Comparison Checklist
Use these questions with any provider or seller. This page contains no offers, prices or provider information and is not a ranking or a comparison of the whole market.
1. Promotional price vs ongoing price
- What is the monthly price during any promotional period, and exactly how long does it last?
- What is the monthly price after the promotion ends, and is it guaranteed or can it change?
- Does the promotional price depend on autopay, paperless billing, a bundle or a credit?
- Are credits applied as a bill reduction, a prepaid card or a later rebate, and what must you do to receive them?
2. Equipment, installation and taxes
- Is a modem or router included, rented monthly or purchased? What is the monthly rental fee?
- What are the installation, activation or shipping charges, and are any waived?
- Are taxes, regulatory or administrative fees included in the quoted price or added afterward?
- What happens to the equipment, and any fee, if you cancel or return it late?
3. Speed vs how you use the internet
- Ask for the speed the provider describes for your address, and whether it is a maximum or typical figure.
- Count the people and devices online at once, and note video calls, streaming, gaming and large uploads.
- Ask whether upload speed differs from download speed, which matters for video calls and file backups.
- Ask how the provider treats heavy-use periods, if at all.
4. Data limits
- Is there a monthly data allowance? What happens at the limit: slower speeds, overage charges or a required plan change?
- Does the allowance apply to all usage or only certain hours?
- Can you see your usage, and how is it measured?
5. Contract term and cancellation
- Is there a contract term, or is service month to month?
- What is the early termination fee, and does it decline over time?
- Is there a trial or cancellation window, and how do you cancel: by phone, online or in writing?
- What happens to your price if you move or change plans during the term?
6. Address eligibility
- Has the provider confirmed service at your exact address, including any unit number?
- Is any installation visit, building permission or wiring work required?
- Is the quoted offer tied to your address or to a specific service type?
7. Getting provider terms in writing
- Ask for the written offer or order summary showing the monthly price, promotional period, ongoing price, fees, term and cancellation terms.
- Read the provider’s service agreement and any broadband label or pricing disclosure it supplies before you agree.
- Save copies and notes of who told you what and when. Verbal statements are easier to dispute than written ones.
Total cost worksheet
A low promotional price can hide a higher true cost. Fill in the figures from each written offer, using the same comparison period (for example, 24 months) for every offer.
- A
- Promotional monthly price
- B
- Months the promotion lasts
- C
- Ongoing monthly price
- D
- Months in your comparison period
- E
- One-time fees (installation, activation, equipment purchase)
- F
- Monthly equipment and fees, taxes
- G
- Credits or rebates you will actually receive
Formula (with variables only)
Total cost = (A x months of promotion within D) + (C x remaining months of D) + (F x D) + E - G
Average monthly cost = Total cost / D
Compare the average monthly cost and the total cost for every offer, not just the headline price. Add any early termination fee if you might leave before D ends.
Talk to our new-service sales team
Our team handles new-service sales by telephone. We are an independent retailer paid commissions, we do not charge customers directly and we do not compare the entire market. Also read how to verify availability and understanding provider options.
Speak with our new-service sales team
Every day, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Central Time. Hours follow Central Time, including daylight saving time.
New-service sales only. We are not your provider’s existing-customer billing, cancellation or technical-support department.
Authorize Connections is an independent retailer and is not a service provider. Our relationships are through distributors and platforms, and nothing on this website states or implies endorsement by any direct carrier. Offers, eligibility and availability vary by address.