Thinking about switching or starting to use broadband internet in your home? This is an option widely used in Brazil and has many benefits for those who need online access, whether to access social networks, do research and schoolwork, play connected with friends, or even work remotely!
As with any purchase process for a product or service, the search for a solution must be done in a planned manner, especially when there are so many suppliers and options available.
With that in mind, we have 10 points you should consider when choosing a broadband internet plan for your home! Check out:
- KNOW WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR NEED
First of all, it is important that you make an assessment of your usage needs. This helps you understand the access, upload, and download speed you should be looking for in the market. Also, consider how many people will use the service. We have some recommendations to help you understand your profile:
1 mega internet: suitable for those who use the network little, just for emails, news, and social networks;
5 mega internet: best for viewing videos, light downloads, and video calling;
10 mega internet: suitable for those who are always connected, ideal for watching many videos, social networks faster;
20 mega internet: faster data loading, even long movies, and use for online games;
50, 100, and even 300 mega internets: aimed at those who have many connected devices (a family with many users, for example) and for uploading high-quality videos.
Remember that many plans offer unlimited access but reduce download or upload speed. So, ask about the difference in speeds for each plane. Also, always consider the number of people and devices connected to the internet to choose your plan. You may also be interested in "Cable TV network" here Whatsapp Sky
- DO A TARGETED SEARCH FOR OPTIONS
With the information set on what's right for you and a budget in mind, it's time to look for available options. For this, an online search and request for referrals from friends and family can be used.
To optimize your search and make it easier to compare available companies, select only those that meet your speed needs and fit your budget. This makes it easier to choose between them.
- THINK COST-EFFECTIVE
With a reduced selection of options, the first thought is to choose the cheapest among them, right? Not always! The ideal is to choose the one that offers the best cost-benefit ratio, that is, the one that has the most advantage over its price.
An example of this is two internet plans, the first offering 10 Mbps speed for R$120.00/month and the second offering 5 Mbps for R$100.00/month. In this case, it would pay to select the first plan, which offers double the amount of internet for just R$20.00 more.
- CHECK FOR DATA ALLOWANCE
Do you know the data consumption limit that mobile internet operators use in their plans, that when it's over you can't use practically anything until your plan is renewed? Some companies are offering plans with these conditions for broadband internet in homes. Be aware of this so as not to select a plan that is limited, which can incur additional costs by purchasing more data for your home!
- BEWARE OF PROMOTIONS
Something very practiced by broadband internet companies is to offer promotional values to new subscribers. Despite being very attractive, the cost of the plan is only valid for a certain period of time, such as two or three months, and this information is not so highlighted in the information provided. In order not to have any surprises, ask about the actual monthly fee.
- CONSIDER HIRING COMBOS
Many internet companies also offer pay-TV and phone services as a bundle of services that often seem attractive. You won't have to worry about multiple companies and the account is just one. However, many of them require a minimum period of use to reduce the value and charge cancellation fees if you want to get rid of the service.
- REVIEW THE SUPPORT OFFERED
The reality is that we only realize the importance of support when we have a technical problem and the internet provider takes a week to resolve or does not respond during the weekends. In order not to be harmed, it is important to verify that the company offers quality support, with several contact channels and a team prepared to resolve faults quickly.
- ALWAYS LOOK FOR REFERENCES
Another important tip is to look for references about the quality of the company, such as customers who already use the service, rating it on review sites such as Reclame Aqui or the company's Facebook page. Ask if the internet is good if network problems are common and if the service is efficient.
- WATCH OUT FOR ADDITIONAL FEES
We often hire the internet service believing that the amount to be paid is just that, however, there are surprises such as installation costs or additional equipment needed. Some companies even ask for a plan membership fee, and all these costs, when added up, represent far more than the initial budget. Therefore, before closing with a supplier, ask about any amount that will be added to your payment.
- EVALUATE FIBER OPTIC OPTIONS
There are some problems related to the use of traditional broadband internet offered by companies. It is dependent on energy to function, in addition to often the promised speed is not delivered and the customer pays for something they do not receive. As a solution to these problems, many people are choosing to use fiber optics.
Called internet at the speed of light, optical fiber has won the market because it does not depend on electricity to work and, mainly, because of the better quality of service provided, without a drop in the speed provided and technical failures that compromise its use.