Moving to a new apartment? How to choose home internet?
About when to apply, what to ask the provider, how to choose the right speed, and why the cheapest plan is not always the most beneficial.
Moving to a new apartment? How to choose home internet?
When moving, internet is usually the last thing people think about: the furniture is already in place, and the child needs to join an online class. Then a provider is chosen in a hurry, based on an advertisement or a neighbor's recommendation, and then one has to live with that choice for years. We tell you what to look out for so you can choose your home internet once and not regret it later.
When to submit an application?
Connecting takes a certain amount of time. The provider needs to check whether it has its own network in the building, agree on a date with you for the technician's arrival, and send a specialist. In new buildings, sometimes you have to wait longer: the network in the building may start working only after the apartment owners receive the keys.
If the contract is concluded and the payment is made, it takes an average of 1 to 5 working days from submitting the application until the internet is connected. It is better not to leave submitting the application until after the things are moved, but to apply as soon as the moving date is known.
If you already have internet, ask the provider about the possibility of moving it to a new address. Usually, this is easier than concluding a new contract.
What technology will you be connected to?
Although how the internet works in the evening when everyone at home is online depends precisely on the technology, people rarely ask about this.
Fiber to the apartment (GPON). The fiber optic cable arrives directly to the door. Such a connection easily handles the load of many devices at the same time and allows you to increase the speed if necessary.
Fiber to the building (FTTB). The fiber optic reaches the building, and across the floors, the signal is transmitted via copper cable. It works reliably, but during hours when the entire entrance is connected to the network, the speed may drop.
Telephone wire (ADSL). The oldest of the three technologies. It was enough for one computer, but now it is no longer enough for an apartment with dozens of devices connected to the internet.
In newly constructed buildings, fiber optic communication is often installed during construction. Ask the developer or management company which providers are in the building and how they connect the apartments.