The Internet has become a staple part of our lives. Whether we’re watching Netflix, browsing social media, online gaming, or working from home, we need the Internet. What was once considered a luxury is now almost as necessary as electricity and water — which means factoring Internet bills into your monthly utility payments. In this guide, we’ll share some tips for saving on your monthly Internet bill so you can keep streaming and surfing to your heart’s content.

How Much Should You Be Paying for Internet?

The cost of an Internet bill can vary significantly based on factors such as your location, the speed of the connection, the provider, and any bundled services. On average, in the United States, basic Internet plans are $65 per month, while higher-speed plans or plans with additional features can cost significantly more.

Is Your Internet Bill a Utility Bill?

Whether Internet is considered a utility can vary depending on the context and legal definitions in different jurisdictions, with the classification of Internet as a utility varying from one jurisdiction to another. Some places have officially labeled it as a utility, while others haven't. Generally, utilities are services that are considered essential for daily living and are typically provided by either the government or private companies. They include services like water, electricity, natural gas, and sometimes even telephone services.

In recent years, the question of whether Internet access should be classified as a utility has gained attention, especially as the Internet has become an integral part of modern life. One of the main arguments for classifying Internet as a utility is that it's increasingly considered essential for activities such as education, job searching, communication, and accessing important information.

8 Ways to Save On Your Monthly Internet Bill

Looking for ways to save on your monthly Internet bill? Here are some great strategies that’ll bring costs down while still allowing you to stream your favorite movies and TV shows.

1. Shop Around

Research different Internet service providers (ISPs[MM1] ) in your area and compare their plans, prices, and customer reviews. Look for introductory offers, bundle deals, or promotions that might provide a better value. Local ISPs often have more competitive rates than large conglomerates (not to mention better customer service).

2. Bundle Services

Some ISPs offer bundled services that include Internet, TV, and phone. If you're already paying for these services separately, bundling them together can result in serious cost savings, especially if you switch to one main service provider. Providing multiple services to a single household is more efficient for a service provider than only one, which is why they’re able to pass on savings to you in the form of a discounted rate.

3. Downgrade Your Plan

Assess your Internet usage patterns. Conduct an Internet Speed Tests’ with your current Internet plan and find out the average speed of your connection. Then, review your Internet use habits. If you're paying for a high-speed plan but don't really need that much bandwidth, consider downgrading to a lower-tier plan that still meets your needs. 

Do you use the Internet primarily for streaming TV and movies through various streaming services? A lower-tier Internet plan, around 50-100 Mbps, should be more than enough to cover your Internet needs. If you work from home and regularly send and receive large data files or play online games, a higher-tier plan might be better.

Learn more: Understanding Internet Speeds: Mbps and More

4. Tax Deductions

If you are self-employed or run your own business from home, you’re likely eligible to claim a portion of your Internet bill on your tax returns. You’ll usually have to do some math to calculate how much time you spend on the Internet for business, but it’s worth it to get some of that cost back come tax season.

5. Auto-Pay and Paperless Billing

Go green! Some providers offer discounts if you enroll in automatic bill payment and opt for paperless billing. Doing so also reduces the chances that you’ll miss a payment or get behind on your Internet bills.

6. Monitor Data Usage

Unless you pay for unlimited data, some ISPs charge extra for exceeding monthly data limits. Keep track of your usage to avoid unnecessary charges. Most Internet service providers (ISPs) offer online account management tools that allow you to log in and check your data usage. This is often the most accurate source of information. Some devices, like smartphones and computers, have settings that allow you to monitor data usage.

Data-heavy activities include sending and receiving large files, streaming high-definition video, and video conferencing. As long as you keep an eye on these activities during the month, you should be able to keep your data usage within the monthly limit.

7. Go Prepaid

Don’t use the Internet that much at home? Consider opting for a prepaid Internet plan. These plans are a type of Internet service plan where you pay for your Internet access in advance, similar to how you might purchase prepaid minutes for a cellphone. Instead of receiving a monthly bill after using the service, you purchase a specific amount of data or a set period of usage upfront. Once you've used up the allotted data or time, you can choose to purchase more or let the plan expire.

Love to Save

Saving money on your monthly Internet bill doesn’t have to be complicated. But remember that while cost-saving is important, also consider the quality of service and reliability when choosing your Internet service provider. It's essential to balance cost savings with your actual Internet needs, which is why Shentel proudly offers reliable high-speed Internet plans at competitive rates. Check the availability of Shentel Internet in your area and start saving today!

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