Qwest Vs. NetZero

Qwest provides DSL Internet service in five different Internet-only plans. The plans vary in price, and the price increases as the download speed gets faster. Download speeds offered include 1.5Mbps, 7Mbps, 12Mbps, 20Mbps and 40Mbps. The 1.5Mbps package can download 4MB of music in eight seconds, according to Qwest, while the 40Mbps service can download 4 MB of music in one second. Other features with Qwest Internet service include Qwest @Ease, which provides security for customers' computers, and free Qwest Wi-Fi.

NetZero offers dial-up and DSL Internet service. The dial-up plan is available for a low monthly fee, but its download speeds are significantly slower than DSL. Dial-up from NetZero includes 1-2 GB of email storage. The company's DSL plans provide download speeds up to 6Mbps. Other features include a modem with firewall and Norton Antivirus Online protection service. A benefit of NetZero DSL is that it does not interrupt with your home phone use, as dial-up does, even though it travels through the phone line.

Customers ordering services from Qwest also have numerous bundle plan options, which are not provided by NetZero. With Qwest, customers can order DSL Internet, home phone service, satellite television from DirecTV and mobile device service from Verizon Wireless. Customers who bundle services have the convenience of one bill for all services as well as discounted pricing. Qwest's website also provides online support services, the ability to log into your account and to pay your bill online.

NetZero does not provide phone or television service to bundle with Internet. NetZero does include various Internet plans to fit different customers' budgets. To see if NetZero is available in your location and to check the rates of their services, you must enter your home phone number into their website.