A reminder to read the contract carefully before signing on to an ISP. With users commonly streaming and video conferencing, restrictions on usage can be devastating. QoS (Quality of Service) clauses should promise a certain amount of bandwidth and uptime and while not customary on consumer internet contracts are common and recommended on business service (that is why business service tends to be more expensive).
Six years ago I had a potentially nasty experience with an ISP, at the time I posted the following to Facebook: “Looked at a contract for a local ISP today; I am totally aghast at the restrictions in this contract. The ISP only serves businesses but the contract has no QOS; instead, it has a QoS disclaimer clearly stating they do NOT promise to provide the advertised speed. Further, if you go over 30Gb in any given month, you pay 1cent per 2MB over. Thinking about it, I burn 20-40GB some days when we are home. Just think, no promise of performance and a 2-year contract with a $1000 penalty for an early exit!”
Many ISPs will advertise a specific package for general consumers but you can usually ask for and receive much better service (and at a higher price). If you are working from home and 12Mb/sec down and 2Mb/sec up service just won’t hold a conference call (let alone allow you to host one), call potential ISPs for your location and see about 50/10 or even 50/50 service for your location. ISPs have had a full year to adapt to the new needs of users and should have service plans available to provide whatever they need (some locations may not have all service types available).
It is also important to contact ISPs and request the level of service you need so that the ISPs can get a better idea of where they need to expand their infrastructure in order to provide for the needs of users in that area. Regular reminders that there is demand for more expensive services will help providers decide to build up the infrastructure to provide for those customers.
With 4G and 5G cell services becoming more widespread, it is also possible that internet over cell carriers may be the best option for some folks who are not “in range” of local services provided by ISPs. Products are emerging that can take a cell signal and provide connectivity for up to 100 connections (instant ISP), look to pay $300 or more for the equipment and a nice bit to the cell carrier each month; but, it may be the best service if you are out in the boondocks (internet service wise). Oh, yes there are also the wee jetpacks that cost roughly $100 each for those wanting to supply service for just themselves. Here again, read the contract carefully to avoid limits, costly overage fees, and “throttling” once you consume so much per day or billing period.