How to Select a High Speed Internet Service

Perhaps the hardest decision you will have to make about your Internet connection is which broadband provider to give your business to. When selecting a high-speed Internet service, there are several factors you need to keep in mind when selecting the right provider and package for you. Doing your research now can save you both money and headaches in the long run.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phone
• Computer connected to the Internet

1. Step 1

   Take your location into account. Broadband service varies depending on how close you are to an urbanized area. In a city, you have a number of options to choose from, including cable, DSL and mobile Internet. In a remote or rural location, your options may be more limited. In this instance, high-speed Internet service through satellite might be your best option.

2. Step 2

   Determine how much bandwidth you will be using. Internet service providers charge according to how much bandwidth you use in a given time period. This might be a fixed amount of bandwidth per month, or you might be capped at a certain speed. If you are a casual Internet user who only uses the Internet to check email or read the news, then there's no point in paying for an account that offers unlimited bandwidth usage.

3. Step 3

   Figure out how many computers you will be connecting to the network. Some Internet providers offer plans that include a high-speed wireless router. This will allow you to connect a number of computers wirelessly. For example, your children could be watching streaming TV in their bedroom while you catch the game on your office desktop.

4. Step 4

   Determine whether or not you will need a static IP address. The IP (Internet protocol) address is how other computers find yours on the Internet. This is not an issue for the majority of home high-speed Internet connections. However, if you want to run a server from your house that will be accessed by others--for example, if you are starting a home-based business that sells hosting space--you will need a static IP.

5. Step 5

   Examine any included accessories and options. If you don't have any antivirus protection on your computer and your high-speed Internet service offers it, maybe this is important to you. You might be interested in 24-hour tech support, a free homepage or any of the other myriad perks that high-speed Internet service providers offer.

6. Step 6

   Call your selected high-speed Internet service provider and schedule a time for installation. Use this time to ask any other questions that you might have.