2torial #0913:
Learn2 Choose an Internet Connection (continued)

Balance needs and costs

With your list of available services and what they'll cost in hand, it's time to answer the question, "How fast can you afford to go?" Here are some things to consider: If money is no object, go for the fastest form of Internet access available in your area. For most of us, though, cost is an issue.

Business. If you run a home-based business, your Internet access fees may well be a business expense. If faster access will help you be more productive and earn more, it's money well spent.

Telecommuting. If you're a telecommuter who works from home (even a few days a week), you might convince your boss to foot the bill for faster access to make you more productive, especially if you spend a lot of time doing research on the Internet.

Personal needs. All the rest of the casual Internet users will have to balance the speed of their access with their quality of life. If you spend a lot of time shopping, playing games, or downloading files from the Internet, you need to decide whether faster access is worth the extra expense simply because it makes your life a little more fun.

Unless you're running a business from your home, don't be too depressed if you can't yet justify the cost of faster Internet access. In the near future, it will be as common as cable TV and telephone service--at a much more affordable price.

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