How to choose the right ISP for your needs.
Here's a quick guide to Internet
Service Providers (ISPs) and which provider might best work for your needs. Keep
in mind that you can have your e-mail separate from your ISP provider. Typically
most people bundle those together because most ISPs offerings come with options
for Web hosting, e-mail addresses and internet access. The following are the ISP
options generally available to users.
Cable: This option is often best for
a typical home or family usage. A cable modem is installed to provide high-speed
data access to the Internet via a cable TV network. The modem usually has a
connection to a cable wall outlet and to a PC. One of the benefits of "bundling"
the Internet with a cable television provider is that it's usually a flat,
inexpensive rate, with good tech support and no extra charges associated with
how much time you are accessing the Internet.
Broadband: A broadband ISP can be DSL, cable or in the form of T1. T1 is a dedicated
line that is utilized more for business. Broadband can be used in home or for
business and enables a faster connection than dial-up access. Often times, the
connect speed available can be as much as ten times the speed of a dial-up
connection.
Global ISP: If you're always on the road and typically find yourself in strange and new
places then a global ISP is a good tool for you. A global ISP provides a way for
users to access the Internet via dial-up, ISDN, broadband or Wi-fi through their
facilities or access points network. Net
Roamer is a good example of a
global ISP. Net Roamer enables users to get Internet access while away from
home. They currently have roaming facilities in 150 counties with over 21,000
access points. Subscribers can access the internet via Dial-up, ISDN, Wired
Broadband and Wi-fi each rated in one minute increments. Net Roamer does not
have any minimum usage restrictions, no signup fee, no cancellation fee and
provide free software and a free 30 minute trial.
Satellite ISP: High speed Internet
which comes through a satellite works in very much the same way as DirectTV, for
instance, comes in to your house. Most people do not get satellite unless they
do not have anything else available. Satellite access is provided via space
satellites and is often called the "Internet under the stars" as it typically is
the only way to reach the Internet if you're residing in an excessively remote
U.S. area with no other viable Internet access options. The downside to
satellite is that it can be very cost-prohibitive, often costing up to three
times as much as DSL or Cable.
Filtered ISP: A filtered ISP is one
that offers a filtering service. The service filters access to the Internet and
blocks offensive words on search engines, etc. Families often use this service
as a way to "screen" the Internet and make sure their usage is not exposed to
blue sites or what they might consider questionable content. There are a lot of
filters that will work with your current ISPs, which enables you to keep your
e-mail addresses and Internet service congruent, but prevents access to any
material one might deem as questionable. There are some filtering ISP services
like Hedgebuilders that offer service for as little as $6a month plus a $10 set
up fee. Their filter called A+ works with broadband and also blocks offensive
words on search engines.
Wireless ISP: Wireless is a good
option for people who travel a lot and need to access the Internet as readily
and conveniently as possible. Wireless Internet access, which can be used with a
Pocket PC for example or your laptop, is typically found in airports, hotels,
and even most Starbucks that are equipped with wireless access points. The range
is usually around 1,000 feet from the wireless access point (wireless node).
Hotels that are updated and equipped might offer wireless ISP as a value added
to your room. Some hotels charge for the connection and others do not and
include it within your room rate.
Another option for wireless access is
using your laptop and a cellular (wireless) modem that dials up wireless phone
providers with the connection in your laptop. Sprint PCS for business as an
example offers Sprint PCS Wi-Fi Access which enables users to connect wirelessly
at a high bandwidth using their Wi-Fi Zones network.
Wholesale ISP: Generally when someone says
Wholesale ISP they are referring to a company such as Your Own
ISP. Wholesale ISPs sell
Internet access to ISPs or VISPs (virtual internet service providers), who then
resell it to retail customers.
Users can also use
a wholesale ISP as a less costly way to access the Internet, as with the case of
Budget Dialup—a wholesale ISP that offers Internet access to consumers
and businesses through a pre-payment plan. Budget Dialup has no subscription
costs. The company says it uses the same network used by the top ten ISPs in the
country—ensuring 93% of the US population can efficiently connect to the
Internet. There are no fixed rates, and the plans work similar to a pre-paid
calling card. Customers purchase only the time they need, and unused time
rolls over month to month.
