Internet Service Providers
Getting the most from your Internet services
It's rare to find a home, business, pub or coffee shop that doesn't have high speed Internet service nowadays. Yet, now that Internet service providers are so readily available, it's more important than ever to make sure you choose the right one.
An Internet service provider (ISP) is a company who provides you with low or high speed Internet service, as well as other options depending on your needs. What's interesting is that even the largest nationwide ISPs are themselves clients of what are called "upstream" ISPs, who provide them with Internet access. Other Internet service providers may be clients of the clients of upstream ISPs, creating a three-level system for accessing the Web. These companies are known as "virtual ISPs".
Features and Benefits
- High speed ISPs are now very common, giving consumers more choice
- Low cost ISPs are now available, making Internet services – even high speed Internet – more affordable than ever before
- Specialty Internet services, such as broadband wireless Internet providers, are able to provide service across a wider area
- Nationwide Internet service providers help people get Internet access no matter where they are
Top Choices
- Comcast
- SBC (AT&T;)
- Verizon
Major Considerations
- What is my budget for Internet service?
- Am I looking for a high speed ISP?
- Can I trust the reputation of my Internet service provider?
- Am I looking for a business or personal ISP?
- What am I interested in doing on the Web? Will I be watching a lot of streaming video and doing a lot of downloading, or will I be all right with low speed Internet access?
Price Range
Internet service is generally sold in packages, with different speeds and features. The more affordable packages (which are often perfectly acceptable for the average Internet user) start at around $20 a month. High speed Internet, and the addition of certain features such as enhanced security or ISP email, bumps package price rates up to around $40 to $60.
Summary
It's commonplace to have Internet service in homes and businesses, but this commonness has led to a competitive marketplace for Internet service providers. You can use this to your advantage by researching multiple ISPs to find the package and price range that are right for you.
Comments (1)