How many members of your household use the internet?
Compare plans, starting with internet. Depending on the provider, you’re probably going to have more internet options than mobile. Select a plan or two that meets your needs, then compare available mobile plans. When shopping online, you may be able add your internet and mobile choices to the same cart. Be on the lookout for any discounts that may show up in your cart.
Decide to bring or buy a device. Most ISPs allow you to provide your own mobile device at no other cost than a cheap activation fee. Others, like AT&T or Verizon, may have enticing offers on new devices. Keep in mind that purchasing a new device can and probably will increase your bundle cost.
Read the fine print. The FCC’s broadband labels have helped clarify internet plans, but they can still be tricky. Once you add mobile, you’ll want to be aware of even more service terms and conditions. Data caps and overage fees (or throttled speeds) with either service are the biggest ones to watch for, but you’ll also want to consider contract requirements and future price increases, if any.
Remember, you don’t have to bundle. Getting internet and mobile service together may come with a discount and some added convenience, but it’s not for everyone. Prefer Verizon’s mobile network but cable internet from Xfinity? Go for it. In some cases, it may be cheaper and more practical to choose mobile from one provider and home internet from another.
Hands-on testing is central to CNET's reviews and recommendations of various products and services, but such a process is impractical, if not impossible, when it comes to home internet. Even if we could physically test each ISP, external and unavoidable factors such as the equipment (which will vary by provider and connection type), interference from nearby networks, the local infrastructure and even the time of day could affect the results.
So, instead of hands-on testing, we perform frequent, in-depth evaluations of national and regional ISPs and the bundles they offer. First, we explore a provider's availability, technology and speed details using the most recent data from the Federal Communications Commission. Next, we look into all available internet and mobile plan options, including the number of plans to choose from, upload and download speeds, and promotional versus standard pricing.
Plans can vary by region, so we run multiple serviceability checks in various service areas to provide more informed speed and mobile service details. We also reach out to the providers directly to verify plan and pricing information.
Finally, we examine data caps, added fees, contracts, price increases and other considerations to be aware of before signing up for an internet and mobile service. When available, customer satisfaction reports like those from the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, not to mention a look at what real customers have to say on sites like Reddit and Downdetector.com, provide further insight into evaluating an ISP.
After reviewing the applicable providers in a given category (in this case, "best internet and mobile bundles"), we determine which providers and plans we feel should be considered among the "best." If you'd like to learn more about how we evaluate internet providers, check out our breakdown of how we review ISPs.
As more internet providers start adding mobile plans to their selection of services, you may be wondering if it’s worth it to bundle. It certainly can be, as AT&T, Verizon and others offer discounts for doing so. Astound has arguably the best internet and mobile bundle, offering a free mobile line for one year. T-Mobile’s internet and mobile bundle is ideal for rural areas, while those from AT&T and Optimum offer on-the-go connectivity with a monthly allowance of 5GB for mobile hotspot use.
How can cable internet providers offer mobile service?
For the most part, cable internet providers, like Spectrum, Xfinity and Astound, are mobile virtual network operators. That is, they lease network space from other providers such as Verizon and T-Mobile and then sell internet and mobile bundles using that network access. Spectrum and Xfinity use Verizon’s mobile networks, while Astound and others piggyback off of T-Mobile.
What’s the cheapest internet and mobile bundle?
Astound’s Internet and Mobile bundle has the lowest introductory rate, $20 monthly, for broadband internet and an unlimited mobile plan. The low price stems from a current Astound offer which includes one line of mobile service free for one year. Adding more lines will raise the rate.
How do I switch internet and mobile providers?
I recommend starting by ensuring you are not under a contract with your current provider to avoid any early termination fees. Some providers, AT&T and Spectrum included, offer a contract buyout to compensate you for any such fees.
Search internet providers in your area, then compare plans and bundles to see if any providers have a better deal. If you choose a new provider, it may be best to call your current provider and inform them of your intent to cancel. Your current provider may offer you an even better deal. At the very least, they can guide you on how to return equipment, if necessary, and explain what to expect on your final bill.
If you’re still set on switching, go ahead and set up service with your new provider and get an install or service start date. Finally, contact your current provider and schedule your cancellation as close to the new install date as possible.
Source: cnet.com