What to ask before you select an ISP

Do not assume the advertising you see, read, or hear about ISPs is all true. Have you heard that warning before? Probably – and with good reason. There is no perfect product or service available anywhere. ISPs are no different. Most, however, earn at least a "good" rating. Here are some questions to ask BEFORE you select a new ISP.

Must you sign a contract and, if so, what is the duration? A longer-term contract can be a benefit or a detriment. ISP contracts are somewhat similar to cell phone contracts in at least two areas.

First, ask if your monthly rates and fees are fixed for the term of the contract or if the ISP can change (usually, increase) them at will? Second, if you are dissatisfied with the service and want to terminate the relationship, is there a "buyout" penalty and, if so, how much is it?

Do I need to buy or rent a modem from the ISP? Is the modem included in the monthly access fee? Is there an additional charge (usually from $2 to $5 per month) for the modem? Can you purchase your own modem that will work with the ISP if you so desire?

Does the ISP's modem include a wireless router or do you need to install a separate router if you have a home network? Some ISPs (like Verizon FiOS) install a combination modem/wireless router when you use their service.

Therefore, everything you need for a home PC network, wired or wireless, is included with your service. Other providers install a modem only, requiring you to install a router, wired or wireless, of your choice to create a home PC network.

How are price increases handled? Few ISPs will guarantee pricing, with or without a contractual relationship. Even if you're offered guaranteed pricing for some period, ask the provider how price adjustments will be managed AFTER the guarantee term expires.

What is the uptime percentage of the ISP? Ask them for their percentage of uptime (or downtime, if you prefer). You can verify their statements through the Internet, using appropriate consumer sites or blogs. If downtime is a concern, ask the ISP how it's handled for billing purposes? Do you get a credit on your bill for the period when service is down?

You may have other questions regarding upload/download speed, firewall or anti-virus protection, e-mail accounts (number and spam filters), or personal website creation ability.

Ask them BEFORE you commit to new ISP service so you're aware of what to expect. High-speed Internet service is a wonderful product, but you should select a new ISP with all the knowledge ammunition you can assemble.

Why some people should still consider having a dial-up ISP

Is dial-up Internet service dying – or already dead? Many experts and casual 'Net users would say a resounding, "Yes!"

If you use the Internet for your business, in-depth news, downloading music or movies, or are a serious "gamer," broadband high-speed service is definitely better for you. There is really no argument for dial-up service, through a slow 56K modem, that makes good sense.

Yet there are still situations that might indicate that dial-up Internet service might be a better choice than broadband. The few drawbacks of high-speed Internet service can indicate that dial-up service may be the best option. Here are some things to consider. Do any sound familiar to you or represent your situation?

Very casual users can save money using a dial-up connection. If you are not a dedicated 24/7/365 Internet user, it might make sense having a dial-up Internet Service Provider (ISP), costing around $9 to $15 per month, instead of a broadband connection at $35 to $50 per month.

People overly concerned about security are often concerned that a broadband connection is "always on," giving malicious hackers all the time in the world to attack and penetrate your computer. A dial-up connection is only alive when you are using it through your telephone line. The rest of the time, your PC has no interface with the Internet and all of its wonders and dangers.

Have laptop, will travel. Are you the ultimate "road warrior?" Do you log more miles than a long distance trucker? Does your expense account indicate more stopovers at Motel 6 than the Four Seasons? Dial-up Internet service may allow you to connect in places that broadband, cable internet, DSL, or wireless hot spots don't exist or aren't available to you.

See also: ISP comparison