Comparing High Speed Internet Services

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Mobile Broadband

It is typical for a mobile broadband download at 768 KB per second to 1.5 MB per second. Typically uploads are slowed down by the service provider, but they usually will upload at 256 KB per second. The installation of the mobile broadband is simple. Your service provider will give you a modem, which plugs into the wall’s electrical outlet, which will then connect to your computer with an Ethernet network cable. If you have an older computer, which can not handle this connection, you will need to invest in a Ethernet upgrade, which will cost you about $20.00.

The service charge for the mobile broadband connection will run you about $40.00 per month. Price will depend on the contract you sign. Sometimes service providers trying to recruit new customers will offer a lesser price for a longer termed contract. You will also need to look into activation fee and equipment purchases, which will increase the cost upfront.

Satellite Internet

With Satellite Broadband Internet your download speed will be faster than with mobile broadband. The download speed with satellite is any where from 500-1000 KB per second. That is about 10 – 20 times faster than your 56K modem in your computer. Because of the slight delay in the transmission, this type of internet connection is not good for online games or any kind of web usage, which requires a quick response times. The installation of a satellite broadband connection has a large upfront cost. The satellite dish must be properly installed and then there is about $600.00 worth of equipment needed along with a clear view of the southern sky for good reception. The service provider may finance the cost of the equipment for you.

The Internet connection will cost you about $60.00 to $90.00 per month. This will all be contingent on the cost of the equipment if the cost of the equipment is included in your monthly charge and any additional service options. The cost of the activation fee will be around $100.00. Satellite Internet is a fully mobile broadband connection. You will not be confined to your home for access.

Cable Internet

With a cable Internet connection you will be able to download at speeds from 30 to 60 times faster than your 56K modem in your computer. The speed is usually around 1.5 to 3 MB per second. Some cable service providers are offering connection with even faster speed than the 3 MB per second. The speeds can go as high as 15 MB per second. There are some interference, which can prevent the user from reaching those speeds, your computer’s limitation being one of them. Uploads are usually slowed down by the service provider to about 128-384 Kb per second. The installation of the cable Internet connection will be installed using the cable TV jacks, which you may already have in your home. Many of the technicians will install a new jack closer to your computer, which will connect to a modem provided by the cable company and then connect to your computer using an Ethernet or USB cable.

The monthly fee for this service usually will run from about $35.00 to $45.00. Some cable companies will require you purchase the modem and the Ethernet card from them, some may just make you rent it, and some will just give it to you, which you will return upon cancellation of the service.

DSL Internet

With a DSL connection to the Internet you can expect to have speeds about 15 to 120 times faster than your 56K modem in your computer. Download speeds is around 758 Kb to 6000 KB per second. Uploads as with all service providers are purposely slowed down to around 128 – 384 KB per second. This is basically to prevent anyone from running high load servers on the connection lines. This service is the most common service offered and is known as Asynchronous. You will be required to logon each time you use the Internet, but you don’t have to worry about dial-up because a phone line will not be tied up for this connection. DSL services are installed using the existing phone line, but if you have an older home your phone jack may not have the proper phone line wiring to handle the broadband technologies. So chances are your service provider will install a new phone line. The equipment provided by the service provider will connect to the phone line and to your computer using an Ethernet or USB cable. If your computer is an older model and cannot accommodate this new technology, the technician will give you an Ethernet card and install on your computer for you.

The monthly charge for this service usually runs about $25.00 to $35.00 per month. You may have to purchase the equipment used to connect your computer to the Internet, but they may let your rent it or they can just give it to you and you will return it when you cancel the service.

No you know about all the different ways you can receive a high-speed connection into your home for your computer. You will have to decide which one will work best for you. Mobile broadband may be the best value, but service is not yet available in all areas.