Choosing an ISP

With so many Internet service providers available and a wide range of pricing between them, choosing an Internet service provider can be confusing. Below is a list of a few things to consider as you compare ISPs. Review this list and do your research before you sign a contract with a new ISP.

Connection Speed
The speed of your connection will determine how fast pages load while surfing and how fast you can download programs and email. The highest speed available right now to personal users is with DSL or cable, but it typically costs more than dial-up access. When choosing a dial up provider be sure to find one with a minimum speed connection of 56K or V.92.

Local Access Number
If you will be using your computer from home only, you just need to make sure you find a provider with a local access number in your area so that you don't have to any pay long distance charges to connect to the Internet.

If you travel with a laptop and need to access the Internet while on the road, be sure to find a provider that has local numbers in the destinations you travel to regularly. Also make sure you can access more than one dial in number without extra charges.

Price
Be sure to understand what comes with the monthly fee and decide if you need any extras that could increase the price. Find out if you will incur any set-up fees when starting service and if there are any discounts for prepaying in advance. Find out if tech support is available free of charge or what the rates are if not. You might even try calling their tech support line before you sign up just to see how resonsive they are.

Email Accounts
If you will have multiple people using the same computer, chances are, each one will want their own personal email address. Decide how many email addresses you will need associated with your account and find out how many the provider offers or if additional addresses can be purchase for a reasonable cost.

Allowed Usage
The majority of providers today offer unlimited hours. This means that you can access the Internet as often as you want for as many hours as you want with no extra fees or costs involved aside from your monthly access fee. Be aware, however, that some Internet service providers still offer hourly plans, in which allotted a certain numbers of hours that you can be online each month. If you go over the allotted time, you have to pay high per minute or per hour fees. If you plan on being online a lot, be sure to go with an unlimited usage ISP.

Final Word of Advice Before you get locked into any contract, be sure you know what you are getting yourself into. You don't want to sign a long-term contract with a company that doesn't provide top-notch service.

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