Thinking about upgrading from a dial-up modem to broadband at home or in your home office? Curious if there are faster options with better pricing? With technology evolving so rapidly, it’s tough to keep track of the best deals. That’s where a search engine that lets you instantly compare broadband offers comes in handy. We’ve got just the tool for you!
“Can I Get DSL?” isn’t just a question, it’s a resource for discovering all kinds of broadband internet services. You might be surprised to learn that broadband, unlike dial-up, is very location-dependent. Your neighbor across the street could have access to DSL while you don’t. You might be able to get cable modem service, while others down the street are out of luck.
There are three primary types of residential broadband service, along with a couple of less common options. The less common ones are wireless or WISP services, which are very localized and require a direct line of sight between your house and the provider’s tower. Fiber optic service offers the fastest speeds at a very reasonable price, but it’s currently only available in limited areas serviced by Verizon.
Most people will qualify for one of the three main broadband delivery methods. DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, is offered by phone companies or companies like Yahoo in partnership with a phone company. DSL utilizes your existing phone line, sending a high-frequency signal from your local telephone company’s office. It shares the line, allowing you to use your phone normally. The DSL modem is always on and provides broadband speeds that are 10 times faster (or more) than dial-up. However, having a phone line doesn’t guarantee DSL availability. The high-frequency signals only travel a few thousand feet, a much shorter distance than phone calls. You’ll need to specifically verify DSL availability for your address.
Cable modem service, or Cable Internet, shares your cable TV line. If you have cable TV, you likely have access to Cable Internet. However, if the cable provider hasn’t laid lines in your area, you won’t qualify. Cable Internet is also an always-on service and requires a special cable modem that you either buy or rent from the cable TV company. Alternatively, you can buy one from a major electronics store. Check to see if Cable broadband is an option for you.
What if you reside in a remote subdivision or rural area, too far from the phone company and without cable television access? Your solution is two-way satellite. This service utilizes a small satellite dish installed on your roof or a pole, similar to satellite TV. But this system has both a transmitter and receiver, allowing you to upload and download data. The advantage of satellite broadband is its accessibility almost anywhere in the U.S., as long as you have a clear view of the southern sky and electricity to power the satellite receiver. The receiver has minimal power requirements, so you could even run it on a generator or solar panels with batteries. Explore the available options for two-way satellite broadband.
What high-speed internet deals are out there? To find out, you’ll need to compare broadband service offers. The deals are competitive and frequently change. If you’re fortunate enough to have access to DSL, cable, and satellite, you can select the best value for your bandwidth needs. If you live further out, keep in mind that satellite broadband prices have recently decreased and might be more cost-effective than a second phone line with dial-up internet. And don’t forget about the significantly faster speeds and always-on connectivity that broadband internet provides.
It’s important to note that residential broadband services offer the most affordable options for home office and general home use. If your business operates from a commercial location, you’ll need commercial telecommunications services, such as T1 dedicated internet service.
