The Pros and Cons of Using a Smaller Internet Provider >> When choosing your internet provider, you might be more drawn to a range of large, well-known providers. But while there is a common misconception that it’s more efficient and even safer to use large telecom and internet providers because they’ve been around for some time and everybody has heard of them, there are also plenty of reasons to consider using a smaller internet provider next time you are going to switch. Whether you are in the process of choosing a new internet provider for your home or business, going through the pros and cons of smaller internet providers will help you determine if this is the right choice for you.
Pros:
- More Customer Focus:
One of the main advantages of choosing a smaller internet provider is the increased customer focus. Compared to the larger internet and telecoms companies out there, small providers are often able to offer a much more personalized service. They usually run the service to where the individuals need it the most and billing is typically easier to deal with. Many smaller internet companies were developed to help residents rather than simply to make money and compete with the bigger providers. As a result, they are usually better able to provide more tailored solutions for your home or business. Find out more
- Save Money:
Smaller internet providers are often able to offer much better and cheaper prices compared to their larger competitions. This is because the smaller providers are able to concentration on high density areas, while bigger providers cover much larger areas and have higher costs to cover. If you are living in a main city, then chances are that you are going to have a lot of different suppliers to choose from, including smaller ones that might only be available in that city and are able to offer the same quality of services at a much lower cost compared to the big names. Since the smaller internet providers do not have as many expenditures such as payroll, lease and legal fees compared to larger, nationwide internet providers, they are usually able to pass these savings onto their customers. Find out more about saving money on internet fees.
- Avoid Expensive Service Bundles:
While many internet providers, no matter their size, will now offer a range of service bundles for consumers to choose from, a smaller internet company may be able to offer this for less. In addition, it might be worth considering choosing separate services for your internet, telephone and TV rather than getting a bundle from a larger provider in order to save money. If this is an idea that appeals to you, choosing a smaller internet provider to cover the internet and broadband side of things can be an ideal way to save money overall on all the services you need. By choosing to have your internet through a smaller and cheaper provider, you can often save a substantial amount by choosing your own TV and telephone services from other small or affordable providers rather than opting for one bundle from a bigger company.
- Better Existing Customer Deals:
If you have ever ended up paying more over time just because you have been loyal to a certain large internet provider, you will know just how frustrating it can be, especially when new customers are getting access to great deals that you’re no longer eligible for simply because you know that you are a paying customer. On the other hand, many smaller internet providers do not operate in this way, because they focus more on customer retention rather than the customer acquisition strategies that are often put in place by the bigger companies. As a result, you are less likely to end up paying more over time just for sticking with them as a customer and any special offers and deals are more likely to be available to all customers rather than just new ones.
Cons:
Although there are certainly many benefits of considering a smaller provider for your next internet service, there are also some drawbacks that you might want to consider. These include:
- Limited Customer Service:
Despite being customer-focused, a smaller internet provider might not always be able to provide the same level of customer service availability compared to the larger companies. Bigger internet providers will often have 24/7 contact centers or live chat options that are simply not accessible by the smaller internet providers, who tend to be more likely to only be available during business hours and over the telephone or email. This can be frustrating if anything goes wrong with your internet outside of business hours and you can’t get in touch with anybody straight away.
- Internet Connectivity:
In most areas, internet connectivity might not always be a problem regardless of whether you are with a larger or smaller company. However, bear in mind that smaller internet providers may not always offer faster broadband options such as fiber optic, which can be frustrating if you are looking to get the best and fastest internet connection for your home or business.
- Availability:
While larger broadband providers tend to be available no matter where you go in the country, you may often find that small telecoms companies only provide services to certain areas. Because of this, you might have a harder time switching your internet service over if you move home or move to a new business premises. In some cases, availability of service is only possible in certain select areas, meaning that you could miss out on continuing with this internet provider even if you don’t move very far away. Before choosing an internet provider, it’s a good idea to do some research beforehand and find out where they cover so that you can decide if it’s the best one for you based on your future plans.
When choosing your next internet provider, there is a range of both large and smaller internet providers to choose from. Going for a smaller and lesser-known provider can have many different benefits, but there are also some potential drawbacks that are worth being aware of.
