If you are unsure of signing a long-term contract with an internet service provider, there are a few that offer month-to-month services. These are beneficial if you aren’t sure how the services will connect in your home or if you’re unsure of how long you need services in one location. Sometimes, you might feel as though you have to sign over the rest of your life just so that you can connect to the internet with some providers. Some companies offer a lower price to get you to choose them, but after the first year of using their services, your bill tends to increase by a significant amount until you cancel early and have to pay even more money or until you try to negotiate a lower rate once again, often trapping you into keeping their service for even longer. The number of homes with internet service that is month-to-month or no-contract has increased by about 40% throughout the first half of 2021. This has resulted in more companies joining in on how they operate according to the contracts that they offer for customers.
Paying the Price
While not getting involved in a long-term contract might seem like a good move to make, you might have to pay a little more each month for the services that you use. Some providers might try to get you to sign a contract by offering a much lower rate, but keep in mind that this rate usually won’t stay at the point originally stated. If you sign a contract, then you might get faster internet service, but you could also be attached to an early termination fee if you do decide to choose a different internet provider in the future or if you move and the provider doesn’t cover the new area and you have to terminate services. If you choose to use a no-contract service, then you usually won’t have to pay fees for terminating early, but you might not have the fastest service possible and could even see caps on the amount of data that you have available each month.
AT&T
If you choose an internet-only plan through AT&T, then you usually won’t be required to sign any kind of contract. If you do choose to add services, such as phone or television, then you will likely be required to enter into some kind of contract, which could then result in having to pay fees if you terminate early. Keep in mind that you will likely need to use the equipment provided by AT&T, which results in an additional fee on your monthly bill. The fiber internet plans offer a faster connection, and the price per Mbps is fairly affordable.
CenturyLink
There are no cancellation fees with the company as there are no contracts that are required. The amount that you pay per Mbps is a bit lower than other internet providers, which is beneficial if this is the only option available in your area. You can use your own equipment with the provider instead of using theirs.
Cox
While the company doesn’t require a contract, it does strongly recommend that you sign one for about a year so that your services aren’t interrupted and so that you’re locked in at the advertised price as the provider usually doesn’t increase prices like other companies.
Google Fiber
You’ll usually have two options when it comes to this provider, both of which are a bit higher than others. Keep in mind that the speed is typically faster than other providers, so you’re really paying about the same or less per Mbps.
Spectrum
If you’re looking for simplicity, then Spectrum is the company to choose. There are about three plans available that don’t have contracts or any data limits with them. The average charge for each Mbps is a bit higher though.
