2torial #0912:
Learn2 Choose an Internet Service Provider (continued)

Check pricing and services

After talking to people, you probably have your choices down to maybe three ISPs in your area. Now it's time to go shopping. In reality, there's not much difference in pricing among service providers. Dig out your phone book and call the ISPs you think can give you the service you need. Internet access will usually cost you between $20 and $30 (U.S.) per month for unlimited access. If you don't think you'll be spending a lot of time on the Internet, you may even decide that it's better to start out paying by the hour, which many ISPs will let you do. Just be sure to keep track of the time you spend online. When the hourly charges start to exceed the price for unlimited access, you should change your billing method.

If you'll need to access your email and the web from outside your local calling area, make sure it's possible and affordable. Some of the larger ISPs have local servers you can dial into around the world, some charge you by the minute for service out of your local area, and in some cases, you're out of luck.

Once you choose an ISP, keep track of any problems with it. If you start to encounter slow connections or the inability to connect at all, you may find it necessary to switch providers based on your own experience. Since you've already been through the selection process once, you'll be a better informed consumer.

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