Is there really still a debate regarding broadband vs. dial-up?

Bring up the subject of the merits of broadband Internet service versus dial-up service and you'll probably be met with looks of disbelief by serious users of the World Wide Web. It is true that the former debate - comparing dial-up connections to broadband - has long since ended.

The debate originally centered on the rather high cost of broadband connections versus the much lower cost of dial-up. But as the speed of broadband service increased and the cost declined, the primary debate died a natural death.

However, there are still situations where people can debate the virtues of one type of Internet service or the other with relevance. Most people are aware that dial-up Internet service was the catalyst that allowed the general population of the world to access the World Wide Web, starting in the mid to late 1980s. Dial-up modems will have at least historical respect from everyone forever.

While there is little, if any fierce debate regarding which service is "better", as broadband service delivers data, text, and graphics at speeds up to 100 times the rate of dial-up, there are still situations that indicate telephone modem service has a purpose.

When dial-up internet service may be the "right" choice

The situations that indicate the right choice for Internet access is a dial-up modem connection are few, but some still exist. As people spend more time on the Internet for business, personal, or other reasons, the use of dial-up connections decreases. The most common answer: Lack of or need for speed.

Dial-up connections cannot deliver the speed needed for modern Internet access, while broadband service provides the data transfer ability to download or upload graphics and large files needed by heavy Internet users. However, dial-up service still provides the reliability and low cost fees that have always been a feature.

For example, if you're a "casual" Internet user and live in a remote location not serviced by broadband service, a dial-up connection, at less than $10 per month, might be the right choice for you. Since you have neither the need nor the desire to stay connected 24/7/365, a dial-up connection might be the best and most economic choice of Internet options.

Suppose you manage a small hospital, satellite public safety office, or tiny home-based e-commerce business and need to have a connection to the Internet at all times. Unfortunately, you are in an area that tends to lose your broadband connection with disturbing regularity.

Without a massive IT budget, how can you ensure you can enjoy almost total Internet connectivity? Having a low cost ISP (Internet Service Provider) and connecting to the Internet via dial-up modem might be the right choice for a backup system.

Frequent business travelers that stay at motels and hotels that sometimes are not yet wired for broadband service also find dial-up Internet connections to be a good way to stay connected while on the road.

While not a comparable solution to enjoying wireless broadband access, dial-up Internet service allows the businessperson to check e-mails and respond, surf the Internet, and complete purchase orders, at a minimum.

When broadband is the best choice

In most cases, broadband, high speed Internet service is the best choice for the majority of people for business or personal use. While statistics show that around 20% of U.S. households don't have a PC, nor have any plans to own one in the future, and some of the home computers still have no Internet service, most people are better served with DSL, Cable, or Satellite, high-speed connections.

Among the categories of people who will benefit from "always on", high speed broadband service:

• Consistent Internet surfers
• Students
• Home-based businesses
• Fervent online game players
• Educators and researchers
• People who use e-mail as their primary communication vehicle

As the monthly cost of broadband Internet service has declined in recent years, the benefits of high speed connections, open telephone lines, and reliability typically make DSL, Cable, or Satellite Internet service the right choice. If FiOS (fiber optic service) is available in your area, you have another excellent choice for super fast Internet connections.

While the former debate regarding dial-up and broadband service has cooled, if not disappeared in the past decade, telephone modem connections still have a useful purpose. The low cost, consistent reliability and simplicity of dial-up Internet service operates as successfully as it always has.

See also: How to choose between cable and DSL