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The Pros and Cons of Various Internet Services

Depending on where your business is located or the part of the country you live in, you may have a dozen Internet Service Provider choices or just a couple. Figuring out which one is right for you can be a daunting task, especially when each provider is claiming to “have it all.” No matter how technically savvy (or not) you are, the goal is the same – to get online and stay connected without hassles.

Dial-up

The most primitive of Internet connections, dial-up has become less popular in recent years but is still a very viable option. Nothing more than a phone line is needed for dial-up access, so it’s great for older homes not wired for cable or satellite TV access. Dial-up is available for any home with telephone service. As long as you have a dial tone, you can be online.

The downsides of dial-up include slower service, same or just slightly lower cost than cable, the process of getting online can be troublesome, and when you’re online your phone will send out a busy signal to anyone who calls. Depending on your individual situation, these might be small annoyances or show-stoppers.

High-Speed Cable

Nearly any cable television service provider will offer cable Internet as well. The speed is much faster than dial-up, especially for downloads. Upload speeds are faster than dial-up but not as great as DSL. There are usually no contracts, some providers offer free webspace, and a number of free email accounts in addition to Internet security packages.

The disadvantages of cable Internet access include potentially complicated installation (especially if your home was built before 1970 and has never had cable TV or Internet) and higher cost ($40 - $60 per month on average). There are usually modem rental fees of $3 - $6 per month, in addition to the monthly access fee.

Benefits include consolidated billing with cable TV, speed, and cable Internet is remarkably reliable. All major cities and most small cities and towns offer cable Internet and cable TV service. Cable can be left on at all times for quick access to the World Wide Web.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

There are a number of DSL service providers doing business across America. DSL offers greater security than either cable or dial-up. As with dial-up, DSL works over an existing phone line, but does not require exclusive use of the phone line. And, like cable Internet access, you can leave your DSL on 24/7.

Weaknesses of DSL include subscriber contracts required by many providers and the required purchase of a router and/or modem. Your telephone service provider may offer DSL or you can look for nationwide providers like Yahoo and Earthlink. They may offer a free or very reduced cost modem or router as well. You will need to install signal filters on all phone lines in your home except the one used for your DSL line. Some phone companies offer these for free, otherwise you’ll have to pick some up at an electronics store.

One of the greatest benefits of DSL is their upload time. While their download speed is usually double that of cable, their upload time is almost always four-times as much.

Cellular Wireless Access

The newest Internet service provider is your cellular phone company. While cell access is still in its infancy, it is becoming popular quickly. You can surf the Internet, send email. and instant message from anywhere you have cell service. There’s no installation, you just call your cell provider and request Internet access be added.

You must have an Internet compatible phone to take advantage of cellular web access. This is the most expensive Internet option, costing as much as $100 per month, in addition to international roaming and your regular cell service. Multimedia web sites aren’t easily viewed on cell phones and the speed is lower than both DSL and cable.