Internet Access

56K dial-up

Home users can buy Internet access through their local phone service provider because they won’t need huge data transmission requirements. While Dial-up modems are OK for now, the days of 56K (Kilobytes per second) modems will soon go the way of the dodo because this is the slowest speed now available and rapidly becoming inadequate for today‘s Web site viewing requirements and services like online banking. Using a dial-up is limiting because the phone line the modem is connected to is blocked during use, so no incoming or outgoing phones calls can be received or made.

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

One alternative to the modem is the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). ISDN allows the transfer of voice as well as data over the same telephone line at higher 128K speeds. ISDN services cost much more than dial-up service.

DSL Internet access - The Best Choice

Digital Subscriber Line, or DSL, offers fast access through broadband connections. Broadband connections provide high data transfer speeds up to 1 Mbps (megabyte per second), about 50 times the speed of dial-up. DSL service is not offered in all areas, so check with your provider before signing up. Also check for special sign-up deals offering limited discounts for the first 90 days of service. Cable TV providers have entered the field offering combination cable TV/Broadband deals where you get both services on one bill often at a discounted rate.

Leased lines

The high end of Internet access options are Leased lines. ISPs provide subscribers with dedicated connections at extremely high operating speeds. Companies prefer to split total available bandwidth connections into multiple connections routed to desktops. Leased connections are very expensive but work well for small business or corporate setups and upscale apartment units.

Service providers

• InternationalSearch for some of the best deals on connectivity. You can search by country or by type of service.

• Dell offers good pricing on DSL connections.

• The List provides product offerings overview of U.S. ISP’s.

• Charter

• Comcast Cable

• Provides high speed provider reviews

• Verizon T-1