What Type Of Connection Is Right For Me?
While there are many choices when it comes to connecting to the internet, we will be discussing only three here as these are the most affordable for personal consumer use in terms of higher speeds.
- Cable
- DSL(Digital Subscriber Line)
- Satellite
This is the best choice for consumers who want to have the most freedom with their internet connection.
Internet data information is run through existing coaxial cable lines and redirected into an external modem unit with the help of a cable filter or splitter.
Having a cable Internet connection frees up your phone line so you can make or receive calls anytime you are online.
In addition, with a cable Internet connection, you are “always connected” and accessing the Internet is as simple as turning on your computer.
Prices are affordable to most consumers and discounts are made available through some service providers to save you even more money.
You will also be provided with a leased/rental external cable modem from the service provider and those fees will be automatically added into your monthly bill for more convenience.
Cable Internet access may not be available in all areas. Contact your local cable company to find out if your area is within their accessible areas.
Most cable companies will offer you a “package” deal for both your Internet services and cable television to save you more money. Some cable companies will require you to have both cable television services along with your Internet services.
The best course of action is to call them, be sure they offer services in your area, and if they require you to have both cable t.v. and Internet to become a customer.
While not as fast as a cable Internet connection, DSL is much more available in most areas and can provide you with much faster speeds than those of regular Dial Up connections.
It will also give you the opportunity to use your phone line to make and receive calls while accessing the Internet through a small splitter unit plugged directly into your phone wall outlet.
Most DSL service providers will lease/rent you an external modem unit and provide you with the necessary connection cords to split off the Internet access from your normal phone line. This leased/rental fee will also be added into your monthly bill.
The increased availability in most areas around the country, and lower monthly rates make DSL a better choice for a majority of consumers.
To switch to DSL, all it takes is a call to your local telephone company to see if service is available from them in your area.
Much like a cable Internet connection, a satellite Internet connection can provide its subscribers with lightening fast speeds through signals sent from your external modem into your satellite dish off to theirs and back again.
You will need to have several pieces of equipment that the satellite companies can provide you with similar to those offered by the other Internet service providers through a lease/rental option.
As with cable services, satellite Internet access may not be available in all areas. The best course of action would be to contact those satellite television providers locally and asking whether or not they can provide you with Internet access services as well.
This option out of all three is the most expensive as compared to base prices offered by all three types of Internet service providers.
