Opinion: How to Not Go Over Your Home Internet Data Cap

During the course of the last week, my family and I have had to change the way we use our home internet since we got a notice from our internet provider that we were 25GB away from going over for the month. 

Of course, I have tried to think how we went through so much data so quickly. My mind raced and the culprit was immediately found; streaming Hulu overnight. My mom and I do this overnight, therefore, it is double the number of devices streaming at once. She would be watching MASH on Hulu and I would either be watching Last Man Standing or How I Met Your Mother. 

So why is this such a big deal? 

Well, with my internet provider, Cable ONE, we are on a three strikes and your out type of deal. You can technically go over your data plan three months in a row with no ramifications, but after that, they will raise your data plan to the next tier, which also means that they will raise the price on it too. My family and I don’t want that, obviously. 

With all of that said, here are some easy ways to not go over your internet data plan. Of course, if you do not have a data cap on your home internet, disregard this and be grateful that you don’t have to worry about this kind of stuff. 

• Get DVDs: Whether this is for a TV series or movie, I know that we focus a lot on streaming media in all different ways available. Still, physical media is something that I believe in. Just in the past week, I have ordered three seasons of Last Man Standing online just because of how cheap I was able to get them, Best of all, you won’t be using the internet in order to watch your content. 

 

• Put the smartphone, laptop, and remote down and read a book: We’re not talking ebooks here. I am talking about physical books. It is never too late to start reading books or magazines. They are great ways to learn about new things, people, cultures, etc. If anything, it’s an excuse to get out of the house, go to Barnes and Noble and use Apple Pay there too. 

 

• Go outside: Sort of like the previous point, but maybe this would be the encouragement you need to go outside and spend less time on the web. I mean, I love a Doctor Who binge-watching fest as much as the next person, but it would not hurt to do something as simple as putting in those AirPods to listen to music or a podcast, and go for a walk or run. Just find a way to get out of the house. 

 

• Get a higher cap: Say you are someone who has a 300GB data plan as my family does. If you find yourself consistently going over it, if you can afford it, get a 400-500GB data cap. This way, it creates fewer problems for you and with customer service. Let’s face it, we all almost always hate making those calls. 

Those are all of the ways and methods that I have come up with to avoid going over for home internet data plan. I do wish that these things would go away, but even in 2019, where the internet essentially takeover and runs our lives, they still exist. Yes, they are a pain in the butt, but perhaps one that will change. 

Feature image courtesy of How-To Geek