A method of negotiating services. The method includes transmitting a service request to a provider device. The service request includes a base level of service at a base cost and alternative levels of service each at an alternative cost. Each of the alternative levels of service includes an alternative service parameter that has been downgraded relative to a corresponding base level service parameter. The alternative cost is less than the base cost. The method includes receiving a confirmation message from the provider device. The confirmation message indicates whether the base level of service or an alternative level of service has been accepted by the provider device. The method also includes receiving data at the base level of service or at the one of the one or more negotiated levels of service in accordance with the confirmation message.