10 Considerations When Setting Up Your Internet
10 Considerations When Setting Up Internet
In today's digital age, the internet isn't just a luxury—it's a lifeline. But navigating its complexities can feel like a maze. Let's show you the best ways to connect internet in your new home.
Slow home broadband or nbn connection? Data caps? Cybersecurity concerns? We've been there. Setting up internet at a new house can seem an overwhelming challenge, but knowing what to look out for before you sign on with a provider will change your whole outlook.
In today's digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our lives, enabling us to connect, learn, and explore like never before. But it does have its moments where you feel like pulling your hair out in frustration. We often hear about a heap of concerns related to internet connection, so here are the 10 most common ones and some potential solutions on how to overcome them.
Internet Speed
We can’t think of anything more frustrating than dealing with slow or unreliable internet connections, especially when it comes to streaming movies, online gaming, or trying to present that huge project to a client over Zoom. So what do you do when your Netflix screen keeps buffering, and your camera and sound keep cutting out? Depending on how many people are in the house, how many devices you have hooked up to the internet, and what you typically do online, sometimes it’s just a matter of choosing from the right or 'nbn tier'. Home internet providers should be able to talk you through the several ‘speed’ levels - or contact Direct Connect and sort out your internet for you!
Data limits
There’s nothing quite like that pit in your stomach when you get the message from your internet provider that you’ve capped your data for the month (especially when you’re only halfway through)! And let’s not talk about the extra fees or the reduced speeds that come with it. Before you get to this point, look at internet plans that are right for you; often cost is related to data allowance versus speed, so if you use a lot of data, but can put up with a slightly lower wifi speed, you can usually find a cheaper but faster plan!
Stability and reliability
Trust us - we know how rare it is to work or function in an environment where the internet drops in and out, which is why stability and reliability are so important! Frequent outages and disruptions go a long way towards ruining productivity, online learning, and entertainment. Instead of suffering through the instability, try making sure that your modem/router has the least amount of walls between you and your device - yes, we may live in the 21st century, but thick or brick walls can still be a problem! If you’re in a double story, opt for a Wi-Fi extender; you can get these from most home entertainment stores for around $40. Keep your modem/router well away from a microwave as this can cause huge interference.
Internet Pricing
One of the main barriers to solving some of the above challenges is cost, and for good reason. It can be expensive to sign on with home internet providers who offer all the bells and whistles. Luckily, there are some great providers out there offering affordable options that don’t compromise on quality. Direct Connect has done a lot of the hard work by working with providers who we know pay close attention to these details. Speak with one of our consultants to find out more.
Customer Service for Internet Providers
Sometimes you just want to speak to someone! Access to reliable customer service and tech support is a small thing to expect from your provider, especially during service disruptions or when troubleshooting connectivity issues. Our team Direct Connect will answer the phone in under 30 seconds - give us a call to see for yourself!
Wifi Coverage in Remote Areas
For those living in rural or remote areas, high-speed internet and wifi can sometimes feel like a thing of myth. Some providers will have alternative technologies like satellite internet or fixed wireless options, and it’s a good idea to keep an eye on initiatives to expand broadband coverage in your region. You can head to the nbn website and do a free address lookup to see the coverage in your area.
Home Internet Security
The days of your first pet’s name as a password and clicking pop-up ads should be far behind us, but we’ve all been there…we know they’re not. So you might find yourself asking, “How do I make sure my internet connection is secure?” With the continuing evolution of technology, cyber-attacks have just become smarter, so safeguarding personal information, preventing hacking or identity theft, and defending against malware and viruses are top priorities. Most handheld devices are pretty safe, but make sure you follow the pesky update prompts, as these usually have to do with security.
Antivirus software can be confusing and expensive, so use a pop-up blocker and try to avoid following online pop-ups. Generally, don’t download or open files that you’re unsure of, and make sure to talk to someone before you click.
Privacy
You’d be surprised by the amount of personal data ISPs and other entities collect while you’re browsing the net. Most websites will have a responsible privacy policy in place to protect you, but not all will, so we’d recommend familiarising yourself with your service provider’s data collection and usage policies.
Browser extensions or privacy-focused search engines that minimise data tracking are a great solution, as well as exploring encrypted messaging and email services. This is where a VPN or Virtual Private Network can come in handy. If you spot a good deal, you’re looking at roughly $50 for a couple of years!
Modem Support
With the abundance of options out there, it’s really important to look for a provider that can walk you through all the steps of set-up in a patient and reliable way. The truth is, every house is different and you may need to speak to someone about things that only relate to your property when it comes to internet setup. Compatibility is an important factor, especially during initial setup or when connecting multiple devices. Before purchasing new equipment, you might want to go into a shop and talk to an expert for some baseline technical support for guidance. User forums and online communities are excellent sources too, but can be complicated, so choose what’s best for you.
Home Internet Connections 'Watch Outs'
Long-term contracts, early termination fees, and hidden charges are scary when it comes to choosing your internet provider. Unfortunately, they’re all fairly common in the industry, so it pays to be informed. Make sure to review contract terms, including cancellation policies, with a fine-toothed comb before committing. All questions are good ones, so be sure to confirm any concerns from the provider to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the agreement.
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