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National ISPsOverview For a
fee, national Internet service providers (ISPs) allow users to access the
Internet via a dial-up connection, a Cable Modem connection, a Digital
Subscriber Line (DSL), and/or a Digital Satellite System (DSS). Rates for
these services depend on many factors including set-up costs, usage
restrictions, data speed, and services provided at the user’s portal.
National and international ISPs have different areas of coverage. Some
concentrate on major cities in an area while others cover many smaller
communities as well as the larger ones. Most national ISPs provide a Web
portal site where there are a variety of features available including
e-mail, shopping, and search. They also provide indexes of sites and
customizable personal pages, as well as technical help and support
service. If you need help choosing a national ISP, see thelist.internet.com
or more information. The Webopedia article, "Chosing
an ISP", outlines some of the important questions to ask when
deciding on an ISP. Different Types of Service There are many different ISPs featuring different technologies and services. These include DSL, DSS, Cable, and dial-up Internet access. DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, is a high-bandwidth Internet connection using existing phone lines. Connection speeds for DSL typically range from 1.544 Mbps to 512 Kbps downstream and approximately 128 Kbps upstream. These high transfer rates are a result of DSL technology using more of the available bandwidth spectrum in existing telephone lines. In other words, voice and other telephone related data uses only a portion of the transfer capacity of phone lines, while DSL uses wavelengths not used by phone related data. The biggest drawback to DSL is that the user must be within a short distance from a central telephone hub or the DSL data signal deteriorates and becomes unusable. To read about DSL customers’ observations of their Internet access, go to www.dslreports.com. A frequently updated Web site that is dedicated to current DSL news and information can be accessed at www.dslcenter.com. Broadband Cable Internet Access is available nation-wide from a few select companies. This technology uses existing cable television infrastructure and optical broadband IP data network. It functions similarly to local cable Internet service providers.Take a look at www.cable-modem.net for a brief description of the broadband cable internet basics. Data transfer speeds vary depending on the cable infrastructure in the user's local area but they usually start at a minimum of 256 Kbps and can reach maximum speeds of 3 Mbps. DSS, or Digital Satellite System, is a network of satellites that broadcast digital data. The Digital Satellite System is often referred to as a Digital Broadcast Satellite (DBS) service. The user needs a receiver (a satellite dish or a portable receiver) to access the Internet. DSS technology allows for both Internet access and digital television reception. Data transfer rates vary from system to system but are generally around 500 Kbps. Some systems that are in orbit high above the earth have a slight lag time, as the data signal travels quite a large distance. This lag time is imperceptible for most common on-line activities, such as browsing or sending and receiving e-mail. However, activities that depend highly on timing, such as on-line games, are not suited for DSS connections. Additional information about DSS Internet access can be found by going to Webopedia’s DSS definition page. Dial-up Internet access with a modem is the slowest but most common way to connect to the Internet. There are numerous national ISPs that have broad coverage, even into small communities. Users must dial a local number to connect their computer to the ISP. Then, data is transferred using standard phone lines. Transfer rates vary depending on local traffic, but, for example, a 56K modem will usually average a speed of approximately 32 Kbps. Rate Plans and Services A dial-up connection is the most inexpensive way to access the Internet. A monthly rate for unlimited use is standard practice for most national ISPs. The rate can vary from as low as $10 a month to $25 or more a month. Most ISPs provide an easy way to find local access numbers or, in some cases, even toll-free 800 numbers. Many computer manufacturers and distributors offer free dial-up Internet connections for a brief period of time with the purchase of a new computer. DSL and cable Internet access, depending on the technology that is being used, usually costs between $40 and $60 per month. If set-up and installation is required, a flat installation fee (of approximately $100) is charged. DSL and cable providers generally provide e-mail, chat, instant messaging, search, and indexing features as well as technical support. DSS Internet access is the newest and most expensive service provided by national ISPs. It is expensive because of the installation and dish charges. This technology has been changing rapidly as new companies emerge. Monthly rates are typically around $60, while installation and satellite dish costs average around $300. Digital television providers will often offer DSS Internet access at a slightly discounted rate when this service is purchased with digital television. National ISPs Below is a list of just a few of the many national ISPs. To read about different rates and services offered by ISPs, link to this Web page. The site www.ispfinder.com helps users to find ISPs in their local area. Additionally, they offer a glossary of terms and FAQs. A more extensive glossary of ISP terminology can be found at www.isp-connections.com.
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