live TV streaming packages can also be available at lower prices than traditional cable, though they still cost more than basic on-demand streaming. If live sports or news are important, compare streaming alternatives carefully before canceling cable outright.
Don’t Rent the Equipment
If you don’t have a router or modem for your internet access, your provider probably offers to rent one out to you. But the cost of renting the equipment can put a huge strain on your monthly bills.
Buying your own compatible modem and router can eliminate those recurring costs. The upfront cost could even pay for itself in under a year.
But here’s the kicker: don’t buy just any old router. You need to make sure the device is compatible with your providers. Also, you need to make sure it’s capable of handling the kind of speed you need for your preferences.
Once it’s installed, you own the equipment. No more rental charges quietly increasing your bill.
Be Aware of Hidden Fees and Taxes
Cable and internet bills are notorious for slapping on extra charges. Broadcast fees, regional sports fees, and miscellaneous surcharges can add upwards of $30 or more to your monthly bills.
It’s your right to ask for a bill breakdown. It’ll show you things like:
- The basic service cost
- Fees for equipment rental
- Taxes
- Surcharges
- Add-on services
You find out about features you never asked for, like premium channels or service protection plans. Removing unnecessary add-ons can reduce your bill immediately.
Cash In On Promotions
Service providers run promotions pretty frequently for new customers. But if you’ve been with the company for years, shouldn’t you get rewarded for that loyalty?
If there are other companies (i.e., competitors) that are available in your city or town, you can compare the rates to see if you can score a better deal by switching.
Switching providers might be a pain at first, but the savings could justify it. Just make sure to read the fine print. Some promotional rates increase significantly after the first year.
Set a reminder for yourself to review your bill on a yearly basis so you don’t get surprised by price hikes.
Consider Data Caps and Usage Limits
Some low-cost plans come with data caps. If your family streams a lot or downloads large files consistently, exceeding those caps can trigger extra charges.
Before choosing the cheapest plan you can find, consider your typical usage. Many providers list out the average data consumption on your monthly bills.
Choosing a slightly higher plan without overage fees could cost less overall than repeatedly exceeding a lower-tier cap.
There Might Be Payment Plans During Hardships
If you suddenly lose your job or find yourself facing financial difficulty, contact your provider before missing payments.
Some companies can temporarily lower your bills during times of financial stress. Others might offer payment plans, deferrals or even qualify you for a lower rate based on your new income.
Failing to pay your bills could lead to the cancellation of your service or even send your debt into collections. Communicating early gives you more options.
