by Kelly L. Potter
April 15, 2007

The Internet has changed life for many people since it provides an entirely new way to communicate with family and friends, shop, spend free time, and stay informed about the world. To do any of this, you need an Internet Service Provider (ISP), which is the company that provides you with your connection to the Internet. Selecting an ISP can be a difficult decision, regardless of whether you need a new ISP, or are choosing one for the first time.

Let’s take a look at the three most common, affordable types of service.

• Dial-up
  Dial-up service is the least expensive way to access the Internet; however, it is also the slowest. With dial-up service, an ISP will provide you with Internet access through your existing phone line and PC modem.
  
  While it can be an affordable option, the modem's constraints cause web pages to load slowly. Some websites with a lot of videos or graphics may have a difficult time loading at all. Additionally, dial-up service requires that you use the telephone line to dial into a server before you access the Internet, which can take anywhere from several seconds to minutes. Then, that phone line is “tied up” and blocks incoming calls.
  
  If you only use the Internet to check your email and occasionally view other websites, a dial-up connection may serve your needs. If you are going to spend any significant amount of time online, you should consider another option if your budget allows.



• DSL
  DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, provides Internet service through a phone line. With DSL service, you can talk on the telephone and access the Internet at the same time – one of the big advantages that DSL has over dial-up service.
  
  DSL is categorized as broadband service, which refers to high-speed Internet connections that allow for transmission of data at rates 10 to 50 times faster than dial-up service. With DSL, you don’t have to wait for the modem to dial and connect with a server, but have access to the Internet without waiting if your computer is on. Web pages load quickly and you will find that it is easy to download and upload files over the Internet.



• Cable Access
  Cable access is provided through your local TV cable company and transferred through your TV cables. Don’t worry though – accessing the Internet through a cable service won’t affect your TV viewing habits. And, if you don’t have cable TV, you can still purchase cable Internet service as long as it is available in your area. Like DSL, cable access is a broadband service so you are always connected if your computer is on!
  
  With cable access, web pages load quickly and you will find it easy to download and upload files. One thing to be aware of though is that your cable access service can be affected by others who use the same cable lines as you. For example, if 20 other nearby households are online at 7 p.m. you may notice that it may take longer to download large files. This is because cable access is a shared service; however, in most areas, this won’t affect your Internet experience.

Which Service is Best?

In regards to web page load times and ease to access the Internet, dial-up service doesn’t compare to DSL and cable access service. Usually, it is the least expensive option. If cost is a driving factor and you understand that your service won’t be perfect, then dial-up is an option.

It is difficult to say whether cable access or DSL service is better. There are many factors that determine how fast web pages load and how quickly you can download programs and documents. ISPs that deliver access through DSL and cable access service often have different “levels” or “packages” available. Overall, the two types of services are comparable in speed and price.

If you are using the Internet frequently to view multiple websites, download or upload data, play games, or view audio- or graphic-intensive websites, then you should look into DSL or cable access.

What is the Next Step?

If you are looking for an ISP, talk with friends, family, and neighbors to see if they use dial-up, DSL, or cable access service, and if so, which ISP they use. Call the ISPs that people recommend and find out the pricing information for each service .

To find out which companies offer DSL and cable access service in your area, contact your local phone and cable companies to see if their service is offered in your area, and if so, ask for package and pricing information. You may want to check out Broadband Reports to read about the services available in your area. Pay special attention to user reviews to see what people really think about their Internet service.

The type of Internet service you decide to use will depend on your needs and budget. Many ISPs have lowered their DSL service rates, which has made DSL and dial-up pricing competetive. In some cases, a few extra dollars per month can get you much faster and reliable Internet service.

Research the ISPs in your area and see what your options are. Check back next week and read part II of this article to learn about the top 10 things you need to know to compare the many companies and services that offer Internet access.