The Best High-Speed ISP

by Johnny Kilhefner , Demand Media

The best high-speed ISP is not necessarily the fastest.

John Foxx/Stockbyte/Getty Images

The Internet is no longer an uncolonized free-for-all. Flags have been planted, and colonists moved online in droves. If you don't have the Internet, you're missing out on the world growing right before your eyes. Ranking the best high-speed Internet service provider for fostering this experience requires a personal overview of what you need out of your ISP and what your ISP can give you. For instance, while Verizon might offer possibly the fastest Internet connection with its FiOS service, FiOS is not available everywhere, bringing down Verizon's overall ranking in speed. 

Verizon

Verizon offers a fiber-optic network -- FiOS -- which ranks among the fastest connections in the United States. Verizon FiOS is currently limited to certain areas, however, meaning that people without access to it have to settle for Verizon's cable service. Depending on where you live, Verizon may or may not be the best high-speed ISP for your needs.

Comcast

Comcast remains one of the best high-speed ISPs in the United States thanks to its recently launched XFINITY service. Comcast XFINITY offers a fiber-optic connection for high-speed Internet and television into your home business and even on your mobile device. The cable service of Comcast remains alive and well for those unfortunate enough not to have access to fiber-optic connections. Those without access to XFINITY will be happy to know that Comcast's cable service is among the fastest in the country.

Earthlink

Earthlink offers a high-speed cable service available in most areas. Earthlink subscribers receive access to eight email accounts consisting of 100 Mb, as well as 10 Mb for the creation of a personal webpage. The maximum speed of the Earthlink service varies depending on your area, with a 7 Mbps connection costing about $45 per month at the time of publication. Furthermore, Earthlink subscribers get 20 hours a month of dial-up access in case of cable interruption or for use when traveling.

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References

  • Consumer Search: ISPs: Reviews
  • PC Mag: The Fastest ISPs In The U.S. 2010
  • Business Insider: The Fastest ISPs in America, According to Netflix

About the Author

Johnny Kilhefner began freelance writing in the fall of 2008. He has lent his talents as a writer to Oboulo, GosuArena, Spiteful Critic, More Say, Eduardo-Xavier, Central Elements, Gear Live, and as an SEO internet marketer. Johnny studied at Lord Fairfax in Warrenton, Virginia, earning an Associate of Applied Science in liberal arts.

Photo Credits

  • John Foxx/Stockbyte/Getty Images