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Maude Gauthier

7 Tips to Cut Your Internet Bill Without Sacrificing Speed

7 Tips to Cut Your Internet Bill Without Sacrificing Speed

The internet has become a crucial part of our lives. We need it for work, virtual meetings, keeping in touch with friends and family, streaming our favorite shows, online gaming, and more. However, internet services are often expensive and hard to understand.

Whether you live alone and need to cut living expenses or are a large family with high bandwidth needs, keep reading to find out how to save on internet service.

Children on tablets while parents save on internet bill

1. Closely Examining Your Bill Is the First Step to Save on Internet

First, you have to know what you are paying for. Are you paying any extras? For instance, if you have a data cap, are you staying within that data limit? If you don’t, it’s probably cheaper to switch plans for an unlimited plan or higher data cap.

 

Log in to your provider’s portal to find out:

With this information, you can calculate if you are getting a good cost per Mbps:

Divide the monthly cost of your internet plan by your download speed to get the cost per Mbps.

 

You will also be able to use this information to compare plans (tip #3).

 

While you’re at it, you should also check if you are getting the advertised speeds for your plan. Take an internet speed test to figure it out.

2. Do You Have Too Many Devices?

Our homes are filled with a variety of devices: smart TVs, gaming consoles, phones, smart thermostats, etc. All these connected devices use your bandwidth. They can eat up your data cap and bring down your speed. 

 

Try to keep fewer devices in your home: Are your kids still using this gaming console? Can you keep only one TV? This might be a great opportunity to play outside more often.

Voice device on a table in a living room, to get rid of to save on internet bill

3. How to Save on Your Internet Bill by Researching Competitors

Since the industry is very competitive, other providers will happily offer you an introductory rate lower than what you’re currently paying.

 

Before you sign up, however, make sure your bill won’t go up after a few months. Ask about your monthly costs for the next month, the next six months, and the next year, as well as fees and charges. Make sure you understand how much the plan costs after the promo plan ends. 

 

Once you have all the information in hand, make the same calculations you made at tip #1.

 

Use our comparison tool to research providers in your area.

4. How to Save on Your Internet Bill: Negotiate With Your Provider

Before you sign up with a new provider, pick up the phone and talk to your current provider. They may be able to match that new offer you just got at tip #3. 

 

Telling them you know about competing offers gives you an advantage: Your provider knows you are seriously considering switching providers because you put in the time to do your research.

Try this trick

Cancel your service, but set the cancellation date 3 weeks out. Don’t accept any offers from the rep who is cancelling your service — Wait for the retention department to call you back, they usually have more power to make a deal.

5. Are You Eligible for Low-Cost Internet Programs?

In Canada, there are discount programs to help lower-income families pay for internet service. The Connecting Families Initiative targets:

If you are eligible, you’ll get internet for $10-$20 per month, plus fees such as equipment rental. You may also be able to get a discounted refurbished digital device such as a laptop or tablet.

6. Use Your Own Equipment

Most internet providers charge fees for renting equipment such as a modem and router. That extra $10 per month amounts to $120 per year, plus taxes. 

 

Consider buying your own equipment instead of paying fees forever. The upfront cost may be higher, but it will likely pay for itself after a while and then, you will save money every month.

Video game equipment of people who want to learn how to save on their internet bill

7. Bundle and Save

Usually, internet providers also offer TV and mobile services. You could pay less by bundling your internet with these other services. Check if your provider offers discounted bundle packages.

 

However, make sure you are going to use what you buy. Don’t bundle your internet and mobile services if you already have a better deal for your phone with another provider. Is it worth paying more for mobile service only to get a discount on the internet? Carefully consider the cost of both to determine the best option. 

How to Save on Your Internet Bill FAQs

How much should your internet bill be?

The average internet bill varies greatly depending on your location and your needs. Prices typically range from $40 to $100 per month. 

Is it possible to get your internet for free?

No, there is no way to get your home internet for $0 per month. However, it is possible to get into an initiative that offers discounts. With the Connecting Families Initiative, the internet can cost $10-$20 per month.

What's the cheapest type of internet connection?

The cheapest internet service depends on your area. Usually, it is a plan with low speed and little data. 

Do internet prices always go up after one year?

No, internet prices do not always go up, unless you signed up for a promotional plan that ends after one year. Before signing up, ask about the cost of the service in 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, etc. in order to understand what you are getting into.

What causes internet bills to go up?

Internet providers aim to make a profit. As technology advances, they need to make investments in infrastructures to stay competitive. These costs are then passed on to consumers.

Are there any other ways to lower my internet bill?

Of course, besides the 7 tips explained above, you could still decide to sacrifice speed and go with a slower plan! 

Cut Your Internet Bill Now – Compare Internet Providers

Cutting your internet bill doesn’t have to mean giving up speed or reliability. Start by understanding your usage, comparing providers, negotiating your plan, or exploring low-cost options.

Whether you’re tech-savvy or not, taking the time to follow our simple tips can lead to meaningful savings—without compromising speed.

Comparing Internet Plans in Quebec: Which One Fits Your Needs?

Comparing Internet Plans in Quebec: Which One Fits Your Needs?

How do you know if you’re paying too much, or not enough, for the internet? Finding the right internet plan in Quebec can feel overwhelming. There are so many providers, speeds, and pricing options available. If you’re streaming movies or having multiple work meetings from home, choosing the wrong plan can leave you dealing with frustrating slowdowns. 

Smart TVs, gaming consoles, tablets, smartphones, and other home devices all consume bandwidth. To make the best choice, consider the speed but also data caps, installation fees, and contract terms.

Young women surfing the web to compare internet plans

Compare the Best Internet Plans in Quebec for 2025

In Quebec, we have access to several major internet service providers. The main players include:

Fiber internet generally provides the fastest and most reliable connections, but prices are usually higher. Speeds range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps or higher. 

 

Most people can be content with cable internet. It offers good speeds and widespread availability, typically ranging from 30 Mbps to 500 Mbps. 

 

Some of the best plans include:

If you hesitate between two providers or two different plans, follow the steps detailed in the next paragraphs to make a decision.

Step 1: What Are Your Internet Needs?

Instead of letting yourself be seduced by any internet provider’s marketing, you should assess your needs. What are your household’s specific internet requirements in terms of data consumption, speeds, number of users, etc.?

How To Find Out How Many GB You Need?

Log in to your online account or mobile apps and check your monthly data usage. There should be a section labeled “Usage” or “Data Usage” that will show you how much data you’ve used in recent months.

If you don’t have access to this information, you can estimate based on what you use internet for:

However, the vast majority of residential internet plans offer unlimited plans. Unlimited plans are usually only a few dollars more expensive than limited plans. If you decide to save $5 with a limited plan, be careful not to exceed your download volume.

How to Choose Your Internet Speed?

Internet speed determines how quickly you can download and upload data. Users who primarily browse websites and check email can function well with 25-50 Mbps. But if you work from home, you will probably need at least 50-100 Mbps. Heavy users should consider even higher speeds.

Step 2 to Compare Internet Plans: What Is Your Budget?

The best internet plan for you may simply be the one you can actually afford. Most financial experts suggest keeping utility costs (which includes the internet) under 10% of your monthly income. To make sure you have enough money to cover essential expenses, try to spend no more than 1% of your household income on your internet plan.

 

When assessing the cost of each internet plan, don’t forget to account for installation fees, equipment rental, taxes, and promotional rates (if they jump to a higher rate after a few months).

Step 3: Determine the Best Providers For Your Address

Internet availability varies significantly by location. Rural areas may have more limited options, with only cable internet offered by one provider, for instance.

 

Always start by checking service availability at your specific address using providers’ websites. They should be able to show a list of plans with specific details about speed and data, available at your address.

Gaming station, compare internet plans to get enough bandwidth

Step 4: Choose Your Internet Plan and Understand Your Contract

Here’s a simple way to quickly pick the best option:

Upon receiving your contract, read the fine print carefully. Look for:

How to Save Money on Installation?

Most installations can be completed by customers using self-installation instructions, for free. But if you choose a new service provider, they may have to come to your home to install their line. Professional installation costs $50-150 but ensures proper setup and troubleshooting if issues arise.

Step 5: Find Ways to Save Money When You Compare Internet Plans

Pay with a Credit Card

 

Using a credit card that offers cashback or points for utility payments is the easiest way to save on your internet service. Some cards offer 2-5% cashback on recurring payments or utilities. However, don’t forget to always pay your credit card bill on time. Otherwise you’ll face interest charges that will offset the savings.

Negotiate Your Internet Plan

 

You would like to stay with your current provider, but you found a great deal elsewhere? Contact your current provider’s retention department rather than general customer service. Talk to an agent about their competitor’s offer and ask them to match it. These specialists can offer discounts and their job is to keep customers from switching providers.

 

Be prepared to actually switch providers if negotiations fail. 

Are Family Plans Economical?

 

Shared data plans allow multiple users to draw from a common data pool, which can be more cost-effective if you have a large family or live in a multi-generational household. However, compare family plan costs to individual plans carefully, especially if usage patterns vary significantly among family members.

Promotions and Referrals

 

Most major internet providers offer referral programs and promotional codes. These are good ways to get discounts or credits. Before subscribing to a new plan, check third-party deal sites for promotional codes.

Comparing Internet Plans: Make Sure You Get What You Pay For

Once you’ve purchased a plan and started using it, review your monthly bill carefully to ensure you’re being charged the correct amount. 

 

If you have doubts about your service quality, start monitoring it regularly using speed testing tools, for example.

 

If you find out you aren’t getting what you pay for or have any other issue with your provider, it’s a good idea to switch providers during your renewal period.

Compare Internet Plans and Get the Most of Your Money

When was the last time you compared your current monthly bill with what other providers charge for similar speeds in your area? You may be surprised by what you would find out if you compared plans today!

Find out if you should be downgrading to get a lower-cost plan or upgrading to suit your growing needs.