Choosing An ISP - continued

    Next determine which services are available in your area and which one is best for you. Clicking on the links on this website will lead you to the selected ISP's website where you be able to find out if their service is provided in your area. Each ISP will offer different prices and services and it is important you understand what they are selling you. Otherwise, how else will you effectively compare one company to another?

    As you research and compare Internet Providers and their services, ask yourself the following questions to ensure you have the information you need to make an informed selection.

• Speed: Does the ISP you're considering provide the speed of service you think you will need? Find out the upload and download bandwidth each service offers.



• Price: What is the monthly fee and what is included for that amount? Are there installation costs? Keep in mind that many companies will offer promotional rates that they will discontinue after a period of time. Determine what the rate will be after they discontinue the special pricing.
  
  Does the company have multiple service packages? How do they compare? Often, companies will try to sell you the most expensive option when a lower-priced plan may meet your needs. Ask the customer service agent from each company to explain the differences between their various plans.



• Billing: Make sure you understand your ISP's billing process. If you have a particular way you like to handle your monthly bills, the ISP’s billing process may interest you. How will you be billed? Is your credit card charged automatically each month and will you be able to manage your account online? Can you receive paper invoices? You need to ask all of these questions so you understand how your financial data will be managed.



• Installation Software: Is there special installation software required? Is there a Mac version for Mac users? What happens if the software isn’t installed correctly?



• Physical Service: Does the company provide its service over its own physical lines or do they lease lines from another company? Sometimes two different companies offer a similar service and use the same physical Internet access routes. You may, for example, find a cheaper service that uses the same physical lines as a more expensive one. In this case, the speed and consistency of service would be the same and you can choose the company that offers the best options in terms of price, technical support and extra features.



• Extras: Most ISPs will offer free email accounts and web space. Find out how many email accounts you will receive and how much storage there is in each of those accounts. If you receive web space, how much space do they give you? When you compare services, you’ll want to make sure you have all of these details so you can make an informed decision.



• Technical Support: Does the company provide technical support? Pass on any provider that does not have accessible technical support. Ideally, an Internet Provider should give its customers support 24/7. If not, make sure they at least provide support during the hours you'll mostly be using the Internet. And make sure they are easily reachable. Choose a company that is at least accessible by email and phone.



• Remote Access: If you travel, you'll want a company that let's you access your email account from any PC.



• Contract: Make sure you are comfortable with the contract terms given by the selected ISP. What is the period of time you must commit? Are there any earrly termination penalties?

    Remember, you want to get the best value for your money, while choosing a service that meets your needs. Consider all the ISPs in your area and price point, and ask all the questions you need so that you can compare the different services and options.