Anyone who accesses the internet has to have someone to provide them with software to access websites. This is done through internet service providers, also known as ISPs. Many ISPs offer deals on packages such as dial-up connection, a meager Bps rate to one of the highest of 3.0 Bps. Various companies also offer their software and provide you with internet service. Choosing the right one may be tricky, depending on your location and service access.
The slowest internet providers in the country are the dial-up providers. This is because the telephone lines that your connection comes through can only handle a certain speed through the line. These internet providers interrupt your telephone service while you are online, and many times if you have a caller id, you are bumped off the internet if a call comes in. They are not a reliable connection because of the slow download and upload speeds they carry, but they are excellent and inexpensive for the occasional internet user.
Some wireless cell phone companies offer two ways of accessing the internet. The wireless providers allow you to use your cell phone as a modem for your computer, while others sell you an internet card that attaches to the USB connection on your computer. This card can be used for laptops or desktop computers and allows you to access the internet anywhere. These cards are somewhat expensive but well worth the money if you are a business traveler and use a laptop while on trips. You must also pay for the time used through wireless cell phone companies, which can add up for many people who use the internet.
Able companies also provide internet service to their customers. They offer their free software as well as high-speed connections. The internet is accessed through your cable line. This line is then connected to a modem which connects to your computer through an Ethernet cable. The only problem with this service is when the cable goes out, so does your internet. Cable companies are not reliable ISPs when it comes to your connection. You are often bumped off the internet by static in the cable line or updating the cable service that comes with the cable service.
Rural areas often rely on satellite companies for their internet service. Too often, DSL and cable service are unavailable in remote rural areas – cable and phone companies don’t want to incur the cost of providing service to areas with so few customers. But with satellite internet, any location with a clear view of the southern sky can have high-speed internet service. Satellite Internet is not for everyone. It is generally more expensive than DSL or cable internet, not as fast, and is unreliable. Because of the vast distances between your home, the satellite, and the satellite provider’s Internet Provisioning Center, a satellite connection introduces delay – also called latency. Latency does not affect most internet activity.
Folks browsing web pages, sending emails, and listening to music or short videos will likely not experience latency. But gamers will be unhappy. Internet games, at least if you want to compete, require a fast response to events. Satellite Internet cannot support the quick response times necessary for many internet games. Companies that provide satellite internet now are pretty candid, telling people about the gaming problem before they sign-up and become unhappy customers.
Despite the setbacks, Satellite Internet is widely popular in rural America. Families can set up wireless networks in their homes, and there is enough internet capacity to allow kids and parents to use the internet simultaneously. An impossibility with dial-up. And, when your internet comes via satellite, your home phone line is unnecessary. You can rest assured, knowing that important calls can still get through. Or you can eliminate your home phone line and use your cell phone alone. Put that money in your pocket.
