These days, especially in big cities, most people are increasingly internet-savvy, as the internet has become a primary necessity—not only for businesses but also for today’s youth.
Imagine going a whole day without internet access; your life would probably feel incomplete. Let’s bet—how long do you think you can go without “touching” the internet? Probably not even a week, or perhaps just a day?
To ensure your activities aren’t disrupted when using the internet, it’s a good idea to choose an internet service provider (ISP) that can support your work or hobbies.
Here are four tips for choosing the best ISP service:
1. Consider Your Location
It’s important to know that not all broadband service providers can cover all areas across Indonesia, especially in rural regions, which may include your area. For example, some areas may have coverage, but 3G services might not be available.
To avoid disappointment, conduct a small survey around your neighborhood to find out which internet providers offer reliable services. You can also ask family, friends, or neighbors about which providers they use and how their service quality is. Want to check if your location is covered by Lintas Jaringan Nusantara? Click here!
2. Understand Your Needs
Knowing exactly what you need will help you choose the right provider. This can also help you save money.
Internet package quotas vary in both amount and validity period. So, it’s best to align your choice with your usage.
For example, if you enjoy downloading large files, you should choose a provider that offers additional data at night. On the other hand, if you often use Wi-Fi outside your home, you may want a plan with a smaller data allowance.
However, if social media usage is more your thing, an unlimited data plan might be ideal, even if the speed isn’t that fast, as it allows you to use it throughout the plan’s duration.
Also, remember that the data needs on smartphones, tablets, and modems vary. Using the internet on a smartphone is different from using it on a tablet or computer, as the service on smaller devices consumes less data when browsing websites.
3. Know the Pricing
Knowing the price helps you understand how much you need to budget for your monthly internet needs.
Therefore, you should compare the internet packages offered by different providers and match them with your requirements. Provider X’s more expensive plan may offer a higher data limit, while Provider Y might be cheaper but with slower speeds.
When you come across such options, it’s better to choose the one that might be slightly more expensive but offers reliable service, rather than opting for the cheaper one that frustrates you with slow speeds.
4. Choose a Reliable Modem
If you’re using the internet on a computer, it’s important to have a good modem—one that’s durable and doesn’t overheat. In short, it should support your internet speed.
If you’re confused about which modem to choose, ask friends who already use a modem, or go directly to the seller. Typically, the better the modem quality, the higher the price.
You can also buy a modem bundled with a SIM card from a specific provider. This is known as a “bundled” system. The advantage of this option is that the modem usually comes at a lower price, but keep in mind that it may be locked to that provider, meaning it won’t work with SIM cards from other providers.
5. Consider the Provider’s Customer Support
It’s essential to choose a provider with a strong service record, especially one with 24/7 customer support. A reliable support team is crucial when it comes to resolving any issues or disruptions quickly.
6. Check the SLA (Service Level Agreement)
What is an SLA? In simple terms, an SLA is like a guarantee. It ensures uptime by calculating a specific percentage, giving you a clear understanding of the provider’s commitment to service availability.
For example, if an ISP offers a 99% SLA, it means the maximum downtime in a month (if the month has 30 days) should not exceed 7 hours and 20 minutes. If the service exceeds this downtime, you have the right to file a complaint and request compensation, also known as restitution.