While getting an internet connection may sound trivial in the long-term, think of it as buying peace of mind. If the decision is not right, it can lead to frequent frustration. So before making a decision or subscribing for any service, you should always do the research. It’s important to comprehend the different types of internet service available on the market.
First up, there are broadband internet plans. Broadband basically refers to all common types of internet service, including dial-up internet connections. Higher speed connections like 3G, 4G, and 5G internet have mostly eclipsed dial-up connections, but that did not happen overnight. Dial-up connections still exist, and there are other services available, such as cable internet, satellite, DSL, and fiber optic. It’s pretty rare for people to still use dial-up connections. Here is a list of pros and cons that can be associated with the different variations of internet services.
DSL
DSL stands for digital subscriber line. It may sound like an extended version of dial-up, as you get the internet with an already existing telephone connection. There is a wide range of connections offered you can get with DSL, depending on the various sets of users and their internet usage. DSL is available in quite a few speeds, ranging up to 25 megabits per second (Mbps). However, the most recent service providers are offering speeds up to 100 Mbps. The chief shortcoming is the connection often depends on how far your device from is from the service provider.
Cable Internet
Just as it sounds like, cable internet is provided through the cable services provided to your place. This type of internet connection provides higher speeds, stretching from and above 100 Mbps. On the other hand, this service is shared with your neighbors. That can significantly reduce the speed to something far less than you signed up for, especially during peak hours when everybody is using the internet. The speed may even turn out to be slower than a typical DSL speed.
Satellite Internet
Satellite internet is an internet service which is comparatively slower to other popular choices like DSL or cable. Though in rural areas, satellite connections are considered to be the best available option. Internet service providers link to satellites in order to provide this type of service.
Fiber Optic Internet
Fiber optic internet (fiOI), provides the fastest speeds, up to 500Mbps in many cases. However, this kind of internet connection is limited, available in only some larger cities. If you live in such a city, the best part is the price, which is more or less equal to any DSL connection.
So those are the different types of internet services you would come across when you are looking to buy a new plan. But what other things should you be looking for? Here is a list of other characteristics that are fundamental to internet service.
Contract Details
You need to know everything–literally everything–because there are often some consequential facts deeply buried which you may not realize before signing your name. Determine the upfront you are supposed to pay, how much you would be paying every month, which devices you have to rent, and most importantly, how much would they charge if you plan to cancel the subscription.
Customer Service
You will be dealing with the customer service department throughout your experience with that particular internet service provider, whether it’s because of installation, payment issues, technical issues, etc. Make sure you find a provider with customer service department you can trust.
Reviews
While doing your research, scour the web for good AND bad reviews about the company. Ask your friends and neighbors about their respective providers – consider their recommendations and keep them in mind during the process. Ordinarily, AT&T customers are relishing their smooth internet experience. Word-of-mouth plays a significant role here. Also remember the fact that most online reviews are written by frustrated customers. Satisfied people do not usually make time for good reviews.
Price
The easy trick here would be to call each provider in your area, then write down their prices for every speed they offer. It will make the picture crystal clear for you. During my research, I found AT&T internet prices are very competitive in accordance with reasonable speeds.
Reliability
Now that you have done your research and have tentatively decide which service to utilize, make sure the speed and signal are good enough, because none of the above factors mean anything if you do not have a connection when you need it the most. Observing online reviews is one of this – the second part is to test your speed and compare it to the offered speed.
This is very helpful post
I like that you pointed out that we should check reviews. As you said, this will help us find the ones with good recommendations that we can consider hiring. I will follow your advice now that we need a good connection since my children will be doing online schooling this year.
You missed one important step here. As you know that most internet providers in the USA have a specific service area. Therefore, one should first look for the available internet service providers before being able to compare providers based on the metrics you have discussed.