The internet is more essential to our daily lives than ever before. Whether you’re keeping in touch with friends and family, working and learning remotely, or simply unwinding with a favorite show or movie, the internet makes it all happen.

That’s why choosing an internet service provider is so important. Here are five tips to consider when picking your provider.

Look for reliability

These days, we take for granted that the internet will always be at our fingertips. When it’s not, it seems to happen at the worst time, such as in the middle of your workday or during a storm.

Do your research and look for a provider with high reliability. Ask them if they have people working locally to maintain connectivity. For example, Comcast, which has 99.9 percent network reliability, has invested $57.5 million in infrastructure in Snohomish County to ensure its Xfinity customers have the most reliable service. They also offer optional Storm-Ready Wi-Fi equipment that provides an additional four hours of internet connection in case there is a power outage.

Do they meet your needs?

Everyone uses the internet in different ways, from gaming and streaming movies to sharing large creative files or just checking email and social media.

The best providers ask you how you use the internet, what you need and how many devices will be connected. They should offer you a range of options and plans that fit your needs so you can pick what’s right for you.

CNET news named Xfinity the top internet service provider in Washington thanks to their variety of plan options. Their plans start at 150 megabytes per second – great for keeping connected through video calls and social media – and range all the way up to the Gigabit x2 plan, which offers 2,000 mbps maximum speed throughout your house – a must for online gamers and heavy users. They also have physical stores in Snohomish County where you can discuss their plans in person, turn in used equipment or pay your bill.

Are they invested in your community?

Not every internet service provider invests in the communities they serve. Sometimes they don’t even have employees locally or a brick-and-mortar location where you can go for help.

If you value community support and connection, ask potential providers about their local presence and investment. For instance, Comcast has been committed to increasing digital equity and helping low-income families access the internet.

Named one of People magazine’s “100 Companies that Care in 2024,” Comcast has worked with nonprofit partners to open Lift Zones with free Wi-Fi in community centers in Snohomish County. It also works with area nonprofits such as Operation Military Family to support veterans in Snohomish County and offers its Internet Essentials program to supply folks with low-cost computers and high-speed internet.

Ask about additional savings

Many internet service providers offer more than just internet, with complementary services like streaming, live TV and even mobile phone service included in various packages.

The benefits can be big, ranging from saving money to simplifying billing and customer service interactions. Xfinity has options for cable, internet, mobile and even streaming, such as its StreamSaver bundle, which includes Apple TV+, Netflix and Peacock.

How is their service and support?

The best internet service works with no effort on your part. Still, when a situation arises and you need to connect with customer service, you want it to be easy and helpful.

Look to see how easy it is to get support. Do they have online resources? Do they provide an actual phone number and not just an email or chatbot? Is there a local, physical location you can go to and speak to someone in person who also lives locally?

Remember, it’s always easy to sign up for internet service. It’s usually after you’re already signed up that these issues become important. Do your research, ask potential providers questions and compare before you sign on the dotted line.