Hidden fees, expired promotions, and speed-tier upselling are driving bills higher. The 2026 Consumer Trust Survey reveals the scope — and the free scan that finds better deals.
A 2026 Consumer Trust Survey found that 73% of American households experienced internet bill increases over the past year. The average increase: $12-$18 per month, or $144-$216 annually. The causes are familiar — expiring promotional rates, hidden fees, and speed-tier upselling — but the scale is reaching a tipping point. More homeowners are switching providers than at any time in the past decade, driven by frustration with billing practices and the growing availability of fiber alternatives. Here's what the data shows and how to ensure you're not among the majority overpaying.
A 2026 Consumer Trust Survey found that 73% of American households experienced internet bill increases over the past year. The average increase: $12-$18 per month, or $144-$216 annually. The causes are familiar — expiring promotional rates, hidden fees, and speed-tier upselling — but the scale is reaching a tipping point. More homeowners are switching providers than at any time in the past decade, driven by frustration with billing practices and the growing availability of fiber alternatives. Here's what the data shows and how to ensure you're not among the majority overpaying.
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