Understanding Residential Internet Service

The majority of home in the U.S. have some type of residential Internet service. Some have plans that are offered by the local cable company, while others are serviced by one of the major telephone companies operating across the country. Thousands of independent companies also exist to provide residential Internet service, but how do you find the right one? To determine the best Internet service for your home, you must understand the options available to you.

Types of Services

Residential Internet service is provided by companies for light Internet use. Entertainment, homework and some informational queries are what the Internet providers consider light work. Internet providers, by the way, are the companies that handle your Internet service. The service is handled differently, depending on the type you subscribe to, including DSL, broadband, dial-up, cable and T1 services.

These services all provide Internet access, but their approach differs. Dial-up is probably the oldest Internet service, using a modem and telephone line to provide Internet to a home. DSL or digital subscriber line also uses the local telephone lines, but transmits data using digitally. T1 works similar to DSL, using existing telephone systems to transmit data digitally Broadband uses wireless transmission techniques across the telephone system. Meanwhile, cable Internet uses that space accessed by television channels to transmit Internet. Different methods are used by different Internet users, often within the same neighborhood without a second thought.

Service Comparison

A factor that the Internet service providers have in common is the service that they provide. Some truly are more efficient than others. The cable services are faster than any other, while the dial-up service is the slowest. Broadband wireless offers more versatility with portable data cards and USB modems. Dial-up does have its advantages for people in rural areas as it uses the telephone structure already available in those areas. Cable and broadband services are restricted in these areas due to the lack of infrastructure. T1 Internet services are used in apartment settings, but limits are placed on the individual users if more than 25 people are online at one time.

Additional Considerations

Aside from ease of use, the traditional Internet services have few other benefits for residential users. Actually, there are many additional concerns that you should consider before choosing one of these services for your Web surfing needs. Installation is one area where many users are surprised. Traditional residential Internet service providers charge between $50 and $100 for setting up the system and modem. Setting up your home network adds an additional $200, depending on the company you use. Even the modems can cost up to $100 to the initial bill. These added costs are often assessed up front or on the first bill. Free equipment and installation promotions are great draws for the new customers, but they come with contract obligations and threats of more fees.

References:

"T1 Internet Service," T1 Rex.

Vangie Beal, "Cable vs. DSL," Webopedia.

"Why Choose Webpass?" Webpass.