Internet service is a complicated market. There are different types of internet services such as fiber, hybrid fiber-coaxial, DSL, and 5G home internet offered by different ISPs in different areas, some of which offer more than one type of service. While major ISPs that operate in most states are generally good enough, local services such as Grande Internet in Texas have more reliable speeds at much better prices.
Then there’s the availability. Even the biggest ISPs are not available everywhere. Also, the prices and availability of plans vary by location. So even if you went to tens of ISP websites to compare plans, it won’t be exactly relevant to your area.
That’s where ISP retailers come in. Authorized (or “Preferred”) retailers are companies that are associated with ISPs but prioritize helping the customer get the best plan, instead of promoting any particular ISP.
Here are 8 reasons why you should get internet plans from a retailer instead of directly from the ISP.
- They Serve at No Extra Cost to You
ISP retailers have tools that help you search all major internet, TV, and home phone service providers available in your area. They also have decided pages for all service providers and customer support agents that help you find a plan that best suits your needs.
When you subscribe to a plan through an authorized retailer, they may earn a small commission from the service provider. However, you don’t have to pay a penny extra. You get the service at the exact same price with the exact same perks as you would directly from the service provider. All their services and benefits mentioned in this article cost nothing to the customer.
- They Can Help You Choose Without Bias
Authorized ISP retailers are associated with multiple ISPs, but they’re not biased in favor of any of them. If one ISP doesn’t fit your unique needs, they’ll suggest you some other one. They also won’t try to sell you a higher speed tier that costs more per month if you don’t need it.
- They Have Major Providers in One Place
Authorized retailers have all the latest internet offers from most if not all major ISPs in the US. You can explore plans from all the ISPs yourself on the same website or only look at offers available in your area.
They also have other useful information about all plans such as price locks, term contracts (if any), data caps (if any), max download and upload speeds, type of service (cable, DSL, etc.), and additional services included with the plan. Dedicated pages uncover specific facts about the ISP that set it apart to help you make an informed decision.
- They Can Get You the Best Deals
ISPs are consistently putting out new exciting offers to out-compete each other. These offers include various additional benefits that can save you a lot in the long run.
For instance, if you get 400 Mbps Xfinity Internet right now, you get free WiFi equipment (a $15 per month value) and Xfinity Mobile Unlimited Intro (a $45 per month value) for 2 years at just $50 per month. Spectrum also currently has a similar offer on its 300 Mbps plan.
Authorized retailers work with ISPs to keep their information up-to-date. They get all the updated offers not just from one ISP but every single one they have. They can suggest you the deals that deliver the most value for money and fit your needs the best.
- They Can Help You Save
Internet plans that seem inexpensive may not be so in the long run. For instance, if you consume a lot of data, an internet plan with a data cap (such as some Xfinity Internet plans in some areas) may end up being costlier for you when you have to pay data overage fees.
Sticking to Xfinity’s example, upgrading your plan to include unlimited data will cost you $30 per month. But you can instead get xFi Complete which includes unlimited data, WiFi equipment, and better security for Xfinity hotspots for an even lower monthly fee of $25 per month.
It may take you a lot of time to figure out how different plans and offers work before you can decide on the right plan for you, and even then you won’t know if it’s the best one on the market. Authorized Xfinity retailers know about these services and can suggest you a plan that includes the most value while meeting your needs at the lowest cost. And if there’s a better option from another ISP available in your area, they’ll suggest that instead.
- They Can Help With Additional Services
ISPs may want you to subscribe to their TV and home phone services along with internet service. Choosing the same provider for these services is also more manageable. However, not all ISPs offer discounts or valuable perks with bundles.
If you do want TV and other services along with the internet, it’s possible you’d be better off choosing separate providers. Only an authorized retailer who knows about the different internet and TV services offered in your area can get you the most value-added services.
- Their Customer Service is Available 24/7
Most authorized retailers are available 24/7. You can call them any time you want regardless of the operating hours of any ISP’s customer service. For instance, BuyTVInternetPhone.com dedicated Cox customer service is available around the clock to help you find the plan that fits your needs. They also have customer service in Spanish.
- They Increase Competition in the Market
The internet service market is not very competitive, partly because many customers don’t have many options to choose from and they’re stuck with their current ISP. Authorized retailers are increasing market competition by making it easier to switch.
Many ISPs have offers for new customers priced lower than what the current customers are paying. So even if you’re not looking for a new internet service provider, it’s worth it to check with an ISP retailer to see if there are any offers available for the same or higher speed at a lower monthly rate.
Retailers also allow you to directly compare offers from different ISPs. It’s easier to choose the best option out there, which incentivizes ISPs to announce better offers than their competitors.
Best Internet Offers Right Now, According To ISP Retailers
So what internet offers are retailers recommending the most right now? Here are some of the latest offers from different ISPs that deliver the most value.
Xfinity Internet
Xfinity’s 400 Mbps internet plan (Xfinity Internet Fast) now comes with free xFi WiFi service and an Xfinity Unlimited Intro mobile line (20 GB soft data cap) at no additional cost for 24 months. This plan costs $55 per month.
The offer is not available in all of Xfinity’s service areas, but similar offers may be available. Call Xfinity customer service to learn more.
Spectrum Internet
With Spectrum’s 300 Mbps internet, you get free WiFi equipment and an Unlimited Mobile line for $49.99 per month. If Xfinity isn’t available in your area, a retailer might suggest this offer. Spectrum also has the fastest download speed across the US according to analysis by Ookla Speedtest.
Grande Internet
Grande Internet has very reliable and consistent download speeds and high upload speeds compared to similar plans from other cable providers. Plans start at $25 per month for speeds ranging from 300 to 1200 Mbps. Currently, Grande Internet includes free installation for all plans.
All Grande Internet plans have unlimited data, no term contract, a free modem, free installation, and 1 month of free service. All plans also have a 2-year price lock, except the 300 Mbps plan which has a 1-year price lock. If you add eero-powered Enhanced Whole Home WiFi equipment, it’ll only cost you $5 per month for the first 2 years.
The 940 Mbps and 1200 Mbps plans also include a $100 gift card and a free Max subscription for 12 months. If you live in Texas, Grande Communications may be the best ISP for you.
Cox Internet
Cox internet plans are offered at standard everyday prices that don’t suddenly go up after a promotion period. Cox’s 100 Mbps internet plan includes Panoramic WiFi equipment (a $14 per month value) while 500 Mbps and 1 Gbps plans are available at low promotional rates.
CenturyLink Internet
CenturyLink isn’t the most widely available ISP, but its fiber internet service (now rebranded as Quantum Fiber) is very affordable compared to competitors. At just $70 per month, you get symmetrical speeds up to 940 Mbps with free installation, free modern, and no contract. However, CenturyLink’s 100 Mbps DSL service is only recommended if cable or fiber internet isn’t available where you live.
In a Nutshell
ISP retailers provide unbiased information about offers at no extra cost to you. They save you the trouble of having to go through different ISPs’ websites by bringing together offers all in one place. Their knowledge of the latest deals and familiarity with various specifics allows them to help you find the best offers available in your area.
