A High Speed Internet Primer

With the rise of digital media on the internet, computers are transferring more data than ever. Websites are no longer static pages that only contain text. To increase interactivity and attractiveness, websites contain images, videos and animations. These items transfer huge amounts of data and require fast connection speeds. To accommodate the need to transfer more data, internet service providers (ISPs) are constantly developing new technologies to pipe data into homes faster than ever.

High speed internet connectivity refers to any internet connection that has a high amount of bandwidth, the ability transfer large amounts of data from the internet quickly. There is no official definition of what makes an internet connection "high speed", but, generally, the term is applied to a technology that transfers data faster than a phone line based modem. High speed internet connections come from a variety of sources and are a point of competition between companies in all telecommunication venues.

Nearly any internet user can benefit from a high speed connection. Web pages load faster and digital content, such as video and music, is more accessible over high speed connections. Many companies that previously offered physical video rentals and television services now offer content over the internet, so users can view a rented movie directly or what a favorite TV show directly from their computer.

Different high speed connections are available to different parts of the country. Many companies serve heavily populated metropolitan areas, but suburban or rural areas usually have limited options. Nearly all phone and cable companies offer some form of high speed internet, but the availability of these services is limited by distance. Consumers that are far away from the main "switch", the point at which the provider's internet connection originates, will have fewer options. As sparsely populated areas grow, though, companies may install new "switches" to increase the area their service covers.

There are as many types of high speed internet as there are ISPs, and the number is only going up. From cable and DSL internet, to satellite, wireless, and FiOS connections, the options are seemingly limitless. Regardless of technology, most people are concerned about speed and price. Consumers should research all their options and shop for the best deal.

Many ISPs offer low introductory rate bring customers to their internet service. These deals typically last for up to six months after the start of service and can offer as much as 75% off the usual rate. These deals are great for saving money on a needed service, but many companies include fine print requiring a contract or instituting price hikes after the promotion's expiration.