Set Me Up!

How to Choose an Internet Provider

The most basic step to going online, other than getting a computer and a modem, involves selecting a service provider -- a company that will supply you with the connection you need. Here are a few things to consider before taking the plunge.

The fact that you're reading this magazine instead of Elegant Bride or Hot Rod suggests that you either have an Internet account or are thinking about opening one. If you're already hooked up, you may be wondering if you could get a better deal; if not, choosing from among the dozens of local and national Internet service providers can be a daunting task.

Either way, by answering the following questions, you should be able to narrow your list of possible providers.

What's the total cost?

The true cost of Internet service is made up of several elements: a monthly charge, which may include a fixed or unlimited number of hours online; an hourly fixed charge for additional time; and a charge for the connection itself, which may require long-distance telephone calls or access through a data network such as Sprintnet. A "free" Internet account in another city might actually cost more than a local one for $20 or $30 per month.

Can you connect easily?

The lowest cost is not always the best choice. If you spend more time listening to busy signals than you do online, it's time to cancel your account. (Hint: Use a redial-on-busy script; you'll be amazed at how often you can connect within two minutes or less.) System downtime also holds up connections. It's true that modems, servers, and routers sometimes fail, but if you suffer frequent and prolonged stretches of time when the system does not answer, you need a different service provider.

Is support available? Is it useful?

Sooner or later, you'll need some kind of hand-holding. You might want to configure a new modem, or a program that has worked flawlessly for months might mysteriously die. What happens when you call for help? Calls to tech support tend to come in bunches, especially when some part of the service provider's setup crashes. If you can't get an immediate answer, does someone return your call within a couple hours?

A local access number does not guarantee that the support center is nearby. Can you reach it with a free call, or will you pay by the minute while you're waiting on long-distance hold?

One good measure of tech support is a service provider's ability to give you a custom log-in script. It's a good sign if the provider knows enough to get you up and running quickly and easily. Also, ask if the support staff knows about the software you plan to use.

What kind of extra services do you get?

Many service providers offer a plain vanilla connection and nothing more, but if you look around, you might find some added hot fudge and whipped cream. For example, some accounts include space on a Web server or an FTP server. Other providers might offer their own conferences or newsgroups, or a toll-free telephone number for access from out of town. Especially in competitive markets, such as Seattle and Boston, it's worth asking about extras. And don't ignore the commercial online services. Some hard-core Internet heads may sneer at @aol.com or @prodigy.com e-mail addresses, but these services are relatively easy to use, and their prices can be competitive with those of other Internet service providers.

Finally, take advantage of the free connect time that many Internet service providers offer to new users. If you get constant busy signals or unhelpful tech support while you're on their dime, thank them politely and move to the next provider on your list.

-- John Ross

Connect:

Basically, you have four types of Internet service providers to choose from:

Dedicated: This is the most expensive type, typically used by universities. It allows a direct connection to the Internet with no limit on how many companies can work off of the connection.
Dial-In (SLIP/PPP): You dial in to a company that has a direct connection. See page 23 for a definition of SLIP and PPP, the protocols for connecting.
Dial-Up (Terminal): You're connected to another company's system that is connected to the Internet; this is how commercial online services such as CompuServe work.
Mail Only: You can often access e-mail through bulletin board systems, but you won't be able to gain entry to other aspects of the Internet.

Return to main page