Table of Contents
At one point or another, we have all wondered about the internet bill constantly increasing. Trust me you are not alone in this dilemma. We can’t do without it and with the ever-increasing prices, it seems like we will not be able to afford it for much longer. However, not all providers are the same. Some internet service providers understand that their customers have limited income and they cannot possibly afford very high prices. An example of such providers is Spectrum. With Spectrum bundles, you can choose to combine internet service with home phone or cable TV, or even both if you like. You will not be required to sign any contract and the prices will not burn a hole in your wallet.
However, if you are currently subscribed to an internet provider other than Spectrum, and your internet bill is usually higher than other utilities at your house, then let me break it to you, it is not much you can do to stop your internet service provider from increasing the rates whenever and however they like. Internet service providers can legally change prices and make services more expensive as frequently as they please.
There is however a piece of good news too. Since there are a lot of internet providers in the market these days, the competition is quite high. This provides you the leverage to negotiate a decreased bill. You just need to conduct a little research and make a quick call to your internet provider. As a last resort, you can always look into other internet providers in your area, who would be willing to offer you a great deal along with a buyout offer if you choose to switch.
Now, let us get into the detail of why your bill keeps changing and how you can lower it every year.
The reason behind the ever-increasing bill
Assuming that if you are reading this article you live in the United States of America and are no longer surprised by the ever-increasing cable internet bills. Only recently the competition between cable TV and internet service providers has started rising as new and smaller service providers have started entering the market. The lack of competition has been the main reason behind customers paying higher rates as compared to Asian or European users.
Streaming services also have to do a lot with this. With so many subscribers switching to streaming services, cable TV providers are losing money and increasing prices of their standalone internet service are their desperate attempts on staying afloat because that is one every cord-cutter still needs. So if you ever thought that internet service providers will someday start decreasing internet rates, let me tell you that it is highly unlikely and you need to get your game together to negotiate a lower bill with your internet provider or start researching for a more economical plan with another provider. Below are the steps you need to take.
Negotiating with your internet service provider
This may seem simple but it requires research and preparation. You need to find out what other internet providers are offering for similar prices, what you can do without, and what you absolutely can’t let go of. You also need to figure out what exactly your internet service provider is charging you for.
Negotiation basics for you
It does not matter how angry you are at your internet service provider for charging you a butt-load of money, you need to keep your cool at all times. While speaking to a representative, keep in mind that they are only employees and do not have any authority on how much you are charged or the policies enforced on you. It will be good for both of you if you were a little kid. The representatives are so used to dealing with nasty clients that they would usually go out of the way to help a kind one.
It will be a good idea to start by apologizing to the representative about the inconvenience you may create for them and by asking for help with your bill that you are confused about. This could be a good way of inspiring the representative to help you even if they have to go out of the way. It is also necessary that you tell them that you are aware of the fact that they are not responsible for your bill is what it is. Also, remember to appreciate their services in helping you and all the other customers all year round. It may seem little but it could make their day.
You need to make it very clear right away that you are looking for a better price because you have been a loyal customer till now and would like to stay with the company, but can’t seem to afford the service anymore. You can also mention the fact that you have never had any late payments and if you know that new customers are getting lower rates then mention that too. As an existing client, you deserve to get the advantage of lower rates more than the new ones.
If the representative says they can’t do anything for you, do not lose it. Maybe they really can’t. Whatever the reason may be, always remember they are only employees and may not have the liberty to do anything besides listening to your calls and offering answers to your queries. However, you can always call back another time and speak to someone else. You never know, this one might be able to help you. If you have called a few times without any avail, it might be time to bring out the bug guns. Tell them you will switch if you don’t get a better deal.
Conclusion
If you feel that calling customer service and negotiating a better deal is not your piece of cake there are companies you can hire to negotiate for you. They will usually require a cut from your savings though, but you must have figured that one out. If all else fails, be ready to change to a much better deal with a new provider.
