The internet is the number one source of entertainment in any modern home. With many streaming services and social media, children and adults spend a lot of time using the internet at home. To ensure everyone’s needs are met, you need to choose a reliable internet provider. But there are so many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to choose from, which one should you choose? Bear the following considerations in mind when making this all-important choice.
Type
of Connection
There are various kinds of internet connections available and the type you choose will determine the overall internet speed. Cable internet is availed using coaxial cables like those used for cable TV. Fiber optic internet on the other hand supplies internet through fiber cables which have the advantage of fast speeds. Satellite internet is transmitted through satellites located in space sending and receiving data from a receiver located in your home.
The other
type of internet connection is WiFi hotspots. This creates a wireless local
area network where a router connects to the ISP and devices connect to the
router through radio waves. Devices that do not have WiFi capabilities may be
connected through Ethernet cables. Remember to choose the best cables for fast
and secure connections. A cat6 cable is ideal because it has fast
transfer speeds of up to 1000 Mbps/1 Gbps and a broadband >250 MHz. This
means a fast internet connection with quick uploads and downloads.
Uptime
An internet service provider’s uptime refers to the time when their internet connection is running optimally. A good ISP has promising uptimes. Though they may not guarantee 100% uptimes, over 99% should be good. Though the uptime of your internet is dependent on many factors, your ISP should strive to give you the best experience.
High
uptimes will ensure that you have a good experience using the internet. There
won’t be those embarrassing moments where buffering seems to take forever or
websites do not load at all. How can you know the uptime of an ISP? Read
through the service level agreement provided. This will not only contain uptime
details but also information on latency, response times, and packet loss.
Security
Your
family members will most probably be making online purchases. Their financial
and personal information needs to be protected. Your ISP needs to have security
measures in place. Choose an internet service provider that allows encrypted
transfer of information over the internet. With data
encryption, all your data is changed into an encoded format that
cannot be stolen by malicious people. Even if these people were to get their hands
on this data it may not help them because it is hidden. With such security
measures protecting your home’s internet use, you can rest assured that
everyone is safe.
Customer
Support
Your ISP
must have excellent customer support. They must be there to conduct repairs
when needed and handle downtimes among other issues. The expected response time
needs to be clearly communicated in writing. Look at the company’s website
before hiring them and find customer support contact details. Opt for a
provider who has several contact methods so you never run out of options. Also,
look at previous customer reviews. Be keen on what they have to say about
customer support. Only choose an ISP who has a great reputation and provides
excellent support services.
Cost
An internet service cost is not only about the monthly subscription but also the installation fees. While some providers offer free installation as part of the welcome package, others charge installation fees. Do not just look at the initial cost. Think of how much you will be paying per month or year and ensure it is within your budget.
The cost
and speed of the internet go hand in hand. The speedier an internet connection
is, the more expensive it is. When making the choice, choose a good mix of
value and affordability. Choose internet speeds that work well for your home
without costing too much.
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