High-speed Internet access allows for instant information exchange as well as high-quality streaming of online games music and video. When comparing high-speed Internet connections, consider the price, reliability and speed that best suits your Internet usage.

Price

Comparing the price of high-speed Internet services is a question of how much you are willing to pay. Upgrading from slower types of connections, such as dial-up, to higher speed connections, such as cable, DSL and satellite, will cost more money. Many Internet service providers that provide high-speed connections offer different levels of high-speed connection, with the greater speeds costing more.

Speed

Select the speed you need. Using the Internet for general Web surfing and checking email will require less speed than using the Internet for multimedia applications, such as gaming, watching streaming videos or listening to streaming music. Many high-speed Internet service providers offer various levels of speed so that you won't end up paying for more speed than you need. Upgrading is always an option should you later find that you need more speed.

Reliability

Consider the reliability of the connection method. If your cable or satellite television is frequently interrupted by inclement weather, then the same type of high speed internet access will also be interrupted by inclement weather. Select a method that will provide a reliable connection but also meet the budget needs of your household. There are high-speed access methods that use the telephone lines and cable or satellite television lines in your area.

Availability

Not all types high-speed connections will be available in every area. Rural areas may not have high-speed access through cable or satellite but may have access through the telephone company.

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Selecting a high-speed Internet provider