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What to look for in an ISP
When choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and type of Internet service, there are several options available and factors to consider.
Set your budget
How much are you willing, or able, to spend for your Internet service? Dial-up Internet will be your least expensive option and there's no limit to how much you can spend for other types of Internet service. If you have a cell phone, perhaps you don't need your land-line. Ask your phone company if you can discontinue your phone service and receive dial-up Internet access only using the existing line. Ask your cable TV or satellite TV provider if they offer package deals ("bundles"), combining your Internet with your cable television to get a better deal on the monthly rate.
Check availability in your area
What types of Internet services are available in your area? You will have a wide variety of options if you live in a city. Rural towns and more remote homes tend to have fewer choices as many Cable and DSL ISPs have not invested to upgrade their infrastructures in sparsely populated areas, but that is changing. Ask your friends and neighbors what kind of Internet access they're using. You can also call your phone and cable companies to see what packages and deals they offer.
Decide on your connection type
What type of Internet will you be using; is high bandwidth more of a priority than lower cost? Here are the most common options in general order of cost, from least expensive to most expensive:
- Dial Up - DSL - Cable - Wireless (cell phone cards) - Satellite
What kind of support does your ISP offer?
You may be charged by the minute, by the phone call, or it may be free. When you call, will you be talking with someone in the United States, or are calls outsourced to call centers outside the US? What's the average length of hold times when you call? Your ISP should be adequately staffed to avoid long hold times.
How many add-on features would you like?
Sometimes the real price is hidden by all the extras they offer you. Here are some of the extras that ISPs may try to sell you:
- Web Hosting - Connection Software - Extra e-mail addresses
Normally, the free web hosting is only enough for a few megabytes of data. Services like Blogger, Wordpress, MySpace, etc., usually offer more space and better usability. The connection software offered usually only saves a click or two and will be another program to install and configure. If it isn't required to access the Internet, you really don't need it. Receiving five e-mail addresses with your ISP does not do much good if you only use one or two. If you use a work e-mail, or free e-mail service such as Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail, then receiving extra e-mails with your service is an add-on you do not need.
Below are a list of sites that compare availability, prices and services in your area.
WhiteFence.com provides a handy comparison-pricing module for broadband Internet service. Enter your address and zip code and receive a list of what service is available and from whom and their prices. TheISPGuide.com will compile a list of providers in your area when you click on your zip code. FreedomList.com has a list of free and Cheap Internet by country. SaveOnISP.com contains an exhaustive list of low cost and free providers offering all types of Internet access. cNet.com will give you a list of local providers after you enter your phone number or zip code.
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