Comparing Broadband Service Providers

When comparing broadband service providers, you should look at several different factors. You'll want to consider not only the aspects of the service itself, but the benefits, costs and service requirements associated with it. Remember that when we talk about broadband service, it is a term that is meant to refer to internet or data transmission capability that is not accessed by a regular phone line.

In other words, broadband is internet service that is not via the old fashioned dial-up modem method.

The first place that most people begin when comparing broadband service providers is to compare and contrast the two main products that are available today; DSL and Cable internet. DSL service actually comes in on your phone line, although it is not the same as a dial-up service.

The signal compression and transmission uses a technology that allows for significantly faster upload and download speeds. The downside with this service is that if your phone line goes out, so does your internet. With cable internet, your internet service comes into your home via the same coaxial cable that your cable television service uses. Cable internet speeds can be faster than DSL, but they are also more variable in some cases. If no one in your neighborhood is using it at the time you're online, you'll surf the web much faster than if it's say, 5:30 on Friday and everyone is getting home checking email and making plans for the weekend.

The next item to consider when comparing broadband service providers is cost. There will most certainly be costs for installation and equipment, no matter which provider you select. However, companies often run promotions where these costs will be waived or reduced. Be sure you understand the terms of this offer, however, as often a contract or service commitment will be required. The same may be true for the monthly cost. You may get a reduced or free rate for the first couple of months, but it will most certainly increase. And again, a contract may be required.

When comparing broad band service providers in your area, you should start by asking your current local phone and cable TV providers. They may offer some kind of package deals that will reduce the cost of your broadband service compared to if you had purchased it separately. However, don't limit yourself to your current providers. In the area of telecommunications, there are lots of companies who act as resellers. They provide the same service, over the same lines you currently have, but they have negotiated bulk rates with the providers than can often pass on some savings to you.

When you really get into comparing, broadband service providers might start to look the same. But be sure you've looked at the actual guaranteed speeds for both downloading and uploading, as well as service guarantees.

• Will you have the right to some form of refund if they fail to provide the service that you expected?
• What kind of technical support to they offer, and at what hours?

It can be incredibly annoying to find that your service isn't working and that there's no one in the office who can help you because they all left the office 30 minutes ago. Reliability and customer service may be worth paying slightly more to avoid inconvenience and aggravation.