A stable internet connection is an integral part of modern life. A good internet connection is a driving force behind your digital presence. However, selecting the right internet connection is not easy. With more than 2000 providers in the US, there seems to be too much to take into consideration. This often ends up overwhelming people, who are new to shopping for an internet connection. We can help you! Here is the complete guide to choosing the best internet connection for your internet needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Internet Connection
Choosing an internet connection can be daunting, especially if you have not done it before. For the complete beginner, the process can be rather confusing given that there are so many available options available. If the technical jargon and the abundance of options have made you delirious, consider these factors when making your decision to help simplify the process a bit:
Speed
Different types of internet connections have different speed capabilities. For example, DSL and cable internet are typically slower than fiber-optic internet. Fiber infrastructure has now enabled providers to offer multi-gig download speeds whereas the speed range for cable is 5 to 50Mbps. If you are a heavy-duty internet user, you will need a faster connection to support your usage needs.
Availability
Not every connection type is available in every area. Before you start shopping around, check to see what types of internet connections are available in your area. Fiber internet has the most limited availability, as it is a relatively newer technology and does not rely on the existing copper cable infrastructure. DSL and cable are more commonly available as they use existing copper cables to provide internet access.
Cost
Cost is another important factor to take into consideration when choosing an internet connection. Different types of internet connections have different price points. For example, a fiber internet connection can be expensive if you do not have fiber cable infrastructure laid. However, it is a one-time charge. To get the best option under your budget, we recommend comparing the cost of different plans, including any additional fees or taxes.
Reliability
Make sure to check the reliability of the internet service provider you are considering. Look for customer reviews and testimonials, and check if the provider has good customer service. The latter is incredibly important, as no matter how tech-savvy you are you will need technical assistance. If a provider is notorious for unresponsive and unreliable customer service, steer clear!
Data limits
Some internet service providers have data limits. A data limit is essentially the amount of data you can use each month before you are charged extra. If you blaze through a lot of data while streaming videos or downloading large files, make sure you select an internet plan that has either no data limit or a reasonable data limit. It can be highly frustrating to run out of data in the middle of the month and pay extra. If you are looking for a provider without limits, CenturyLink is a great option. All Century internet plans are free of data caps.
Contract
Some internet service providers require you to sign a contract to get their internet services or promotional deals, while others allow you to every month. These conditions are hidden in the fine print and are often overseen by people. For this reason, before you sign an internet service contract make sure you read and understand the terms.
Different Internet Connection Types
There are several types of internet connections available, each with its share of pros and cons. Here are some of the most connection types you will come across when looking for an internet connection:
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
DSL uses a telephone line to transmit data much like the old dial-up internet connection. However, with the old dial-up technology you were not able to use your phone services and internet at the same time. DSL poses no such limitations. It is widely available and generally affordable, but speeds can be slower than other types of internet connections. DSL is a great option for those living in suburban and rural areas. CenturyLink is a popular high-speed DSL and fiber internet provider. Learn more about CenturyLink internet deals here.
Cable
Cable internet uses the same coaxial cables as your cable TV to transmit data and provide internet access to the user. It is widely available and is faster than DSL, but speeds can vary depending on the number of users on the network. Network congestion is a common problem with a cable connection. Cox, Windstream, and Spectrum are popular cable internet providers.
Fiber-optic
Fiber-optic internet uses glass or plastic fibers to transmit data digitally as light pulses. It is the fastest connection type available currently and is more reliable and secure than DSL or cable. However, a fiber connection is not yet widely available and can be more expensive. Xfinity, AT&T, and MetroNet are popular fiber internet providers.
Satellite
Satellite internet uses a satellite to transmit data. It is available in remote areas where other types of internet connections are not, but can be slower and more expensive. HughesNet is a popular satellite internet provider in America.
Dial-up Internet
Dial-up internet relies on telephone cables to connect to the internet. It is a very slow connection and is mostly obsolete now. We have access to much faster connection types like DSL, cable, and fiber internet.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, your best internet connection will depend on your specific needs and budget. No two users are the same. If you are a heavy internet user that blazes through Mbps, you need a meaty internet plan. However, if you have limited internet usage you can settle for a basic internet package. The best way to decide which internet plan or connection works for you is by conducting thorough research to compare the different types of internet connections, features, and costs of different plans. Having the different options in front of you will help you make the best decision. Best of luck!
