Identifying and choosing the best internet provider for your home in Nashville can seem complicated, but by closely evaluating a few variables, you’ll find the ideal service for you. Some factors hold more weight than others depending on your personal preferences—for example, if you live out in the country, you might be looking for internet providers that service rural areas, or if you’re budget-conscious, you’ll look more closely at the lowest-priced plans between companies.
Below are a few categories to check off for each company you’re interested in:
Availability
Your location drives the initial list of providers you consider because you’ll choose one that services Nashville and your specific neighborhood. Some areas may only have a handful of companies to compare, but others may have dozens. Evaluate the major differentiating factors of each company to pare down your list further.
Speed
Depending on your interests and needs, each company’s download and upload speeds may be more important to you than some of the other categories. Most ISPs advertise a 1-GB-per-second download speed, which is a good benchmark speed for streaming from multiple devices.
Cost
The cost of your internet plan could be a make-or-break factor, especially if you’re prioritizing budget-friendly options. While some plans start as low as $20 per month for a plan with decent speeds, others can cost you up to $300. The monthly rate you land on will depend not only on the plan you choose but on your area, as well. For example, if you’re in a remote area that is generally difficult to service, you may see higher rates than in high-traffic areas.
Reliability
Your internet’s reliability is non-negotiable, especially if you work from home and take daily video conferencing calls. The ISP you choose will play a big role in your internet experience, so make sure that your chosen company’s reviews show that its internet is reliable. Just in case, we also recommend choosing a company with a variety of customer support options like live chat and daily phone support.
Bundling
If you plan to bundle your internet, phone and cable together, you’ll want to assess each company’s bundle offerings closely. Compare pricing and what’s included in each provider’s package, and choose what makes the most sense for you.
Data Caps
You’ll find that some providers put data caps on your monthly data use. When you hit your limit, you won’t necessarily lose service, but you may experience slower speeds. It’s important to read the fine print for each company’s offerings because some are clear about their data limits while others require closer evaluation.
Connection Type
If you’re particular about the connection type you want in your home, you’ll be able to narrow your list down even further by knocking out any that do not offer that type. Whether you’re looking for fiber, cable, wireless, satellite or 5G, many companies cover all of these options.
Contracts
ISPs don’t always require contracts, but if you’re not keen on signing up for one, ask that question early on when consulting with potential internet providers. Contracts often have fine print that, if not read thoroughly, can result in hidden fees that customers didn’t know about before locking themselves into a contract. And worse—breaking a contract can be difficult (and costly). Circumvent this headache by clarifying whether a company requires a contract and reading the fine print.
