Internet Access – What You Need to Know

Internet access is an integral part of our digital lives, keeping us safe from COVID-19 while we were kept offline.

When it comes to getting internet at home, there are plenty of options: dial-up, DSL, cable and satellite. But which connection type is best suited for you?

Types of connections

When selecting an internet connection, there are various types to choose from. Your connection type plays an important role in determining the speed, reliability and cost of your service.

Dial-up is a type of connection that uses existing phone lines to link you to an Internet service provider. To do so, you’ll need a modem that links your computer to the phone line in order to access the web.

Broadband Internet connections use multiple data channels to send large amounts of information. They’re typically provided through cable or telephone companies and offer fast speeds for surfing the web, streaming videos and gaming.

Fiber optics is a more modern type of connection that utilizes light pulses to transmit data along thin strands of glass or plastic. This technology offers greater speed and reliability compared to other options available.

Selecting the ideal internet connection depends on how you use it and your household requirements. For instance, if you live in a larger house or have more than two people living with you, cable may offer higher speed options than DSL or satellite Internet.

Speed

High-speed internet connections allow pages to load quickly and work gets done quicker. This means you can finish files, attend virtual meetings without any glitches, email multiple people at once, and face fewer daily chores.

Your internet speed is a measurement of how quickly data can travel from a server to your device (download speed) or vice versa (upload speed). It’s measured in megabits per second, or one million bits per second.

Your household size and usage pattern will determine which speed you require. In general, 25Mbps plans are suitable for most smaller households.

However, if you have more than one person living in your home or work and learn from home, use multiple smart devices, or stream TV in HD, you need a plan with at least 100 Mbps speed. Alternatively, you could invest in a gigabit connection for both residential and business use.

Cost

Internet access can be one of the more intricate household bills to budget for, as there are multiple fees that could affect your monthly bill. These include FCC Universal Service Fund fees, late payment fees and cancellation fees.

Speed of the internet plays an important role in calculating your monthly costs. Generally, faster connections will be more expensive than slower ones.

Before determining which speeds you need, it’s essential to determine what activities you plan on using the internet for. If downloading music, streaming videos or gaming are high priorities for you, then investing in a plan with high download speed is recommended.

As with any type of service, the cost of internet can vary considerably based on your individual needs and location. To keep costs down, it’s best to determine exactly what you require and then find an internet package that meets those requirements.

Reliability

Reliability is an essential factor when selecting internet providers. It helps your business avoid the loss of productivity and revenue that can occur when your connection goes down.

Reliable internet connectivity is particularly essential for small businesses that rely on the web for marketing, advertising and other business operations. These firms must be able to communicate with clients and offer customer service.

eCommerce stores, or online retailers, rely heavily on reliable internet access to run their operations. In order to run efficiently, these stores must be able to print invoices, ship products and process returns with ease.

Reliability is also essential for business functions such as chat centers that rely on internet-based support to connect with clients. Without reliable connectivity, these centers cannot provide assistance and will likely experience rapid decline in activity.