My internet contract recently expired, causing the price of my internet to jump from $60/mo to >$100/mo.

I called my ISP and asked what could be done about the higher price. I typically get student discounts because I'm perpetually studying something. The "best" that they could do was a $85/mo if I signed another two year contract.

So I called up a competitor and I asked what they could give me. They offered much faster speeds for $80/mo on a two year contract if I signed up with them. I wasn't happy spending more money, but I figured I'd at least get the best bang-for-my-buck if I was going to get stuck with a higher bill anyway.

When I called my current ISP back to cancel, they put me in touch with a loyalty specialist. I informed them that I had been offered a lower price with a competitor for a much faster service. I explained that all I really wanted was a lower bill, so I would be happy to remain on my current plan if they could offer a lower price.

I'm back to paying $60/mo for internet.

The reason I'm sharing this experience is because I was able to save hundreds of dollars over two years on my home internet by spending about an hour and a half on the phone.

If you're off contract and paying for internet, I'd strongly encourage you to take a minute and see what competing services have to offer. You might be able to save yourself hundreds of dollars or significantly improve your service.