Author Topic: What do you pay for internet service?  (Read 9455 times)

Pizzabrewer

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 690
What do you pay for internet service?
« on: April 22, 2018, 09:39:49 AM »
We are in month 15 of a 2-year contract with Verizon Fios.  Current charges are $59.99 per month for 50/50 speed.  I've recently seen them advertising $39.99 per month for 100/100 speed.

I understand I signed a contract but this is quite a disparity.  Am I being ripped off at this point?  Any advice?

TIA

radram

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 956
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #1 on: April 22, 2018, 10:06:39 AM »
I am paying for $39.99 per month through Spectrum. Unlimited, but I am not sure of the speed I am paying for, but just tested and getting 20Mbps / 2Mbps. I am sure when I first signed up, I was only paying for 4 or 6Mbps, and I have not requested an upgrade. Maybe they can not get it that slow anymore?

I am finding that most of those advertised deals require bundling, and are only for a limited term.

Most places will allow you to renew a contract prior to its expiration, but only if you spend more. You could call and see what you can do. Worst case is they say no, but then they are on notice that you are looking. You might "magically" get an offer around the time your current contract expires.

Syonyk

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4610
    • Syonyk's Project Blog
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #2 on: April 22, 2018, 02:04:20 PM »
I pay $75/mo for a 15/3 connection, and $50/mo for a secondary 5/1 connection.

Both rural wireless, both combined manage... maybe 99.9% uptime?  Not great, but workable.

My work arrangements from home require reasonably reliable internet service, so between the two I can maintain connectivity most of the time.

Pizzabrewer

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 690
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #3 on: April 22, 2018, 02:19:35 PM »
So I chatted online with a rep for about 20 minutes.  I ended up getting $25 a month knocked off my price, although I did have to re-up with a new 2 year contract. 

I consider that a win.

Carrie

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 602
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #4 on: April 22, 2018, 02:57:44 PM »
We pay $60 for 1 gigabyte up & down.

gooki

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2917
  • Location: NZ
    • My FIRE journal
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #5 on: April 22, 2018, 03:28:43 PM »
$50 USD per month for 100/20 fiber.

SpareChange

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 707
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #6 on: April 22, 2018, 04:22:35 PM »
$52.20 total for 45/5 through Att.

dmac680chi

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 69
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #7 on: April 22, 2018, 04:22:35 PM »
We pay $60 for 1 gigabyte up & down.

That’s amazing! Where?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Carrie

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 602
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #8 on: April 22, 2018, 04:45:01 PM »
Suburbia, Mississippi. :)

cap396

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 55
  • Age: 51
  • Location: FIREd and Traveling the World
    • Snail Travelers - Traveling the World at a Snail's Pace
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #9 on: April 22, 2018, 06:51:05 PM »
We pay $59.99 through Spectrum in Charlotte, just tested it: 13 download and 8 upload.  We had a $20 promotional discount for awhile, but they wouldn't renew the discount despite several phone calls.  (We're moving overseas this summer, and can't wait to be done with Spectrum).

DreamFIRE

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1593
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #10 on: April 22, 2018, 07:40:07 PM »
$39.95/mo for 3 Mbps

jc4

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 173
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #11 on: April 22, 2018, 10:37:58 PM »
$0, we use a hotspot from a phone plan with unlimited data.

expatartist

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2270
  • Location: Hong Kong/Paris
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #12 on: April 23, 2018, 12:29:43 AM »
US$35/mo for 1 gigabyte up & down, and an extra mobile phone# I never use. Originally used the extra # when I had an AirBnB. Once the contract's up in Oct, I'll remove the mobile and pay $30 instead.

I live in Hong Kong, use HK Broadband Network.

alsoknownasDean

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2843
  • Age: 39
  • Location: Melbourne, Australia
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #13 on: April 23, 2018, 03:00:16 AM »
$A59.95 (about $US46) a month, 14/1 ADSL, 500GB per month quota.

If mobile data speeds were faster here I'd cancel my ADSL. I use maybe 40GB a month.

NextTime

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 856
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #14 on: April 23, 2018, 07:53:36 AM »
I pay $40/month for AT&T 50/25. I believe there's like a 100GB limit, but never come close to it.

I only get it for $40 because we have an AT&T family plan

Catica

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 492
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #15 on: April 24, 2018, 05:22:02 AM »
$0, we use a hotspot from a phone plan with unlimited data.
Do you mean you just tether to the phone?

des999

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 280
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #16 on: April 24, 2018, 05:53:57 AM »
I pay 50/month for Spectrum 100mbps

I had always gotten it for 40/month when it was Time Warner (slower speed), but now Spectrum claims those slower speeds no longer exist, they tried to charge me 59.00, but I talked them down to 50.

I hate paying that much, but I need it as I work from home 2x a week. 

pecunia

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 2840
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #17 on: April 24, 2018, 06:01:38 AM »
Right now $40 with a recently signed 2 year contract.  I was paying $60 with Charter Spectrum.

Note:  Have you ever considered the installed investment of internet outside the home?  Now consider the vast installed investment of your electrical connection outside the home.  Most of the year, my electrical bill is less than the internet.  For the bang for the buck, you get a lot more for your electric.  Have you ever considered why?  There is much more infrastructure to pay off with electricity.  Doesn't it seem backwards?

Which is regulated and which is not?  When someone wants to deregulate something, someone is pushing to make money from you.

chemistk

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1739
  • Location: Mid-Atlantic
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #18 on: April 24, 2018, 06:11:49 AM »
$60/month for 20 down / 2 up, 800GB monthly allowance (Blue Ridge Communications).

JLee

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7512
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #19 on: April 24, 2018, 07:38:05 AM »
We are in month 15 of a 2-year contract with Verizon Fios.  Current charges are $59.99 per month for 50/50 speed.  I've recently seen them advertising $39.99 per month for 100/100 speed.

I understand I signed a contract but this is quite a disparity.  Am I being ripped off at this point?  Any advice?

TIA

From what I have been told, Verizon's contract breaking fees are trivial. They're advertising that for new customers and also $79.99 for gigabit with TV. I don't care about TV but gigabit is lovely...

If I had my own service, I'd be paying $80 for Verizon (the aforementioned gigabit service).  My in-building neighbors are sharing theirs though and refuse to accept money for it, sooooo I pay nothing at the moment. I just make them drinks whenever they stop by, lol.

Blonde Lawyer

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 762
    • My Student Loan Refi Story
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #20 on: April 24, 2018, 07:45:02 AM »
Currently $90 just for internet with XFinity.  There are no other high speed internet providers that service us and they know it.  I just heard an add for 2 year bundle of XFinity internet, xfinity mobile and cable for $70/month.  I don't need cable but if I could bundle my cell phone (Verizon $50/month) with my internet with the same internet company for less than I'm paying now, sign me up! I know it will sky rocket again after 2 years but I can re-evaluate then.  Problem is it is only for new customers.  I'd be a new customer for their mobile plan so maybe it will work.  I just don't have the patience to deal with it this week but it's on my to do list!

shelbyautumn

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 99
  • Age: 33
  • Location: Mississippi
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #21 on: April 24, 2018, 11:15:58 AM »
$40 for "up to" 25 Mbps with AT&T. I doubt it's even close to that fast.

I hate it and want to switch to C-Spire fiber once our contract is up...they charge $80 a month for 1 Gbps. Don't know that I can justify the increase.

Carrie

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 602
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #22 on: April 24, 2018, 01:17:29 PM »
$40 for "up to" 25 Mbps with AT&T. I doubt it's even close to that fast.

I hate it and want to switch to C-Spire fiber once our contract is up...they charge $80 a month for 1 Gbps. Don't know that I can justify the increase.

I think we got a $10 discount having our cell plan with Cspire too, and another bit off by having basic cable. We love the 1 Gbps, but my DH works from home so we can tell the difference.

YoungGranny

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 751
  • Age: 33
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #23 on: April 24, 2018, 01:22:01 PM »
We pay $19 a month with Comcast for 50mbps.

neophyte

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 631
  • Location: A wretched hive of scum and villainy
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #24 on: April 25, 2018, 02:36:27 PM »
Comcast is my only option, so sadly I can't even threaten them with much. My previous year promo just expired, I will now be paying $70 for 60/undisclosed plus a $15 "installation fee" (translation: activation code) and $15 shipping. I'm incensed.   

Edit:  I can get Verizon FIOS now! No more monopoly!  Off to get a better deal! Take that Comcast!
« Last Edit: April 25, 2018, 04:21:39 PM by neophyte »

ketchup

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4323
  • Age: 33
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #25 on: April 25, 2018, 03:05:39 PM »
$79/mo including fees for 1000mbps down and 250mbps up.  Regional fiber provider that moved into town last year and is kicking ass.  Comcast was the only real option before (AT&T exists but is slower and more expensive than Comcast).

Pizzabrewer

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 690
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #26 on: May 16, 2018, 08:51:01 AM »
So I chatted online with a rep for about 20 minutes.  I ended up getting $25 a month knocked off my price, although I did have to re-up with a new 2 year contract. 

I consider that a win.

So $5 of the savings was for enrolling in AutoPay. Which I did.

I then got an email saying my AutoPay was canceled and therefore I won't get the $5 discount.

A very lengthy phone call with Verizon support ensued. The short version is they can not reinstate the automatic discount but will be happy to adjust my bill each month if I call in.

Sigh.

Pizzabrewer

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 690
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #27 on: May 16, 2018, 08:55:44 AM »
Thanks for all the responses. It's amazing the wide variation in price and speed.

bacchi

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7056
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #28 on: May 16, 2018, 09:10:19 AM »
A little late to the party but...

Currently $40 for 50/5.

SO will sign up this week for $35 for 300/20 and then I'll cancel the $40 service.

It's the same provider that doesn't even offer 50 down anymore.

mxt0133

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1547
  • Location: San Francisco
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #29 on: May 16, 2018, 09:32:57 AM »
We have been on extended travel for the past two months or so.  When I came back to our place a month ago I decided to cancel our ISP and use the GUEST Wifi of our building.  So far it has worked, I will see how long we can keep this up.  I am still able to work from home, hold conference calls, watch Netflix, ect.  Although they do block certain sites, which in honesty I should not be visiting in the first place =(, it's working out so far.

Ideally I would just work with one of my neighbors to get a really fast line and share it among 2-3 households.  Because I live in an apartment complex I can literally see a dozen Wifi networks with full signal.  We are all paying a boat load together and leaving it 90% underutilized.

Pizzabrewer

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 690
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #30 on: May 18, 2018, 07:12:26 AM »
So I chatted online with a rep for about 20 minutes.  I ended up getting $25 a month knocked off my price, although I did have to re-up with a new 2 year contract. 

I consider that a win.

So $5 of the savings was for enrolling in AutoPay. Which I did.

I then got an email saying my AutoPay was canceled and therefore I won't get the $5 discount.

A very lengthy phone call with Verizon support ensued. The short version is they can not reinstate the automatic discount but will be happy to adjust my bill each month if I call in.

Sigh.

Got the first monthly bill for the new plan.  As expected the $5 discount for AutoPay was not included.

I called CS and did get the adjustment.  It took 10 minutes while she "looked it up" and "checked with her supervisor".  In the meantime she was constantly selling.  "Who's your TV provider?  Who's your cell service with?  You can save a lot by bundling.  Do you stream?  We have a great Starz package."

I guess I have 23 more months of this to go through.

BlueMR2

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2313
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #31 on: May 20, 2018, 01:47:48 PM »
$28/mo now for 20/2 service.  The killer is the 100 GiB monthly cap though.  That kills any chance of working from home and means we have to be *very* careful about streaming.  We do the majority of our audio and video through antenna to avoid hitting the cap.

LeRainDrop

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1834
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #32 on: May 20, 2018, 07:28:28 PM »
$25 per month (inclusive of all taxes and fees) for 100 mbps, no contract.  I could opt up to 1 gig speed for a good price, but I don't need any faster than the 100.  The deal is particular to my high-rise building.
« Last Edit: May 20, 2018, 07:57:19 PM by LeRainDrop »

Rcc

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 84
  • Location: NC
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #33 on: May 20, 2018, 07:37:07 PM »
$70/mo for google fiber. Gig up gig down. Same price I paid for TWC/spectrum 25/10, then 100/30 as google creeped in. Happy as a clam.

boarder42

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 9332
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #34 on: May 21, 2018, 07:08:17 AM »
0 dollars for 5 down/ 1 up. 

fuzzy math

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1726
  • Age: 42
  • Location: PNW
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #35 on: May 23, 2018, 06:33:01 AM »
$70 for 60MB with Mediacom. Formerly was getting 100 MB for $60 but the discount ran out. Jerks.

Only other option for service is CenturyLink dsl which has a Max speed of 25MB for $45. Thinking about switching but I can't remember if streaming services suffer at that speed.

Sent from my H1623 using Tapatalk


radram

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 956
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #36 on: May 23, 2018, 06:40:03 AM »
$70 for 60MB with Mediacom. Formerly was getting 100 MB for $60 but the discount ran out. Jerks.

Only other option for service is CenturyLink dsl which has a Max speed of 25MB for $45. Thinking about switching but I can't remember if streaming services suffer at that speed.

Sent from my H1623 using Tapatalk

I just ran a speed test. I got 22.9Mb download. We regularly run 3 Netflix and/or Hulu streams simultaneously with no troubles.

katsiki

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2015
  • Age: 43
  • Location: La.
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #37 on: May 23, 2018, 07:46:55 AM »
$70 for 60MB with Mediacom. Formerly was getting 100 MB for $60 but the discount ran out. Jerks.

Only other option for service is CenturyLink dsl which has a Max speed of 25MB for $45. Thinking about switching but I can't remember if streaming services suffer at that speed.

Sent from my H1623 using Tapatalk

I just ran a speed test. I got 22.9Mb download. We regularly run 3 Netflix and/or Hulu streams simultaneously with no troubles.

Agreed.  25MB is plenty for multiple streams.

boarder42

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 9332
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #38 on: May 23, 2018, 10:16:09 AM »
$70 for 60MB with Mediacom. Formerly was getting 100 MB for $60 but the discount ran out. Jerks.

Only other option for service is CenturyLink dsl which has a Max speed of 25MB for $45. Thinking about switching but I can't remember if streaming services suffer at that speed.

Sent from my H1623 using Tapatalk

I just ran a speed test. I got 22.9Mb download. We regularly run 3 Netflix and/or Hulu streams simultaneously with no troubles.

Agreed.  25MB is plenty for multiple streams.

yeah this is piles - we stream 2-3 streams with 5mb

JLee

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7512
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #39 on: May 23, 2018, 10:27:12 AM »
$70 for 60MB with Mediacom. Formerly was getting 100 MB for $60 but the discount ran out. Jerks.

Only other option for service is CenturyLink dsl which has a Max speed of 25MB for $45. Thinking about switching but I can't remember if streaming services suffer at that speed.

Sent from my H1623 using Tapatalk

I just ran a speed test. I got 22.9Mb download. We regularly run 3 Netflix and/or Hulu streams simultaneously with no troubles.

Agreed.  25MB is plenty for multiple streams.

yeah this is piles - we stream 2-3 streams with 5mb

Quality is compromised, but it is possible. Here are bandwidth requirements/recommendations per Netflix:

0.5 Megabits per second - Required broadband connection speed
1.5 Megabits per second - Recommended broadband connection speed
3.0 Megabits per second - Recommended for SD quality
5.0 Megabits per second - Recommended for HD quality
25 Megabits per second - Recommended for Ultra HD quality

ketchup

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4323
  • Age: 33
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #40 on: May 23, 2018, 10:33:44 AM »
$70 for 60MB with Mediacom. Formerly was getting 100 MB for $60 but the discount ran out. Jerks.

Only other option for service is CenturyLink dsl which has a Max speed of 25MB for $45. Thinking about switching but I can't remember if streaming services suffer at that speed.

Sent from my H1623 using Tapatalk

I just ran a speed test. I got 22.9Mb download. We regularly run 3 Netflix and/or Hulu streams simultaneously with no troubles.

Agreed.  25MB is plenty for multiple streams.

yeah this is piles - we stream 2-3 streams with 5mb

Quality is compromised, but it is possible. Here are bandwidth requirements/recommendations per Netflix:

0.5 Megabits per second - Required broadband connection speed
1.5 Megabits per second - Recommended broadband connection speed
3.0 Megabits per second - Recommended for SD quality
5.0 Megabits per second - Recommended for HD quality
25 Megabits per second - Recommended for Ultra HD quality
"Ultra HD" to Netflix means 4K.  I can't imagine too many Mustachians are streaming in 4K, never mind multiple streams. :P  25mbps is plenty for multiple HD streams, assuming it's an otherwise solid connection (unfortunately not always a given).

Trying2bFrugal

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 204
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #41 on: May 23, 2018, 10:42:03 AM »
My apartment only has ATT. $60/25Mbps. I think there is 1tb limit.  We never cross 100gb due to chrome cast gen 1.
Could get for $40 by switching it on wide name but since we may move, it's sitting on 60.

Arbitrage

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1404
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #42 on: May 23, 2018, 10:47:15 AM »
Was $59.99/mo for my current 60/5 cable internet with Spectrum.  They raised it to $64.99/mo for this year's annual increase.  Nice 8.3% inflation there.  Unfortunately, despite living in a major metropolitan area, my options are limited, and internet does drive our house (phone, TV, music, gaming, Alexa), so a good connection is important to us.  DSL is available for about the same rate, though promos would be possible if I jumped back and forth.  Maybe I could call to try to get a bit of relief (the last time I did that the best they would do was $5 off for 6 months). 

nkt0

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 259
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #43 on: May 23, 2018, 12:42:46 PM »
Was $71.02 (Verizon FiOS 50/50 in Philadelphia). Called to switch to Comcast and they lowered my bill to $51.81 (same service level). We'll see how long that lasts. They tend to slowly ratchet it up over time (even though they claimed over the phone that this price is locked in for 2 years).

caffeine

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 156
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #44 on: May 23, 2018, 12:44:43 PM »
$80 for 100 down/ 25 up

Tested, I get about 150 down and 30 up.

robartsd

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 3342
  • Location: Sacramento, CA
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #45 on: May 23, 2018, 02:14:30 PM »
About $37/mo after taxes and fees for the lowest tier (can't remember if that is 5 or 15 mbps, we have at most 1 HD stream at a time) offered in Sacramento by Consolidated Communications, Inc. (12 month introductory rate was about $26/mo after taxes and fees).

katsiki

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2015
  • Age: 43
  • Location: La.
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #46 on: May 23, 2018, 03:02:49 PM »
For those in ATT land, check out toast.net.  It is ATT service at a better price.  I learned about it here from Daley (I think).

If anyone wants a referral, send me a PM.

BlueMR2

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 2313
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #47 on: May 23, 2018, 04:35:50 PM »
For those in ATT land, check out toast.net.  It is ATT service at a better price.  I learned about it here from Daley (I think).

If anyone wants a referral, send me a PM.

They provide other circuit types as well.  I had Frontier's DSL with Toast.Net in the past and currently they are providing me with cable.

fuzzy math

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1726
  • Age: 42
  • Location: PNW
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #48 on: May 23, 2018, 05:32:29 PM »
Thanks for the data points everyone! I think we will switch. Mediacom does not offer anything less than 60 MB. It's ridiculous. I think cable companies are trying to figure out how to recapture lost revenue from the loss of cable subscription and the growth in streaming. Sucks!

Sent from my H1623 using Tapatalk


Syonyk

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4610
    • Syonyk's Project Blog
Re: What do you pay for internet service?
« Reply #49 on: May 23, 2018, 10:11:31 PM »
I think cable companies are trying to figure out how to recapture lost revenue from the loss of cable subscription and the growth in streaming. Sucks!

... this is not at all an unreasonable thing for a business with multiple lines of income to be doing, you realize.

I'd love 60Mbit.  The only way I get that is a half grand a month and doing a long range (4 mile) wireless link, after convincing the local town to let me put wireless gear on their water tower.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!