How to lower your Internet service bill – Fox News
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2022 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knuttson shares how to reduce your monthly internet bill by buying your own equipment.
You know the scenario already. You open the cable or phone bill to see the long list of fees and whatever surprise price increase that may or may not have been tacked on this month.
CLICK TO GET KURT’S CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH QUICK TIPS, TECH REVIEWS, SECURITY ALERTS AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER
Despite reading the ways you can save money by leaving your cable company in the dust, maybe you don’t have the bandwidth to figure out the cost-benefit analysis and subscribe to multiple streaming services.
Modems provide similar and different functions than routers, which is why most consumers purchase both. Most cable companies and internet providers provide connections from their networks to your home through a modem.
For example, if you’re paying for internet through a cable company, you are connecting the cable directly to a modem and then connecting your devices such as computers and laptops via ethernet cables to the modem.
Routers are usually sold separately because they aren’t absolutely necessary for getting internet. You, however, do need to connect the modem to a router to utilize more ports than a modem might allow, and more importantly, routers enable Wi-Fi technology.
The router connects to the modem via ethernet, and you can then connect your Wi-Fi devices such as mobile phones and tablets to the internet without having to connect them to the modem via ethernet cable.
There is a more in-depth exploration of the pros and cons of having combination modem-routers below.
The router connects to the modem via ethernet, and you can then connect your Wi-Fi devices such as mobile phones and tablets to the internet without having to connect them to the modem via ethernet cable. (CyberGuy)
A simple, often overlooked way to reduce your internet bill can be as easy as buying your own equipment. According to New America’s (a think tank) analysis, most Americans in 2020 were paying an average of up to $10 or more to rent a modem from their internet provider.
While not all providers will allow you to purchase and use your own equipment, some do. Buying your own modem and WIFI router can not only help you save money in the long run and also benefit you in multiple of ways.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Clearly, it is easier to have the cable provider technician show up to your home with all the equipment to get you online. Taking the extra step to find out if you can buy and use your own might just be worth the effort. Not only can you save money, below are some additional-hidden benefits of buying your own equipment:
Routers with network cables. ( Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
You’ve checked with your Internet Service Provider and you know that you are allowed to purchase and use your own equipment with their service. Now the question: What to buy?
Depending on the type of service you are purchasing you will likely need to buy two pieces of equipment: a modem and likely a Wi-Fi router.
HOW TO GET ALEXA TO SPEAK MORE LIKE YOU
The modem is crucial for your internet service. It is what brings internet connection from your internet service provider to your home.
I was renting a DOCSIS 2.0 modem from my cable company when I realized that paying for my own DOCSIS 3.0 modem, while more expensive upfront, would save me from monthly recurring charges and taxes. Even better, is that my new owned modem will help me maximize the speed of internet I was paying for.
For a list of my Top 6 Picks for Modems click here.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Copyright 2023 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. CyberGuy.com articles and content may contain affiliate links that earn a commission when purchases are made.
Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
Get a daily look at what’s developing in science and technology throughout the world.
Subscribed
You’ve successfully subscribed to this newsletter!
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2022 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper.