Recommendations for choosing a suitable internet provider

Internet has become one more basic service for the world’s homes and Ecuador is no exception. Often times, price is the first aspect that is considered when hiring these services, that is, the one that offers more speed for less price is sought.

However, quality and efficiency are key, even more so if it is about the internet, especially now that it is essential to facilitate the fulfillment of daily activities such as virtual education, teleworking, handling devices in a smart home environment. .

“Many people choose to accept low-cost offers, without analyzing the guarantees offered by the Internet provider with whom the contract is made. It is important to validate the information to avoid deception or intermittence in the service, even being totally unable to make claims ”, explained John Holguín, specialist at HughesNet.

Among the services offered by internet providers for home use are services such as streaming music, movies, parental control and remote monitoring. However, a home network works through a shared connection that has a lower cost. However, this is not a recommended option for large companies, because it presents unstable signals, with difficulty in maintaining download and upload traffic.

Other negative points are the decrease in speed according to the number of users and the difficulty of fully reaching the contracted speed. Typically these numbers hover around 10%, while the dedicated internet provides comprehensive browsing speed.

In addition, in the context of a cybercrime that represents a constant and growing threat to organizations and homes, Dale Drew, Head of Security at Level 3, recommends a series of key questions to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to understand how safeguard infrastructure and data.

First, they should ask how you protect access to the management of your critical infrastructure. Then how many different security groups does the vendor have to protect their systems, and if they all use the same approach: Many organizations maintain multiple security functions internally which can cause resource conflicts.

Drew explains that companies need to feel comfortable with the way they your provider can protect your network infrastructure from these threats.

Other recommendations that Holguín mentions to have guarantees when navigating and hiring the appropriate service are to verify the provider’s registration. In Ecuador there are web pages where companies with legal status are registered. One of these pages is the Superintendency of Companies, where any natural person, through an internet search, can access and confirm that the internet service provider they are going to choose is registered, therefore it operates legally. In addition, the Arcotel page presents the providers authorized by them to operate in the country.

Especially in rural areas, where the internet service offered many times does not have guarantees or endorsements, because they are pirated internet providers.

Also, although it seems obvious, it is important to review comments from the company on social networks. Social networks are the common space for many internet users to express their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the service. Many of the companies respond to these comments and complaints, providing a response and solutions to their customers. Thus, reviewing how the provider has responded allows you to have a reference to the quality of the service. Another positive indicator, specifically in the social network Facebook, is that the company has the option to rate the company enabled. However, it is important to mention that users must be responsible when submitting their requests or complaints and comply with an identification protocol that allows providers to validate the request.

Users must verify the download speed and capacity of the data offered. In the case of internet for rural areas, the average speed offered is around 5Mbps. Secure internet providers will always offer mega download packages that allow users to have a stable, fast and secure connection.

Finally, it is essential to analyze technical support. It should be verified that the internet provider has a web page, in which it registers contact information to access customer service and technical support, and that it also includes attention 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An addition may be that it has other alternative channels of attention such as: WhatsApp, Chatbots on its website and even a mobile application. (I)