What type of internet connection is right for you?
The first thing you should consider when buying an internet connection is whether you need one at all. While this may seem like an obvious consideration, the fact of the matter is that many people end up with internet connections they never use, simply because they were sold on the idea of having broadband at home. Before you go out and buy an internet connection, make sure you have a clear picture of how much internet access you actually need, as well as what type of connection best meets your needs.
Cable Internet
Over 100 million Americans subscribe to cable Internet, and it’s no wonder why. Cable Internet offers reliable service and can be faster than DSL—especially when downloads are concerned. But your mileage may vary. It all depends on your provider’s infrastructure, which can affect your download speeds as well as streaming quality (should you choose to stream videos or music). And while cable connections are great because they’re inexpensive, they’re not always ideal. If you want to watch HD content or use a lot of bandwidth with a device like a gaming console or smart TV, then cable might not be for you.
Satellite Internet
If you live out in a rural area with no cable or DSL service available, satellite Internet may be your only option. Satellite Internet uses a satellite dish to communicate with a satellite in space that then beams down an internet signal to your home. The advantage of using satellites is that they're not affected by issues like poor weather, power loss, and other infrastructure problems like breaks in phone lines or cables. However, there are disadvantages: You'll need to find clear view of the southern sky from your location (unless you have installed a satellite dish), and since most dishes require direct line-of-sight with their corresponding satellite, trees and buildings can interfere with communications.
DSL or Fiber Optic
Folks with DSL (digital subscriber line) or fiber optic connections are generally allotted higher data caps than people with satellite connections. They're faster and more consistent, and they don't come with an expensive modem rental fee. There are two downsides: it may take a little longer to upload pictures, so it will take a little longer to post them on social media. Another reason for DSL to be more expensive is that it is slightly slower.
Mobile Broadband
The word broadband might make you think it's better than dial-up, but mobile broadband (aka 3G and 4G) isn't much faster. If your wireless carrier offers mobile broadband, that doesn't mean you'll be able to access it everywhere—even if you have a 3G phone, not every place has a compatible cell tower. In some cases, a cellular broadband connection could actually be slower than DSL or cable (check with your carrier for details). The upside: With mobile broadband, you don't need to be at home or in an office to get online; wherever there's service, there's bandwidth! If going from room to room becomes too annoying, pick up an external antenna so that mobility stays on par with landline connections.
Phone Jack Modem
If your Internet needs are relatively simple, and all you need is a little bandwidth to check email or browse websites, then a DSL phone jack modem might be your best bet. These devices are typically very affordable (around $60), and they’re very easy to set up. They don’t require any professional installation – all you have to do is connect them directly to your telephone line and computer via USB cables. While they can provide some advanced functionality like e-mail servers, they usually won’t support things like streaming media without significant lag time (making them not so good for online gaming).