FAQ – 100 Answers to Questions About Internet Service Providers

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AT&T DSL Service

AT&T is one of the largest Internet service providers with several great DSL packages. Their 4 packages offer speeds from 768 Kbps to 6 Mbps with prices starting at just $19.95/month.

Verizon DSL Service

Verizon has the largest service area of all the DSL Internet providers. In addition, they offer some slightly faster connections ranging from 768 Kbps to 7 Mbps with prices starting at just $29.99/month.

Finding the right Internet service provider is no easy feat. In many areas, the sheer number of ISPs makes it difficult enough; when you throw in the fact that each provider usually offers several different packages, the situation becomes even more complex. By reading through the following list, you should be able to simplify the process of finding the Internet service provider that is right for you.

    Which Internet Service Providers Are Available in My Area?

  1. Ask your neighbors which ISPs they use. You are sure to run into a handful of the same names again and again (or use our tool to the left to find all the available ISP’s right now) .
  2. Get a feel for the types of “footprints” that have been established by each of the major Internet providers. Learn about what footprints mean and how they can affect the types of service that you can get.  BTW, a”footprint” really just defines the coverage area of the ISP.
  3. Many people use cable companies for their Internet services. What kind of footprint does the biggest cable provider in your area have? Does it include your home or business?
  4. Phone companies often offer Internet services. Figure out which telephone provider footprints extend over your area. If you live in a relatively developed area, several of them are sure to overlap.
  5. Don’t forget to find out what kinds of satellite provider footprints cover your region. This is especially true if you live in a somewhat rural area. In some cases, your options may be severely limited.
  6. Wireless telephone providers are increasingly offering Internet services. These are really convenient but are generally a bit slower than cable internet or phone internet services.
  7. Try to get an idea for which of the local ISPs has been doing business in your area for the longest period of time. While longevity doesn’t always equal quality, it is a good place to start.
  8. Find out who the newest ISP in your area is. Many times, new Internet service providers offer spectacular deals in order to get their slice of the pie and to establish themselves in specific areas.
  9. Visit online forums that are specific to your particular area. Start a thread asking for advice about local ISPs. You may stumble upon some information that surprises you.
  10. After you have familiarized yourself with the footprints of various providers, you may discover that you are on the “border” in some cases. Be careful about acquiring service from those providers because it may not be up to par (you may experience intermittent problems with your Internet service).
  11. Keep in mind that your choices will vary dramatically depending on whether you are in an urban area or a rural one (thankfully DSLServiceProviders.org offers nation-wide coverage).

    12. What are the Normal Uses for Dial-Up Internet?

  12. Modern dial-up Internet services have average speeds of 56 kilobyte per second, or kb/s. This is significantly slower than broadband connections.
  13. High-speed dial-up services are available, but their speeds are still extremely slow when compared with broadband.
  14. A dial-up connection can usually accommodate online forum browsing; exceptionally long threads may take a while to load.
  15. You should be able to read articles via a dial-up connection. You may need to click on “printer-friendly” versions to avoid long waits for graphics, pictures and photos.
  16. Email writing and reading is usually fine over a dial-up connection; sending and receiving files isn’t usually that easy.
  17. Most instant messaging clients work well enough through dial-up connections.
  18. It is generally possible to conduct basic research over a dial-up connection, but not if it involves watching videos.
  19. Pared-down versions of many sites are available. Learn how to use them because they are easier to load over a dial-up connection.
  20. Basic online banking tasks can usually be handled over a dial-up connection.
  21. If you’d like to stream various kinds of media, you shouldn’t opt for dial-up services.
  22. The majority of modern websites are very graphics-intensive and don’t work well over dial-up connections.
  23. If you need to download large files regularly, dial-up is not for you.

    24. What are the Typical Uses of Broadband Internet?

  24. A quality broadband connection will allow you to catch up on your favorite TV shows over the Internet. Depending on your connection speed, you shouldn’t have to wait too long for them to load.
  25. Downloading and watching full-length movies is possible over many broadband connections. Again, this depends on the actual speed of your connection.
  26. If you are a music lover, you will appreciate the speed with which you can download entire albums over a broadband connection. In many cases, the process takes only a few minutes.
  27. Online gaming is a lot smoother and more enjoyable over a fast broadband connection. It is virtually impossible to enjoy such games over dial-up connections.
  28. You will be able to download e-books to your heart’s content when you have a broadband Internet connection. Such files are typically quite small and easy to download.
  29. Cloud computing, in which you access a wide range of services through the Internet, goes off without a hitch through high-speed broadband connections. If your job requires you to stay connected from home, this is an important consideration.
  30. Communicating with far-flung friends and relatives via videoconferencing is easier and more enjoyable through a fast broadband connection. This point alone may make broadband worth it to you.
  31. Quality broadband Internet services allow you to upload home movies in order to keep them safe from harm. You can also share them with others once they are uploaded.
  32. It’s easier to back up your photos online when you have a decent broadband connection. You are more likely to do so when you don’t have to wait for eons to complete the process.
  33. Large webpages load instantly via fast broadband connections. You won’t have to sit around twiddling your thumbs.
  34. Enjoying popular sites like YouTube and Hulu is really only possible through a decent broadband Internet connection.

    35. How Much Bandwidth Do I REALLY Need?

  35. If reading and writing emails is your main priority, you might be able to get away with a dial-up connection. If you opt for broadband, you could get by with a small amount of bandwidth.
  36. Downloading music quickly and efficiently requires higher bandwidth. However, you don’t necessarily need to choose the highest available amount; a mid-range level should suffice.
  37. Larger amounts of bandwidth are in order if you’d like to download and watch movies regularly. Large files download a lot more quickly over high-bandwidth connections.
  38. To enjoy quick and easy access to TV shows online, it pays to have a decent amount of bandwidth. Choose your service accordingly if television watching is an important consideration to you.
  39. Online games work much better with larger amounts of bandwidth. Your games may lag and encounter errors when your connection doesn’t have a sufficient amount of bandwidth.
  40. Keep in mind that exceptionally high bandwidth is worth it if you prefer high-definition videos over regular videos. Those files are even larger than regular video files.
  41. The lowest average range for bandwidth is 768 kbps to 1 Mbps. You will enjoy the lowest price for this connection.
  42. At 1.5 Mbps to 3 Mbps, downloading and watching movies should be easy.
  43. At 4 Mbps to 7 Mbps, you shouldn’t have any trouble streaming online content.
  44. Bandwidths of 10 Mbps to 15 Mbps are usually used by business customers. However, some consumers splurge on this type of service, especially if they download massive amounts of large files.

    45. Why Does Each ISP Have So Many Internet Plans and Discount Packages?

  45. Learn about and understand the difference between various broadband speeds. Get a clear idea about bandwidth and what the different numbers represent.
  46. Make sure that you have a basic understanding of upload speeds too. While people tend to be more concerned about downloading things, uploading things needs to be taken into account as well.
  47. Have a clear idea about how much bandwidth you need. If you go into the process without a clue, you could easily end up with far too much – or far too little.
  48. Be practical. Most people would love to have the fastest broadband connections possible. Very few people have legitimate needs to spend that kind of money for that kind of speed.
  49. Compare what each ISP has to offer on a side-by-side basis. See how they stack up in terms of pricing, speed and overall quality. You may be surprised by the variations that exist from one provider to the next.
  50. Be conservative when selecting your Internet package. You will already know what you need, so aim for a package that meets those needs as closely as possible.
  51. Remember that you can always upgrade to higher speeds later if you are unhappy with your initial choice. It is easier to upgrade to higher speeds than to pay too much for bandwidth that you don’t need.
  52. If you have a friend who has similar online habits as you, ask them for advice. Which ISP do they use? Are they happy with the service? Which package do they use?
  53. Know your budget. Go into the process of comparing ISPs and packages with a clear idea about how much you are willing or able to spend. Don’t allow yourself to be talked up to a higher number.
  54. Create a spreadsheet and use it to compare the merits of each ISP and package in a simple and easy way.
  55. Beware of extremely low introductory prices. Always read the fine print and be aware of what the “real” price will be after the promotional period ends.

    56. Why Do People Choose One Internet Provider Over Another?

  56. Loyalty often comes into play when a person selects an ISP. If they already use the same company for their cable, for example, they may feel comfortable about using them for their Internet too.
  57. Pricing is a consideration that most people make when selecting an ISP. Money definitely talks; ISPs with lower prices tend to attract more customers.
  58. For some people, speed and bandwidth are top priorities. They will give their business to the ISP that offers the fastest connection speeds.
  59. If a person’s existing ISP really makes them angry, they may switch over to a different one out of pure spite. Unpleasant past experiences sometimes play crucial roles in the selection process.
  60. Reputation is something that plays a huge role in the ISP selection process for many people. Such folks may search online to get a feel for what others have to say about each Internet service provider.
  61. Recommendations often come into play when people choose their ISPs. If a friend or family member is happy with their ISP, a person is more likely to select them as well.
  62. In some cases, there is only one viable option for Internet service. People who live in rural and remote areas often face this problem. In this case, making the decision is easy.
  63. Great introductory deals often lure people into choosing certain ISPs. This is a slippery slope, though, because prices may skyrocket later.
  64. Some people choose their ISPs at random, but it usually doesn’t pan out too well.
  65. Slick marketing certainly plays an important role in the way in which people select their ISPs. It is important to look past the advertising before making this decision.
  66. If everyone else seems to use the same ISP, a person may decide to do so too. This isn’t the best basis for selecting an Internet service provider, though, because it doesn’t necessarily reflect quality. You should still do your own research before blindly selecting an ISP that everyone else uses.

    67. How Do I Get My Internet Installed on My Computer?

  67. If your computer does not have a wireless card, make sure that it is located within decent proximity of where your cable comes into your home. Otherwise you will end up with a mess of unsightly wires and cables.
  68. It pays to invest in wireless cards for all of the computers in your home. Dealing with cables and wires is confusing and aggravating, and wireless cards eliminate the problem.
  69. Get a feel for how everything will connect and be set up in the end. Know the “lay of the land” before you embark on an installation. This is also smart to do if you are having someone else install your Internet for you.
  70. Keep Wi-Fi strength in mind. Is yours going to be strong enough to reach all of the right parts of your home? Do some research to make sure that you have the right equipment.
  71. It is best to set things up so that every computer and laptop in your home can connect to the Internet right away. You may think that it doesn’t matter in the beginning, but you will end up wishing that you had done so.
  72. Make sure that there will be enough bandwidth for all of the devices in your home. Don’t forget to take things like cell phones, video game consoles and mobile devices into account.
  73. Always set up a password for your wireless network. You should be able to find instructions for doing so with your setup without a whole lot of effort.
  74. Be completely aware of the installation and activation charges that are involved before the installation tech shows up.
  75. Read through the instructions carefully; read them again for good measure. This will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises.
  76. If you are doing the installation yourself, don’t be afraid to call for help when necessary. If you have any doubts, clear them up before you proceed.
  77. There is no shame in throwing in the towel and allowing a professional to do the installation for you if you run into too many problems. After all, you want to make sure that your Internet works well. If you just can’t seem to get everything to connect and work properly, it is worth it to bring in a professional.

    78. What Are the Common Complaints and Regrets About ISP’s?

  78. Despite being promised certain speeds, people occasionally discover that theirs are falling short. There are ways to measure your broadband speeds, so make sure to do so.
  79. Even if the speed is clocking in as promised, the reality of it may be disappointing. This can often be corrected by upgrading to a higher speed; you will have to spend more money, of course.
  80. Internet service providers sometimes offer one price and then charge another. This typically happens because of various taxes and fees. Make sure that you know what your total monthly bill will be.
  81. After introductory deals end, many people are shocked by how much their Internet fees go up. ISPs often hide those details in the fine print. Always read everything through. If you’re unable to find what your price will eventually be, make sure to ask.
  82. The customer service and support that an ISP offers often falls far short of what a person expected. This complaint is especially common with huge ISPs.
  83. Some ISPs make it difficult for customers to pay their bills. Many people like being able to go online to pay their bills; others prefer to do so by phone. Be aware of what your payment options will be before you sign up.
  84. The skill and experience of some Internet providers’ technicians is sometimes lacking. This can result in sub-par connectivity and other issues.
  85. People are sometimes disappointed by how expensive it is to add additional services to their Internet plans. If you might want to upgrade in the future, be sure to familiarize yourself with the available options and how much they cost.
  86. The perks that some ISPs tout in their marketing campaigns sometimes fall flat. Be wary of big promises and gimmicks.
  87. Internet bills are often very confusing. That is especially true after introductory periods end. If you are confused, call and speak to a rep until you have a clear understanding of your bill.
  88. Even though some ISPs claim to offer the best security features around, they often don’t make good on those promises. Do some research about the overall security of an ISP before you sign up with them; it will save you many headaches and problems down the line.

    89. Do I Need a Backup Plan for Internet Service?

  89. If your Internet unexpectedly goes down, it pays to have a backup plan. Some people keep active dial-up connections handy in case their broadband connections fail.
  90. Even if you connect your primary computer directly to a cable modem, you might want to use Wi-Fi to ensure that you can connect from any part of your home. This will come in handy if your cable breaks too.
  91. Satellite Internet connections are sometimes flaky. You should be especially careful about having a backup if you use satellite service.
  92. One great backup option is to enable Internet hot spots or tethering through your phone or mobile device. Make sure that you have 3G or 4G service; otherwise, it won’t be worth it.
  93. Familiarize yourself with nearby cafes that offer free wireless Internet access. If all else fails, you could always head to one of them to stay connected.
  94. Keep a list of nearby friends and relatives who have decent Internet access. If your Internet connect goes on the fritz, you should be able to find someone who can hook you up quickly.
  95. If you are on friendly terms with your neighbors, keep your eyes peeled for their wireless networks. Many people are happy to let you use their wireless networks temporarily in the case of an emergency. Don’t use a neighbor’s network without their permission.
  96. Your local library probably offers Internet access. You can always go there if you lose your connection.
  97. Smartphones, iPhones and similar devices allow you to connect to the Internet through wireless phone networks. This is a great backup plan, but it isn’t practical for long-term use.
  98. If you work from home, it is critical to have a backup Internet option or two.
  99. Kids typically use the Internet to complete their homework and other projects. Losing your connection can be very problematic, so it pays to have at least a few viable backup options available.
  100. While it’s not the end of the world if you can’t watch your favorite shows online for a night or two, it is sure to irritate you. This is yet another reason why it is so important to have a backup plan in the back of your mind. If things go awry, you can always turn to your backup plan.
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