Step 1: Determine your household's needs
How do I know how many GB I consume per month?
In 2023, the vast majority of residential internet plans offer unlimited monthly usage. Unless a specific situation requires you to opt for a limited data plan, it is better to opt for an unlimited subscription, especially since the difference in price between the basic subscription and the first unlimited plan is often only $5 per month. If you exceed your download volume, you will have to pay much more than this $5.
How to choose your internet speed?
The easiest way is to fill out the PlanHub questionnaire and choose the "I don't know, help me choose" option when you are asked to choose a speed. We will then be able to provide you with an estimate of the speed that will meet your needs or those of the people with whom you share your Internet access.
To determine the internet speed you need to ask yourself the following questions:
- How many people are working from your home?
- Will you be downloading or needing to send large files (several GB)
- Will the connection be used to watch streaming video?
- Will the connection be used to play online video games or stream content such as Twitch?
- How many devices will be connected to your network?
Am I paying too much for my current connection?
To find out if you're paying too much for your current connection, simply use the PlanHub internet speed test. After testing your connection speed, the tool will present you with the best plans available for speeds similar to yours. You'll be able to judge and compare your subscription with the options available to you and know if you're paying too much for your internet plan.
How do I know how many GB I consume per month?
In 2023, the vast majority of residential internet plans offer unlimited monthly usage. Unless a specific situation requires you to opt for a limited data plan, it is better to opt for an unlimited subscription, especially since the difference in price between the basic subscription and the first unlimited plan is often only $5 per month. If you exceed your download volume, you will have to pay much more than this $5.
How to choose your internet speed?
The easiest way is to fill out the PlanHub questionnaire and choose the "I don't know, help me choose" option when you are asked to choose a speed. We will then be able to provide you with an estimate of the speed that will meet your needs or those of the people with whom you share your Internet access.
To determine the internet speed you need to ask yourself the following questions:
- How many people are working from your home?
- Will you be downloading or needing to send large files (several GB)
- Will the connection be used to watch streaming video?
- Will the connection be used to play online video games or stream content such as Twitch?
- How many devices will be connected to your network?
Am I paying too much for my current connection?
To find out if you're paying too much for your current connection, simply use the PlanHub internet speed test. After testing your connection speed, the tool will present you with the best plans available for speeds similar to yours. You'll be able to judge and compare your subscription with the options available to you and know if you're paying too much for your internet plan.
Step 2: Determine your budget
How much money should you spend on your Internet connection?
PlanHub estimates that a maximum of 1% of your gross household income should be spent on your Internet plan. In the case of two people with a combined annual income of $100,000 gross, the amount spent on the monthly bilhow to choose would be $83. This estimate was obtained by following the numerous budgeting guides of 2023.
However, several factors can influence this figure, starting with your telecommuting needs and whether you have multiple monitors on and connected. In this case, it's best to plan for a higher speed.
Please consult a professional in the field to validate if this budget applies to your family situation.
How much money should you spend on your Internet connection?
PlanHub estimates that a maximum of 1% of your gross household income should be spent on your Internet plan. In the case of two people with a combined annual income of $100,000 gross, the amount spent on the monthly bilhow to choose would be $83. This estimate was obtained by following the numerous budgeting guides of 2023.
However, several factors can influence this figure, starting with your telecommuting needs and whether you have multiple monitors on and connected. In this case, it's best to plan for a higher speed.
Please consult a professional in the field to validate if this budget applies to your family situation.
Step 3: Determine the provider and technology options for your home address
How do I know which Internet provider offers the best speed locally?
PlanHub's tool allows you to determine at a glance what speeds are offered by different providers at the local level. To do so, enter your postal code at the end of the PlanHub Internet needs questionnaire. The options that will be proposed to you will of course take into account the technologies available at your residential address.
How do I know which Internet provider offers the best speed locally?
PlanHub's tool allows you to determine at a glance what speeds are offered by different providers at the local level. To do so, enter your postal code at the end of the PlanHub Internet needs questionnaire. The options that will be proposed to you will of course take into account the technologies available at your residential address.
Step 4: Understand the plans offered
What to understand about an Internet plan to make the right choice?
When you compare the plans of the different internet providers on PlanHub, here is how to understand what is proposed.
The amount to the right of "Upfront" indicates what you will have to pay when you sign up for your plan. This usually includes the activation fee and the cost of a new device, if applicable.
The word "Monthly" indicates the amount you will have to pay each month for your plan.
The "Total 2 years" is the sum of the cost of your subscription over 24 months before taxes.
Read the additional notes carefully! They can tell you about additional discounts, temporary promotions, cashback and other rewards specific to the plan you have selected.
What to understand about an Internet plan to make the right choice?
When you compare the plans of the different internet providers on PlanHub, here is how to understand what is proposed.
The amount to the right of "Upfront" indicates what you will have to pay when you sign up for your plan. This usually includes the activation fee and the cost of a new device, if applicable.
The word "Monthly" indicates the amount you will have to pay each month for your plan.
The "Total 2 years" is the sum of the cost of your subscription over 24 months before taxes.
Read the additional notes carefully! They can tell you about additional discounts, temporary promotions, cashback and other rewards specific to the plan you have selected.
Step 5: Choose your Internet plan
How to choose the right residential Internet plan?
Once you have determined your needs, your budget, which operators cover your geographical area and you have understood the plans offered, you will be able to make the right choice and choose the Internet plan that best suits your needs.
Depending on your financial situation, you may choose an economical plan or one that gives you peace of mind. Make sure the plan you choose meets your needs and your ability to pay.
Can you install your modem yourself or do you have to choose the installation option?
If you choose a new service provider, their line may not have been pulled to your home beforehand. In this case, you will be required to use the installation option offered by your provider, but there is a fee.
If you already have a line, a manual installation is possible, but be careful! Installation manuals are not always clear and the steps described do not always correspond to reality. The best thing to do in this case is to keep your phone close by and contact your provider's customer service department, which will guide you step by step.
How to choose the right residential Internet plan?
Once you have determined your needs, your budget, which operators cover your geographical area and you have understood the plans offered, you will be able to make the right choice and choose the Internet plan that best suits your needs.
Depending on your financial situation, you may choose an economical plan or one that gives you peace of mind. Make sure the plan you choose meets your needs and your ability to pay.
Can you install your modem yourself or do you have to choose the installation option?
If you choose a new service provider, their line may not have been pulled to your home beforehand. In this case, you will be required to use the installation option offered by your provider, but there is a fee.
If you already have a line, a manual installation is possible, but be careful! Installation manuals are not always clear and the steps described do not always correspond to reality. The best thing to do in this case is to keep your phone close by and contact your provider's customer service department, which will guide you step by step.
Step 6: Find ways to save money and even take advantage of it
Is direct debit a good way to save money?
Automatic payment is a simple and secure way to pay your bill before the monthly due date. If you pay by traditional bank transfer, it will take two days for your Internet provider to receive it. On the other hand, some providers may issue a negative note on your credit rating in case of late payment. Automatic payment allows you to avoid this type of situation and to be sure to pay your bill on time.
Can I save on my Internet plan with a credit card?
To save money, it is better to opt for automatic payment by credit card, which allows you to recover a percentage of the amount paid and benefit from points. An indirect method to save money on your internet plan is to use a credit card that gives cash back or points on purchases made. Choose your card accordingly, they don't all have the same types of benefits for paying telecom bills.
How to monitor your Internet data usage to save money?
After subscribing to your Internet plan, your habits may change. For example, working from home may require a better connection allowing you to upload files with several GB of data quickly. The opposite example can also happen if your kids leave home and your Internet needs decrease.
You could save a considerable sum of money or save yourself additional costs by changing your subscription to a plan adapted to your new needs. To check your Internet usage, the best thing to do is to log in to your billing account to consult your usage.
How to negotiate your Internet plan to the best possible price?
When the end of your commitment to your Internet plan comes, your provider usually just switches you to the higher price for the same speed. But this is the best time to try to negotiate a new discount!
Let your provider's customer service know that you are a good customer and that you are willing to stay with them if they make an effort. It's often best to sign up for a new two-year commitment, which can equate to tens of dollars a month.
How to take advantage of the holidays to save on your Internet plan?
The holiday season is often a good time to find an Internet plan at a good price. Providers will be generous, especially if you are willing to commit to a two-year term.
However, there's no need to rush to the first special that comes along. Check out our PlanHub tool to find out which carriers best suit your needs, and sign up for our alert that will notify you as soon as a carrier offers an Internet plan that suits you.
Can I bundle my services to save money?
If you already have a phone or TV subscription with a provider, they will probably offer you a discount on your Internet plan. Bundling your subscriptions could save you several dozen dollars each month.
Are family plans economical?
If several members of your family live in the same household and you have already subscribed to a mobile plan with the same operator, you could save a considerable amount of money each month by adding an Internet service and grouping your subscriptions under the same operator.
Can I refer a new subscriber and get a discount on their Internet plan?
Some providers may offer you a discount if you refer a new subscriber to their service. If you can refer several people, your provider will give you a discount on your subscription for each person you recommend. So don't hesitate to ask your provider to find out if a referral program exists.
Can I use promotional codes?
Some providers distribute promotional codes to their customers with discounts on plans or accessories. Even better, if you offer your promotional code to a friend, he will benefit from a discount on his plan and you should also receive some form of compensation.
By the way, feel free to leave a review of a provider you've been a customer with on our review page. You can also post your promotional code if you have one.This strategy pays off in terms of saving money on your plan, but also in terms of generating some cash.
Is direct debit a good way to save money?
Automatic payment is a simple and secure way to pay your bill before the monthly due date. If you pay by traditional bank transfer, it will take two days for your Internet provider to receive it. On the other hand, some providers may issue a negative note on your credit rating in case of late payment. Automatic payment allows you to avoid this type of situation and to be sure to pay your bill on time.
Can I save on my Internet plan with a credit card?
To save money, it is better to opt for automatic payment by credit card, which allows you to recover a percentage of the amount paid and benefit from points. An indirect method to save money on your internet plan is to use a credit card that gives cash back or points on purchases made. Choose your card accordingly, they don't all have the same types of benefits for paying telecom bills.
How to monitor your Internet data usage to save money?
After subscribing to your Internet plan, your habits may change. For example, working from home may require a better connection allowing you to upload files with several GB of data quickly. The opposite example can also happen if your kids leave home and your Internet needs decrease.
You could save a considerable sum of money or save yourself additional costs by changing your subscription to a plan adapted to your new needs. To check your Internet usage, the best thing to do is to log in to your billing account to consult your usage.
How to negotiate your Internet plan to the best possible price?
When the end of your commitment to your Internet plan comes, your provider usually just switches you to the higher price for the same speed. But this is the best time to try to negotiate a new discount!
Let your provider's customer service know that you are a good customer and that you are willing to stay with them if they make an effort. It's often best to sign up for a new two-year commitment, which can equate to tens of dollars a month.
How to take advantage of the holidays to save on your Internet plan?
The holiday season is often a good time to find an Internet plan at a good price. Providers will be generous, especially if you are willing to commit to a two-year term.
However, there's no need to rush to the first special that comes along. Check out our PlanHub tool to find out which carriers best suit your needs, and sign up for our alert that will notify you as soon as a carrier offers an Internet plan that suits you.
Can I bundle my services to save money?
If you already have a phone or TV subscription with a provider, they will probably offer you a discount on your Internet plan. Bundling your subscriptions could save you several dozen dollars each month.
Are family plans economical?
If several members of your family live in the same household and you have already subscribed to a mobile plan with the same operator, you could save a considerable amount of money each month by adding an Internet service and grouping your subscriptions under the same operator.
Can I refer a new subscriber and get a discount on their Internet plan?
Some providers may offer you a discount if you refer a new subscriber to their service. If you can refer several people, your provider will give you a discount on your subscription for each person you recommend. So don't hesitate to ask your provider to find out if a referral program exists.
Can I use promotional codes?
Some providers distribute promotional codes to their customers with discounts on plans or accessories. Even better, if you offer your promotional code to a friend, he will benefit from a discount on his plan and you should also receive some form of compensation.
By the way, feel free to leave a review of a provider you've been a customer with on our review page. You can also post your promotional code if you have one.This strategy pays off in terms of saving money on your plan, but also in terms of generating some cash.
Step 7: Once you've purchased a plan, stay alert!
What should you do to avoid being overcharged for your Internet plan?
Set yourself data barriers that you will not cross
If you have opted for a 100 GB per month plan, you may have to pay extra if you exceed this limit. We, therefore, advise you to create a data consumption alert by going to the internet settings of your computer. It is best to set an alert at 50%. If your cell phone is connected to your Wi-Fi network, you should also set a limit of a few GB per month.
Otherwise, don't hesitate to consult your billing account on your provider's website, it indicates in real time the volume of data consumed.
Is unlimited internet truly unlimited?
If you have a home-based business or host your own servers, providers may have to react if you regularly exceed around 3 TB of usage. Even if your subscription is supposed to be unlimited, excessive data usage costs providers money. If you are going to use your connection professionally and you are going to need an exceptionally high volume of data, it would be best to go for a professional subscription.
What are the solutions to avoid late payment fees?
Late payment fees can increase and accumulate even if you have a late payment and continue to pay your bills, for example, if you forget. To avoid this situation, make sure you choose a plan that fits your budget, and also watch your emails so that you pay when you receive your electronic bill. The best thing to do is to use an automatic payment method to make sure that you are debited on time and that you do not have to face any fees.
What should you do to avoid being overcharged for your Internet plan?
Set yourself data barriers that you will not cross
If you have opted for a 100 GB per month plan, you may have to pay extra if you exceed this limit. We, therefore, advise you to create a data consumption alert by going to the internet settings of your computer. It is best to set an alert at 50%. If your cell phone is connected to your Wi-Fi network, you should also set a limit of a few GB per month.
Otherwise, don't hesitate to consult your billing account on your provider's website, it indicates in real time the volume of data consumed.
Is unlimited internet truly unlimited?
If you have a home-based business or host your own servers, providers may have to react if you regularly exceed around 3 TB of usage. Even if your subscription is supposed to be unlimited, excessive data usage costs providers money. If you are going to use your connection professionally and you are going to need an exceptionally high volume of data, it would be best to go for a professional subscription.
What are the solutions to avoid late payment fees?
Late payment fees can increase and accumulate even if you have a late payment and continue to pay your bills, for example, if you forget. To avoid this situation, make sure you choose a plan that fits your budget, and also watch your emails so that you pay when you receive your electronic bill. The best thing to do is to use an automatic payment method to make sure that you are debited on time and that you do not have to face any fees.
