Finding and Evaluating an Internet Service Provider

The Central CAPT web site has moved to be part of a new National CAPT web site. In 10 seconds you will be automatically redirected to http://captus.samhsa.gov/central/central.cfm -- Use this form if you have any questions.

Paul Zobitz, Central CAPT

This document was derived from a presentation given at Technology and Prevention: Working Together for Results on June 22, 2000. The headings relate to the notes given at the presentation.

What is an ISP?

Simply put, an ISP is the link between your computer and the Internet as a whole. Without an ISP, your computer will not be able to access the resources available on the Internet.

Choosing an ISP Step 1: Assess your needs

What are you planning to use the Internet for?
Where are you trying to connect to the Internet?
How many people need access at the same time?
Do you need access while travelling?
Do you want to handle any technical details in-house?

Step 2: Consider your options

Does your connection always need to be on?
Do you need more than one email account?
Do you want file storage space?
Do you want a Web site?
How important is tech support?
How often do you plan to be online?

Step 3: Think about the type of connection

Dial-up - the most basic type of Internet connection. With this type of connection, you use the modem in your computer to make a phone call to the ISP. Once the call is made, you are connected to the Internet. Currently, the fastest speed for a dial-up connection is 56k. This connection is rather slow, especially when you are browsing Web sites that contain many graphics. Another drawback to a dial-up connection is that it ties up your phone line. If you want to make or receive phone calls while working on the Internet with a dial-up connection, you must have more than one phone line.
ISDN - This connection, which is short for Integrated Services Digital Connection is a relatively new type of connection. Think of ISDN as similar to a dial-up connection, but over a special type of phone line. With ISDN you are able to get faster connection speeds and it some cases you are able to make and receive phone calls while remaining connected to the Internet.
WebTV or DSS - These Internet connections allow you to connect to the Internet by adding a special type of box to your television set. The box then allows you to browse the Web and send email without needing a computer. For some types of DSS connections you do need a computer, however. The advantage to these services is that they can save the expense of a computer. Currently these services require you to connect your phone line to the set-top box so you still have the limitations on the phone discussed in the dial-up section.
DSL - Short for Digital Subscriber Line, DSL is a new technology that allows for a fast Internet connection through your existing phone line. A DSL connection is normally at least 4 times faster than a dial-up connection. Another advantage to this technology is that you can make and receive phone calls while remaining connected to the Internet. The drawback to DSL is that it is not available in all areas of the country. Typically you must be located in or around an urban area. You also must be a certain distance from the phone company's central office. This is a promising technology that will hopefully be widely available some day.
Cable Modem - Similar to DSL, cable modem is a fast type of Internet connection. This connection uses the wires of cable television. Thus, you can also make and receive phone calls while using this service. Again, since this is a new technology, it is only available in areas where the cable companies have upgraded their cable system.
Frame Relay - A high level service that is most often used exclusively by businesses. Frame relay offers a fast, scaleable connection to the Internet that is always-on. One can get frame relay service starting at speeds of 56K, and increase as needed. Obviously the faster the speed, the higher the cost. Frame relay should be considered at times when one doesn't want to lose their connection to the Internet or if a company wants to run some components like a Web server in-house.
T1- A high level service that is most often used exclusively by businesses. T1 is an always-on connection. Running at a speed of 1.5 Mbps, it is normally the highest level of Internet service that an organization can by. T1 is a very reliable digital connection. The cost for T1 is rather high, which is a drawback to this connection type.
Fractional T1 - If the cost of a full T1 is too prohibitive, getting a fractional T1 may be an option. Fractional T1 works similar to T1, only you purchase part of the bandwidth. Speed and cost for this type of service varies, but it will provide a fast always-on connection to the Internet.

To help determine what type of Internet connection would be a good one, try our ISP Finder. After answering a few questions, you will be presented with options to think about in choosing an ISP.

Step 4: Shop for an ISP

Check your local yellow pages or any local computer trade paper for ISPs.
www.thelist.com - a great resource of prospective ISPs, searchable by area code.

Some questions to ask a prospective ISP

Is there a setup fee for accounts?
Does the ISP provide flat rate accounts?
Does the ISP provide metered accounts?
How difficult is it to switch between flat rate and metered?
Does the ISP charge extra for usage during peak times?
Are trial accounts available?
What type of extra charges might be encountered?
Are there dial-up numbers in your local area?
Do the dial-up numbers support your modem speed?
Is there an alternate line to use if the first number has a problem?
Are there local dial-up numbers in places you want to travel?
Is ISDN or DSL offered?
How easy is it to switch between dial-up, ISDN, and DSL?
How many email accounts are included?
Do they charge for extra email accounts?
Is Web site space included?
Are there usage fees or restrictions on Web space?
What will your Web address look like if you have one?
What are the ISP's technical support hours?
Is evening or weekend support available?
Is there a charge for technical support?
Is there a local or 800 number to call for support?
How long is a typical wait time for technical support?
Does the ISP go down often?
Is there a backup to guarantee service?