Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Read up on dial up services for business use

In the past, dial up service was extremely slow and inefficient for business use. As a result of competition from DSL, cable and satellite business ISPs, dial up Internet service providers are offering faster connection speeds. While many providers are offering faster dial up access, there are various drawbacks to using dial up Internet service, such as tying up your phone line and slow video downloads of large files. Basic dial up service can cost as low as $10 per month.

I recommend: Learn more about pricing of Internet service by visiting One Stop Free Shop, a website that provides a listing of affordable Internet service providers. You may also learn more about Internet service pricing options by visiting Free Internet Access, a website that specifies fees charged by various wireless Internet service providers and other business ISPs.

Review the cost benefits of high speed Internet service

Cable, satellite and DSL Internet services are referred to as high speed Internet service options. In return for faster Internet connection speed, these options are more expensive than dial up service. Cable Internet service costs can range from $40 to $50 per month. The monthly bandwidth costs for satellite Internet service ranges from $50 to $120 per month. This does not include upfront costs for installation and equipment. On average, DSL Internet service customers can expect to spend approximately $20 to $50 each month.

I recommend: Check out Cable Modem to learn more about cable Internet service costs. You may also consider visiting Web Exordium for tips on comparing the pricing options provided by various business Internet service providers.

Learn more about factors that affect Internet service pricing

In addition to speed, there are several other factors that affect the cost of Internet service. For example, Internet service providers will provide a pre-set amount of e-mail accounts and charge for additional accounts. You could also incur fees for after-hour technical support and exceeding your monthly Web traffic allowance.

I recommend: Check out LifeTips to read more about various services offered by internet providers for business that could affect pricing. You may also read the Detroit Free Press to learn how to cut Internet service costs.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before signing a contract for Internet service, be sure to inquire about any prepayment penalties associated with low introductory prices, setup fees, equipment costs and the availability of technical support.

Guide to Internet Service

Move your business into high gear with the best Internet service for your needs

By Greg Brown

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Dial-up is dead, move on to high speed Internet service

Impossibly cheap? Logging on once a day to send two e-mails? You might be able to get away with a free Internet service account, but it seems likely that even starting to use the web will only engender more intense use best served by high speed Internet service. Yet most dial-up accounts now offer comparatively high-speed experiences at half or less the cost of a DSL line. You could always upgrade from free Internet service later if need be.

I recommend: Among the better-known national dial-up providers are NetZero, Earthlink, and AT&T. Most will try quickly to up-sell you into a faster DSL account, but it's a start.

Cable Internet service vs. DSL for business

What's heavier, a pound of feathers or a pound of lead? Of course, they are the same -- one pound. Same thing happens when comparing DSL and cable Internet service for home or business. Cable likes to claim its Internet service is faster, but it's fairer to say that maximum speeds in a cable system are higher, but no faster when compared apples to apples. A 3 Mbps bandwidth rating will act basically the same regardless of how it comes into your home or office. You get what you pay for.

I recommend: Take a look at business DSL Internet service from Verizon, XO Communications and Earthlink. Popular high speed Internet service cable providers include Comcast, Charter, Time Warner and Cox.

When satellite Internet service makes sense

Loving your satellite dish for TV programming? Well, you can get the web using that or a similar dish on your roof. Do a close analysis of cost, though, since a bundled dish with Internet service isn't a big enough seller yet for volume discount pricing. However, if you live in the boonies, it might be the best and, perhaps, only good choice for high speed Internet service.

I recommend: Some big vendors of satellite Internet service include HughesNet, DirecTV and DishNetwork.

Wireless Internet service: broadband, Wi-Fi and coming Wi-Max

Wi-Fi 'hotspots,' those airport lounge and coffee shop Internet zones, were first to take off, but high speed Internet service via cellular broadband using plug-in cards in laptops is catching up, and Wi-Max -- a variety of Wi-Fi that extends over miles -- is likely to become standard in large cities soon.

I recommend: T-Mobile and Boingo are big Wi-Fi providers of wireless Internet service. Find a hotspot near you on Ji-Wire. Verizon, Sprint/Nextel and AT&T offer mobile, wireless Internet service via cellular networks. Clearwire is among the first to offer Wi-Max in the United States.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Business DSL Internet service is enough for small offices, but consider a fractional T1 line of you have more than a few dozen employees online at once.
• •  If you have a lot of mobile employees, a simple laptop card and a wireless Internet service account can keep them up and productive all day.
• •  Never sign a long-term contract for business Internet service unless it provides a serious incentive -- like discounting -- upfront. High speed Internet service pricing is dropping fast.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn more about enhancements of Internet service connections

With so many business Internet service providers, business ISPs are continually introducing new technologies and services to stay competitive in the marketplace. For example, Comcast, one of the nation's top business Internet providers, announced a faster Internet service. It's difficult to benefit from service and product enhancements such as this, if you don't even know they exist. Staying abreast of Internet service news and trends can help you conduct business in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.

I recommend: Learn more about the recent popularity of a new type of high speed Internet service called “wideband” by visiting Digital Trends. You may also check out Internet Business Law Services to obtain the latest Internet service news and trends.

Get the latest on mobile Internet service and VoIP

Looking to save money on business phone calls? Wanting to conduct business away from the office? With the introduction of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), business Internet services can now be used to make and receive phone calls which could save money for business owners. With wireless technology, business professionals conduct transactions on-the-go with Internet access via mobile phones and hotspots provided by wireless Internet service providers. Staying informed on technologies such as these will help you make the most of your business Internet services.

I recommend: Check out TechInsights to gain more knowledge about the convergence of mobility and business Internet services. You may learn more about wireless Internet service trends by reading the Detroit Free Press.

Read up on Internet service security to protect your business

Security has been a longstanding concern for business Internet service users. As a result, Internet providers for business are constantly researching and implementing new ways to offer a more secure Internet service connection. It's important that you stay abreast of Internet service security trends to ensure you have the most effective technology available to protect your data transmissions via the Internet.

I recommend: Consider visiting IT Knowledge Exchange to read more about trends in Internet service security. You may also check out Symantec to learn more about trends in security for Internet service.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While staying informed on Internet service news and trends is a great idea, be sure to fully explore the pros and cons of purchasing the latest Internet service technology. Remember that just because the technology is new, doesn't mean that it's the best option for your business.