“Broadband internet service is more widely available than ever, but with so many choices it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you.”

Broadband Internet Service - Understanding Your Options

Written by: Beconrad

There is little doubt that broadband internet service is a huge improvement over old style dial-up access. But broadband access comes in many different forms, and each type of connection has its own advantages and drawbacks. If you are stuck on dial-up and looking for a faster connection, you owe it to yourself to research all of the possibilities before making a decision.

As with so much in the world of technology, choosing the right high-speed internet access means weighing a number of different factors, from the availability of a particular form of access in the area where you live, to the costs involved in setup, installation and ongoing service.

In some parts of the country you may find that your choices for broadband access are somewhat limited. For instance, some parts of the rural west are still struggling to complete the infrastructure necessary for widespread high-speed access. In other parts of the country your universe of choices is much larger, but no matter where you live, high-speed internet access can be a balancing act between super fast speeds and high prices.

Cable Internet

Cable internet service is one of the most easily accessible, since it is available to just about anyone with a cable TV connection. Providers of cable internet service are able to sue the existing infrastructure, including the cables running into your home, to deliver broadband internet service in addition to your existing cable TV.

The prices for cable internet service vary from provider to provider, but they average about $30 to $50 a month in most parts of the country. Some cable companies offer bundled packages that combine television and internet service, and sometimes phone service as well. These bundled packages can provide significant savings compared to the cost of buying each service separately. Time Warner and Comcast are two of the largest players in world of cable internet, but there are many smaller regional cable companies providing those services as well.

Digital Subscriber Line

Digital subscriber line, or DSL, internet service uses the existing telephone lines in your home to carry internet traffic as well as telephone service. Like cable, DSL has the advantage of being widely accessible, since major carriers like AT&T and Verizon offer it throughout the country. Subscribers in very rural areas may have trouble getting DSL, but in general this service is one of the most easily accessible ways to access the internet at high speed.

DSL does tend to be slower than cable internet, and it can slow down further if you have more than one computer in the home. The terms of service for your DSL may also require you to pay for each computer separately, so it is best to get that information ahead of time if you have a home network.

The costs for DSL vary from carrier to carrier, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $30 a month for basic service. Higher speed service is available for $10 to $15 more per month, although prices do vary. As with cable, many DSL providers offer bundles that combine phone service and DSL, and those packages can save you money compared to the cost of those packages separately.

Satellite Internet

Satellite internet service is primarily used by those in rural areas who lack access to cable and DSL service. Satellite internet access uses a small receiver mounted on the side of the house, similar to the satellite dishes used for television service. That satellite connects with the one run by the ISP, providing access to the internet even where no cable wires are available.

The most significant downside of satellite internet access is its cost. Satellite TV subscribers often spend more than $100 a month for basic service, considerably more than their DSL and cable counterparts. In addition to the cost, satellite internet service can be adversely affected by high levels of airborne moisture, particularly rain and snow. For that reason, satellite TV providers often experience outages during severe weather.

Mobile Internet

The widespread use of smart phones, tablet computers and other devices has led to an increase in the availability of mobile internet services. Mobile internet allows those wireless devices to connect to the internet on the go, making it easier for users to smart phone and PDA users to get the information they need no matter where they are.

As you would expect, the major players in the world of mobile internet access are the same companies that provide service for smart phones and other cell phones. Those names include T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. Prices vary from carrier to carrier, and often those costs are bundled into the cost of monthly cell phone service.

As the above information shows, there is certainly no shortage of choices when it comes to high-speed broadband internet access. That wealth of choices allows consumers to pick and choose exactly the services they need, making it easier for those users to get online whenever and wherever they need to.

Someone who relies on a smart phone or tablet computer throughout the day will enjoy the freedom and flexibility of mobile internet, even if the price for those services is somewhat higher than either DSL or cable. Those who live in rural areas may have no choice but to pay for expensive satellite internet service, unless they want to be stuck with a slow dial-up connection. Casual internet users who do not need extensive wireless access can save money by choosing between traditional DSL or cable internet service. In the end, the choice of high-speed internet service boils down to a balancing act that involves a number of factors, from local availability and ease of installation to price and reliability of service.

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