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:: HOME :: CREDIT CARDS :: LONG DISTANCE :: INTERNET SERVICE · Main Page · Search by State · Dial-Up Service · High-Speed Dial-Up · High-Speed DSL/Cable · ISPs for Business · Antivirus & Security · Satellite Broadband · T1 Service Providers · Tips & Advice - New! · Internet Service FAQ · ISP Glossary · Web Hosting · Info & Resources :: LOANS :: CELL PHONES :: INSURANCE :: ONLINE BANKING :: KNOWLEDGE :: MORE |
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Internet Access Tips and Advice Center Topic: Choosing an ISP See the subtopics menu for tips and advice about choosing an Internet service provider. For additional information about Internet service providers, see the topic list directly below.
 Four Basic Types of Internet ServiceWhat are the basic types of internet service? Finding our which Internet service providers are available in your area and comparing these options is often the best way to decide which ISP is right for you. Here is some basic information about each of the major types of Internet service to get you started. Dial-up Dial-up Internet service uses a telephone line. Though dial-up is inexpensive, it's also much slower than the other options and you have to wait while it connects. Cost: Low - Free to $25/month Speed: Low DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) DSL is an instaneous connection. It creates a data delivery system through your existing phone line to give you access to the Internet. You will need to have a modem installed, but major providers offer free installation packages. Cost of Basic Service: Medium - $20+/month Speed: Medium to High Cable Like DSL, cable Internet service is always on. You will need to have a cable modem installed from a cable TV provider in your area. You can oftentimes get package deals with other cable services. Many times you can get free installation. Cost of Basic Service: Medium to High - $20+/month Speed: Medium to High Satellite Satellite Internet service is a good option if you live in a rural area or other location without DSL or cable options. It uses satellite stations in space to connect to the Internet. You must have a receiver installed; installation can be several hundred dollars. Cost of Basic Service: High - $50+/month Speed: Medium to High ^ Back to top Choosing an Internet Service ProviderWhat should I consider when choosing an internet service provider? When comparing Internet service providers, you should consider a variety of factors about each potential ISP. Decide which of the following factors are the most important to you before making your final decision. Monthly Cost Set a budget on how much you want to spend on your Internet service. Cost can range from a few dollars a month for the cheapest dial up service to hundreds of dollars for the top-of-the-line Internet service connection. Internet Speed For some people who work from home or otherwise spend a lot of time on the Internet, speed is very important. For others who use the Internet rarely, speed may not be an issue. Dial-up is the slowest type of Internet service, while cable and DSL are much faster. 24-Hour Support The Internet service provider should have a 24-hour customer service line with technical support. If they don't, strongly consider another provider. Some companies only offer live support during business hours. Customer Service Response Call the customer service line before you sign up for the service to ask some basic questions. How long did you wait on hold? How do the representatives treat you during the call? Billing Options Find out if you can pay your bill with automatic monthly deductions from your checking account or credit/debit card. Can you pay and review your bill online? Do they charge extra if you want a paper copy of your bill? Email Addresses Many providers give their customers a free email address. How many email addresses do you get per account? Do they offer free virus protection or spam blockers? ^ Back to top Making a Decision Between Cable and DSLHow do I choose between cable and DSL? If you move into a new neighborhood or are upgrading from dial-up, you may find yourself choosing between cable and DSL Internet service. In many areas, cable and DSL are relatively the same speed and same price. In order to make a decision between cable and DSL, there are several things you should consider. What's Available First and foremost, find out what the cable and DSL options are in your neighborhood. Oftentimes if you are too far from the company office, you will not even be able to get DSL. If you have the option of both cable and DSL, you will need to continue your research. Ask Your Neighbors The best source of information is people in your neighborhood who already are using the service. Find out if they are happy with the customer service, speed and cost of their Internet service. Compare Prices The decision may just come down to which service will be cheaper. Call each company and ask about their monthly rates. Be sure to inquire about any promotional deals and Internet packages that may lower the cost. Don't forget about possible installation charges. Mention on the phone that you are trying to decide between different ISPs. That may prompt the company to give you a discount if you sign up with them. Contract Terms Many providers will want you to sign a one-year contract, while others will let you use their service on a month-to-month basis. Also, ask about the cancellation process and any fees involved. Read the contract very carefully before agreeing to terms. Read this for more on the DSL vs. cable debate. ^ Back to top Find a Free TrialShould I ask for a free trial period? If you are having trouble deciding between two different Internet service providers, ask each company for a free trial. Most companies are willing to give you a risk-free 30-day trial period where you can use the service with a money-back guarantee. If at any time during the trial period, you decide that you aren't interested in continuing with the service, just notify the provider and cancel your account. You will then be free to move on and try another Internet provider. During the trial period, if you discover that the service is fast, the connectivity is good and the customer service is satisfactory, then you can continue with the ISP on a longer term basis. ^ Back to top Questions to Ask Before Signing UpWhat questions should I ask before signing up with an ISP? When conducting an Internet service comparison, there are several questions you should ask each provider to help make your decision.
^ Back to top Top Internet Service ProvidersWhat are the best internet service providers? Here are some of the top Internet service providers (ISP) throughout the United States. However, you should always check in your area to see if other options are available. Dial-Up Internet Service Providers Dial-up, though the slowest, is the most affordable Internet service option. You can find free dial-up service with monthly limits and unlimited dial-up service for as little as $5 per month.
DSL Internet Service Providers DSL is faster than dial-up, but also more expensive. Most DSL providers provide plans beginning at $20 to $25/month. However, you can find discount deals and promotions to lower your rate.
Cable Internet Service Providers Normally you can only get cable Internet access from your cable television provider. Cable Internet is similar in cost as DSL. You can also get deals by packaging your cable TV with cable Internet access. Here are some of the more common cable Internet providers, however you will need to find the one that is located in your area.
Satellite Internet Service Providers Satellite is the most expensive of the common Internet services. If you are in a rural area or somewhere outside cable or DSL areas, satellite provides a high speed Internet option. The monthly rate is higher than cable or DSL and you usually have to buy the receiver and have professional installation.
^ Back to top Choosing Broadband Over Dial-UpWhy should I get broadband instead of dial-up? If you are frequently on the Internet at home, whether for work or pleasure, you should consider having broadband Internet service instead of dial-up. Broadband, which generically refers to DSL, cable and satellite Internet, is normally at least five times faster than dial-up service. With high speed Internet broadband access, you are always on the Internet and do not have to wait for the service to connect. You can just click your browser and begin surfing the web. Downloading and uploading programs, files, photos, video and audio is very fast. Broadband Internet access is vital these days for a family with children. Your kids can use broadband Internet to play video games, do research for school, communicate with friends and family and much more. Though broadband is more expensive than dial-up, you can oftentimes find specials that offer free installation, free trial periods and discounted rates. ^ Back to top Choosing Dial-Up Internet ServiceWhy should I choose dial-up? Dial-up Internet service is the most affordable choice of any type of Internet service. This option may be ideal for families on a budget, seniors and others who do not use the Internet very often. Because it's cheaper than other Internet services, dial-up is also not as functional. The speed is considerably slower than cable, DSL or satellite Internet service. The major lag is in how long dial up takes to connect to the Internet. Depending on your connection, it could take anywhere from 20 seconds to several minutes. Also, because dial-up uses a telephone line, you may need to have a separate line for your Internet service. In the past, if you used your normal phone line and were on the Internet, you would be disconnected if a telephone call came in. In recent years, many dial-up Internet service providers have offered features that allow you to stay on the Internet and be alerted when someone is trying to call you. Another problem with dial-up is that the connection can be dropped while you are browsing the Internet. This can become very frustrating if you are doing research or are in the middle of a project. ^ Back to top
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