Selected Dial-Up Internet Service Providers
|
ISP |
Address |
Price* |
Price* |
Price* |
800- |
Hours |
Type |
|
AOD |
12.00 |
|
|
|
Unl |
National |
|
|
AOL |
19.95 |
9.95 |
4.95 |
6.00 |
Unl/5/3 |
National |
|
|
Earthlink |
21.95 |
|
|
6.00 |
Unl |
National |
|
|
GBIS |
21.95 |
|
|
|
Unl |
Regional |
|
|
Juno |
9.95 |
14.95 |
|
6.00 |
Unl |
National |
|
|
LTOL |
20.95 |
|
|
|
Unl |
Regional |
|
|
MSN |
21.95 |
9.95 |
|
|
Unl/20 |
National |
|
|
NeanderTech |
5.75 |
|
|
|
Unl |
National |
|
|
NetZero |
9.95 |
14.95 |
free |
|
Unl/10 |
National |
|
|
SBC |
15.95 |
9.95 |
|
|
Unl |
National |
Dial-up access has the
advantage of being almost universally available, wherever you and your computer
happen to be. Its only requirement is
that you have access to a (reasonable quality) telephone line. This differs from broadband
access that does not require a separate telephone line and is “always on.”
I am using (or have used) almost all of these ISPs. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
If you’re looking for a low-cost provider, NetZero is the only ISP that provides free service. You are limited to 10 hours/month, and you’ll be unable to remove their on-screen advertising. But, you can’t beat the price.
The lowest cost, no ads,
unlimited service that I have found is NeanderTech. There’s no setup
charge with NeanderTech.
Many smaller/regional ISPs have a setup charge (usually around $25).
AOL is the largest provider, followed by MSN and Earthlink. All three of these ISPs provide a month or two of free “trial service.” These ISPs also provide “special content,” unique to them, in an effort to provide a competitive advantage and “value for service” to their customers.
All of these ISPs provide email access, some amount of file storage (for a personal website), etc.
Most of these ISPs provide a discount if you sign up for a year (paid in advance) rather than paying month-to-month. The discount typically is about 10% or one month’s service. Some of these ISPs provide a discount (usually about 10%) if you are a member of AARP.
The 800- column indicates national 800 number with a surcharge, usually $6.00/hour. If you’re in a location that doesn’t have a local access number, this may be very convenient. And, even if you’re in a location with a local access number, sometimes the hotel charges for local calls are far higher than the usually free access to 800 numbers.
All of these ISPs are set up to enroll online with payment by credit card. Some provide “instant” or “almost instant” activation, so that you may begin using their services (almost) immediately.
Selected Broadband Internet Service Providers
|
ISP |
Address |
Price* |
Type |
|
Charter Pipeline |
29.95 |
Cable |
|
|
SBC |
29.95 |
DSL |
Broadband access provides
25-50 times the access speed of dial-up.
Different from dial-up access, broadband does not
require use of a separate telephone line.
And, it’s “always on” – which means that your computer has continuous
access to the Internet, with no waiting for a connection to be established.
Cable access is provided by your local cable television provider. In the Tahoe/Reno area, this is Charter Communications. Their Internet division is Charter Pipeline.
Various other ISPs offer DSL
service; but the underlying DSL access (almost) always is the local telephone
company. In
In order to qualify with either cable or DSL service, your location must be within the “service area” of the ISP. You must check with the ISP to determine this. Service areas change (usually enlarge) over time – so, even if you’re not in a service area right now, you may be in 6 months.
Both cable and DSL require a (different) special modem. Both Charter and SBC frequently have offers/promotions which bundle a free modem, free or low-cost installation, and Internet access – usually with a term commitment of 6 months to a year.
* Note: This information was current as of July 2003. Prices and services change frequently, without notice, and special offers/promotions abound. This data is provided for your information only, and it does not constitute an endorsement of any kind.
Last updated: Jul. 25, 2003 - 13:00