现在有很多公司提供互联网交易，所以很容易转向宣传（看似）更好的交易的人。但是，您如何判断哪个 Internet 服务提供商 ( ISP ) 真正提供了更好的选择？
让我们看看在比较新的互联网提供商时要记住的最重要的事情。
隐藏费用和取消条款
ISP(ISPs)希望让他们的交易看起来尽可能有吸引力。因此，当然，他们会将交易中最好的部分放在前面和中心，并在细则中隐藏不那么吸引人的方面。仔细阅读条款和条件以了解是否存在任何陷阱非常重要。
例如，一个常见问题涉及您要取消服务的通知期。较长的通知期可能意味着必须在旧提供商处停留的时间比您希望的要长，或者在向新(Long)ISP的过渡期间必须支付双倍的费用。
许多看似不错的交易也是定期合同的一部分。因此，通过将自己锁定一两年，您可以获得更好的价格。如果您选择取消，则必须支付高昂的取消费用并结算作为交易一部分提供的任何硬件。
安装成本和新硬件
当您比较互联网提供商时，这给我们带来了另一个关键问题。您可以将现有硬件与新的服务提供商一起使用，还是必须购买新的东西？如果您必须购买新东西，是否需要专业安装？
例如，如果您从DSL（数字用户(subscriber)线路）互联网转移到光纤，您当前的DSL路由器仍然可以通过它的WAN（广域网(Wide Area Network)）以太网端口工作，但如果它需要有人在家中安装光纤端点不在那里。如果需要这样的安装，请确保您知道谁负责支付费用以及费用。
同样，家庭 5G 等固定无线互联网服务在世界部分地区变得越来越流行，但这通常意味着购买特殊的蜂窝调制解调器和路由器设备，并可能在屋顶或窗外安装天线。
ISP 通常(Often ISPs)会提供“免费”安装和硬件。但是，这通常与长期合同挂钩。因此，请仔细考虑您是否想在短期内省钱，然后忍受锁定付款。作为这些交易的一部分， ISP(ISPs)提供的硬件通常也不是很好。在大多数情况下，您最好自己购买质量更高的设备，但请务必查看ISP提供的硬件评论。(ISP)
注意(Pay Attention)下游和上游(Downstream AND Upstream Speeds)速度
许多互联网供应商，甚至那些提供光纤互联网的供应商，都在销售“不对称”的互联网服务。这意味着下载速度与上传速度不同。多年来，大多数互联网用户都需要快速的下载速度，并且很少使用宽上游管道。
然而，时代已经发生了翻天覆地的变化。我们现在使用大量的云存储服务，我们大量使用视频聊天，许多人通过YouTube或Twitch等服务流式传输实时视频。
这只是冰山一角，有很多常见的应用程序受益于快速的上传速度。因此，请考虑寻找上传速度与下载速度相匹配的“对称”服务。相对而言，它会贵一点，但是许多现代应用程序都从中受益，因此值得权衡。
数据上限(Data Caps),调整(Shaping)和限制(Throttling)策略
虽然 ISP 可能会宣传他们的服务具有一定的速度(advertise a certain speed)，但服务条款中通常隐藏着一个问题。ISP(ISPs)有一项称为“公平使用政策”的规定，规定了他们认为滥用您的连接的行为。当他们认为您使用连接的方式会影响网络上的其他用户时，您可能会看到您的速度受到限制。
还要考虑“软”数据上限。一旦您超过一定数量的流量，您的ISP可能会减慢您的连接速度，直到下一个计费周期。
ISP(ISPs)也可以按类型限制数据速度。因此，例如，当涉及到正常的网页浏览时，它们可能会为您提供完整的广告速度，但会限制流式传输或下载。这种做法被称为“塑造”。通常最好寻找“未成形”的互联网连接。
比较不同的互联网(Different Internet) 技术(Technologies)
如果您正在考虑的互联网提供商不使用相同的网络技术，您必须了解所提供技术之间的内在差异。如今，最大的选择是在无线 4G/5G 固定无线和光纤互联网之间。
铜线DSL正在全球范围内迅速淘汰，因此它或拨号互联网等较旧的选项不太可能出现在菜单上。但是，卫星互联网也正在复兴，这意味着您应该了解每种技术带来的影响。
无线(Wireless)蜂窝选项通常具有较长的延迟，可能对天气敏感，并且通常会受到各种来源的干扰。更不用说在给定的速度下实际数据可能会更昂贵，尤其是在 4G 互联网的情况下。
光纤(Fiber)互联网通常提供最低的延迟和最高的速度。它也往往是最便宜的选择。如果您可以使用它，我们会推荐它作为首选。但是，新安装可能非常昂贵，您可能还必须购买新路由器才能利用以太网或WiFi的速度。
最后，来自埃隆马斯克之类的卫星(Elon Musk)互联网(Internet)和他的名为Starlink的全球互联网系统即将出现，该系统由低(Starlink)地球(Earth)轨道上的数千颗卫星组成。通常，卫星互联网过于昂贵且延迟非常高，使其对消费者使用毫无用处。现在，如果Starlink不辜负它的要求，我们可以在地球上的任何地方以低延迟和可承受的价格拥有全球互联网。
停机时间和客户支持
也许最重要（也是最难评估）的因素是售后服务。任何ISP都可以向您承诺月球。真正的考验是他们在您登录后对您的待遇如何。查找有关其服务质量信息的最佳位置是从第三方来源。查看消费者网站，人们可以在其中对特定公司提出投诉。搜索(Search)集体评级，看看人们提出了哪些类型的投诉。
比较新的互联网提供商时，有两件重要的事情需要注意。首先是客户是否获得了他们所支付的速度和性能。第二个是人们经历了多少停机时间。如果服务经常中断并且需要很长时间才能重新上线，那么它在纸面上看起来有多好并不重要。
黄金法则：不要束缚(Golden)自己(Tie Yourself Down)
ISP(ISPs)的世界是出了名的割喉。这些公司会提供任何让你加入的东西，然后要么无法兑现他们的承诺，要么服务水平低于可接受的水平。因此，在向供应商寻求优惠时，最重要的原则是避免将自己锁定在长期关系中。
您可能会在短期内支付更多费用，但您可以保留在交易或服务出现问题时在ISP之间移动的选项。(ISPs)提前解除合同可能会付出高昂的代价，所以除非你 100% 确定这是值得的，否则不要这样做！
7 Things To Bear In Mind When You Compare New Internet Providers
There are a lot of companies offering internet deals these dayѕ, so it’s very tеmpting to move over to someone advеrtising a (seemingly) better deal. However, how can you tell which internet service provider (ISP) is really offering the better choice?
Let’s look at the most important things to keep in mind when you compare new internet providers.
Hidden Costs And Cancellation Terms
ISPs want to make their deals look as attractive as possible. So, of course, they’ll put the best parts of the deal front and center and hide the less appealing aspects in the fine print. It’s very important to carefully read the terms and conditions to know whether there are any pitfalls.
For example, a common issue involves the notice period when you want to cancel the service. Long notice periods could mean either having to stay with your old provider longer than you want to or having to pay double during the transition period to a new ISP.
Many seemingly good deals are also part of a fixed-term contract. So you’re getting a better price by locking yourself in for a year or two. If you choose to cancel, you’ll have to pay a steep cancellation fee and settle any hardware offered as part of the deal.
Installation Costs And New Hardware
Which brings us to another key concern when you compare internet providers. Can you use your existing hardware with the new service provider or will you have to buy new stuff? If you have to buy new stuff, does it require a professional installation?
For example, if you’re moving from DSL (digital subscriber line) internet to fiber, your current DSL router can still work through it’s WAN (Wide Area Network) ethernet port, but someone needs to install the fiber endpoint in your home if it isn’t already there. If such an installation is needed, be sure you know who is responsible for paying the fee and how much it would be.
Similarly, fixed wireless internet services such as home 5G are becoming popular in parts of the world, but this usually means both buying a special cellular modem and router device and potentially the installation of an antenna on your roof or outside a window.
Often ISPs will offer “free” installations as well as hardware. However, this is commonly tied into a long-term contract. So think carefully whether you want to save money in the short term and then endure locked-in payments. The hardware offered by ISPs as part of these deals are generally not very good either. You’d be better off buying a higher quality device yourself in most cases, but do check out reviews of the hardware on offer by the ISP to be sure.
Pay Attention To Downstream AND Upstream Speeds
Many internet providers, even those offering fiber internet, are selling “asymmetrical” internet services. What this means is that the download speed is different from the upload speed. It has been the case for many years that most internet users need fast download speeds and have little use for a wide upstream pipe.
However, times have changed drastically. We now use massive cloud storage services, we make heavy use of video chat and many people stream live video over services like YouTube or Twitch.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg, there are plenty of common applications that benefit from fast upload speeds. So consider looking for a “symmetrical” service where the upload speed matches the download speed. It will be a bit more expensive comparatively, but so many modern applications benefit from it that it’s well worth the tradeoff.
Data Caps, Shaping and Throttling Policies
While ISPs may advertise a certain speed with their services, there’s often a catch hidden away in the terms of service. ISPs have something called a “fair use policy” that sets out what they see as abuse of your connection. When they think the way you are using your connection will impact other users on the network, you may see your speeds throttled.
Also consider a “soft” data cap. Once you’ve exceeded a certain amount of traffic, your ISP may slow your connection until the next billing cycle.
It’s also possible for ISPs to limit data speeds by type. So, for example, they might give you the full advertised speed when it comes to normal web browsing, but limit streaming or downloads. This practice is known as “shaping”. It’s generally better to look for an “unshaped” internet connection.
Comparing Different Internet Technologies
If the internet providers you’re considering don’t use the same network technology, you have to be aware of the inherent differences between the technologies on offer. The big choice these days is between a wireless 4G/5G fixed wireless and fiber internet.
Copper line DSL is quickly phasing out all around the world, so it’s less likely that it or older options such as dial-up internet will be on the menu. However, satellite internet is experiencing a revival as well, which means you should be aware of the implications each technology brings.
Wireless cellular options often come with longer latencies, can be sensitive to the weather and generally succumb to interference from various sources. Not to mention that the actual data might be more expensive at a given speed, especially in the case of 4G internet.
Fiber internet generally offers the lowest latency and the highest speed. It also tends to be the cheapest option. We’d recommend it as the first choice if it’s available to you at all. However, a new installation can be quite expensive and you may also have to buy a new router to take advantage of the speed over ethernet or WiFi.
Finally, on the horizon is satellite Internet from the likes of Elon Musk and his global internet system called Starlink consisting of thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit. Normally, satellite internet has been too expensive and has had very high latency, making it useless for consumer use. Now, if Starlink lives up to its claims, we could have global internet anywhere on the planet with low latency and an affordable price.
Downtime And Customer Support
Perhaps the most important (and most difficult to assess) factor is after-sales service. Any ISP can promise you the moon. The real test is how well they treat you after you’ve signed on. The best place to look for information about the quality of their service is from third-party sources. Check out consumer sites where people can leave complaints about specific companies. Search for collective ratings and see what sorts of complaints people are making.
There are two important things to look out for when you compare new internet providers. The first is whether customers are getting the speeds and performance they’re paying for. The second is how much downtime people experience. If the service drops out frequently and takes a long time to come back online, it doesn’t matter how good it all looks on paper.
The Golden Rule: Don’t Tie Yourself Down
The world of ISPs is notoriously cut throat. These companies will offer anything to get you on board, and then either fail to live up to their promises or have service levels at something less than acceptable. So the most important principle when looking for a good deal from a provider is to avoid locking yourself into a long-term relationship.
You might pay a little more in the short term, but you preserve the option to move between ISPs whenever the deal or service sours. Getting out of a contract early can be costly, so don’t do it unless you are 100% certain it’s worth it!
