Am I Paying Too Much for Internet?

You may feel as if you’re overpaying for internet when you look at your monthly bill. And maybe you are! The price you pay for internet is going to depend on your location, the type of technology you choose, and the speed of your internet connection.

The average American household is shelling out around $75-80 per month for internet service [1]. But you may be paying much less or much more per month, based on where you live.

That’s why we give you an easy way to compare pricing and plans, so you can be an informed consumer.

You may not have access to the best prices in the country—the unfortunate fact is that rural areas have fewer internet options [2]. But no matter where you live, we can direct you to the best internet prices available in your location.

First, though, you’ll need to know how to tell if you’re overpaying for your internet service.

The State of Internet Pricing in 2024

Here’s the current landscape of internet pricing.

• Prices can vary widely based on factors like location, internet speed, and provider competition [3].
• While prices have remained relatively stable over the past five years, internet speeds have nearly doubled in many areas [4]. That means you’re probably getting way more connection speed than you did in 2019, but your monthly bill may not have gone down.

Urban areas have lower internet prices

Factors Affecting Your Internet Bill

Several key factors influence how much you pay for internet:

1. Internet speed: Higher speeds generally come with higher price tags.
2. Type of connection: Fiber, cable, DSL, and satellite options each have different pricing structures.
3. Location: Urban areas often have more competition and lower prices compared to rural regions.
4. Provider competition: More providers in your area can lead to better deals.
5. Promotional pricing: Introductory rates can be tempting but often increase after 6-12 months.

Signs You Might Be Overpaying for Internet

How can you tell if your internet bill is too high? Here are some red flags to watch out for:

1. You’re paying significantly more than the national average of $75-85 per month.
2. Your bill has mysterious fees that you don’t understand or weren’t clearly disclosed.
3. You’re still on an old plan and haven’t checked for new offers in a year or two.
4. You’re paying for speeds you don’t need or aren’t actually receiving.
5. There are new providers in your area, but you haven’t compared prices recently.

How to Lower Your Internet Bill

Ready to take action and potentially save hundreds of dollars a year? Try these strategies:

1. Audit Your Internet Usage

Are you paying for blazing fast speeds when you’re mostly just checking email and browsing social media?

Use our online speed test tool to check your actual speeds. You might want to downgrade if you’re driving a Lamborghini when a Corolla would do just fine.

2. Shop Around for Better Deals

The internet service market is more competitive than ever. New options like 5G home internet from cellular providers and expanding fiber networks mean you might have more choices than you realize. Use comparison tools to see what’s available in your area.

Negotiate with your ISP

3. Negotiate with Your Current Provider

Armed with information about competitor pricing, call your ISP and ask for a better rate. Be prepared to speak with the retention department, as they often have the power to offer the best discounts.

4. Consider Bundling

Sometimes bundling internet with TV or phone service can save money—but do the math carefully. Make sure you’re not paying for services you don’t need just to get a bundle discount.

5. Buy Your Own Equipment

If you’re paying a monthly fee to rent a modem or router, purchasing your own can save you money in the long run. Just make sure it’s compatible with your ISP and service plan.

6. Look for Subsidies and Discount Programs

Government programs like the Lifeline Program can provide discounts of up to $9 per month for eligible households [5]. Check with your customer support rep to see if you qualify for any low-income or student discounts as well.

Understanding Your Internet Bill

One of the biggest obstacles to knowing if you’re overpaying is the complexity of internet bills.

Starting in 2024, the FCC mandated that ISPs provide “Broadband Labels" to make pricing more transparent [6]. Here’s what to look for on those labels or on your internet plan description:

• Base price: The core cost of your internet service.
• Speed tier: The advertised download and upload speeds.
• Promotional rates: How long they last and what the price will be afterward.
• Data caps: Any limits on your monthly data usage.

Hidden Fees to Watch Out For

Even with the new Broadband Labels to help you out, you’ll want to watch out for these extra charges from internet service providers.

• Equipment rental fees: Often $5-$15 per month for modems or routers.
• Installation and activation fees: One-time charges that can range from $10 to $100.
• Data overage charges: If you exceed your plan’s data cap, you could face hefty fees.
• Early termination fees: Breaking a contract can cost you hundreds of dollars.
• Network access and maintenance fees: Some providers charge extra for network upkeep.

Faster internet can still be affordable

4 Steps to Save on Internet

If you’ve made it this far, chances are you suspect you might be overpaying for internet. With a little effort, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars a year. Here’s your action plan:

1. Analyze your current bill and usage patterns.
2. Research alternatives in your area, including new technologies like 5G home internet.
3. Negotiate with your current provider or be prepared to switch.
4. Regularly review your internet costs, at least once a year.

Remember, internet service is not a utility—it’s a product in a competitive market. Don’t be afraid to shop around, negotiate, and find the best deal for your needs. With the strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to ensuring you’re not overpaying for this essential service.

Start to compare providers, prices, and plans in your area by entering your zip code. You’ll get a lightning-fast look at how your current internet bill compares to other offers in your town.

FAQs: How to Tell if You’re Overpaying for Internet

Are internet prices standard across the United States?

No, internet plan prices vary widely by area and by provider. Internet pricing can be very complex, which is why we give you the information to make a comparison for your specific area.

What is the most expensive kind of internet technology?

In general, satellite internet and DSL cost more for the speed you receive.

What is the cheapest internet plan?

Usually, you will get the best deal on a first-tier fiber plan in an urban area with lots of other internet options. Competition always brings prices down. Some first-tier fiber plans have promotional rates as low as $20/month.

Why did my internet bill shoot up this month?

An unexpected charge usually means that either a promotional rate ran out, or you incurred overage charges because of a data cap on your plan. Call your internet provider to negotiate.

What is internet bundling?

Bundling means combining your home internet service with another service such as mobile phone or TV. Some internet providers will give substantial discounts when you bundle your services together. Just be aware that having that discount may make it feel harder to switch ISPs—which is of course why they do it!

Fiber internet is often the best buy

Sources

[1] ConsumerReports.org. “Broadband Pricing."

[2] Human-I-T.org. “The Stakes Are Too High to Not Solve the Rural DIgital DIvide."

[3] DailyYonder.com. “Rural Internet Subscribers Pay More."

[4] SpeedTest.net. “United States."

[5] LifelineSupport.org

[6] FCC.gov. “Broadband Labels."

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About the author

Rosslyn Elliott

Rosslyn Elliott has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and in-house journalist. She earned a B.A. in English from Yale University and has written professionally in many fields including technology and IT. She has won kudos for her work helping tech startups establish their brands. Having lived all over the USA, Rosslyn has first-hand knowledge of the strengths and quirks of top internet service providers. She now writes on all things internet, including Wi-Fi technology, fiber infrastructure, satellite internet, and the digital divide. As a TV fan, she also enjoys reviewing channel choices and cool gadgets for satellite TV and streaming services. Her personal experience as a researcher, career changer, and remote worker inspires her to guide others to their own online opportunities. After work, she likes to kick back with a good craft beer and speculate about A.I. with friends.