What can be much more difficult, however, is evaluating a good home internet offer in terms of performance , contract transparency, and the efficiency of the operator you choose. Precisely for this reason, in our country, there are a series of regulations and regulatory bodies aimed at protecting consumer rights .
Ensuring internet access is a priority for institutions and governments because the internet fosters development, training, and knowledge. Consequently, companies operating in this sector are required to meet a series of very strict criteria in terms of quality, efficiency, and transparency. Here’s an overview of the main ones.
Is there a difference between a traditional contract and a virtual one?
Among the most important aspects a consumer must know before signing a contract are always rights and obligations . These tend to change over time and, obviously, evolve in step with society and contemporary customs. This is the case with e-commerce , a new field and, as such, subject to constant change , especially at the legislative level.
Among these is the introduction of the so-called ” right of withdrawal ,” i.e., the consumer’s right to withdraw from the contract within 14 days, in the manner specified by the other party. This right, however, is only valid for remote transactions , i.e., those conducted online or by telephone.
Before signing, therefore, it is important to always make sure you have read and understood all the conditions proposed by the operator, especially those regarding withdrawal, cancellation, and renewal procedures.
What happens in the event of a service failure?
Every telephone and connection service contract always includes a breakdown of the services offered, regardless of the technology chosen. Generally, you can choose between three options for connecting your home: a data SIM card to use as a hotspot, an ADSL connection via telephone wire, or an ultra-fast network, choosing between FWA and fiber .
In all these cases, the operator, aware of the widespread use and power of its infrastructure, is required to specify in the contract the minimum guaranteed service level or the amount of bandwidth/data available to the customer . This means that, if this standard is not guaranteed, the customer will have the right to cancel the contract without penalty. The ability to exercise this right depends primarily on the Speed Test , an analysis that evaluates network parameters and can therefore certify the presence of inefficiencies.
The Speed Test is free and instant and can be repeated multiple times, confirming the actual service disruption for which you can invoke the right known as the Guaranteed Minimum Bandwidth. This was established by AGCOM , the Italian Data Protection Authority, which has provided free, certified software for measuring performance.
How to evaluate a network’s efficiency before activating the contract?
How can you tell if your internet will be truly fast before you even activate your plan with your chosen operator? Are you really buying a blind service? To answer these questions, you need to consider coverage , a very important metric that helps you understand how efficient your chosen network will be.
To find coverage, simply take the online test , on any operator’s website or using the tools provided by Misura Internet. Typically, the operators themselves, when you contact them, will perform the test or suggest taking it to help you choose the most suitable service.
The Internet coverage test allows you to identify the infrastructure closest to your home and, therefore, choose wisely between Fiber, FWA, ADSL, or data SIM. Of course, you also need to consider activation costs , provider offers , and everything else that helps you choose the ideal plan for your connection needs.
