Step 1: Find a new plan

The first thing you need to do is find another internet provider that actually meets your needs. To determine what you need, here are a few important things to consider:

How much speed do you need?

With download speed, the general consensus is that faster is better. But is it?

Download speed makes a big difference if you’re trying to stream video or if you’ve got a house full of people trying to use the internet at once. But if you’re just checking your email, a 10 Mbps connection and a 1,000 Mbps connection aren’t going to feel that different for you. Your monthly bill, on the other hand, will.

You never want to overpay for speed you’re not going to use. If you’re not sure how much download speed you need for your everyday activities, find out how much speed you need.

Are you willing to sign a long-term contract?

One of the trickiest things about switching internet plans is dealing with contracts. Many internet plans require 12- or 24-month contracts to get the best prices. While these long-term plans often get you a lower monthly bill, they usually come with early termination fees if you want to leave your contract early, which can end up costing you more in the end.

You can look for a no-contract internet plan. These plans function on a month-to-month basis. If you decide you don’t want to continue with that provider, you can choose not to renew your service the next month and go with a different one without paying termination fees. These plans are sometimes (but not always) more expensive than plans with long-term contracts. But for many people, the flexibility is well worth it.

* Terms and Conditions: Plus taxes and fees. Service not available in all areas. If you live in an apartment or condo, Google Fiber’s ability to construct and provide Fiber is subject to the continued agreement between Google Fiber and the property owner. Upload/download speed and device streaming claims are based on maximum wired speeds. Actual Internet speeds are not guaranteed and may vary based on factors such as hardware and software limitations, latency, packet loss, etc

† Plus taxes. Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies.

‡ Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Limited to NOW Internet service, speeds up to 100 Mbps/10 Mbps. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed.

§ Per month internet plan. Download speeds up to 25 Mbps.

Δ Paperless billing or prepay required. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply. Get the fastest internet speed available at your location (max speed is up to 140 Mbps).

What do you do most online?

There’s a lot more to an internet connection than just download speed. If you’re a content creator, upload speed might be a big factor in choosing a provider. If you work from home, you might value having a reliable connection, like fiber. If you play online games or use video chat, you might care more about latency than you do about download speed.

In any case, it’s important to look at the providers in your area thoroughly. Don’t just look for the fastest option—look for the one that best fits your household’s internet needs.