High-Speed Internet Service Alternatives

Wi-MAX is the wireless technology behind 4G, which provides mobile Internet and IP-based telephony for laptops, cell phones and computer chips. It uses existing cell towers and can transmit for 5 to 8 Mbps for several miles beyond 3G's, the current standard in mobile communications, capabilities of 1.7 mbps and a coverage of 3 miles.

Wi-Fi is a short-range wireless technology designed to create Internet hot-spots for business and home use. Wi-Fi can deliver connection speeds of up to 100 Mbps, which makes it one of the fastest connections available. Only fiber-optic cable comes close. The problem with Wi-Fi is it only has a range of 300 feet, even less indoors, which only makes a viable large-scale Internet connection option for metropolitan areas.

Broadband over Power-line, or BPL, is an emerging technology that uses existing low- to medium-voltage electric cables used in conventional home electric installations. BPL connection speeds are comparable with DSL, but are still modest when compared to fiber-optic cable and cable modems. The strength of this technology lies in its use of power lines and power outlets instead of telephone and purpose-built cables. This makes BPL cheap to install and potentially available to anyone connected to the power grid.

Satellite broadband side-steps land-based infrastructure altogether and links directly to telecommunication satellites orbiting the Earth. This enables users to connect to the Internet from anywhere without the need of any type of cables. It is especially useful for residents in rural or isolated areas and for organizations that work in developing countries. Connection speeds are typically slower than DSL, around 1 Mbps, but are still much faster than dial-up.