The truth about choosing
an internet provider
Choosing the right internet provider is important, and Golden West appreciates the opportunity to serve you. Your cooperative understands that speed, reliability, and value all matter.
Other providers may present an offer that’s hard to refuse. Keep in mind that tempting offers may not tell the full story. Before making a switch, dig deeper and ask more questions.
Know what your service offers
As of last year, all internet service providers must publicly display and share broadband labels. These nutrition label-looking charts list exact prices without the temporary, introductory discounts.
The labels also detail what speeds to expect from each plan. This includes typical upload and download speeds and latency. Latency, or responsiveness, should be a lower number for optimal performance for things like online gaming and videoconferencing. The labels offer transparency and make it easier to compare services between providers on an apples-to-apples level.
Speed you can count on
Not all internet is created equal. Many providers boast fast speeds, but some can only deliver when weather conditions are perfect.
Using fiber-optic cables, Golden West service is unaffected by weather conditions and experiences fewer outages and more stable connections. The fiber-optic network delivers consistent, high-speed internet whether you are streaming in 4K, running a home business, or gaming online.
With technology evolving quickly, Golden West is prepared for the future. Also, fiber-optic networks will allow the cooperative to meet ever increasing demands for decades to come.
Partners, not just providers
Golden West is more than just an internet provider; it is a cooperative that actively invests in the communities it serves. As a valued member-owner, you invest in the organization with your monthly payments, and the cooperative regularly returns excess profit margins to you and other members in the form of capital credits.
The cooperative’s local presence means you always talk to someone in South Dakota for help, rather than a faraway call center. In addition, cooperative employees live and work in your communities across the service territory.
With speeds of up to 1 Gig available in almost all areas, Golden West customers have the fastest, most reliable connection along with exceptional service as member-owners.
Your internet connection has never been more important than it is today. Golden West delivers reliable, future-ready internet with a commitment to the people it serves. To view the cooperative’s broadband labels, visit goldenwest.com/labels.
7 things to ask before switching providers
When evaluating an alternate internet provider, it’s important to understand what you’re really getting. Here are seven important questions to ask the potential provider.
- Will my upload speeds match my download speeds, or will there be a difference?
- Do you have data caps? If so, what happens if I go over the limit?
- What is the cost for equipment, installation, or service deposit?
- How long does this promotional price last?
- What will my total monthly bill be after the introductory period, including all fees and taxes?
- If I decide to cancel before my contract ends, will there be a penalty?
- If my service goes down, will a technician be available nights, weekends, or holidays?
By asking these questions upfront, you can make an informed decision and avoid surprises down the road. Picking the right provider isn’t just about speed or price. It’s also about trust, transparency, and reliability.
