How to negotiate your internet bill

Have you ever been surprised by an increase on your monthly internet bill? Well, some internet providers may add in unannounced extra charges or increase your internet price seemingly with no notice.

Luckily, you may be able to negotiate with your internet service provider (ISP) when something like this happens, and it could save you money in the long run.

First, check your performance

First things first, it’s wise to know what speeds you’re getting before you talk to your ISP. The speeds advertised on your ISP’s website are likely faster than what you’re getting at home, but it’s necessary to identify if that gap is larger than expected.

Take our internet speed test to determine your upload and download speeds. Compare your results to your internet plan’s speeds and consider what you actually want out of your internet connection.

Do you find your connection inconsistent? Your plan may be too slow for what your household requires. Pinpointing what you want from your internet provider is an important first step in the negotiating process — lowering your bill for your current plan may not actually be the best move for you, and upgrading your speed could be the wiser decision.

Learn more about why your internet is slow.

Does negotiating your internet bill actually work?

Yes, negotiating your internet bill is possible because, like any service industry, companies like to keep loyal customers happy. However, don’t expect your ISP to give you a lower price just because you asked. 

We recommend reviewing your bill carefully and comparing your fees, plan cost and speed with any other ISPs available at your address.

Ask for what you want

When you call your ISP, be friendly and respectful, it can carry a lot of weight. Be clear about what you are asking for.

If your initial request doesn’t get the result you were hoping for, don’t automatically threaten to cancel your service — they just may end up letting you. You can always try calling again later and speaking with a different agent that may offer you a solution.

Do your research

Before you reach out to your ISP, do your research. If you plan on telling your ISP that you will cancel your subscription if they don’t accommodate you, but there are no other providers available at your location, then your provider will likely know you have no other option than to stick with them.

If other providers are available at your address, explore their plan options, prices and new customer offers to use as leverage when negotiating with your current ISP. This is also useful if your negotiations don’t go as planned — at least you know if you have an option for a great deal with another provider, with potentially better speeds.

Aside from external research about providers available in your area, look a bit closer at your own internet bill and the provider’s offers to answer these questions.

• What was the price of your internet when you signed up for your plan, and what is that price now?
• Are there any additional fees that have been tacked on to your bill?
• Do you have a contract that could penalize you if you cancel early?
• Do you feel like you’re paying too much for lackluster service? What are the current deals and promotions offered by your ISP?

Look at other options with your same provider

While researching, dig a little deeper into the other plans your provider offers. Switching plans may be the answer you’re looking for.

Bundles are another factor to consider. Many ISPs offer bundling options that can save you money if you combine services. T-Mobile and Verizon are great examples. Both providers offer a discount on internet service if you bundle an internet plan with a mobile line.

Spectrum also recently released new bundling offers that can save you money on your internet service. Instead of paying full price for internet, bundling your internet plan with a TV plan can save you up to $20/mo. on internet service.

Change providers

If you’ve tried and failed to negotiate with your ISP, there comes a point where you have to bite the bullet and consider switching to a different provider if you truly want a better price or service. If you don’t have any additional options at your address, the best thing you can do is keep trying to negotiate.

If other ISPs are available to you, explore their plans, prices and new customer offers — many ISPs provide some pretty great deals for new subscribers, like discounts.

Negotiating internet bill FAQs

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