How to lower your internet bill

The quickest way to lower your internet bill is to find out exactly what you're paying for, see what other providers charge at your address, then call your provider and ask for a better rate. After that, cutting equipment rental fees, dropping a speed tier you don't need, and checking whether you qualify for Lifeline or a low-cost plan can trim it further.

How to lower your internet bill, step by step

1. Read your bill and your broadband label. Note your plan, your speed, the monthly price and every fee. Then find your plan's "Broadband Facts" label. Under FCC rules, providers have to show the monthly price, whether it's an introductory rate (and what it goes up to afterward), contract terms, data allowances, and extra monthly fees such as equipment rental. Since September 2026, providers can put the label behind a prominent link or icon instead of showing it right next to the plan, so you may need to click to find it.

2. Check the speed you actually use. If you're paying for one of the top tiers, ask yourself how many people in your home stream, game or video call at the same time. A lower tier might cover you fine. Run a speed test on a busy evening to get a feel for what you're getting now.

3. See who else serves your address. Type your address into the FCC's National Broadband Map. It lists the providers that report serving your location, along with the technology and speeds they offer. Then check those providers' sites for current pricing. Write down the full offer: speed, monthly price, fees, and how long the price lasts.

4. Stop renting equipment you could own. If your bill has a modem or router rental fee, look into buying your own. Federal law says a fixed broadband provider may not charge you for using equipment you provide yourself. Check your provider's list of approved devices first, and make sure the purchase will pay for itself before you plan to move or switch.

5. Call and ask for a better rate. Ask for the team that handles cancellations or account retention. Here's what to say:

   • "I've been a customer for [number] years and my bill is now $[amount] a month. [Competitor] is offering [speed] for $[price] at my address. Can you match that or find me a lower rate?"
   • "Are there any promotions or loyalty discounts I'm not getting?"
   • "What would my bill be if I moved to a slower plan?"

   Stay polite and patient. If the first person can't help, ask whether someone else can review your account, or try again another day.

6. Check whether you qualify for help. The federal Lifeline program gives eligible households up to $9.25 a month off phone or internet service, or up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands. You can qualify with household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if someone in your household gets benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. You apply through Lifeline's National Verifier, then sign up with a participating provider. The FCC is reviewing the program's rules in 2026, so check lifelinesupport.org for the latest. The FCC also encourages households to ask their internet company whether it has a lower-cost plan or its own low-income program.

7. Trim the extras. Go through every line on your bill. TV bundles, home phone lines, premium Wi-Fi add-ons and security packages can add up. Ask what each one is for and drop anything you don't use.

8. Get the new deal in writing. Before you hang up, ask for a confirmation number, the representative's name, your new monthly total, and the date the price ends. Then check your next bill to make sure it matches.

Tips and gotchas

• The ACP is gone. The Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024, after its funding ran out. If you see it mentioned on an older website, it's no longer available.
• Promo prices expire. Set a reminder for a month before your intro rate ends so you can call before the higher price hits.
• Watch for contracts. A cheaper rate that comes with a contract could mean an early termination fee if you leave. The broadband label lists contract terms.
• Look at data caps. A cheaper plan with a data allowance can cost more if you go over it. The label shows any data limits.
• Read the fine print on discounts. Autopay or paperless discounts sometimes depend on a specific payment method. Ask what qualifies before you count on it.
• Don't cancel too early. If you're switching providers, keep your old service until the new one is installed and working.
• Return rented equipment. If you swap in your own modem or leave a provider, return the rented gear and keep the receipt or tracking number. Providers can charge you for equipment they think you still have.

How Stu will help

Stu is still in development, and you can join the waitlist now. Once it launches, Stu will spot when your internet promo is about to end, compare your plan with what's available, and help you ask your provider for a better rate. It will always check with you before it contacts anyone or changes anything on your account.

Sources

• FCC: Broadband Labels glossary and sample label
• Broadband Breakfast: FCC's streamlined broadband label rules take effect September 14
• FCC: How to use the National Broadband Map
• 47 U.S. Code § 562: Requirements relating to charges for covered services (Cornell LII)
• Lifeline Support (USAC): Lifeline program overview
• Lifeline Support (USAC): How to qualify
• FCC: Affordable Connectivity Program
• Congressional Research Service: The Universal Service Fund's Lifeline Program and High Cost Program