Shopping for a broadband service can be a daunting task. Today consumers may choose from a any number of broadband providers. Each provider offers varying speeds of internet connection, varying prices, and varying degrees of customer service. The best broadband service provider for you will be the one that delivers your particular requirements of speed, reliability, and service at a price that fits within your budget
Your Need for Speed
If speed is your number one criteria, then fiber optic cable is your first choice. Fiber optic cable delivers speeds as fast as 50 megabits per second. Top of the tier rates begin around $140 per month, so if your budget can stand it, that’s the way to go.
Second in terms of speed, cable TV providers deliver speeds between 3 and 20 megabits per second. Cable TV providers often have an attractive introductory rate to get you in the door, but once the introductory rates expire, cable internet alone will cost between $45 and $80 per month.
Third in line for internet speed is DSL. DSL providers can deliver internet services at a rate of 6 megabits per second if you live close to the DSL router. There further distance you live from the DSL router, the slower the speed. DSL offers the cheapest broadband services. Some DSL providers offer a 768 kilobit per second service for as little as $14 per month. While 768 kilobits per second is slow in comparison to fiber optics and cable TV, the price often makes it an attractive choice.
Customer Service
If customer service and support are high on your list of broadband requirements, seek out smaller DSL providers who often beat the larger companies in terms of customer service and support at competitive prices.
In the end, only you can determine what speed is fast enough, what price is low enough, and how much customer service and support you will need.