Before choosing an internet provider for broadband service, shop around to find the best deal. Below are some good questions to ask yourself and the Internet Service Provider (ISP) to guide your purchasing decision.

1 First discuss how you and your household plan to use the Internet. Will you be using the web primarily for emails and light web surfing or do you plan to stream movies, listen to Internet radio, play games or place video calls? Knowing how you will use the Internet can save you money so you’re not paying for extra speed you won’t need.

2 If you currently have a home phone and/or cable or satellite TV check to see if your provider offers high speed Internet and can bundle all three for a better rate. If you don’t currently have any of these services but are thinking of purchasing them, it will be worth speaking with a provider in your area that can offer you the bundled package.

3 To find what ISPs are available in your area ask your landlord, neighbors, colleagues or friends in the area for who they use, or do a search online at www.dslreports.com/search.

4 When you speak to ISP, ask what the system requirements are for installation, such as make, model and year of computer and operating system.

5 If a provider offers multiple Internet services, find out what the advantages and disadvantages of each are. Based on the area you live in, one might be faster, more dependable, or less expensive.

6 Ask if there are any deals in your area. Many service providers run deals that lower the monthly cost, but usually require you to sign a 1 to 2 year contract. Ask how long you can test the service and cancel without penalty.

7 Ask if you have to sign a contract, and if so, find out the terms, specifically the length of the contract and what fees are associated with canceling the service early or changing service plans within the time of the contract or moving service to a new address.

8 Ask what additional fees you will incur beyond the monthly charge. Most likely there will be a one-time set-up fee (typically around $20) and some will charge a one-time equipment fee for the modem (this may be refundable upon end of service). Also ask if they will waive or lower the installation fee or the modem fee.

9 Some service providers offer built in protection from viruses, worms and spyware which won’t replace software on your computer but it’s certainly worth asking about as it can provide added protection for your computer from the back end. Additionally ask about parental control solutions offered from the ISP as many of them offer these services for free as well.

10 Find out what customer support is offered. You want to make sure you can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in your preferred language and with no extra cost.

SOURCE: For more information about subscribing to the Internet, visit www.getconnectedtoday.com