Thanks to the efforts of the National Broadband Network (NBN), Australians across the country are benefiting from increased access to high speed internet.

This initiative comes amidst growing trends throughout the world to get the internet into rural communities. Considering internet access as a utility, these programs aim to boost job growth, stop brain drain, and increase profitability in rural areas on a global level.

As you compare NBN plan choices, here are a few factors you’ll definitely want to consider in your search for the right internet service provider.

Evaluate availability

Although NBN internet is offered through satellites, not every region has the same availability when it comes to providers. There are countless options to weigh as you investigate who can provide you with service, so make a short list of potential internet providers able to give you internet access at your address.

Having a broader list of options that can realistically provide you with service is a good practice, since it will ultimately lead to a more informed decision. After you’ve made your list and checked that they offer satellite internet to your home, consider the rest of the following factors.

Take a look at both download and upload speeds

Just because your internet is marketed as “high speed” doesn’t mean that the service will truly be fast. In the Information Age, both download and upload speed matter if you’re planning on using your internet seriously. Download speeds refer to anything you access on the internet and the time it takes to transfer this data from the internet to your computer. This could refer to your emails, social media page, or a streaming video on Netflix or a similar entertainment provider.

Upload speeds, on the other hand, refer to how quickly you’re able to transmit data over the internet, whether that’s sending an email or uploading a photo. By default, many internet providers set the download speed to be faster than the upload speed, so if upload speed matters to you, it’s a good idea to look carefully at each option.

Weigh contract length

Contract length may also be a factor in your decision, since you may want to try a new provider out for a short amount of time. Many times, there are special promotions offered on a yearly basis. So if you really want to save on internet service and there are a few options that seem worthwhile, it might be worth signing up for different providers each year.

Conversely, if you know that there’s one option that you think is miles ahead of the other choices available to you, it could be worth locking in a rate on a longer contract in case prices go up over a few years. Ultimately, contract length comes down to personal preference and how willing you are to research new options when a contract is set to expire.

Consider the cost

For many, cost will be one of the most important factors in any decision about internet service. This is why it’s so important to learn about the download speeds and other features available to you with each option. When you know what value each internet service provider is bringing to the table, you can better understand whether or not you’re truly getting a good deal from your provider or not.

Just because you want high speed internet doesn’t mean that you should automatically run out and buy the most expensive option available to you, particularly if the features adding to its high price tag don’t actually add value to your life. Consider your needs as well as your budget when picking by price.

Selecting a good internet service provider for your NBN plan can be a lot of work. As you weigh your choices, keep cost, features, speed, and geography in mind. This will help you make a good decision.