Not long ago, few companies provided telecommunications services such as the Internet. Today, there are many more options thanks to advancing technologies and falling prices. Getting cheap and fast internet in our present is possible; you should search well to attain it.
The types of cheap and fast internet that exist
In the beginning, ISPs (Internet Service Providers) only offered plans with DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) technology, but thanks to new advances, they are no longer the only ones. Cheap and fast internet is reaching more places every day and is available to many people. There are three most common service types currently offered:
- ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), which despite having more modern options, is still widely used.
- Satellite and radio link, perfect for rural areas where cables are difficult to lay down.
- Fiber optics, the best data transmission method today.
The largest companies offer all three options, leaving the user to decide which one they prefer. Some specialized suppliers only provide one of them. So that you know what each one does, let’s talk a little about them.
DSL
The Digital Subscriber Line was the first ISP method to provide internet. These are twisted pairs of cables, the same used for analog telephony. It is the most widely available option since telephone wiring is everywhere.
It is a low-cost system thanks to various elements: installation, maintenance, and plans. Its primary disadvantage is that it lags far behind newer technologies, with a maximum speed of only 100mbps. In addition, it is very susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which makes transmission intermittent.
DSL is the simplest way to get cheap and fast internet, but better is possible—many times from the same supplier.
Wireless
This type of service works through antennas, and it is usually a satellite link. The provider installs equipment at the client’s site that communicates directly to the satellite that dispenses the Internet.
In most cases, a central location at a high point is the one that receives the signal from the satellite. From there, they place antennas that look towards the places where the service will arrive. Then in each of the houses or companies, another antenna is placed.
The central facility does not necessarily have to receive satellite internet. It can reach you by DSL or fiber optics, and through a pair of antennas, it spreads to your end users. It is widely used in rural sites since it is easier and cheaper than wiring.
Of the three options, this is the most private system since a study can show that there is no interference. On the other hand, it is sensitive to weather conditions. Just having clouds reduces the quality of service, and if it rains, it only worsens.
Optical fiber
It is the faster internet option. It uses wires through which light signals travel, reaching high-speed data transmission. A fiber optic connection can reach up to 5000mbps. The problem with this technology is its novelty.
It is not yet as widely available as DSL. Its price has dropped considerably recently, making it a profitable option. Still, the higher-speed plans can be a bit pricier.
If you want cheap and fast internet, you should first investigate if there is a company that offers fiber optics in your area. It doesn’t matter if you can’t afford the best plans; most of the time, a basic one is still better than DSL.
How to know which company to hire?
The leading ISPs that have fiber optic plans are:
- Google fiber.
- Verizon.
- AT&T.
- Century Link.
- Earth Link.
These companies are the most significant and likely to have coverage in your area. Hiring any of them is playing it safe, backed by a dependable company. Others may offer cheap and fast internet, but their affirmations should resonate with care.
Since this is a novel system, some people try to start selling something that is not ready for the public. They don’t plan the network well, resulting in users experiencing much slower speeds than they offer.
On the good side, they usually offer plans at a lower price as an incentive to attract new customers. If you get one of these near you, it might be a clever idea to try it out. If it turns out that their service is not what they offer, you can change to another.
Pay attention to packages and promotions.
Getting cheap and fast internet is not just about the price of the plans. If you are still not sure which company to choose, pay attention to the combos and plans they offer:
- Discounts or streaming services free access, such as Disney+ or HBOMax.
- Discounts if you contract a telephone line or plan.
- An internet connection with cable television service in the same program.
- Special promotions for making the contract at a specific time of the year.
Dedicated internet
As a final note on cheap and fast internet, it is essential to know what a dedicated connection is. The plans offered by companies are usually broadband connections. Not to get into technical details, you share the speed with other clients.
In other words, with a 100mpbs broadband plan, that same 100mpbs will be used by other people. In practice, you will rarely have 100mpbs; it will almost always be a lower value. However, you will have a decent browsing speed.
Now the dedicated internet is where the speed is guaranteed. You do not share bandwidth with any other clients. This service is much more expensive, but the speed rate will dramatically increase.
