Having two internet providers in one house may be foreign to many, but more and more people are getting interested in it. Why? Simply because of demand, security, and convenience. Whether you’re in a house with a large family or you’re living with many roommates, having two internet providers just makes sense.
But, the biggest question is, can you have two internet providers in one house? Find out the answer and understand all the technicalities that come with it.
So, can you really have two internet providers in one home?
Yes, definitely! In all technicalities, you can have many internet providers in a single house as you prefer. However, it depends on several factors if you want to do so. For example, if you live in an apartment or other type of rental property, you will need to check and see if your agreement prohibits you to have more than one internet service provider (ISP).
Here are other factors you’ll need to look at when considering having two ISPs in your home:
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Your house’s location
If your home is located in a remote area, it’s more likely that you can only get one type of internet connection. For example, if you live in a rural area, the only way you might be able to get online is through satellite internet or a dial-up connection. If this is the case, then having two ISPs obviously isn’t possible.
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Your budget
While you can technically have two ISPs in one house, it might not be worth the investment—especially if you’re on a tight budget. Having two internet connections can be expensive, and it might not even improve your speeds that much.
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Your current ISP
In some cases, your current ISP might not be okay with you using a second one. They could threaten to cancel your service or raise your rates if they catch you. However, this is unlikely as most providers understand that people have different needs. Just to be safe, it’s best to call your ISP before making any step.
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Your current connection type
Some types of internet connections simply can’t be shared. For example, if you have a cable modem, you can only use one ISP with it. This is because your cable company owns the equipment and only permits their services.
How to Get Two Internet Service Providers in One House
If there are no complications of you having two internet providers, then all you have to do is contact your second ISP. So, let’s say you’re currently subscribed to a bundle like DISH TV + internet, and you want to add another internet line to your home. What you’ll need to do is simple and straightforward.
The scope of having two internet service providers in a single property is the same as subscribing to one, but twice. You will need to coordinate with the two local ISPs in your area to make it work. You have to clearly tell them that you’re trying to establish two different lines for your internet.
This step is crucial. If you’re moving into a house or an apartment, there are almost certainly existing lines running. Most ISPs will connect you using the lines that have already been installed. The installation by the second company must not disconnect the first.
This can easily be done in one home. They’ll show up and establish connections. But is it possible to have two internet service providers in one apartment? You might need to get in touch with the apartment management. If you’re lucky, the apartment may already have lines from various providers; for example, if the previous renter used “ABC Communications” and the tenant before that used “XYZ Communications,” the property may be wired for both.
If not, having two ISPs in an apartment could be more challenging since lines need to be run inside the apartment building itself. To know your options, you’ll need to talk to your telecommunications provider and property management.
Final Thoughts
Having two internet providers in one home is an excellent idea for many of us who are heavily dependent on the internet. If you’ve been thinking about having a second ISP for quite some time now, this is your green signal. Go and talk to your current ISP and property management (if you live in an apartment or any rental properties) to begin.
