While most Americans can\u2019t switch their water or gas provider, they are looking at their internet service provider.<\/p>\n
About two-thirds of those surveyed said they are not satisfied and have considered switching internet providers. And 30% said they\u2019ve either canceled or downgraded their internet in the past year.<\/p>\n
What is causing this rise in unsatisfied consumers?<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what to know:<\/p>\n
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The survey found that 71% of Americans reported the price of home services from the internet, utilities and cable TV has increased over the last year.\u00a0 ANP USA TODAY NETWORK What did the survey find?<\/p>\n
The survey found that 71% of Americans reported the price of home services from the internet, utilities and cable TV has increased over the last year.<\/p>\n
About 90% of the Americans who reported higher bills also noted higher electricity bills and 73% reported higher internet bills. Additionally, 53% of this population reported higher streaming or cable costs.<\/p>\n
Most notably, utilities such as electricity, gas and water had the most widespread hikes that impacted nearly 90% of respondents. This finding was a significant jump from the 59% founded in 2025.<\/a><\/p>\n What is raising internet costs?<\/p>\n Hidden fees are most notably raising the cost of internet bills. The survey found that most Americans reported feeling misled, leading many to consider switching internet providers because of hidden fees or needing to contact customer service to address bills.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile it\u2019s always recommended to read the fine print of any contract and clarify any uncertain terms, that means the burden often is placed on the consumer to do due diligence \u2014 for every single service \u2014 to make sure they understand, and that the provider isn\u2019t luring them in with a nice promotional offer only to make it less affordable year after year,\u201d said the survey.<\/p>\n The survey\u2019s \u2018most surprising internet fees for consumers\u2019<\/p>\n Hidden internet fees have been raising the cost of monthly bills and confusing customers. About 88% of respondents believe all fees should be included in the advertised pricing.<\/p>\n The survey found that bills increase after a promotional period due to \u201cservice fees with unclear descriptions,\u201d equipment rental fees, taxes and regulatory fees, according to the data.<\/p>\n Participants reported that hidden fees were the most \u201cfrustrating\u201d aspect of their internet provider more than customer service and slow speeds.<\/p>\n \u201cTo put it plainly, price is king,\u201d the survey said. \u201cWhile having speed issues or bad service can be frustrating, facing unexpected costs is the worst issue customers experience with their internet service providers.\u201d<\/p>\n Loading\u2026<\/p>\n How was the data gathered?<\/p>\n The 2026 Consumer Trust Survey was conducted by surveying 1,000 Americans to gauge consumer sentiment regarding home service costs, price transparency and provider trust.<\/p>\n The results were \u201cstratified\u201d to reflect the U.S. population according to Census data for age, gender and geographic region, according to Reviews.org.<\/p>\n Related Stories from Sacramento Bee<\/p>\n