You are relocating to a new apartment and cannot take your current Internet service with you. Unless you are fortunate to get free Wi-Fi as part of your lease, choosing a new ISP is your next step.
Apartments Are Generally Pre-Wired
While there are likely exceptions, most apartments already have all of the cabling and other equipment in place to support your new internet connection. This is good news because it takes some of the potential hurdles out of the equation and allows you to get everything squared away in advance of the move. It may even be possible to get the new modem shipped to your current residence. Then, it is simply a matter of setting everything up when you arrive at your new place.
Assess Your Need for Speed
The FCC classifies an internet connection as broadband if it provides 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. That download speed may be good enough if you live alone. If there will be two or more residents, however, then multiplying 25 Mbps by the headcount is a good starting point. Necessary upload speed depends on how you use the internet. If you surf the Web and stream Netflix or Flex TV, 3 Mbps is probably enough. If, on the other hand, you work from home at times and that requires you to video conference and share large files, you may want to target upward of 20 Mbps upload.
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Your Options
With an idea about the level of service you need, it is time to find the options available to you. The unfortunate truth for many Americans is that not much competition exists. But that is changing, and your main options can include fiber-optic internet, cable, DSL, satellite, and fixed wireless internet. Examine each of the plans that these companies offer and determine which plan meets your needs at the best price.
Use Competition to Your Advantage
ISPs often have deals in place to attract potential customers relocating to their service areas. But if there is competition in your area, you may be able to use that to your advantage. Tell one ISP that you are considering a comparable product from another. Often, they will offer you unadvertised specials that can save you a considerable amount. Even if the savings are temporary, if you are a good customer who pays on time all the time, you will be able to renegotiate again when the time comes.
Consider Purchasing Your Own Equipment
Purchasing your own network router and a cable modem is an upgrade you can make at any time, but your move is a perfect time since you will be setting everything up anyway. The average American with internet pays at least $10 a month, which amounts to $120 a year. That is more than a new cable modem costs, and these are not devices that are subject to a high rate of failure. In other words, that investment now could save you more than $100 a year for the next decade.
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Final Thoughts
Even relocating down the block can be exhausting and stressful. But the effort you put into finding the right new ISP for your apartment will be well worth it in the end. You can even begin this process a month or more out from your move so that you have everything in place and do not have to worry about it the week of the relocation.
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