This one’s for all the freelancers out there; designers, writers, contractors, and more. If you’re a freelancer looking for a better internet connection, you’re in the right place. This guide will help you ask the right questions and find the best internet service plan to meet both your specific needs and your monthly budget.
Remember, the internet service plan you decide on could potentially make or break your business. You don’t want to settle for the first thing that comes along without first doing some research into alternatives and better deals. Follow this guide to find the best internet connection for your freelancer business.
Try Internet Advisor
As a freelancer, you don’t have time to sit on Google and sift through thousands of search results for “internet service”. Let’s face it, you’re not going to find what you’re looking for, you’ll likely just get frustrated and overwhelmed, and then you’re back at square one. The easiest method for finding a local provider? Use internet advisor.
Illustration by Artur Stotch
This online internet provider search tool is available in all 50 states, and will help you narrow down the best options in your area. Tired of searching through Google and other search engine results? Use this internet provider search engine tool for quicker and more accurate results!
Are You Always On The Go?
Some freelancers don’t have an office or even one location from which they work. If you’re a freelancer that moves around a lot, or simply switches job locations in order to mix things up a bit, you might need to get a different internet set up such as a hotspot connection.
Obviously, you can’t use cable internet while you’re on the go. Spectrum does, however, have local hotspots that are free for its customers, but you can’t always depend on finding one of those while you’re out and about.
While hardwired cable internet is among the most reliable, hot spots are also quite reliable and usually work on a mobile network. You can even use your phone or other mobile device as a dedicated hotspot if you so choose.
Some Things To Consider
You’re probably wondering what kinds of things you should look for in an internet provider and its products. While speed and cost certainly come to mind, there are a few other considerations you’ll want to remember when you’re shopping around.
Customer Service
Let’s take a moment to discuss why the customer service reputation of your ISP is so important to your decision. How a company treats its customers speaks volumes about how much it values their business. A company that doesn’t focus on customer service or treats its customers poorly comes off as very cold and unfriendly.
For instance, before Time Warner Cable rebranded as Spectrum, the company’s customer service record was all but non-existent. Thousands of complaints and even some lawsuits were part of the reasoning behind the brand’s change to a new look and name.
Don’t overlook customer service. Check into how previous customers have been treated by the ISP. How quickly the company resolves issues. How honest they are with pricing, features, and billing cycles.
Reliability
Obviously, you don’t want to pay for a service that’s unreliable. We all know just how frustrating it can be to have your internet cut out when you’re right in the middle of something important. Whether it’s processing a payment, sending an invoice, or researching a topic, getting cut off is frustrating!
Make sure your ISP’s equipment and internet service is reliable, so you’re getting your money’s worth.
Price
Obviously, you’ll want to consider the cost of your service along with everything else. Set aside a specific budget for internet services and then compare different service packages and features against that budget.
Once you’ve settled on 1-2 services, it’s a good idea to call and speak with a representative before you make a decision. This will help you gauge the customer service of the ISP you’re signing up with.
Contracts
Some internet providers require you to sign a two-year contract for services. Be wary of these contracts, because they can sometimes have hidden conditions that will come back to haunt you later. Not to mention, if you’re not happy with any aspect of your service, you can’t get out of your contract easily. You’re stuck with your ISP until the contract is up.
Availability
Not all internet providers offer high-speed internet in every area of the country. One of the first things to check is the availability of ISP’s services in your area.
Connectivity
What good is internet service if it’s difficult to connect to, or won’t connect to all of your devices? Be sure your ISP is providing you with quality equipment!
Speed
At last, we come to speed. Most freelancers won’t need super high-speed internet for basic tasks, but there are some who need a higher level of speed for their work. Companies like Spectrum offer up to 400mb/s download speeds, but the cost can be around $100/month. 100mb/s seems to be the standard, and should be enough for all of your basic internet needs.
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