Making the decision.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT EACH OPTION
What is actually available at your address The technology The speed, both directions Whether capacity is shared or dedicated Any data cap or fair use policy The contract term Installation cost and timeline
WHY AVAILABILITY FIRST
Coverage maps are optimistic, and the only reliable answer is address-specific.
HOW TO VERIFY
Ask the provider to confirm for your exact address, and ask neighbours what they actually receive.
WHY NEIGHBOURS
They are the most reliable source available.
WHAT TO ASK THEM
What speed they see at busy times How often it fails How long repairs take
WHY REPAIR TIME MATTERS MOST
Every provider fails; they differ in how quickly they return.
WHAT TO ASK THE PROVIDER
What response time is committed Whether there is any compensation for outages Who to contact outside business hours
WHAT TO READ IN THE CONTRACT
Term and early termination charges What is guaranteed, if anything Fair use provisions What happens to equipment at the end
WHAT TO BE CAUTIOUS OF
Unlimited claims with undisclosed limits Long contracts with unproven providers Installation fees on short contracts
WHAT TO NEGOTIATE
Term length, and a trial period.
WHAT TO AVOID
Committing everything to one provider immediately.
