Did you know there are currently 2639 internet service providers in the US? That is absolutely too much. All these ISPs have their own bundles and special promotions. It’s enough to make your mind spin. I was absolutely overwhelmed with all the alternatives before I decided on my Spectrum Waco service.
That is where the inspiration for this blog originated. So many of us encounter the same confusion when it’s time to hunt for a new supplier. But if you keep a few things in mind, it can make your decision-making a lot easier.
Know the Types of Broadband
More often than not, people are unaware of the many sorts of internet connections. You might be familiar with the phrase ‘broadband’. It is typically used to refer to internet services. But you might not have noticed that there are 4 sorts of broadband. There is cable, DSL, fiber-optic, and satellite. So what’s the difference?
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Cable
Cable internet, as the name suggests, is supplied to your home through your cable connection. Cable internet is the most cheap internet service. And its promised speeds are high as well, generally advertised above 100 Mbps. We mention touted because the actual speeds often fluctuate based on use in your location. A cable connection is shared by residents of a region.
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DSL
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. And as cable comes through your cable provider, a DSL connection is through your telephone line. Typically, DSL connections vary by about 25 Mbps, although modern connections allow for up to 100 Mbps as well. A common difficulty with DSL connections is speed. Internet connections are slower the further away you are from the provider.
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Fiber-Optic
Fiber-optic connections are also referred to as FiOS. This sort of connection is comparable to DSL connections, but they offer faster speeds. This is a relatively recent technology, and it isn’t available everywhere. But in the regions where it is, speeds range up to 500 Mbps or greater. Typically, a FiOS connection costs the same as a DSL connection, but with great speed gains.
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Satellite
As the name suggests, this service is delivered to you directly via satellite service. Most individuals do not prefer satellite internet for two reasons. The first is that speeds are normally up to 20 Mbps, which makes it much slower than alternatives. And the second is that the connection quality can be inferior as well.
So which connection is better?
The topic of which broadband connection is superior is controversial. But what is not controversial is that satellite broadband is among the least desired. Only in remote areas where FiOS, DSL, or cable aren’t an option do consumers opt for satellite. So unless you expressly want a satellite broadband internet service, your alternatives are DSL, cable, or FiOS.
Out of the three remaining choices, the most popular is FiOS. These connections will usually give you the most for your money. If you live in an area where FiOS isn’t available, then give preference to DSL. If DSL is not accessible either, then go with cable. But before you select an alternative, it’s always best to compare.
5 Things to Consider When Selecting an Internet Provider
1. Type of Connection
As described above, the type of connection can have a huge impact on your internet experience. Satellite internet may feel slow and have disruptions in service. Especially in the windy season. And FiOS might feel quicker. That is because data flows quicker in a fiber-optic connection than any other. DSL and cable internet often employ coaxial wires, which are slower in data transfer than fiber-optic.
2. Availability
This is the most essential decision factor for FiOS service. Since FiOS is still not available throughout the country, you need to check availability. You can find out if FiOS connections are available in your location by doing a quick web search. While most places have DSL and cable availability, some rural communities don’t even have that. In some locations, satellite becomes the sole choice.
3. Reliability
Since the internet is such a crucial instrument in our lives, the service provider’s reliability is a huge factor. Your service provider ought to be able to give you dependable service. A smart technique to assess the reliability of a service provider is to read reviews online. Research a little on service providers in your area. The internet reviews of customers will offer you a better notion of the provider’s reliability.
4. Cost
After reliability, affordability is one of the most crucial elements in picking the right service for you. This is where you need to shop around. Ask for estimates from several ISPs and compare them. Some can give you cheaper prices, but they will limit your usage. Always remember to verify if there are any data consumption limits on the packages quoted.
5. Speed
The speeds you need depend on your usage and how many devices you intend on connecting simultaneously. If you just have one computer or mobile device, you might not require greater speeds. But if you have a lot of smart home devices or expect to, then you could need a speedier connection.
Conclusion
Another thing to keep in mind when selecting an ISP is double- and triple-play bundles. These include cable and voice services, along with your internet service.
Double and triple play bundles frequently pay out to be cheaper than obtaining services separately. It’s why I decided on my Spectrum Double Play instead of simply the internet service. You can either check online or phone several service providers to locate the best offers in your area.
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