High-Speed Internet Without Using Your Phone Company

Satellite Internet is usually used by subscribers in rural areas who may not have access to cable or DSL Internet. Subscribers must install a mini dish on the premises that communicates with a geostationary satellite in orbit. As of June 2011, the major satellite Internet providers offer download speeds of up to 2 Mbps. The technology still suffers from latency, which is a delay in processing requests that may involve verification. This means it may take a while for you to access online banking or your credit card account online once you've inputted your credentials and hit submit. For this reason, satellite Internet is also not recommended if you're using or contemplating a VoIP phone service.

Cable Internet travels through the coaxial cable wires that also transmit cable TV data. This Internet technology allows subscribers to access download speeds that may range from 1 Mbps up to 100 Mbps in some areas. Speeds and plans will vary by provider and availability is determined by the address at which you need service. While virtually all satellite Internet providers require a long-term contract, almost no cable providers do. Cable ISP also have the advantage of bundling services for subscribers on one monthly bill and at a fixed price. So, if you wanted to cut ties with your local telephone company, it may be possible to bundle services such as high-speed Internet, cable TV and a digital phone on one monthly bill.

With the proliferation of media tablets, smartphones and laptops, mobile broadband plans are increasingly being adopted by subscribers. Instead of searching for Wi-Fi hotspots, you can instantly connect to your mobile network wherever you are in the provider's coverage area with your wireless device. Though this technology boasts considerable flexibility and convenience, it should be noted that most providers impose data caps on plans. These limitations on data usage mean that you may pay a surcharge if your Internet activities go above the monthly cap. Most cable Internet providers allow data caps that most subscribers never come anywhere near, but that could change.

Fiber technology promises to deliver unprecedented bandwidth to residential subscribers. As of June 2011, the technology is only available in select areas and is offering speeds that rival that of most major cable companies, even though it is capable of delivering superior speeds. Verizon offers a fiber optic cable plan that allows subscribers to access download speeds of up to 150 Mbps, in some areas, and other carriers are available in some areas as well.