2025 Consumer Trust Survey: Home internet costs up, consumers hate hidden fees

Americans are fed up with how much they pay for internet-based services and are taking steps to reduce their bills, according to a recent report from Reviews.org, following up its 2025 Consumer Trust Survey. Another closely related takeaway was that people resent being surprised by hidden costs. The report found that 67% switched or considered switching internet providers if they feel their provider has hidden fees or presented them with unexpected charges. That figure was up from 56% last year. “The most important aspect of pricing for consumers is knowing their total price rather than an advertised price that comes with hidden fees: 88% of respondents believe all fees should be included in advertised pricing,” the report said. Other highlights from the report:

• 71% reported that the price of their home internet services has increased over the past year.
• 73% of consumers said that their internet bills have risen this year, which was up from 43% last year’s report. 
• 30 percent of those affected said their monthly price increased by $10 to $20.
• 30% say they either canceled or downgraded their internet service during the past year due to cost.