Choosing a new Internet Service Provider (ISP) doesn’t have to be complicated. An ISP is simply the company that provides your internet connection, whether through fiber optic, cable, DSL, or satellite.

If you’re considering switching providers or setting up service for the first time, this guide will walk you through the key factors to consider: speed, reliability, availability in your area, and overall value. We’ll also give you practical steps to compare your options and make the switch as smooth as possible.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: Check Availability

The first step in choosing an ISP is to find out which providers are available at your address. Not all ISPs operate in all areas, and service types vary widely by location.

For example, satellite internet is often available nationwide because it doesn’t rely on ground infrastructure. However, options like fiber optic internet (which offer faster and more reliable speeds) require physical infrastructure and may only be available in certain neighborhoods or cities.

Most ISPs have an online tool where you can check availability based on your address.
If you’re interested in Race Communications, you can visit our Order Page. There, you’ll see one of three results:

You’re in a serviceable area, and can order internet right away
You’re in a “coming soon” area, and service will be available soon
You’re in an area where we don’t currently have expansion plans

Knowing what’s available is the foundation for making a smart, realistic choice about your internet provider.

how to choose an isp

Step 2: Decide on the Type of Internet

There are four main types of internet service available today: fiber optic, cable, DSL, and satellite. Each has different strengths and limitations depending on where you live and how you use the internet.

The table below offers a quick comparison to help you decide which type might be right for you.

Internet Type	Speed	Availability	Data Caps	Reliability
Fiber Optic	Very fast (up to 10 Gbps)	Expanding in urban/suburban areas	Usually none	Very high
Cable	Moderate to high (up to 1 Gbps)	Widespread in cities and suburbs	Sometimes	Moderate (may slow at peak times)
DSL	Lower (10–100 Mbps)	Available in some rural areas	Rare	Variable (distance affects speed)
Satellite	Low to moderate	Available almost anywhere	Often strict	Lower (weather and latency issues)

If you have access to fiber internet, it’s almost always the best choice. It delivers the fastest speeds, highest reliability, and typically comes with no data caps. It’s the most future-proof option for homes with high usage, remote work, smart devices, and streaming needs.

Step 3: Consider These 6 Features

1. Internet Speed

ISPs typically offer a range of internet plans with different speeds, depending on the needs and budget of the customer.

The internet connection speed is one of the most important factors to consider. If you do a lot of streaming, play online games, or work from home, you’ll want a faster connection. The speed of an internet connection is measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps).

Some typical speed ranges for internet plans include:

100 Mbps – 300 Mbps. This range is ideal for everyday use in small to medium-sized households. It supports activities like HD video streaming, online browsing, video calls, social media, and light online gaming. It can comfortably handle several devices connected at once without noticeable slowdowns.
500 Mbps – 1 Gbps.This tier is great for larger households or users with higher demands. It supports multiple people streaming in 4K, participating in video calls, downloading large files, and online gaming, all at the same time. This is a strong choice for remote workers, students, or families with many smart devices.
1 Gbps – 10 Gbps. These ultra-fast speeds are built for heavy users, large households, or those running multiple high-bandwidth applications at once, such as cloud backups, home servers, 4K+ streaming, and professional-grade video conferencing. It’s also ideal for smart homes, content creators, and businesses operating from home. With symmetrical upload and download speeds, your internet will stay fast no matter how you use it.

2. Pricing

Price is an important factor when choosing an internet service provider, but it shouldn’t be the only one. The cheapest plan isn’t always the best value, especially if it doesn’t meet your household’s needs.

When comparing pricing, focus on:

Speed for the price – Are you getting enough bandwidth for what you pay?
Service quality – Does the provider have a reputation for reliable performance?
What’s included – Are installation, equipment, or customer support part of the package, or added on later?

As a rough guide:

100–300 Mbps plans usually range from $30 to $60/month
500 Mbps to 1 Gbps plans tend to cost $60 to $100/month
1 Gbps and higher often start at $100/month and go up based on speed and features

Keep in mind: price doesn’t always include data limits, contract length, or equipment fees — those are important to review separately when comparing ISPs.

3. Data Caps

Data caps refers to how much internet data you can use each month. Some ISPs place limits on your data usage. If you exceed that limit, you may face slower speeds, overage fees, or even temporary service restrictions.

This can be a big deal if your household streams a lot of video, plays online games, backs up large files to the cloud, or has multiple devices connected at once.

The good news is that most fiber internet providers do not impose data caps. Fiber networks are built to handle high-volume traffic, so providers are more likely to offer unlimited data with no penalties. In contrast, cable and satellite ISPs are more likely to set monthly limits (sometimes as low as 1TB) and charge extra if you go over.

If your internet use is light (browsing, email, social media), a capped plan might not be an issue. But for most modern households, especially with multiple users or smart devices, an unlimited plan is the safer and more future-proof option.

4. Customer Service

If you ever lose connection or run into an issue, having reliable customer support makes all the difference. Look for an ISP that offers 24/7 phone support, live chat, and clear ways to get help quickly.

In addition to direct support, some ISPs provide online tools like FAQs, setup guides, and troubleshooting articles — all useful for resolving common issues on your own.

It’s also worth noting that local and regional ISPs often provide more personal, responsive customer servicecompared to national providers. With smaller teams and community-based operations, local ISPs tend to prioritize customer relationships and faster resolution times.

5. Home Network Management Features

Some ISPs offer additional features to their customers, for example, antivirus software, online storage, or a home network management app. For example, at Race, we give our subscribers the Race CommandIQ app.

One of the main benefits of these apps are parental controls. These controls allow you to set limits on internet usage for your children, such as setting a time limit for how long they can be online or blocking access to certain websites.

Another feature of many home network management apps is quality of service (QoS). QoS allows you to prioritize certain types of internet traffic, such as video streaming or online gaming, over others. That way, these activities aren’t interrupted by other activities on the network.

Finally, these apps often also include the ability to set up a guest network, which helps protect the security of the main network by preventing guests from accessing sensitive information.

6. Contract Length

Some ISPs require a contract, typically locking you into a one- or two-year agreement. While these plans may come with lower promotional pricing, they can also include early termination fees if you cancel before the term is up.

Not all providers require contracts. Many modern ISPs now offer no-contract plans, giving you more flexibility to switch or cancel service without penalties.

Before signing up, check the fine print. Make sure you’re comfortable with the terms — especially if you’re unsure how long you’ll be at your current address or if you’re trying out a new provider.

Step 4: See What Other Customers Are Saying

Now that you know a little bit about the different types of ISPs and what to look for when choosing one, you’re ready to start your search. Lean on trusted sources to help you choose your future ISP.

For example, you can ask friends and family for recommendations. They can give you insights into what to expect from different providers and their personal experiences.

Additionally, look for online reviews of different ISPs on Yelp or Google Reviews. These reviews give you an idea of what other customers think of the ISP’s service, speed, and customer support.

And finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to the ISPs you’re considering directly. They should be able to provide you with more information about their plans and pricing, and any additional features they offer.

how to choose an isp

Final Thoughts on How to Choose an ISP

Choosing the right internet service provider takes a bit of research, but it’s worth the effort. By considering key factors like speed, availability, pricing, data caps, contract terms, and customer support, you can avoid surprises and find a service that fits your household’s needs.

Be sure to compare the different types of internet: fiber optic, cable, DSL, and satellite; choose the one that offers the best performance and long-term value in your area.

Ready to switch ISPs?

If you’re looking for fast, reliable, and hassle-free internet, consider Race Communications. We offer:

Speeds up to 10 Gbps
No data caps
No contracts
Free standard installation
Local, responsive customer support

Call us at 877-722-3833 or check availability here to get started.