The fact is: finding the best internet service deal means something different to everyone. If you live alone and only use the internet for checking email and some light web browsing, you probably don't need the same speeds as a family of seven with tons of gaming consoles, laptops, mobile phones, TVs, and smart appliances. Or maybe you just loathe long, expensive contracts or clumsy wired connections. What's "best" will be different depending on your needs. So, where to begin?
Here are some questions to ask yourself—so you can narrow down your search for a great deal.
Do you have a major need for speed?
As mentioned earlier, depending on what devices you’re using on a regular basis, finding a plan with the right speeds is important. When reviewing different home internet plans, you’ll mostly be looking for download speeds, since you'll need more bandwidth to download (get information) than to upload (send information). Download speeds are measured in megabits per second (Mpbs) and gigabits per second (Gbps). If you only use Wi-Fi for a little web browsing and connecting a mobile device, a basic plan will work. But if you stream high-def video, love gaming, are constantly on video calls, and/or own a lot of smart devices, your needs will be different.
Do wired connections make you cringe?
Maybe, above all else, you love the freedom of putting your devices exactly where you want them. Or perhaps you just hate the look and feel of jumbled wires and complicated installs. Either way, you may want to step outside of old-school wired connections. Let's face it: most new devices are Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capable, and fewer and fewer devices even come with wired connections these days. Also, the cords are clumsy, and they severely limit your setup. Lucky, the latest advances in 5G Home Internet and Wi-Fi 6 technology give you the option to wirelessly connect to your devices.
What services are available in your area?
If you live in a big city, or some type of densely populated area, chances are you have a lot of choices, whether it's cable, fiber, or wireless internet providers. But if you live in an extremely rural area, your choices may be limited to satellite, or just DSL (Digital Subscriber Lines), since DSL utilizes phone lines, which are widely available where other options are not. A quick online check will let you know what's in your area. As for 5G, it continues to roll out to small towns, rural areas, and big cities alike. In fact, 50 million homes nationwide are now eligible for T-Mobile Home Internet— a third of them in rural America, which previously had limited or no access to broadband options.
What price are you willing to pay?
Traditional wired connections, like cable for example, can be pricey or require lengthy contracts, not to mention certain equipment and service fees. While DSL may be pretty cheap, you're likely getting what you pay for in the form of a slower connection compared to newer technologies. Once you do your homework and know the speeds you need, it's time to compare plans from different providers to find the best fit.
Are you ready to make your move?
Finding the best plan comes down to many things, including your lifestyle, location, budget and overall preferences. The good news is that 5G wireless Home Internet is quickly becoming to go-to option for just about anyone who wants to stay effortlessly connected. T-Mobile, America’s fastest growing 5G Home Internet provider, is budget friendly, and it requires no contract or complicated installation. Check here to see if it's available near you, find a plan and then try it out for 15 days. Be sure to see our latest home internet deals, as well.
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