This week, AT&T announced its new AT&T Access Plan, which would provide assistance to low-income families to pay for high-speed internet. As reported by The Verge, "eligible customers get 'up to 100 Mbps of symmetrical speeds' for $30 per month — a big upgrade from where the 10 or 25 megabits per second for $10 per month the plan used to max out. The $30 price-point may seem like a steep increase, but anyone who’s eligible and applies to the Affordable Connectivity Program can get up to $30 off their internet bill, which would essentially make the highest-tier Access plan free."
The bad news: the program is not currently available for Cincinnati residents or businesses, for that matter. In fact, Americans overall struggle to access affordable, high-speed internet. This leaves business owners in a tough spot. How can they cut their costs when it comes to developing a good IT infrastructure? Let's look at some tips and tricks any firm can employ to cut down on their network expenses.
Lowering your Internet Costs
It's important to shop around, when it comes to internet service providers (ISPs). Even though Spectrum arguably dominates the Cincinnati market, that doesn't mean firms only have a single choice. Other providers also offer affordable business plans, sometimes at lower rates.
Even if you would rather stick with Spectrum, it's always advisable to read your internet invoice carefully. You may be surprised by the fees you see. What's more, your bill can also shed light on your average monthly usage. Maybe you don't need a plan that's as robust as the one you're using now. Or maybe you could cut down on your usage in other ways, like eliminating redundant devices.
Speaking of devices, one of the most commonly given bits of advice, when it comes to controlling your internet costs, is to invest in your own infrastructure, namely routers, modems, wireless extenders, and other signal sources. Many providers charge monthly fees for use of their equipment, so investing in your own will save you money over time, even if you have to fork over the cash to pay for them in the short-term.
Finally, understand that you--as a customer--have leverage. Try to negotiate with your service provider for a better rate. This is especially helpful if your ISP increases your charges after an introductory promotional period. The last thing they want is to lose your business, so you may be surprised with their accommodations. If they're unwilling to work with you, don't be afraid to drop them and try someone else.
Planning for the Future
Last year, the Biden administration signed an infrastructure program into law that allocates $65 billion towards bringing broadband internet to every American by 2030. Whether that can actually be accomplished remains to be seen, but it does provide some optimism for both normal people and businesses who struggle in obtaining reliable internet access.
In the meantime, firms need to take hard look at their own infrastructure and determine if there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing efficiency. Titan Tech can guide any firm on their journey to modernize their infrastructure. They're also a useful resource for firms examining their budget and considering how to make their operations more efficient and cost-effective. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how they can help you.
And join us next week for more tech news.