Do I Need an ISP to Connect to the Internet?

Most individuals want to be able to connect to the Internet whenever they choose. Becoming a subscriber with an ISP allows you to connect to the Internet anytime of the night or day. You can opt for a dial-up, DSL, cable, wireless or satellite Internet connection. All have pros and cons that should be considered including plan prices, availability of customer and technical support, and ancillary fees. ISPs will vary by region with only one type of Internet provider assigned to a specific geographic area.

Airport terminals, coffee shops, bookstores, libraries, some schools and universities offer free Internet connections to the general public. In metropolitan areas, it is not very difficult to find a location that will allow you to connect to the Internet without having to subscribe to a service or pay some type of fee. Even in rural towns and cities, you may find wireless connections made available to the general public by local officials. The National Broadband Plan drafted by the Federal Communications Commission has outlined a goal of giving every American access to broadband capability.

Another way to connect to the Internet is through private business networks. If you work for a business or agency, you may be able to connect to the Internet provided by the organization. Caution must be taken to ensure you surf the web within the guidelines set by your employer, as there are almost always restrictions. Some employers specify times when employees may browse the web to shop and pay bills online. Other employers provide a communal terminal where employees can access the Internet to perform non-work-related tasks.

If you live close to public Wi-Fi hotspots or a library, you may be able to get by without an ISP subscription. You should consider this an option if you are a light to moderate Internet user as it may be able to save you from a monthly fee or entering into a long-term contract with early termination fees. If you need to access the Internet frequently and outside of regular business or retail hours, consider a subscription with an ISP. Ask about available specials, network reliability, waiver of activation and installation fees, customer and technical support hours and terms of service.