Internet Speed Test + Deals From Internet Providers in Your Area

How much does fast Internet service cost?

Your ultimate Internet speed depends on many things: your ISP, service tier, and whether or not you bundle Internet with other products, like cable or satellite TV, as well as digital phone. Higher tiers generally provide improved speed. Additionally, the type of Internet service – cable, DSL, fiber, etc. – also influences your final speed, bandwidth, and cost.

 

Promotional pricing or the lowest-cost plans often include conditions or restrictions that you need to consider before selecting an Internet service. Here are eight important areas to review when you evaluate a new plan:

• INTRODUCTORY PRICING: Sure, those initial prices sound enticing, but will my overall cost increase when the term ends? Also don’t forget to consider any penalties for early cancellation. Some competing providers offer to pay these fees for new customers leaving another ISP. Ultimately, pay close attention to the offer details.
• EQUIPMENT: Does my Internet service include a WiFi router to connect all of my devices? Does the modem and router use the latest technology for 100 Mbps access? Are there equipment fees? Is it cheaper in the long run to just buy my own modem and router?
• INSTALLATION: How is the product installed? Will I need to be home? Is there an installation fee? Does the ISP provide a specific installation window?
• CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Is Customer Support available anytime? Do they provide email, text messaging, and/or web-based support options in addition to phone?
• TECHNOLOGY: What technology does the Internet connection use? DSL? Cable? Fiber? Will it slow down during the day? Full sections for each Internet service type are located further down our homepage.
• ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: Does my plan include nationwide WiFi hotspots? Is security included? What about streaming TV options or an app for my smartphone or tablet computer?
• BUNDLE TO SAVE: Can I bundle my Internet service with a TV, home phone, or digital home security plan to save money? Is there any contract period requiring a penalty for early cancellation? Do they provide an easy “one stop” billing option?

There are multiple technologies used for Internet access. Here is an overview of the most widely-used.

Cable Internet

Cable service is by far the most popular and successful form of high-speed Internet in the US. Those who use cable Internet find that the broadband service is reliable, as well as fast. In order to get the best deal, consumers should look at bundling their cable Internet with TV and digital phone via their ISP.

Nearly all cities and communities offer cable TV service. As a result, these locales typically also provide broadband service for Internet users. The existing coaxial cable is ideally suited for Internet use, so there isn’t an added expense to have new lines run or maintained.

Cable service by an Internet service provider offers some of the fastest download speeds on the market. At speeds up to 100 Mbps, cable service exceeds DSL Internet by five times.

To obtain the best download speeds offered by cable Internet, your ISP must provide a cable modem with the latest technology. Be sure to ask them about the technology level of their modem. Sometimes, they include one with a built in router used to provide WiFi network in your home.

You are also able to use your own modem and router, which offers significant cost savings over the long haul. Ask about which models are compatible with their service.

Mobile Internet

A mobile Internet device – smartphone, hotspot, etc. – lets you bring the Web wherever you go. Your wireless access fits right into your pocket or within your device, allowing you full service no matter the location.

Mobile Internet is fast becoming as necessary as phones and computers. In the US, mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, are the fastest growing technology segment. 45 percent of Americans used tablets in 2015, up from 3 percent in 2010.

Users wanting high-speed Internet service wherever they go find mobile broadband to be a perfect solution. Wireless providers also offer a variety of mobile Internet options. These include the use of mobile Internet as a WiFi hotspot. This allows users to share their connection with more than one mobile device.

Since mobile Internet is WiFi on the go, it’s ideal for our high-speed world that requires a constant connection. Thanks to this portability, users can work, play, or communicate using their wireless broadband almost anywhere. Those using mobile benefit from the lightning fast service they’ve come to expect with broadband.

To make it easier and more cost effective to stay connected using mobile Internet, wireless Internet providers are upgrading their offerings. For example, most major wireless providers now include plans with unlimited data for wireless broadband customers.

Remember mobile Internet service typically requires a data plan separate from voice charges. The result is that customers generally have to pay more for the service. Wireless Internet providers generally have data caps on the amount of data a mobile Internet subscriber can use per month. Going over this monthly limit means overage charges, which can be costly.

DSL Internet

DSL Internet service remains one of the most popular and widely available forms of Internet access in the US. Many households choose DSL as their preferred form of Internet over telephone lines. In fact, the US Census Bureau shows that in 2013 only one percent of households were using dial-up, in comparison to the 21 percent using DSL.

DSL is generally available through ISPs wherever telephone landlines are run. This includes rural areas where other forms of Internet, such as fiber, are unavailable. Subscribers typically receive download speeds of up to 20 Mbps, which is ideal for gaming, video streaming and chatting online.

For many living in rural areas, DSL is the fastest Internet option available. When searching for the best Internet service provider, consider what they offer for Internet speed. Remember that bundling with satellite TV or digital TV also saves consumers money.

DSL offers a reliable, affordable and fast Internet service over a wide coverage area. The use of landlines to run DSL Internet service also increases its connection quality. Those using the Web for work or gaming will appreciate this reliability.

In a speed test, DSL is much faster than a regular dial-up modem. The DSL modem is typically provided by the ISP, along with regular updates and upgrades. Additionally, homeowners can use their phone for making calls while on the Internet.

For homeowners in new residences or in some rural areas where telephone cables are either nonexistent or sub par, DSL is not a good option. Also, some communities may not have an Internet service provider that currently offers DSL.

The shared traffic of DSL Internet can slow the connection. This is most obvious during times of peak Internet use, especially weeknights. In order to accommodate all users, the connection may not reach the optimal download speed of 20 Mbps, which can cause lagging and delays.