How to Compare Internet Packages

A typical internet modem

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) typically offer several Internet speeds for different prices. When a customer contracts with an ISP, that customer pays a regular fee in exchange for an ISP providing a guaranteed Internet speed (usually expressed in terms of upload and download rates). There are two basic factors to consider when trying to choose an Internet speed package: what you typically use the Internet for and what budget you have to work with. Making an informed decision based on these two factors will ensure that you have an Internet package that is both affordable and that will meet your demands.

Instructions

1. Determine what your Internet usage will demand. For instance, a download speed of 1 Mb per second or less will be appropriate for someone who uses the Internet to check email or read the news. Graphics-heavy flash-based websites like Twitter, Facebook or MySpace require an Internet package at least in the 3 Mb/sec to 5 Mb/sec range. Video streaming services such as YouTube or Hulu will likely require an Internet package in the 6 Mb/sec to 8 Mb/sec range. For uses such as online gaming, frequent uploads of large files, work-from-home VPN connections or website hosting, inquire about the fastest Internet package your ISP offers.

2. Determine your budget. It may seem attractive to sign up for the fastest speed your ISP offers, but if you are going to have trouble affording that Internet speed, you run the risk of frequent service suspensions due to late payments. Conversely, signing up for a slower Internet speed may save you money, but if your typical Internet usage demands a faster speed than what you are paying for, you will be constantly frustrated every time you try and use the Internet. The key here is to be realistic about what you can afford.

3. Contact several ISPs to get pricing. ISPs are businesses, and they rely on customers to stay alive. As such, they will be willing to work with you to sign you up for an Internet package that is both affordable and capable of meeting your demands. Let the salesperson at each ISP know the kind of budget you are working with and what type of speeds you need and make a decision on an Internet speed that is appropriate for you based on these two factors.

Tips & Warnings

• There are numerous factors that can affect your Internet speed, including network problems with your ISP; connection problems at your residence; issues with routers, switches, hubs, or other network devices; software conflicts or hardware malfunctions on your computer; or the network traffic on the site you are visiting. Therefore all the Internet speeds mentioned are estimates and can vary greatly.