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DSL internet delivers the internet over phone lines. Unlike dial-up, DSL uses a separate portion of the phone line, so you can access the internet and use your phone at the same time. DSL speeds are somewhat limited but can still be up to 40x faster than dial-up. Plus, your speed will always be steady, whether you have 2 or 200 people connecting to the network.

• High availability
• Lower pricing
• Limited speeds

Cable internet providers use the same coaxial cable that connects to your TV to bring you high-speed internet. This means you don’t need a home phone line to get connected. Cable can offer speeds up to 100x faster than a standard dial-up connection or higher, but speeds can fluctuate during peak usage times.

• High availability
• Easy to bundle
• Peak usage times can slow speeds

Fiber-optic networks deliver high-speed internet connections via glass or plastic wires. As a leading broadband internet technology, fiber can connect you to speeds up to 1000x faster than dial-up, with a clean and consistent connection coming into your home. Availability is limited, but fiber providers are working to bring the service to more areas.

• Speed up to 1 Gbps
• Limited availability

Satellite internet is transmitted into your home via a satellite dish, much like satellite TV. All you need is a clear view of the southern sky to get satellite internet. Speeds can reach up to 25 Mbps for satellite internet service. These speeds are good for streaming, but satellite internet’s high latency makes the service impractical for online gaming.

• High availability
• Limited speeds
• Data caps

Internet service providers use the term broadband internet to describe their high-speed internet connections. The term broadband is actually shorthand for “broad bandwidth,” which describes its fast speed and "always on" capabilities. The four main types of broadband internet are cable internet, DSL internet, satellite internet and fiber internet.

No. Unlike a dial-up connection – which treats your phone line as a single, narrow pipe between your computer and your internet service provider, and then hogs that entire data line – broadband internet works in an entirely different way. Broadband internet splits your data line up into multiple channels, giving it the ability to send large amounts of information down these multiple channels at the same time.

Megabits per second. Mbps indicates how much data can be uploaded or downloaded per second over your internet connection. Higher Mbps means faster internet speeds, which allow for better streaming or gaming as well as connecting multiple devices at once. 

Most internet providers offer internet-only plans, also known as standalone internet. But, sometimes bundling internet and TV together can be cheaper than standalone internet, so be sure to compare all your options before selecting a plan.

It depends on what you use the internet for and how many people/devices will connect to the internet. For streaming, gaming and connecting 4-5 devices, 25 Mbps or higher is recommended. For light use, such as online shopping, 3-10 Mbps is fine. Take our internet speed test below to see how fast your current internet service is.

In addition to a modem, you need a Wi-Fi router to setup wireless internet in your home. Most high-speed internet providers offer routers for purchase or rental, or include one for free with your service. 

Instead of researching each specific internet provider, use Allconnect. Simply give us a call and we’ll show you all available internet providers and offers in your area. Finding and comparing internet providers near you is easy with Allconnect.

Last updated on 8/03/18.