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Home and phone

Lower your home internet bill

Internet bills creep up when promotional rates end. Negotiating, buying your own router and choosing the right speed all help.

Quickest win: Call when your promo rate ends

Where to start: effort vs impact

Small ← Impact → Big
1Call when your promo rate ends5Check for low-income programs
2Pick the right speed
3Buy your own modem and router6Compare other providers
4Check broadband labels
EasyEffortHard
Home internet

Photo: Syced, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Most households pay for more speed than they use, and many still rent a modem or router.

Ways to save

1
Call when your promo rate ends

Ask retention for a new promotional rate.

Easy Big saving
2
Pick the right speed

Many households are fine with a mid-tier plan.

Easy Good saving
3
Buy your own modem and router

Stops the monthly equipment rental fee.

Some effort Good saving
4
Check broadband labels

Providers must show a standard label with the real monthly price and fees.

Easy Small saving
5
Check for low-income programs

The federal Lifeline program and many providers’ own low-income plans.

Easy Big saving
6
Compare other providers

Fibre, fixed wireless or 5G home internet may be available.

Some effort Good saving

Step by step

  1. Find your current speed, price and any equipment fees on your bill.
  2. Check what other providers offer at your address.
  3. Call your provider’s retention department with a competitor’s price.
  4. If you buy your own equipment, check it is on the provider’s approved list and return the rented one.

What to say

Hi, my bill went up to [$amount] and I can get [speed] from [competitor] for [$amount]. I’d rather not switch. Can you put me on a better rate? If not, I’d like to cancel.

Fill in your details in the script builder →

When

A few weeks before your promotional rate ends.

Watch out for

  • Fees for equipment you could own.
  • Contracts with early termination fees.

Good to know

  • Since 2024, US broadband providers must display standard broadband “nutrition” labels showing price, fees and speeds.

Did it work? What readers report

Real results from people who tried these steps on their home internet bill. "Worked" means they got a lower price; savings are per month, counting only people who saved something.

Loading reader results…

Tried one of these? Tell us how it went

Anonymous. We show results only once at least 5 people have reported, and never show single reports.

See results for every bill on what worked.

General information, not financial, legal or insurance advice. Terms vary by provider and state.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to lower my home internet bill?

Call when your promo rate ends. Ask retention for a new promotional rate.

When should I shop for home internet?

A few weeks before your promotional rate ends.

What worked for readers

Cut your Home internet bill? Tell us what worked. The first good one goes right here.

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Questions from readers

Question about Home internet? Ask it here.

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