Whether you want to switch ISPs or get a better deal from the one you have, shop around a bit and do your homework before calling a provider, to maximize your service and minimize your costs.

Research options in your area: Check sites such as Broadband Reports.com. and Find An ISP.com to determine which providers serve your location. Often you’ll discover that you have more choices now than you did last years.

Ask about Promotions: Call your ISP’s competitor’s to ask about promotions and upgrade specials. IF you’re a broadband subscriber dissatisfied with your download and upload speeds, you may find a higher-bandwidth service you can afford.

Richard Wise, an SBC Yahoo DSL subscriber from North Little Rock, Arkansas, offers some astute advice. “ I get my TV from one provider (Dish Network), and my phone and Internet access from the local telephone company (SBC)” Wise says” I could get all three on one bill, but then I’d lose my leverage. Now when I see SBC advertising a special for new Internet Service subscribers. I call them up and tell them to reward me as a valued customer or else I’ll switch, “he says. Wise applies this technique liberally. “When I see my (satellite TV) rates start to creep up, I simply tell them I’ll switch to cable unless they keep my rates down.