Isn’t every internet user on the lookout for the best internet access provider?  I know I am.  Internet access providers form the network of the Internet and for us to connect to the Internet; we need to connect to the indispensable internet access provider.  Whether a user connects to the Internet for pleasure, business, school or research and no matter what the budget is, there is an internet access provider that best suits his needs.

Scouting around for the right internet access provider is no easy task.  Everything must be checked first and then compared.  There are hundreds of internet access providers and selecting the best requires careful scrutiny.  There are certain factors to consider when choosing an internet access provider.

Choosing an Internet Access Provider

Figuring out the right internet access provider takes time. For one there is plenty to choose from.  Internet access providers lay out a myriad offers to lure prospective clients even promising the very best internet access packages.

Cost is a significant factor in choosing an internet access provider.  A user basically pays a standard fee to access the Internet.  Price is usually based on time consumed.  Some internet access providers also charge a one-time installation fee.  There are three internet access plans based on time used – prepaid hours, hourly or per minute rate and a flat or fixed rate.  If a user avails of the prepaid hours plan, he pays for a fixed number of hours over a given period like one month.  There is an extra charge for every hour beyond the given hours.  The most cost-efficient plan for light users, those who spend an hour to three hours online everyday is the hourly or per minute rate.  Customers who use the Internet for eight hours and beyond are considered heavy users. 

A flat rate or fixed charge on a monthly basis is advisable.  Flat rates have become the preferred choice of users because of special deals paraded by internet access providers.  Conversely, there are certain restrictions that apply to flat rates.  It does not mean that a user can leave the computer permanently connected to the Internet.  In some instances, because of high demand, disconnections may occur.  Internet access providers often include “catch” clauses such as usage restrictions so be sure to check the Terms and Conditions of the internet access plan.  Another payment scheme is for a user to pay by the amount of data downloaded.  A user who only sends and receives e-mail or joins newsgroups will do well to avail of this payment plan.  Cheaper rates are also available during off-peak hours (around midnight and weekends).  Each internet access provider has its own set of payment and service options.

To get connected to the Internet, a computer and software will have to be set up correctly.  Some internet access providers give the instructions on how to configure the computer and software over the phone; others provide starter kits with written instructions.  Some internet access providers even send their technical support team for a personal visit but usually at an extra cost.  For newbies, hands-on help from the technical staff can be the best choice. 

Computers connect to the Internet via phone lines.  Internet access providers should have ample lines for users to get through.  An internet access provider should provide a reliable connection.  A user should not be made to try twenty times before a dial-up connection goes through. 

In this fast-paced society, speed spells the difference.  The same thing holds true for internet connection.  The degree of performance of an internet access provider can be ascertained from the speed of the backbone and the speed at which nodes (any computer connected to a network) connect to the backbone.  The Internet backbone is a network of extremely fast and expensive computers that are linked to each other through high-capacity lines that transfer data very quickly.  The Internet backbone connects regional internet computers to each other and spans hundreds and thousands of miles.  A high speed backbone ensures service with the least delays and the capacity to transfer information easily.  Most internet access providers offer 56 kilobits per second access.  In addition to the standard dial-up connection, there is the high speed or broadband connection which is now the popular choice.

Customer service and support is critical.  An internet access provider must have a technical support group readily available in case of problems.  It must be easy to get through the helpdesk. 

Sizing up Special offers and Promos

Cheap or reduced fee internet access provider abounds.  Juno, a free internet access provider offers free internet but with restrictions.  It is limited to 10 hours per household per month.  Juno is available throughout the United States. Users who use the Internet sparingly and travelers who need temporary internet access can sign up for the free internet offer.  Netzero, one of the popular low cost internet access providers has several internet access packages ranging from $9.95 a month.  With NetZero, a user gets high speed connection, virus protection, pop-up blockers, e-mail addresses and other features at reduced prices.

There are also cheap dial-up deals for as low as $5 monthly.  But with these bargains come trade-offs. Customer support is below par and there are restrictions on monthly usage.  Web hosting, web space and even e-mail features may be limited also.  Access numbers of cheap internet access providers sometimes change without prior notice and disconnections may occur.  Other cheap internet access providers even require users to view ads in exchange for low rates. 

Due to stiff completion, internet access providers have resorted to add-on features to increase revenue, entice new customers and retain loyal customers.  Some of these extras are Internet call-waiting, voice mail services, networking tools and virus protection.  EarthLink offers networking help for $10 a month but a user must purchase $150 worth of home networking hardware from EarthLink and sign up for a one year service contract for monthly support.  AOL offers premiums including digital music service and anti virus protection for $3 a month.  EarthLink and low-cost internet access providers Juno and NetZero provide web acceleration service that speeds up connection for dial-up customers. 

Overall, a user will definitely want to choose the internet access provider that offers the best service at the best price and fits his needs.