Welcome to the digital era, where reliable, high-speed Internet connections have become an indispensable aspect of our daily lives. Whether you rely on the Internet for work, entertainment, or simply staying connected with your loved ones, selecting the perfect Internet Service Provider (ISP) can be tricky, and with a myriad of options available, it's only natural to feel a bit lost. But fear not! With the right information at your disposal, you can make a well-informed decision that seamlessly aligns with your family's unique needs and preferences.

In our quest to make your Internet selection process more accessible, our team at Shentel has gathered some essential information to help you on this journey. Together, let's uncover the secrets to selecting the best ISP and Internet plan to perfectly complement your busy digital lifestyle!

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Internet Service Provider

While there are several options to consider when choosing a service provider, we’ve put together a few to help get you started:

1. Coverage Area

Imagine finding an ISP with excellent home Internet plans and affordable prices, only to discover they don't offer services in your area. This can be especially frustrating if you live in a rural area with few choices among service providers. That's why considering the coverage area is perhaps the most essential point when choosing an ISP.

Many Internet service providers provide service nationwide, but availability can vary based on your neighborhood, so before you conduct exhaustive research comparing prices and performance, check which ISP is offering services near you. This will help you narrow down your options and simplify the decision-making process.

2. Identify Your Needs

Understanding your needs is also critical to determine your best Internet provider. How do you primarily use the Internet? Is it for light emailing and casual web browsing, or heavy content streaming and online gaming? Do you work from home? Do you have a large family with multiple devices connected? Each ISP offers different plans, but not every plan will suit your needs. By clearly understanding what you're looking for, you can make a more informed decision and compare plans that will align better with your online lifestyle.

3. Connection Type

When exploring ISPs, another crucial consideration is the type of connections they offer. Some common connection types include Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), cable, fiber optic, and satellite, each of which has its own pros and cons. These technologies provide different speeds and performance levels, and some may be better suited to your specific requirements than others, so be sure to choose an ISP that offers connection types that align with your needs, preferences, and budget.

4. Internet Speed

While it may seem obvious, Internet speed is another point that deserves consideration. The speed you need depends on how you and your family utilize the Internet, and not every ISP offers plans with speeds fast enough to support your specific requirements. If you regularly stream high-definition videos, play online games, or work from home, ensure that the ISP you're considering has options with speeds that can meet your demands. Opting for a plan with inadequate speed might lead to lags and buffering, making your online experience frustrating.

5. Data Caps and Unlimited Plans

Some ISPs limit the amount of data you can use within a billing period by imposing data caps or additional fees for heavy usage. This may be a dealbreaker if you're a heavy Internet user or have multiple users in your household, so finding an ISP with a plan that offers unlimited data might be an essential point for you. Light Internet users may not need to consider this point, but for some, finding out which ISPs offer unlimited plans may help narrow down their selection.

6. Customer Service and Support

Knowing you have a solid connection is vital, especially if you depend on the Internet for work. Internet outages happen, but a reliable and attentive customer service team will make navigating issues much more manageable. Look for an ISP with excellent customer support, 24/7 availability, and multiple contact options. Reading reviews from current customers can also provide insights into their service quality and highlight any prevalent issues across their subscriber base.

7. Internet Service Plans and Bundles

If you're looking at Internet service plans, you may also be interested in various other television and phone line options. Many ISPs not only offer these services but also provide bundles to help you save money. Be sure to consider this when looking at ISPs. A standalone Internet plan from one company may seem the most affordable, but a bundle from another may win out for your needs. Consider all the services you plan to utilize and find potential deals available to help you save.

For All Your Internet Needs, Shentel's Got You Covered!

When choosing an Internet service provider, take your time and consider your needs. Evaluate the available options based on connection type, speed, package offerings, and customer service while auditing your current usage. This will help you determine the right service for you. But if it all seems too much to handle, let Shentel give you a hand.

For over 100 years, Shentel Telecommunications Company has kept families connected throughout the Shenandoah Valley — and we can help you too. Whether you're looking for reliable Internet, TV, or home phone service, our experts are here to get you set up as easily and affordably as possible.

Here at Shentel, we proudly offer a variety of Internet plans to meet every budget, including broadband and Internet. Whether you're a light user or someone with intense Internet requirements, we have you covered. For as low as $65/month, you can get what you need to get done faster than ever before. Contact Shentel to get started today.