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The following factors should be considered when
deciding what type of broadband service is best for you:
- availability of broadband service types in your area (e.g.
ADSL,
cable,
wireless,
SDSL)
- planned usage (e.g. web surfing, downloading video, publishing
websites, Internet telephony, teleconferencing, streaming media)
- satisfaction of subscribers in the immediate vicinity (e.g. speed,
service quality)
- cost of service (e.g. installation, monthly charges, usage charges,
packages)
Availability of Service
In general, ADSL and cable are the most cost-effective
and widely available services. If you live in a remote area, wireless and
satellite options may be the only options. In very large cities, different
types of DSL services may be available.
Planned Usage
Broadband services that offer high speed connectivity
in both directions (e.g. cable) are better suited if you have a need to
upload large volumes of data or use interactive applications such as
teleconferencing. If, however, your requirement is mainly to surf the net,
the “upload” speed is much less important than the “download” speed.
Satisfaction of Existing Subscribers
ADSL and other
DSL speed depend on the distance to the
telephone exchange and therefore can vary significantly from neighbourhood to
neighbourhood. Cable Internet access uses a shared connection in
neighbourhoods and can be impacted by the number of subscribers and local
usage patterns. Before subscribing to a service, consult existing customers
in your immediate neighbourhood regarding download speeds and their overall
satisfaction with the service provider.
Cost of Services
Many high-speed Internet service providers offer
sign-up incentives that ought to be considered. Some provide telephone,
television and Internet services in packages that can be quite attractive.
Make sure you consider all costs: installation, monthly connection fees,
usage charges or limits and rental costs for modems, etc.
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