How to Compare & Shop for Prices of Internet Services

To search the Internet, read web pages, check e-mail or instant message your friends, you need a computer with an Internet connection. This connection needs to be purchased from an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Types

There are different types of Internet services available, including dial-up, high-speed dial-up, DSL, cable, wireless and satellite. The type you choose depends on your location, how much you want to spend and how fast you want your connection to be. Dial-up and high-speed dial-up are slower than DSL and cable.

Costs

As of 2010, costs for dial-up Internet services ranged from $10 to $15 per month. Costs for DSL ranged from $20 to $40 per month and cable from $35 to $140 per month. Costs for satellite ranged from $60 to $80 per month and wireless from $40 to $60 per month.

Considerations

Cost ranges for DSL, cable and satellite depend on how fast your connection is. A connection that is 756 Kbps will be less expensive than a connection that is 5 Mbps. Cost ranges for wireless depend on how many megabytes or gigabytes you plan to use per month. Also, the ISP's reliability is a factor, but you'll need to ask around and read reviews to determine that in your location.

References

• Consumer Research: ISPs