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5 Tips for Choosing a Satellite Internet Service

5 Tips for Choosing a Satellite Internet Service

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Satellite internet is a great option because of its convenience and availability in rural and other hard-to-connect areas. Other popular internet connection choices include cable, DSL, and fiber-optics, but providers don't always take these networks into areas without dense populations.

Satellite transmissions reach nearly everywhere and generally offer reliable connection speeds. Whether you're looking for something that provides consistent connections to your out-of-the-way location or just want to get away from the other service providers in your area, here are a couple of tips for choosing the best service for your home or office.

1. Identify the Speed You Need

Internet speed is defined by bandwidth or the rate at which you download content to your computer from the internet. The larger your bandwidth, the faster you'll experience the transfer of data from the internet. Determine the speed you need by considering how many devices share your connection and what types of activities run on those devices. For example, downloading files and games require higher speeds than simply surfing the net or browsing social media.

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2. Compare the Pros and Cons With Other Providers

It's helpful to create a simple spreadsheet that puts your options side by side. Your comparisons should include the price of service, current promotions (and how long they'll last,) bundled services, type of connection, upload and download speeds, contract limitations, and additional features, such as free installation or anti-virus capabilities. If you’re already paying for cable, a bundled service may be your best option, but if you struggle to maintain a reliable connection, a satellite plan could be the answer.

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3. Consider Customer Service

It can be very frustrating working toward a deadline only to have your connection cut out or slow down. When this happens, you want to know that your service provider will respond quickly to your concerns. Unfortunately, some of the top names rank pretty low when it comes to taking care of their customers. Look up consumer reviews and talk to your neighbors about their experiences before signing a long-term contract with a company that leaves their customers feeling unsatisfied.

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4. Look Up the History of the Provider

Some internet providers have been around for a long time, and this gives you a lot of information to research. Other providers are up and coming, presenting more of a risk to you as a consumer. If a provider is new to your area, find out if there is any history outside of your community. You may be one of the first customers in your area to embrace an internet service with a reliable track history in other areas. On the other hand, you could avoid serious concerns that other consumers struggled to overcome.

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5. Is the Provider Open to Negotiation?

Some consumers have found that their providers are willing to negotiate better terms to avoid losing their customers. According to one consumer watchdog, nearly half of the consumers who tried negotiating earned better rates. Unfortunately, only 1 out of 10 were able to get faster internet speeds. Don't forget to read through the various Satellite Internet Plans from each provider. One plan may be a much better fit than the others even if those plans are offered by the same provider.

When you're in the market for an internet service provider and satellite seems like the best fit, take time to decide which speed you'll need, as well as the pros and cons, the customer service, history, and willingness to negotiate from each provider in your area. The work you do before signing a service contract can go a long way toward ensuring that you have an internet connection that keeps you happy throughout the length of the contract.

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Levi Armstrong

Tuesday 15th of September 2020

I like that you said that I should consider the customer service of an internet provider before signing any long-term contract with them by checking reviews and talking to my peers about their experiences. My boyfriend and I recently moved to a new apartment, and we want to have an internet connection installed soon. Since I don't have much patience with customer service calls, it would be great if we find a provider that has excellent customer communication aid. I'll take note of that when we start choosing an internet service provider. Thanks!

Carol Baker

Wednesday 15th of July 2020

Thank you for sharing your ideas and the view point. Your tips are really very helpful for the someone who wants a satellite connection for his business.

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