The Need for Higher Speed

Maybe you have decided to ditch the dial-up dinosaur, or maybe you are looking to explore other options.  This guide is meant to help you pick a broadband provider.  Broadband has evolved into a general blanket term that included nearly anything but dial-up service.

Before You Start

Before you get started in the process of selecting a broadband service, you should have decided on a few things:

1. A budget - how much in installation, equipment, and monthly fees you are willing to spend.  Often service providers will cover installation and equipment fees, so you may need to only worry about monthly costs.
2. How will you use your broadband?  Are you an occasional user?  Do you spend every waking hour on eBay or the blogosphere?  Do you telecommute?  If you spend just a few hours a week online, you may only need DSL or a cable.  However, if you telecommute or spend a lot of time with media-rich content like music or gaming, or even eBay, you should consider a Fiber based service like Verizon FiOS.

Need to Know Terms

Router - allows you to establish a home network.  Basically, with a router you can connect several computers to the internet at one time.  A wireless router allows you to connect wirelessly.

Cable Modem - broadband delivered over the cable TV network.  On the upside is fast connection.  On the downside, you share your connection with the neighborhood, so the more users, the slower your connection.  If you consider cable, you might want to ask yourself how often your cable goes out.  This varies by area.

DSL - provided by your local phone company or a reseller.  Fast, inexpensive, and various speeds available. Delivered over your phone line and allows you to be on the phone and computer at the same.

Fiber - (FTTP, FTTH, FTTC, FiOS) - Delivered over fiber optics.  Currently being offered by local phone companies.  This is probably the fastest connection available to your home.  However high speed does not mean high cost.  The costs are very competitive with cable and dsl.

VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol - services like Skype, Vonage, Voicewing.  This allows you to use the internet to make and receive phone calls.  This is an evolving technology, and the voice quality is questionable, although service providers would like to convince you otherwise.  If you are considering VoIP, you want to look for the most robust broadband service available in your area.

Who and What Is Available?

Start the selection process by determining who offers broadband services in your are.  I recommend starting with the cable and telephone companies.  You can also check their competitors, but smaller companies have not shown viability in the marketplace and don't always stick around.

Make a phone call.  Although the internet is often quicker and more convenient, making the phone call will often provide you with more options and information than the internet.  Most companies only put their "lead" offers online.  You may get a better deal by picking up the phone.

Don't trust the employee or add that disparages their competitor.  This is a trick to mask the service providers own shortcomings. Furthermore, don't take their word for it when it comes to other companies' prices - check it out for yourself.

Use your gut.  Do you have a good relationship with one of the companies you are dealing with?  Check them out.  Do you already have service or billing issues with one of your potential companies?  Tread cautiously.

As you gather information, I recommend making a chart to compare your options (speed, price, discounts).  Most of these companies want all of your business, so they group things together, but it doesn't actually save you money.  You don't have to make a decision on the spot.

Follow Through

Once you have selected the provider, place your order!  Don't be disheartened if there are some glitches with your installation.  As a matter of fact, I would expect them.  Regardless of who your broadband provider is, you might have a glitch.  Technology is new and everyone is still learning, so be gracious.

After Installation

Your internet surfing will only be as fast as your PC will allow you to perform.  If you are moving slowly, it could be your processor speed, your hard drive might need to be cleaned up and defragmented, or you might need to clear your cookies in your internet browser.  Other factors like the server speed of the web site you are accessing and internet connection may also slow you down.

Lastly, enjoy the faster downloads and websurfing that broadband provides!