Internet Providers Comparison

Monthly service fees for DSL are competitive with cable broadband service. Some providers provide "lite" versions of DSL with slower speeds for less money. The required modem is inexpensive but installation fees can be costly. Upload speed for DSL is about the same as other high-speed providers, though download speeds are slightly lower than cable broadband. DSL is not available in all areas and speed is affected by the bandwidth your neighbors use as well as telephone traffic.

Cable Internet is priced similarly to DSL and requires a cable modem for use. Installation fees for buildings already wired with coaxial cable are minimal and distance from an access point is not an option for cable Internet users. Upload speeds are on par with DSL, at between 128 and 384 Kbps, but download speeds for cable are slightly higher than DSL, at about 2 Mbps. The modem required for cable Internet is usually provided for a fee.

Dial-up services are best for users living too far from a DSL access point and for users who do not use the Internet often. A dial-up modem is required as well as free software provided by the service provider. Dial-up Internet requires the use of a phone line and ties that phone line up while connected to the Internet. Incoming or outgoing calls will disconnect your computer from the Internet. Speeds for dial-up Internet are limited to 56 Kbps, which is a fraction of the speed of DSL or cable Internet. Dial-up does present a low-cost option.

Satellite Internet is best for users living in remote areas that do not have access to cable or telephone lines. Monthly service fees are higher than for other Internet connections, and both upload and download speeds are substantially slower than other high-speed services. Satellite service requires both a modem and a satellite dish, which can be expensive and must be positioned correctly to receive service.

WISP stands for wireless Internet service provider. These companies offer Internet service wirelessly, which allows users to bring their Internet with them. A modem that plugs into a USB port is required for WISP service. Internet service is available anywhere within a company's service area and is very reliable. Subscribers pay monthly fees for about 5 Mb of data. Per megabyte charges apply to any usage that exceeds this limit.