Comparison of Broadband ISP Providers

by Ben Jones, Demand Media

Satellite is one way of getting high speed Internet service in the United States.

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Hundreds of broadband Internet Service Providers, or ISPs, operate throughout the United States. You can divide them roughly into several different categories based on their technology. DSL service uses existing copper telephone wires to transmit high-speed digital data. Cable broadband is similar except that it uses cable television wires. Broadband signals can also be transmitted over satellite and cell phone networks. Finally, Fiber to the Home is an emerging technology using fiber-optic cables, which are unavailable in most areas.

Earthlink

Earthlink was one of the first nationwide Internet service providers in the United States, offering dial-up service to millions of customers. It still offers dial-up service, though it has added broadband capabilities. It offers broadband through DSL, cable and satellite in major metropolitan markets in about 25 states. Packages vary with 6 Mbps cable service for $49.95 per month in some markets and 5 Mbps satellite service available for $59.99 per month.

AT&T;

AT&T; is one of the largest Internet service providers in the country with more than 17 million customers. It offers a range of high speed Internet services, including basic DSL, satellite, Wi-Fi and mobile broadband over its cellular network. Prices vary by location and the service being offered. You can get basic DSL with 768 Kbps download speed for as low as $20 per month. Faster service is available, up to 24 Mbps download speed for $63 per month. Satellite service is available in areas not served by DSL and wireless broadband is available for no extra charge to existing customers at the company's network of Wi-Fi hotspots.

Comcast

Comcast is a major media empire in the United States, offering cable television, telephone services and even producing television programs and movies. The company is a major Internet service provider as well, offering cable broadband and mobile Internet services. As a cable ISP, it offers somewhat higher speeds than DSL. At the low end, you can get 1.5 Mbps service for $40 per month. You can get high-end service of 105 Mbps download speed for about $200 per month.

Charter

Charter is a cable television system operator turned Internet service provider. Their services are faster than DSL but are similar to other cable broadband providers. You can get low-end service of 1 Mbps download speed starting at $20 per month. You can get higher speed service up to 60 Mbps for $100 per month.

Regional and Local Providers

There are hundreds more smaller ISPs offering high speed Internet service around the country. Their specific services and prices vary. However, what they lack in infrastructure they sometimes make up for in customer service. Regional providers include companies such as CyberMIND (up to 6 Mbps DSL, $55/month), DSL Northwest (up to 7 Mbps, $68/month), Finest Planet (up to 6 Mbps, $35/month) and Interlync (up to 6 Mbps, $50).

References

  • Broadband.gov: Types of Broadband Connections
  • Earthlink: Network Map
  • AT&T; Media Kit: Broadband, Wi-Fi High Speed Internet Connection
  • Comcast Press Room: Corporate Overview

Resources

  • The List: U.S. Nationwide ISPs

About the Author

Ben Jones began writing in 2000 for the "Victorville Daily Press." He has been a reporter for a number of websites, newspapers and radio stations, such as the "Kalamazoo Gazette" and Kalamazoo's NPR affiliate. He has worked on several television and feature film projects. He holds an Associate of Science in film and video production from Full Sail in Winter Park, Fla.

Photo Credits

  • Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images