By Steve Roberts
Getting a broadband connection is a much simpler process than it was a decade ago. However, there are still some questions you should ask your provider to get the broadband configuration that suits your needs. Some of these are specific to a type of broadband (DSL, Fiber to the Home, Cable Modem), others are a bit more general.
Is there a bandwidth cap? If so, how is it implemented? More and more broadband companies are following Comcast's lead and charging customers extra per megabyte of downloads after a certain threshold has been met. In the context of internet service, this is the functional equivalent of paying a nickel per text message on your cell phone after your minutes have run out - it can result in some pretty impressive overage charges. That said, these types of charges are being watched very closely by the FCC.
Is there a differential between upload speed and download speed? For most residential broadband setups, the answer to this is 'yes'. And for most residential customers, the difference is negligible. However, if you're doing something with a home based business where you need to send files or host files regularly on your own equipment, this is a question that bears some consideration; Fiber to the Home is usually the best bet if this is a concern for you.
Is there a home based business package? Many broadband providers offer both business packages and residential packages. Surprisingly, a lot of the business packages are cheaper for broadband than residential packages are, and give better download speeds. The flip side is that the setup fee may be a bit higher. Even so, it's worth asking about their small business pricing plans. For example, a recent check of fees found the residential broadband package was $60 a month; small business was $23 per month in the Midwest; the setup fee was $10 more, and the small business package had about 50% higher bandwidth.
Is there a bundle deal, or package deal? Many companies try to add services to the contract, and create package deals; cable broadband is renowned for this, adding premium cable channels, voice over IP telephony, and digital movies on demand, in an attempt to rope in customers. Before you leap to sign that bundle deal, ask yourself if you're going to use all the services provided, and how often you'll use them. A'la carte may be more expensive per option, but less expensive overall.
What sort of broadband is available? If you're lucky, there are competing broadband providers, with both cable modems and DSL connections available. Competition brings prices down and inspires the companies to put more effort into winning customers over; after all, once you're set up, for the most part, you're a constant revenue stream for them. It's only when there's a single broadband access provider that pricing gets into ludicrous ranges.
If you live in an area where 4G wireless is feasible (Such as Baltimore), you may want to look into getting wireless broadband as an option; it's convenient, and much simpler than setting up broadband in your home. That said, it also has all the problems of a wireless connection and signal attenuation. If it works, it's likely to work well. If it doesn't...
Connecting to the internet with fast rates of transmission and reasonable cost is a modern necessity.
Steve Roberts gives you the Info you need at: [http://123whatworks.com/broadband/]
Real Answers from Real People at: [http://123whatworks.com/broadband/]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Steve_Roberts/16034
Getting a broadband connection is a much simpler process than it was a decade ago. However, there are still some questions you should ask your provider to get the broadband configuration that suits your needs. Some of these are specific to a type of broadband (DSL, Fiber to the Home, Cable Modem), others are a bit more general.
Is there a bandwidth cap? If so, how is it implemented? More and more broadband companies are following Comcast's lead and charging customers extra per megabyte of downloads after a certain threshold has been met. In the context of internet service, this is the functional equivalent of paying a nickel per text message on your cell phone after your minutes have run out - it can result in some pretty impressive overage charges. That said, these types of charges are being watched very closely by the FCC.
Is there a differential between upload speed and download speed? For most residential broadband setups, the answer to this is 'yes'. And for most residential customers, the difference is negligible. However, if you're doing something with a home based business where you need to send files or host files regularly on your own equipment, this is a question that bears some consideration; Fiber to the Home is usually the best bet if this is a concern for you.
Is there a home based business package? Many broadband providers offer both business packages and residential packages. Surprisingly, a lot of the business packages are cheaper for broadband than residential packages are, and give better download speeds. The flip side is that the setup fee may be a bit higher. Even so, it's worth asking about their small business pricing plans. For example, a recent check of fees found the residential broadband package was $60 a month; small business was $23 per month in the Midwest; the setup fee was $10 more, and the small business package had about 50% higher bandwidth.
Is there a bundle deal, or package deal? Many companies try to add services to the contract, and create package deals; cable broadband is renowned for this, adding premium cable channels, voice over IP telephony, and digital movies on demand, in an attempt to rope in customers. Before you leap to sign that bundle deal, ask yourself if you're going to use all the services provided, and how often you'll use them. A'la carte may be more expensive per option, but less expensive overall.
What sort of broadband is available? If you're lucky, there are competing broadband providers, with both cable modems and DSL connections available. Competition brings prices down and inspires the companies to put more effort into winning customers over; after all, once you're set up, for the most part, you're a constant revenue stream for them. It's only when there's a single broadband access provider that pricing gets into ludicrous ranges.
If you live in an area where 4G wireless is feasible (Such as Baltimore), you may want to look into getting wireless broadband as an option; it's convenient, and much simpler than setting up broadband in your home. That said, it also has all the problems of a wireless connection and signal attenuation. If it works, it's likely to work well. If it doesn't...
Connecting to the internet with fast rates of transmission and reasonable cost is a modern necessity.
Steve Roberts gives you the Info you need at: [http://123whatworks.com/broadband/]
Real Answers from Real People at: [http://123whatworks.com/broadband/]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Steve_Roberts/16034