The average cost for internet service in 2023 is roughly $50 per month. However, you may not be overpaying if your bill is higher than that, and it might not be a bargain if it is lower.
Things like your location, the number of internet providers in your area, the type of internet speed you choose (e.g. DSL, fiber optic internet, satellite internet), and your desired internet speed affect the exact cost of internet service.
In other words, figuring out “how much does internet cost?” requires research and calculations around data usage, connection type, number of users, and lots more. Keep reading to know what’s available, the average cost of the internet, and factors that may affect the monthly internet cost for your business.
How to Determine What Type of Internet Service You Need
Before we dive into “how much is internet per month?” Let’s discuss the type of internet service your business needs.
Choosing the right internet service provider (ISP) is essential for all types of businesses, small or big. This is especially accurate when you work with IoTs and cloud-based applications.
The world of internet access can be confusing with so many options available for businesses. Read on to understand the internet connection types available and helpful hints to choose the right internet plan for your business.
Types of Network Available for Businesses
Shared Network
This is the most common type of business network due to its low cost, high download speed, and general availability. It is mostly used by small businesses, retail establishments, or as a backup for large organizations.
A shared network means you share the bandwidth of a common network connection at the provider’s local node with other users in the area. The connection is usually asymmetrical, meaning a high download but slow upload speeds.
This shared nature may cause the speed rate to fluctuate with the overall number of users. It may also affect critical applications like VOIP, video, and cloud-based apps. The types of shared networks include: DSL, cable, shared fiber, and wireless.
Dedicated Network
These are highly reliable networks that are not shared and offer great performance and bandwidth speeds. They are symmetrical and do not fluctuate, making them perfect for larger enterprise businesses.
Dedicated networks ensure consistent performance along with latency, packet loss, and jitter. VOIP, video, and cloud-based applications are supported by it. The only downside to dedicated networks is the internet connection costs.
Dedicated internet is available in a few types of access options like fiber optic, copper, and wireless.
Types of Broadband Internet Connections
The most popular ISP connections available for businesses are copper, wireless, and fiber-optic internet.
Copper Internet
For years, many businesses have used a copper internet connection, DSL, cables, and other services transmitted over copper wires. Businesses using wired networks can access the internet, have moderate download and upload speeds, and pay a relatively low price for this service.
DSL is a broadband connection that uses phone lines to connect users and provide internet. It can be suitable for small businesses with 1-5 employees or just one customer at a given time.
Cable internet, on the other hand, uses coaxial cable TV lines to connect your business to the internet. They are popular with mid-sized businesses with fair traffic at different times of the day.
However, both types of internet have severe limitations. This type of internet may take weeks to set up, depending on whether your business has the infrastructure in place.
Copper is also slower than other types of internet. If you are a medium or large business that relies on the internet to connect to customers, handle payments, and other tasks, you might want to look into newer connections.
Wireless
4G wireless, or 4G Wi-Fi, is one of the most popular internet options for businesses. 4G Wi-Fi lets you connect to the internet wirelessly (without any cables to your device.) It requires a router that connects to a wall socket, and multiple devices can connect to the same wireless network.
Wireless provides you with incredible business benefits. For example, your employees can connect to the internet on their devices (desktop, laptop, smartphones, or mobile tables), collaborate on projects, and share valuable data.
Although Wi-Fi is faster than copper, it might be too slow for your business. A disadvantage is that the number of users and proximity to the Wi-Fi heavily influence internet speed.
Fiber-Optic Internet
A fiber-optic internet connection uses light pulses through plastic or glass cables which facilitates super-quick data transmission.
It is considered swift, efficient, and the most reliable option available. The speed and reliability offered by fiber optic are unmatched by any other type of internet connection, making it perfect for businesses with high-bandwidth activities.
FastTrack communications own over 450 miles of fiber optic network and can deliver internet speeds of up to 10Gbps+ to businesses in Durango. We offer up to 99.9% guaranteed uptime with 24/7 technical support.
What Type of Connection Should I Get?
To determine the right type of connection for your business, there are several factors to consider. First would be your budget, how much does internet cost, and the ideal ISP should offer the value of speed for the price you paid for.
If your businesses make use of cloud, VOIP, video, and other mission-critical apps, then you have to look at more than cost. Keep the speed and bandwidth, security, efficiency and availability, and desired performance in mind.
How Much Does Internet Cost per Month?
Are you wondering “how much does internet cost?” Internet prices in America can average between $35 to $60 per month, across all regions, types, and speeds. However, you could pay as much as $500 or as little as $25.
Wondering “how much is Wi-Fi, cable, DSL, and fiber-optic internet?” To break it a little further, we’ve provided a table that shows the internet cost per month depending on the internet speed and type.
Average Monthly Internet Cost in 2023
| National average cost | $50 |
| Typical price range | $35 – $60 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $25 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $500 |
Average Monthly Cost Of Common Internet Speed
| Internet Speeds | Average Monthly Cost |
| 25 Mbps | $32/mo. |
| 100 Mbps | $48/mo. |
| 1,000 Mbps | $77/mo. |
| Internet Speeds | Average Monthly Cost |
| 25 Mbps | $32/mo. |
| 100 Mbps | $48/mo. |
| 1,000 Mbps | $77/mo. |
Average Monthly Cost By Internet Connection Types
| Internet Types | Average Monthly Cost |
| DSL | $52/mo. |
| Cable | $58/mo. |
| Satellite | $88/mo. |
| Fiber optic | $56/mo. |
From the above, you can see that prices vary based on the desired internet speed – and different types of internet plans can affect your monthly bill, regardless of speed.
Types of Network Available for Businesses
Factors that Affect Monthly Internet Costs
Above, we’ve provided information to answer the question, “how much does internet cost per month?” However, there are other factors that may decrease or increase your internet cost.
Introductory Rates and Discounts
Most internet service providers give customers introductory rates – or discounted prices – for a set period of time. That’s awesome, but after that time is up, your bill will go up to the normal rates. Internet services also tend to roll discounts for paperless billing or automatic payments.
Internet Speed
Faster internet speeds – both uploading and downloading speeds, usually cost more.
Internet Connection Types
Reliable connection types like cable or fiber optic internet usually cost around the same (sometimes even less) than slower connection types like DSL or satellite. However, faster plans mean higher prices per month.
Annual Contracts
Most internet service providers offer promotional discounts for annual contracts, rather than paying monthly. However, the best annual contract is no contract. Having no contract means you can end the service without paying cancellation fees.
Internet Usage
The amount of data used each month impacts the cost of dedicated internet networks. A company with a large number of employees would require a higher bandwidth package. These packages require more technical support and costly equipment to upgrade the networks to provide sufficient speed.
Security
The protocols and security measures required for a business determines the cost of internet access. A more complex system is expensive to maintain. A robust system saves money in the long run by preventing downtimes and data breaches.
A standard SOHO router may be sufficient for a business with few employees. Larger organizations need robust security options that include multi-factor authentication, password management, device control, or two-factor authentication. As such, it’s best to invest in routers that offer such functionalities.
Point-to-Point (P2P) or Multipoint Access
P2P is a direct connection between two locations, while multi-point (MP) connects multiple locations to a central site. The type of access needed will affect the bandwidth and internet speed, thus, weighing on the monthly internet bill.
What Added Fees Do Internet Providers Charge?
Besides the aforementioned built-in costs, you may end up paying other fees. Some are avoidable if you are vigilant, but others are unavoidable.
Here are some of the added costs that determine “how much does internet cost?” for your business:
- Late Payment Fees: Depending on the provider and the state, penalties for late payment could be charged as a percentage of your bill or a standard fee of $20 and above. Also, if your internet service is discontinued as a result of late payment, you may be charged an additional fee to restore service.
- Reconnection Fees: Your internet account could be suspended if you’ve missed too many payments. To restore your account, you’ll need to pay a reconnect fee. This varies based on your internet provider.
- Equipment Rental: Modems and routers rentals can add $10 to $20 per month to your internet bill. Some providers may include equipment at no extra charge, especially with their higher-tiered plans. Others may allow you to use your compatible equipment to avoid paying equipment rental fees.
- Installation Costs: Installation costs are thankfully one-time fees, but they can add $100 or more to the initial cost of the internet. Many providers waive installation fees for new customers or offer self-installation at reduced costs. In addition to installation fees, an activation charge may also apply.
- FCC Universal Service Fund Fee: To help fund the expansion of broadband access to rural and low-income communities, the FCC charges internet providers a quarterly fee which is often passed to their customers. This fee is typically around $5/month.
- Data Overage Fee: If your plan does not include unlimited data, you may run into charges for going over your monthly data usage. Most providers charge $10 for every 50 GB over. Other providers may have a soft cap. You won’t be charged a fee, but your internet speed will slow down significantly for the rest of the month.
- Early Cancellation Fees: Terminating service before the end of your contract may attract high cancellation fees. Providers will state the terms of cancellation in your contract.
However, most ISP prorated early termination fees depending on the months left in your contract and may charge hundreds of dollars for opting out of service. To avoid this, choose a service provider that does not require annual service agreements.
Internet Cost in Durango, CO
There are dozens of internet service providers to choose from in Durango, CO. The table below shows the top internet providers and their pricing.
| Provider | Price Range | Speed | Type of internet |
| CenturyLink | Starting at $30/mo. | 200 to 940 Mbps | Fiber optic and DSL |
| Spectrum | Starting at $49.99 | 300 to 1000 Mbps | Fiber optic |
| EarthLink 5G | Starting at $69.95 | Up to 100 Mbps | Fiber optic |
| HughesNet | Starting at $49.99 | Flexible data options | Satellite 00 |
| FastTrack Communications | Starting at $44.00 | Up to 10Mbps | Fiber optic |
FastTrack Communications
FastTrack is the only locally operated fiber optic service provider in Durango. As a local business, we understand the need for high-speed internet and offer up to 99.99% guaranteed uptime with 24/7 technical support.
We own over 450 miles of fiber optic network and can deliver internet speeds of up to 10 Gbps+ to meet the internet needs of businesses in Durango. We also offer bundled solutions with up to 10G+ internet and Hosted VoIP.
FastTrack engineers can create customized fiber optic and data transport solutions to help you maintain the daily activities of your business. You’ll experience no disruption, zero downtime, and no sudden breakdowns using our fiber optic network.
Our fiber optic lines deliver clear, fast data transmissions for all types of businesses in Durango. Enjoy high-speed premium internet with 24/7 customer support at an affordable price when you choose FastTrack Communications.
Our 10 x 10Mbps business plan starts at $44.00 per month! If you want a customized internet plan to suit your business requirements, you can call us at 877-755-0558 or fill out our service request form on our website at https://fasttrackcomm.net/fasttrack-service-request/.