Finding the best internet provider in our area is not necessarily rocket science, but it should involve some research and data analysis on our part. Where we live, our budget, and what we use the internet for are all considerations that should be examined before deciding the connection we need and, ultimately, which provider we choose. Let’s discuss what connection types we should look for and how to find the perfect provider!
What Do We Use The Internet Connection For?
One of the first things we should consider is what we use our internet connection for. Most of us will use the internet daily for web browsing. We look up information, watch videos, listen to podcasts, attend to email, visit social media websites, read news articles, and shop from websites. These are the everyday types of activities nearly all of us participate in.
Maybe we log in and out for a few hours, or perhaps these activities we engage in for a good part of the day. How long we use the connection and what apps and websites we use will partly determine what kind of connection speeds we want. Others of us may use the connection for gaming or for working. Typically higher connection speeds will be desired for these activities, as well as more data availability. We should think about what we use the internet for and how much we use it daily to determine the best type of internet connection and the best provider for our daily usage.
Where Do We Live?
It may not seem important initially, but where we live geographically may be one of the most significant factors when choosing an internet provider. In cities and suburban areas, providers often have more choices as there is more infrastructure development to support them. 5G wireless internet is more available in larger metropolitan areas but may be hard to access further away from city centers. The same goes for fiber; if we live in rural areas, the fiber networks may not be set up adequately yet. For those in rural areas, satellite connection may be the best choice. However, satellite connection may not be ideal if we live in areas with frequent snow, rain, and windstorms, especially if we depend on it for work.
Types Of Internet Connections
Once we establish our connection needs, we can compare them with the different types of connections. There are six common types of internet connection:
- DSL (digital subscriber line)-also known as “dial-up”- uses the same lines as our landline telephones. It is available anywhere telephone service lines are, nearly everywhere in the US.
- Cable modem-this type uses the same coaxial cable lines that we get cable TV through. If there is cable TV in your area, you have access to this type of internet connection; it is also widely available.
- Fiber-this is an excellent choice for connection speed but isn’t available everywhere.
- Wireless-this connection is through a radio link to the 5G network; it is the same connection our mobile devices use
- BPL-broadband over powerlines is the least common option, but it is available in some areas.
These choices are great depending on our needs and where we live. Some will be better than others or more cost-effective, dependent on our budgets and locations. We must factor in our situations with cost and availability and then research which choices are available where we live.
How To Find Out What Internet Provider Is Near Me
This is the easiest part. If we type “ISP near me” or “high-speed internet in my area” into our web browser, we will be given innumerable options and websites to provide our zip code or location information. All internet service providers in the area will be listed. From here, we compare each provider to the others and see which ones fit within our fixed cost parameters for service and connection needs. For most of us, there will be at least two choices, and probably more. At last, we contact our telecommunications provider, ask questions, and set up an installation time. Happy hunting!