Total cost transparency
The price on the flyer is almost never the price on your bill. Here's what gets added and how to ask the right questions before you sign.
Many providers charge $10–$15/month to rent their gateway or Wi-Fi router. This can add $120–$180/year to your total cost. Ask if you can use your own router to avoid this fee — many providers allow this with fiber after the ONT is installed.
Standard installation is often free, but some providers charge $50–$100 for installation or waive it only if you sign a contract. Confirm upfront whether installation is included at no cost.
Some providers advertise a rate that only applies when you enroll in autopay and paperless billing. If you pay manually or want a paper bill, your rate may be $5–$10 higher. Confirm whether the quoted price requires these enrollments.
Federal and state taxes, universal service fund charges, and other regulatory fees add $5–$15/month to most internet bills. These are mandatory and can't be waived, but ask your rep to give you a total estimate including taxes.
If your service goes out and a technician determines the problem is in your home's wiring (not the provider's infrastructure), you may be charged $75–$150 for a service call. Some providers offer an inside wiring protection plan for a small monthly fee.
If you're getting a promotional rate for the first 12 months, ask specifically what the rate becomes afterward. Get this in your order confirmation. The difference can be $15–$30/month — significant over a 3-year period.
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