Have you checked out online only to be hit with hidden and extra fees at the last minute? It is extremely frustrating, a poor customer experience, and, unfortunately, extremely common. When shopping online, hidden fees might include unexpected taxes or shipping. In the world of Internet services, surprise charges may include installation costs, modem rental fees, technician fees, change of address fees, and more. Everything comes with a price, but that doesn’t justify hidden fees.
Hidden Fees in the World of Internet Services
Hidden costs are unforeseen customer expenses added on to purchases. Purposefully not disclosing fees is considered illegal under some state and federal law. Businesses are required to disclose fees in advance by consumer protection laws. Some companies only disclose fees in the fine print on a contract or in the footnote of a service page. Pay attention when you make a purchase or you may be surprised by extra fees at check out.
Here are a few ways hidden fees might appear with your Internet services:
- Internet plans often list a monthly price, followed by a statement like ‘service fees plus taxes and other fees.’ However, the ‘other fees’ are not detailed until check out.
- More Internet service providers (ISPs) offer promotional prices. These are often short term. They may cost you more in the long term. The monthly plan price may increase substantially after a specific length of time. This is also the leading reason some people frequently switch ISPs.
- Bundled services aren’t hidden fees. However it plays to people’s psychology of ‘I might use this service’ without considering the need. You might spend more getting the equipment to use the bundled services.
At Green Light Wireless, we believe in transparency and simplicity in pricing. We know how frustrating it is to have Internet bills rise with taxes and other surprise fees. We don’t do it! The price you see on our website is exactly what you see when you pay for your plan. It is what you see on your subsequent monthly invoices.
Is Equipment or Installation Fee a Hidden Fee?
For a home to connect to the Internet, it needs to be within an ISP’s coverage and network infrastructure. A professional installation technician often sets up proprietary equipment to connect the home to the network. For most ISPs the installation fee is a requirement for new customers.
When a new broadband Internet account is set up at Green Light Wireless, an experienced technician will be on-site. We will figure out the best spot in our customer’s home to install, configure, and deploy quality services. Our one-time Equipment and Installation fee covers the costs of proprietary equipment to bring a new customer onto our network. Additionally it covers the equipment needed to create a Wi-Fi environment in our customer’s home. If our technician finds the wireless signals to be below the minimum threshold and we cannot provide quality Internet connections, we will stop the installation and provide a full refund without question.
We charge the equipment fee upfront so we can offer contract-free plans instead of hiding the equipment costs in monthly payments.
Research, Compare, and Stay Informed
Hidden costs may seem like a minor price to pay, but they are a frustrating experience. When you switch your ISP or need new Internet service due to a move, research pricing and fees such as equipment, installation, and technician fees to make informed choices.
Green Light Wireless values transparency in pricing. Our listed price will always be the same price you pay with no hidden fees. The price is the price!
With Green Light Wireless, you enjoy reliable, high-speed Internet services from a locally-owned and operated company. Check out our Internet service comparison chart to learn how Green Light Wireless is different from other big Internet companies.