ISPs ( Internet Service providers) provide users and  businesses with access to the Internet and associated services. Most people consider an ISP to be simply an Internet connection provider.

However many ISPs now provide other services besides the standard Internet connection; like web space, email, instant messaging and these additional services may have a great influence on your choice.

There are several factors you need to consider when choosing an ISP, but the first thing you need to do is make a list of the following:

• How many hours per day will you use it?
• What will be the main use- email, surfing, Instant messaging etc?
• Will you be using it for your email?
• Are you going to be the only one using it?
• Do you need to access it when you are traveling?
• If you travel is International or National?

If you are not the only user you need to repeat this process for each user.

Having been through the process of deciding  your Internet requirements you now need only decide three things- the ISP type, payment plan, connection type.

ISP Types

When choosing an ISP you need to be aware of the different ISP types:

• Local ISP- These are normally used if you wish to host own web pages and can offer cost advantages over the others. They are not normally used by home users and are not easily contactable as they  normally concentrate on business users.
• National ISP- These provide access in all areas of the country. Examples in UK are Demon, Onetel and  in USA MCI Internet, AT&T Worldnet.
• Global ISP- If you are a frequent traveler then you should consider  an ISP that provides you with access from various international locations. AOL (America online) is probably the best  known, but many others do as well.
• Service ISPs - Again the best know service ISP is AOL. AOL don’t just provide the internet connection but a whole host of other web services like Instant messaging, email,  parental control.

ISP Payment Plans

There are two standard plans available for most type of Internet connection.

• Monthly flat rate- Fixed payment regardless of how long you spend online. It should be noted that many broadband suppliers impose download limits.
• Pay as you go - you pay only when you use the service. Payment is through you normal telephone based on a cost/minute rate. (dial up only)

A pay as you go plan costing 1p/minute would cost:

Connection Types

There are several ways of connecting to the Internet from dial modems to wireless broadband see Internet connection methods.

More Than One ISP

I personally use two ISPs one for dial up (when traveling) and another for broadband access at home. This is not an uncommon scenario especially for users switching over
to broadband and changing their ISP

Changing ISPs

Many, including myself have upgraded or are thinking of upgrading to broadband Internet and are looking for a suitable ISP. I did this recently and moved ISP because I got a better deal with he new one.

Changing ISPs  can be difficult especially if you are a big user of ISP provided services like email. So if your thinking of switching ISPs, stop and think about your email
addresses and any other services.

Can you keep them? How will you replace them? How will you transfer them?

ISPs and Telephone Companies

Most telephone companies offer ISP services but not all ISPs are telephone companies. In fact one of the most well known ISPs (AOL) does not offer telephone services.

However most Internet connections regardless of whether they are provided by a telephone company ISP, or a pure ISP utilize the existing telephone lines.

Related Articles and Resources:

•     Free Broadband- Is it really free?

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