Back in the day, you only had one option if you wanted to connect to the Internet: dial-up. It was slow, hogged your phone line and constantly dropped the connection. On the plus side, it had those cool modem noises as you connected.
These days, things have changed and broadband became the standard way to connect to the Internet. With the arrival of broadband came new choices. Consumers can now choose between DSL Internet, cable Internet, satellite Internet and fiber optic Internet services.
When you compare providers with WhiteFence, you'll find packages from each of these types of broadband. Here are the pros and cons of each:
DSL Internet
DSL is a big step up from dial-up Internet and was the first type of broadband on the market. While it uses your phone line, it does not keep your phone from working while you surf like dial-up does. With DSL you have a dedicated circuit, so no matter how much your neighbors are using the Internet, your speeds will remain steady. The downsides are that speed tends to taper off the further you get from the provider's base and that it is typically a little slower than cable.
Cable Internet
Cable debuted after DSL and brought even faster possible speeds to the table. Prices are similar to DSL and are even cheaper in many cases. It's a little bit more complicated to install than DSL and can suffer from slow speeds during peak times. You don't have a dedicated circuit with cable, so if a lot of people in your area are using the Internet, you can see some slowdowns.
Satellite Internet
Many people in rural areas don't yet have access to traditional broadband channels. For these people, satellite Internet is the only option for high-speed Internet service. While download speeds are pretty close to DSL and cable, upload speeds are lacking. For basic surfing this isn't a problem, but for gamers and people who upload files it can be a problem.
Fiber Optic Internet
Fiber optic service is the new kid on the block. It's chief benefit is the amazing speeds you can get. It's the fastest option out there, so if you feel the need for speed, this is the way to go. That speed comes at a price though, as you'll end up paying a little more. It's also so new that not that many people have access yet. Check WhiteFence and see if you're one of the lucky ones!
Ready to compare, connect and save on broadband service? Head over to our high-speed Internet center and enter your address to get started. You'll be comparing offers from the top broadband companies in your area in no time.
