Here’s exactly how I cut my internet bill from $120 to $75—and how you can do it too, step-by-step. I’ll show you what to say on the phone, when to call, the fine print to watch, and which competing “price-lock” offers you can use as leverage.

How a sales pitch turned into a $45/month savings

Brightspeed kept mailing me “switch now” offers. Instead of jumping immediately, I called my current provider (Metronet) and said, “I’ve been offered a better deal. I’d like to stay if you can match it.” They moved me to a promotional rate and told me to call again when it expires. Translation: loyalty/retention deals exist—you just have to ask. This tactic works because providers run public promos for new customers and quieter retention credits for current customers who ask the right team.

• Why this works at Metronet: They regularly advertise simple, all-in fiber pricing—no annual contracts, free installation promos, and an included eero router in many markets. If you suspend or downgrade, pricing reverts to standard rates—so loyalty pricing is often the difference between “standard” and “promo.” Metronet+1
• What Brightspeed’s fine print says: Their subscriber agreement explicitly limits extra discounts to those you qualify for at the time of order—unless a promo specifically includes existing customers. No early-termination liability if you ordered online (no term commitments), but they reserve the right to change the monthly rate with notice. Use competitor “price locks” as leverage if you’re considering Brightspeed. Brightspeed+1

Your 10-minute game plan (copy-and-use)

Before you call (5 minutes):

1. Grab proof of a competing offer (screenshot or mailer) with speed + price + any price-lock term.
2. Know your numbers: current bill, speed, fees, and promo end date.
3. Set a target: e.g., “1 Gbps near $70–$80, fees waived.”

Call script (5 minutes):

• Start with regular support: “Hi, I’m reviewing my expenses and comparing offers. Please transfer me to retention/loyalty so we can talk about keeping my service.” Consumer Reports
• With retention: “I was offered [competitor, speed] for $[price]. I’m happy with you and would prefer to stay if you can match or beat it. Could you extend my promo for 12 months or apply a loyalty credit, and waive installation/equipment fees?”

If they balk:

“Before I cancel, what’s the best save offer you can do today if I commit right now?”

Close the loop:

“Please confirm the total monthly price, term length, all fees, and any credits. Can you text/email that summary and give me the case number?”

Consumer Reports and NerdWallet both recommend this approach—call, ask for retention, be polite but firm, and have competitor quotes in hand. It’s simple, effective, and repeatable. Consumer Reports+1

Leverage these “price-lock” offers (they’re powerful bargaining chips)

Use real, current guarantees as your anchor. Here are three big ones you can cite:

• Xfinity (Comcast): New plans with a five-year price guarantee—no annual contract, unlimited data, gateway included. Plans publicly start around $55/mo (market-dependent). If you can’t get that exact price where you live, the 5-year lock itself is gold for your negotiation. Comcast Corporation+2Xfinity+2
• Verizon (Fios / 5G Home via “myHome”): Three-year price lock promoted in 2025 for select home internet plans—applies to the base plan price (taxes/fees separate). Great benchmark if Verizon is in your market. Verizon+1
• T-Mobile (5G Home & new Fiber): Five-year price guarantee on many plans announced in 2025. If fiber or fixed-wireless is available to you, that multi-year lock can be compelling leverage with your current provider. T-Mobile+1

The exact asks that save the most (pick 2–3)

• Extend my promo 12 months (or match your current online promo).
• Apply a loyalty credit (one-time or recurring).
• Waive install/activation or equipment fees (many fiber plans already include the gateway). Metronet
• Speed bump at the same price (easy for them to grant; good for you).
• Match a competitor’s price-lock in effective monthly cost (they may not match the “lock,” but they can match the price).

Your renewal cadence (so you never overpay)

Put a reminder 2–4 weeks before your promo ends. Call, renegotiate, repeat annually. Set a second reminder any time a new competitor arrives. This “set-and-forget” rhythm is what turned my $120 bill into $75—and keeps it there.

What to watch in the fine print (read this!)

• Contracts & ETFs: Some providers still tie big discounts to term commitments. Ask whether a move or downgrade triggers standard rates or an ETF. (Brightspeed’s online portal plans generally have no ETF; read your exact terms.) Brightspeed
• Fee creep: Specifically ask about equipment, activation, “technology assurance/inside wire,” and other add-ons. Metronet’s current marketing often includes the router and free install credits—but verify line-by-line on your account. Metronet
• Autopay & paperless: Many discounts require them; turning one off can erase your savings. NerdWallet
• ACP ended: The Affordable Connectivity Program stopped providing credits after June 1, 2024. If your bill jumped, you’ll have to replace that savings with a promo or loyalty credit. Federal Communications Commission+1

If you’re deciding whether to switch

1. Map your options: Use an address-level search to see every provider and plan near you (fiber, cable, fixed wireless). It’s the fastest way to arm yourself with real quotes. BroadbandNow
2. Compare true, all-in costs: Price, price-lock length, fees, and equipment. Xfinity, Verizon, and T-Mobile now advertise multi-year guarantees—great for budgeting. Comcast Corporation+2Verizon+2
3. Ask your current provider to match: Quote the competitor’s speed + locked price + term. Even if they won’t match the lock, they’ll often match the monthly number.

One realistic example (use these exact words)

“I’m seeing [Competitor Name] 1 Gbps for $[price] with a [3–5] year price lock. I’d rather stay, but that’s a strong offer. If you can match that monthly price and waive fees, or keep my current price and bump my speed, I’ll agree today.”

Provider-specific notes when you negotiate

• Metronet (Fiber):
  • Frequently advertises no annual contracts and free installation credits, plus an included eero router—so ask them to mirror current web pricing and keep those perks. If you suspend or downgrade, your rate reverts to standard pricing. Metronet+1
• Brightspeed:
  • Their agreement says you’re not automatically eligible for extra discounts beyond what you qualified for when ordering—unless a promo explicitly includes existing customers. That doesn’t mean retention deals never exist; it means you must ask specifically for any current save/loyalty offer and get the terms in writing. Brightspeed

Quick checklist (print this before you call)

• □ Screenshot a competitor offer (speed, price, term).
• □ Decide your target price and top two asks.
• □ Call and say “Please transfer me to retention/loyalty.” Consumer Reports
• □ Ask to match or beat your competitor quote.
• □ Request promo extension, loyalty credit, fee waivers, or a speed bump. NerdWallet
• □ Get the total monthly price, term, fees, credits, and a case number by text/email.
• □ Set a calendar reminder to renegotiate 2–4 weeks before the promo ends.

FAQ

Do I have to threaten to cancel?
No. Be clear that you’re comparing options and would prefer to stay if they can match/beat the market. Asking for the retention/loyalty team is often enough. Consumer Reports

What if my provider refuses?
Hang up and call again (different agents = different tools). If you still can’t make progress, switching to a provider with a multi-year price lock can be worth the hassle because it reduces the yearly renegotiation routine. NerdWallet+1

Is the cheapest plan always best?
Not if it’s a 12-month teaser that jumps later. Price-lock terms (3 or 5 years) plus unlimited data and included equipment can be more valuable than shaving a few extra dollars today. Comcast Corporation+1

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Bottom line

• You can absolutely lower your internet bill by calling and negotiating—with proof in hand. Consumer advocates have recommended this for years because it works. Consumer Reports
• Use current price-lock offers from Xfinity (5 years), Verizon (3 years), and T-Mobile (5 years on many plans) as leverage—even if you never intend to switch. Comcast Corporation+2Verizon+2
• Watch the fine print (fees, contracts, loss of autopay discounts) and remember ACP credits ended June 1, 2024—so the best path back to savings is a renewed promo or loyalty credit. Federal Commun

… here are providers (beyond Metronet/Brightspeed) where current customers can access promotional pricing, multi-year price locks, or loyalty/bundle discounts by switching into a new plan, adding a bundle, or asking retentions. I’m noting the exact language and linking to credible sources so you can use this list as proof when you call.

Home internet (cable & fiber)

• Verizon (Fios / myHome Internet) — Verizon’s Price Guarantee is explicitly “for new and existing myHome customers” when you’re on qualifying plans, and Verizon also advertises multi-year price locks on myPlan/myHome bundles. Verizon+1
• T-Mobile Home Internet — T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet Price Lock policy says existing customers who enroll or switch to a qualifying plan do qualify; they also have a “Last Month Price Lock” protection spelled out in the FAQ. (Note: details differ for Fiber.) T-Mobile+1
• AT&T (Fiber + Wireless bundle) — AT&T states “new and existing customers save 20%” on AT&T Fiber when bundled with eligible wireless, and the AT&T Guarantee applies to new and existing fiber/wireless customers (a useful talking point if a rep says otherwise). AT&T+2AT&T+2
• Optimum — Optimum’s deals page is labeled “for new and existing customers,” which you can reference when you call. (Availability varies by market.) Optimum
• WOW! Internet — WOW! offers a “Price Lock Promise”: your monthly rate won’t go up as long as you keep the same speed; a 2025 press release reiterates customers can opt to lock their price. That language doesn’t exclude current customers. wowway+1
• Spectrum — Charter’s 2024 “Customer Commitment” introduced guaranteed pricing up to three years on new Spectrum Internet plans; press coverage notes existing customers receive speed upgrades and can switch into the new lineup (then get the guarantee). Use support pages to switch plans or call loyalty. WKBW 7 News Buffalo+3Charter Communications+3Allconnect+3
• Xfinity (Comcast) — The 5-year price guarantee was launched for new customers, but coverage and a Comcast spokesperson (per Ars Technica) indicated existing customers who switch to the new unlimited-data plan could get it. However, Xfinity’s own forum mods have said it’s not offered to existing customers in some cases—so this is YMMV, but worth an ask with retentions. Comcast+2Ars Technica+2
• Breezeline — Existing Breezeline customers who add Breezeline Mobile get monthly discounts on their existing Internet/TV (stackable up to $10/mo when bundling). Breezeline+1

Wireless (useful leverage for internet bundles)

• Verizon Wireless — Actively markets deals for new and current customers on phones and bundles; also promotes mobile + home bill discounts. These programs often help existing Verizon internet customers (or vice versa) lock in better combined pricing. Verizon+1
• T-Mobile Wireless — Promos frequently say “new and existing” (e.g., device credits with trade-in or new line on specific plans). If you’re already on T-Mobile or add it for a bundle, ask them to apply current promotional pricing to your line(s). T-Mobile+1
• AT&T Wireless — AT&T advertises 20% bundle savings for new and existing when you combine fiber + unlimited wireless; that bundle eligibility is a go-to script line. AT&T

TV / streaming & satellite radio (extra easy wins)

• SiriusXM — Well-documented that existing subscribers can negotiate retention pricing; CarTalk’s 2025 guide flat-out says the price is negotiable for current customers (have a competitor/intro offer handy). Car Talk
• Sling TV — Sling has added flexible passes and seasonal prepay deals; while many promos target new customers, Sling’s new Day/Weekend/Week passes are usable by any current user to lower short-term costs (good leverage if you don’t need a full month). The Verge+1

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How to use this list on a call (works across companies)

1. Open with: “I’m a current customer and I see [provider’s exact promo name] offered. Can you switch my account to that pricing or apply the existing-customer version of that promotion?”
2. If they balk, cite the page (e.g., “Verizon’s myHome Price Guarantee says it’s for new and existing customers.”). Verizon
3. If they say “new customers only,” counter with: “I’m happy to switch into your new plan lineup (or bundle mobile) to qualify; can you process that now?” (Spectrum/WOW!/Optimum examples above.) Charter Communications+2wowway+2
4. Ask for loyalty/retentions if front-line support won’t do it. (Consumer Reports & NerdWallet both recommend calling and asking to renew a promotion or apply current deals.) Consumer Reports+1

Quick reality check: some providers (notably Xfinity) are in flux—press and reps have said existing customers can get the new guarantee when switching, yet other official channels deny it. That’s exactly why asking for retentions and being willing to switch plans/bundle is the winning move. Ars Technica+1