Today, we can find many options when we are looking for Internet access providers. As competition and technology evolves, it is important for users to stay updated with trends and options. For businesses, this would be an important decision, because many of them depend for reliable Internet access to ensure steady communications. In general, we are able to shop around online easily, but we should still know how to choose the right provider. As an example, we need to ensure that they have reliable technical support team. The team needs to respond promptly if problems arise. Here are things we should consider.
1. Check Local providers first
We should start by checking local providers, by reading local advertisements. It is better to choose local providers because we could contact them more easily when problems occur. Support personnel of local providers are usually more responsive and they may even visit our home or office to respond to possible issues.
2. Type of Technology used
We need to consider what kind of technology offered by the service provider. Common available technologies are DSL/cable and fiber optic. DSL is based on telephone lines or direct data cables. The overall performance is usually reasonable and the cost is lower. It is appropriate for home users and small businesses that require data transfer rate. It should be noted that DSL is a distance-sensitive technology and the speed will be lower the farther we are away from the ISP. DSL requires basic equipments and configuration settings. Users typically obtain dynamic IP and there could be occasional issues with uptime. Fiber optic is based on data transfer technology using the transmission of light. Fiber optics is more complex and should be installed by experienced technicians. Because laser is used to transmit data, bad connection could result in slower bandwidth, inefficiency and packet loss. If properly installed, fiber optics should guarantee exceptional data performance. Users could also get static IP, which is appropriate if they seek establish a server. Business-grade fiber connection could vary in price and performance.
3. Check for Online Tools
As more people using and working with the Internet, they need to utilize tools that can measure the overall performance. Reliable Internet access providers are confident enough to offer online tools that can measure the overall performance. These may include, web statistics, pining systems, performance monitoring and others.
4. Don’t trust Low Pricing
Many new service providers offer lower pricing to gain more market share in the market. Unfortunately, some of these fly-by-night providers are closed due to inappropriate business practices. Just because a provider could provide us with the cheapest price, it doesn’t mean that we will get the best value. Many users are swindled over interesting, short-term bargains. In the end, we could find that the Internet access cost them more money than when they subscribe to major providers. It is a good idea to choose providers that offer reasonable services for more than five years.
