Which Internet Service Provider Is Right For Me?


This article focuses on the many different types of internet service providers including but not limited to dialup, ISDN, DSL, Cable, Dish, and even internet access via TV and portable devices. Many people are already addicted to high speed access; if you are in that category then your options will be a tad more limited depending upon the area in which you live. Read on to find out what you should look for in your internet service provider.

There are really two main things which must be considered before choosing your Internet Service Provider (ISP). One is your actual physical location as not all types of ISPs are available everywhere, and the second and more obvious is what will you be doing with your internet access.

Most people would tell you to get ‘high speed’ access as it’s the only way to go. This may be true if you have a newer computer and have high speed access available in your area, but not all people are as fortunate. The two main types of high speed access for individual use are DSL and Cable modem. The easy way to check to see if either is available in your area is to call your local telephone provider and your local TV cable provider and see if you are able to sign up. Before you do so, I highly recommend telling them the type of computer you have and when you purchased it. I say this because no matter how fast your access is, if your computer is an older model and has a slow graphics card, you are still going to be limited to your computer’s weakest link.

With all that being said, my personal preference is DSL as it is fast internet access both upstream and downstream (some cable and Dish providers only have fast access for downloading but not uploading). Also my personal experiences have been much more pleasurable with DSL than with Cable (when there are heavy rain storms Cable providers tend to go out intermittently).