Cost comparison and choosing an internet service provider

If you’re paying more than 17 NIS for 2.5 MB or 30 NIS for 5.0 MB for your internet service provider per month, you may be overpaying.

Periodically, it’s a good idea to review the rates you pay for services.  Israeli business newspaper Globes recently published the results of a survey of internet service provider rates that is of interest to Israeli consumers.  Below is a summary of some of the best deals and other points to remember when buying internet service.

No (and short) commitment plans

• Two of the newer internet service providers, 018 Xfone and Triple C, both offer plans with no commitments.
• 018 Xfone also offers plans with a 6 month commitment (which gets you two of the six months free).
• Consider a plan with no commitment or a short commitment, and definitely not longer than 12 or 18 months.  With technology and pricing changing so rapidly, long-term commitments can shackle you to a deal you wouldn’t keep otherwise.

Cheapest plans

• 2.5 – 5 MB: 018 Xfone and Triple C offer the cheapest rates.
• 10 – 12 MB: 018 Xfone and Netvision, followed closely by Triple C, are the least expensive.

Infrastructure is separate from the internet service provider

• Bezeq (not to be confused with Bezeq International) and HOT are the infrastructure companies, which need to be purchased separately or in a bundle (see below).
• The higher the speed, the higher the infrastructure cost.
• Even if an internet service provider can offer you speeds of 10MB, 12MB, or more, you still need to check that your infrastructure provider can accommodate speeds that high where you live.

Quality of the internet service provider

• Before signing up for a new provider, check with your neighbors and friends about the provider.
• Find out if the provider has a high quality of service, especially at the times that you most use the internet.

If you’re in a contract, wait to switch

• Since most companies charge fees for early termination of a contract, it can be expensive to leave mid-contract.
• Instead, wait until the end of your contract and shop around.

Consider bundling services

• If you buy multiple services such as internet, television, and phone from the same company, you can often get a better deal.
• Sometimes service providers will strike deals with infrastructure providers, and you can be offered a better deal by committing to both at the same time.  But, make sure you know what you’re getting.

Negotiate

• Sales representatives often have the power to negotiate deals.
• Leverage offers from one company against another.
• It never hurts to ask for a better price or a discount!

Share any great deals you find in the comments below!