How Do I Find Internet Providers in My Area?

It is difficult to imagine that somebody is not connected to the internet, yet each and every day new people are Googling that exact phrase - "internet providers in my area". They want to know the various choices as to how they can connect.

This is true not only for people who are brand-new to the internet, but it is also true for individuals who simply want to make a choice as to how they are going to get online. Also, some people just get fed up with persistent problems they encounter with their current access provider, with no resolutions, and seek a better alternative for internet connecting.

Here are some things that you would want to consider with internet access and how to find the proper services in your area that will make you happy.

One of the first things that you need to consider is who is going to provide you with high speed internet access who does indeed provide service in your area.

Typically, your access is either going to come through DSL and your phone line or it is going to come through your cable provider. Not so long ago fiber optic cable (think AT&T's U-verse and Verizon's FIOS) also came into the picture for those living in larger cities. Rural areas without both DSL and cable have satellite and cellular providers to choose from, as well as the old standard of dial up.

Many times, your decision is going to be a personal one and you may want to switch from one to another in order to see who provides you with the best service you need.

When making your choice, keep in mind that any high-speed internet service is going to really produce the speed that the majority of us need. I know that there are internet providers in my area that claim to be five times faster than the phone company but quite honestly, the average internet user is not going to notice a big difference. This is simply a marketing tactic and although it may have some truth to it, it is not going to matter to the most of us.

Another thing to watch for is that there may be specials that are available for new users. Many times, the internet providers in my area will not publicly announce the fact that they are running these specials, but they are perpetually offered. If you're calling in to place your order by phone, make sure that you ask them what type of special pricing may be offered. More than likely, you're going to get a significant discount for the first 3 to 6 months (at the least) that you will be using their service.

When you place your order with an internet provider online, promotions are usually pretty prominent on their website. For your information though, ordering direct from a top tier provider is not always your best bet, as far as cost goes. Just like with cell phones, many times you can get better deals ordering through a third-party company, or broker, who offers those same tier one services for less. Offering the same providers at less cost to you can make a difference.