Find Internet Providers in Your Area
Choosing an internet provider is a crucial decision, both for your home and your small business. Here are some factors to consider for each:
For Your Home:
- Speed & Bandwidth:
- Determine the speed you need based on your usage. If you stream a lot of videos, play online games, or have multiple devices connected, you'll need higher speeds.
- Type of Connection:
- There are various types of connections available:
- DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): Uses telephone lines but is faster than dial-up.
- Cable: Uses the cable TV infrastructure and is generally faster than DSL.
- Fiber-optic: Offers the fastest speeds but might not be available everywhere.
- Satellite: Useful in remote areas but can be slower and affected by weather.
- Fixed Wireless: Uses radio signals and can be a good option in areas without cable or DSL.
- Cost:
- Compare the monthly fees, installation costs, equipment rental fees, and any promotional discounts.
- Data Caps:
- Some providers may have a limit on the amount of data you can use in a month.
- Reliability:
- Check for uptime guarantees and read reviews to see if the provider often has outages.
- Customer Service:
- Consider the provider's reputation for customer service and support.
- Contract & Terms:
- Some providers might require you to commit to a 1 or 2-year contract.
- Additional Services:
- Some providers offer bundled services like TV, phone, or home security.
For Your Small Business:
- Speed & Bandwidth:
- Businesses often need faster speeds and more bandwidth, especially if they host their own websites, have multiple employees, or rely on cloud services.
- Type of Connection:
- Fiber-optic connections are often preferred for businesses due to their speed and reliability.
- Static IP:
- Some businesses require a static IP address for hosting servers or VPN access.
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs):
- These are guarantees regarding uptime, speed, and other service metrics. They often come with compensation clauses for downtime.
- Security:
- Some providers offer enhanced security features, including firewalls, anti-malware, and DDoS protection.
- Customer Support:
- 24/7 customer support can be crucial for businesses to address any issues promptly.
- Cost:
- While cost is always a factor, businesses might prioritize reliability and speed over saving a few dollars.
- Backup & Redundancy:
- Consider providers that offer backup connections or redundant paths to ensure continuous connectivity.
- Scalability:
- As your business grows, your internet needs might change. Choose a provider that can scale with you.
- Bundled Services:
- Some providers offer bundled services like business phone lines, TV for waiting areas, or security systems.
- Contract & Terms:
- Understand the terms, especially if there are early termination fees or auto-renewal clauses.
In both cases, it's essential to research and compare different providers in your area, read customer reviews, and perhaps even speak to neighbors or other businesses to get their feedback.
Find Top Internet Providers in Your Area
These providers are not nationwide but they tend to cover large areas of the U.S. and can offer you benchmarks as you find the best internet near you. Prices quoted may be promotional and some providers require paperless billing and autopay for the best pricing. Speeds correlate to two factors: your address, and the connection type. Confirm details with each provider.
Provider | Price Range | Speed Range |
---|---|---|
EarthLink | $49.95/mo. – $59.95/mo. | 100 Mbps – 5 Gbps |
AT&T | $55/mo. – $80/mo. | 300 Mbps – 940 Mbps |
CenturyLink | $30/mo. – $70/mo. | 20 Mbps – 940 Mbps |
Xfinity | $19.99/mo. – $299.95/mo. | 50 Mbps – 3000 Mbps |
HughesNet | $44.99/mo. - $150/mo. | 25 Mbps |
Viasat | $64.99/mo. – $169.99/mo. | 25 Mbps – 150 Mbps |
Spectrum | $49.99/mo. – $89.99/mo. | 300 Mbps – 1000 Mbps |