What Questions Should I Ask Spectrum When Shopping for an Internet Provider?

Whether you're moving or just setting up internet service for the first time in your current home, you want to make sure you are getting the best service for your money. If you've decided on Spectrum as your provider, there are a number of questions you will want to ask customer support while shopping for internet service. You can contact customer service and support here to ask these questions and any others you may think of while working with the representative.

What to Ask When You Call Spectrum

• What types of services are available in your area? Is it DSL (which is generally the slowest), cable (which is somewhat faster), or fiber-optic (which is usually the best value cost-wise and in efficiency). Ask the customer service representative which of these three Spectrum offers.
• What are the plans available in your area? Ask them about the various plans offered for internet service.
• What speed internet will best suit your needs? Let the provider know what you intend to use the internet service for so the customer service representative can guide you to the best speed to meet your needs. For example, if you are doing a great deal of gaming, you will need higher speeds than if you are just using it for email.
• Is there a data cap? If so, are there penalties for going over that cap and how much are those penalties? Also, ask if the company drops from high-speed to low-speed data if you go over the cap.
• Will the price stay the same or will it increase? If you are getting an introductory offer, this is especially important because it will help you budget for the future rate increase.
• Can Spectrum guarantee the advertised internet speed? While most providers don't offer guarantees, it is still good to ask. Typically, the provider should be within 80% of the advertised speed at all times.
• Are there additional fees for equipment and installation? Does Spectrum also charge a fee to activate the service? Also, ask if any of these fees can be waived.
• Can you use your own equipment or do you need to use Spectrum's equipment? The plus side of being able to use your own equipment is reduced fees in equipment rentals from Spectrum. The downside is you often have to do your own troubleshooting rather than rely on the company's tech support for equipment issues.
• Does Spectrum offer any special rates for bundling services? If so, how much will it save you in the long run?
• Ask if there is a contract? If so, make sure the representative goes over the details of the contract and how much it would cost you if you had to early terminate your service.
• When can the internet service be installed?
• Does Spectrum contract out installation? This is especially important because it can determine the equipment you will receive with your new service.

Asking these questions when shopping for internet service through Spectrum can save you a headache down the road. You can contact customer support here to get started on setting up your internet service today.