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

Locate an ISP in Michigan that offers cable access to small businesses

ISPs in Michigan that provide an always-on cable connection are frequently the best deal for small businesses. Some national ISPs offer packages tailored to the size of your business.

I recommend: Cox's business division offers Internet service solutions for businesses of all sizes and allows you to customize your service with many additional options. Conway is a Michigan high-speed Internet provider that provides a premium business Internet package using cable. It also sells additional IP addresses, email address and web space separately.

Find Michigan ISPs that offer DSL service

Many ISPs design DSL packages for business owners throughout much of the nation. Businesses can bundle multiple services together, such as Internet and web hosting, to get a better deal from the ISP.

I recommend: EarthLink offers a range of services for businesses of different sizes and features symmetrical DSL, which allows you to upload as fast as you can download. AT&T offers a package that combines DSL, VoIP, web hosting, networking and wireless Internet. You can determine if your specific location is in a service area by providing the telephone number of your business on AT&T's website.

Check out the access packages from a local Michigan Internet service provider

A rural business may have to depend on a small, local MI Internet service provider. ISPs in Michigan frequently offer wireless DSL service for these businesses.

I recommend: Nomad Internet provides broadband connections with a range of options to businesses throughout Michigan. Casair is based in Stanton and serves businesses and other ISPs with a broadband wireless network.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use Internet service providers in Michigan with a Tier 3 rating or better, especially if you are running a small business. The tier rating establishes the ISP's proximity to the Internet and generally how fast its access will be, all other things being equal. Tier 1 ISPs are linked directly to the Internet; Tier 2 ISPs lease their connections from Tier 1 ISPs and so on.