Internet Access Services - DSL, High Speed ISP

Facts, Tips on Discount Internet Access - DSL & Dialup ISPs

Choosing the right Internet Access service for you is a comprehensive task and needs many considerations. Even though there is a plethora of them, finding the right Internet service provider and good technical support isn't easy. Many of us are plagued with busy signals, slow connections, and tedious hold times for tech support. So lets look at the main areas of concern when choosing an Internet access service.

To help you pick the best-suited Internet service provider, we have sifted the Internet for the cheap ISPs that are also reliable and offer great services. Below are some of them:

Basic Requirements For High Speed Internet Access

If you want to access the Internet you will need three basic items:

• A computer,
• A modem,
• An account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Choosing The Type Of Internet Access - DSL, Cable / Broadband, Dialup

The best way to begin your hunt for the best Internet access option is to simply begin by asking yourself - why do you need Internet access? Are you going to use Internet to email relatives and contact friends or do you want to start a home based business or online trading? If your needs are simple you can perhaps opt for a low cost traditional modem Internet access. But if you are a web developer you will need high speed ISP for broadband services - DSL or Cable Internet.

Traditional modem access - This is the type of Internet access in which you have an internal or external modem connected to your computer via a serial cable, and you initiate a call to the ISP whenever you want to use the Internet. Maximum Internet speed with this type of connection is usually 56,000 bps.

DSL service - This is a newer Internet access than the traditional modem. Here, you still have a modem connected to your computer, but the modem connects to your computer using an Ethernet cable instead of a serial cable as above. Once you are connected, you remain connected, and do not have to disconnect and reconnect each time you wish to access the Internet. In addition, with DSL Internet access, you can access the Internet and use the phone for voice communication at the same time, without interference.

Speed: Up to 8Mbps.
Cost: For basic services (usually 256 Kbps) the modem charge is usually about $5 a month to rent or $150 to buy, exclusive of set up. Service fees are about $40-$50 per month for basic connections, and more for a faster connection.
Download times:
2.1 seconds Microsoft Word File (68KB)
9.4 seconds Digital Photo File (300KB)
78.0 seconds Digital Music File MP3 (2.5MB)

Cable Modem Broadband Service - This service is like DSL service in that it is a persistent connection, and connects to your computer using an Ethernet cable. The big difference is that the connection is made through your Cable TV cable, not your telephone line, as is the case with the DSL service.

Speed: Cable Internet access offers up to 5Mbps (Megabits per second) or 20 times faster than an average dial-up connection.
Cost: $30-$50 per month, plus $50-$150 for installation, which covers cable wiring, the insertion of an Ethernet card into your computer, and software configuration.
Download times:
.5 seconds Microsoft Word File (68KB)
2.4 seconds Digital Photo File (300KB)
20.0 Seconds Digital Music File MP3 (2.5MB)

Cost Of Internet Access

Internet access is not free. You must pay for an Internet account and, in addition, each time you connect to your ISP via a modem you will be charged the cost of the telephone call. However, Internet access charges vary. While some ISPs charge an hourly rate for the time you are using the Internet, others will charge a flat monthly fee regardless of how much you use the Internet.

In both cases the ISP may also charge a set-up fee to cover the cost of establishing your account and providing you with any necessary software. The ISP may also have a limit on the amount of information you can download without paying additional charges. As charges vary considerably, you should make sure you are clear about the charges you will face before signing up for Internet access.

If you plan to use the Internet access infrequently or for limited times during the week then an hourly rate would be good option. If, however, you are likely to be a heavy Internet user then a flat monthly rate will probably suit you best. Be wary of signing up for a long period with any ISP. Shorter terms mean you can easily change services or types of account to suit your changing needs or if you are dissatisfied with your Internet service provider.

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