Comparing Different Types of Internet Services

What Will You Use the Internet For on a Regular Basis

The type of connection you choose for your internet access—narrowband or broadband (and its subtypes)—will largely depend on what you are using it for. Businesses, home users, and occasional email users all have different needs and restrictions.

If You Are a Home User of the Internet ...

If you are a home user, answer these questions before you decide on a connection: How long do you think you will use your connection per day? Are you just using it for email and keeping in touch with friends and family? Are you job hunting? Will you be playing online games?

Using the Internet for Email ...

If you are just using your connection for email, you may want to get a narrowband connection, or dial-up. With this service, you will pay per minute for use, and may not need the benefits that come with broadband service. You also may be restricted to a dial-up connection if you live in a rural area and don’t have DSL or cable. If you are job hunting, want to surf the ’net, play games online, or do other activities that require lots of time on the phone lines, consider DSL or cable.

Remember that even if you use the internet for checking email or other light uses, it will still be slow. Broadband is a much faster connection.

Your Business and the Internet ...

If you have a business, you will more than likely want broadband because it’s faster and you pay a flat rate. Businesses use the internet more than ever, and dial-up access just isn’t efficient—why tie up a phone line a customer could be calling on?

DSL is a popular choice for businesses, and is said to be sometimes faster than the T1 lines. Often business owners, even ones who are not as computer savvy as they would like to be, can install the system themselves. It’s as easy as plugging filters into phone jacks, installing a router, and loading up a little software. This connection is 24/7, so you and your staff can just open your browser and you’re ready to work. Most telephone companies now offer DSL service.

Cable is also a good choice for businesses for the same reason DSL is, but often cable is not available in commercial or industrial areas. Cable television is mostly a product for residential communities, so the cables are there. However, many businesses now operate close to a residential area. If yours is one of these businesses, you may be in luck. Call your local cable service provider for information.

Comparison Shopping

For comparison shoping, visit BroadbandNational.com.