With the holiday season here and the new year coming into view, it's a great time to think about your goals for 2026. In between prepping your home for holiday guests, buying gifts and basking in the joy of the season, take a moment to reflect on what you've done this year and what you want to do next. If one of your goals is to reduce the daily frustrations of slow or unreliable internet speeds, it's a perfect time to reevaluate your service.
Whether you're planning to stream more, transition to remote work or simply stay better connected with loved ones, having an internet service provider (ISP) that meets your needs is key to accomplishing your New Year's resolution. Unfortunately, many ISPs advertise only one-way speeds, rely on confusing promotions, or overlook details like data caps and hidden fees — making it tough to know if the plan you're choosing can really support your online life.
Choosing a new ISP can feel overwhelming, but by following this simple checklist from Ziply Fiber, you can easily find the right internet provider to start 2026 off on the right foot.
Determine your internet needs
To find the right plan, start by assessing how you and your household use the internet. If you mainly stream TV shows or browse the web, you won't need the same speed as someone who relies on their connection for remote work or online gaming. It's also important to consider how many devices are connected. A household with just a few phones or laptops online will need far less bandwidth than a larger family where multiple people are online at the same time.
Once you've determined your internet needs, identify your must-haves versus your nice-to-haves. This could include things like speed, reliability, contract terms, data caps, equipment or overall cost — depending on what matters most to your household.
Keep in mind that your internet needs may change over time. New habits like streaming workout classes or connecting new devices acquired during the holidays will translate to higher demands on your bandwidth.
Explore what's available
Once you understand what you're looking for, it's time to explore which providers serve your area. Availability varies by location, so the next step is to make a list and identify which companies actually offer service in your neighborhood.
After you have that list, take a moment to see how each provider performs for real customers. Ask your neighbors about their internet service to gauge whether it will meet your needs. You can also check social media platforms with specific groups for your area to see what others think about the available internet providers.
Compare prices
After narrowing down which providers serve your area, it's time to compare prices. What do the plans in your area actually cost, and how does that align with what you're willing to pay?
Look beyond the base monthly rate to understand the true cost of service. Be sure to factor in bundle requirements, additional fees, contract requirements, data cap overage charges and equipment fees. Some providers bundle equipment or tech support into the monthly price, but it's important to double-check. These details can make a big difference in your total cost over time.
While annual contracts are still common with many ISPs, some internet providers now offer no-contract or month-to-month plans, giving you more flexibility. For example, all of Ziply Fiber's fiber internet plans offer transparent pricing, free installation, no annual contracts, no credit checks, and no data caps.
Focus on speed, reliability and support
What you see is not always what you get with advertised speeds and real-world performance. Many ISPs only advertise one-way (asymmetrical) download speeds and gloss over the fine print when it comes to data caps.
For example, an ISP may advertise a 1 Gig internet plan but only deliver an upload speed at a fraction of that, which can cause problems with video conferencing, online gaming, file sharing, cloud backups and much more. On the other hand, a 1 Gig plan with symmetrical upload and download speeds offers a far more reliable experience, allowing you to video chat, upload content and collaborate online without interruptions.
It's also helpful to check your current internet performance. Take a moment to test your internet speed. Visit a speed test website, like Ookla.com and click "Go." In less than a minute, you'll know the real upload and download speeds, not just the advertised numbers.
You'll also want to find an ISP with a strong reputation for reliability and robust customer service. In addition to getting feedback from other community members about their experience with an ISP's speed and consistency, find out what kind of support the company offers and if they follow through on their promises.
Future-proof your connection
Technology is always evolving, so why shouldn't your internet?
If you haven't already, consider switching to a 100% fiber network designed to scale to future needs like Ziply Fiber internet. Traditional cable internet relies on copper-based coaxial cables, which are more vulnerable to weather-related disruptions, electrical interference and performance slowdowns.
However, fiber internet transmits light through thin glass strands (or fibers) that are more durable, provide consistent performance and can scale as your need for bandwidth and speed increases. Providers like Ziply are designed to support increasing bandwidth demands and evolving technologies over time.
New year, new internet, new you
Are you ready to start the new year with fewer loading screens and better, faster connections? Using this handy checklist, you can find the ISP in your area, upgrade your internet and set yourself up for success in work, entertainment and daily life.
Making a switch is often easier than expected and can make a noticeable difference in your day-to-day life. If you want faster speeds, fewer headaches and more time doing what matters most in 2026, visit ZiplyFiber.com to see what's available in your area.
