Shopping for Broadband: Satisfying Your Need for Speed

Shopping for Broadband: Satisfying Your Need for Speed

If you use your computer to shop online, play video games, make phone calls, watch movies, listen to music, or use other “hot” applications, broadband lets you do it faster.

Broadband refers to the high-speed Internet access you can get through a variety of services, including digital subscriber line (DSL), cable, fiber optic, wireless, or satellite. With broadband, you access the Internet simply by turning on your computer. There’s no need to dial a phone number to reach your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

When you are shopping for broadband service, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants you to know the types of services that are available, and the questions to ask to get the deal that best suits your needs.

Types of Broadband

The type of broadband available to you depends on what technology the providers in your area offer. The four most common types of residential broadband service are:

1. Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL), which transmit data through phone lines without interfering with telephone service. Local phone companies typically offer DSL services; in some areas, other Internet service providers also offer DSL services.
2. Cable modems, which provide access to the Internet over cable lines without interfering with your cable television service. Cable modem Internet access services typically are offered by the same companies that offer cable TV services in your area.
3. Fiber optic broadband, which is a new and faster type of broadband service. The same fiber optic line providing your broadband service simultaneously can deliver phone and video (television) services. Fiber optic broadband is currently available only in certain areas.
4. Mobile wireless broadband services, which are available from mobile telephone service providers. Such services are accessible through certain wireless telephones and PDA devices (personal digital assistants). They also can be accessed using a computer with a built-in or plug-in air card.

Other types of broadband might be available in your community:

Fixed Wireless broadband, which connects a home or business to the Internet using a radio link between the customer’s location and the service provider’s facility.

“Wi-fi hotspots,” which are available in increasing numbers of airports, city parks, bookstores, and other public locations.
Satellite Delivery of Internet access services, which are available in most areas from providers of satellite television services. Extreme weather conditions can disrupt service.

Broadband Over Powerline (BPL), which is the delivery of broadband over electric utility lines. BPL is an emerging technology that has significant potential because power lines are installed virtually everywhere, eliminating the need to build new lines to every customer.