Internet Service | How-to Guides for running your business from Business.com

Internet service has become a key business tool. Productivity software like word processing, data sharing and meetings is moving toward a completely online existence, and the research power of even one Internet-savvy employee is remarkable. With high speed Internet service, data that used to take weeks to gather is literally clicks away, not to mention crucial business media and a chance to effectively market your brand for cheap.

Staying on top of the information flow means having the right high speed Internet service for your needs, and keeping up-to-date with the possibilities. Plus, Internet service is far easier now, as is choosing the right kind of Internet service for your small business.

In this guide to Internet service, you'll learn:

1. When dial-up, or free, Internet service makes sense, and when it does not.
2. How to compare high speed Internet service from your cable and phone providers.
3. When to consider satellite high speed Internet service.
4. The future of wireless Internet service.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Dial-up is dead, move on to high speed Internet service

Impossibly cheap? Logging on once a day to send two e-mails? You might be able to get away with a free Internet service account, but it seems likely that even starting to use the web will only engender more intense use best served by high speed Internet service. Yet most dial-up accounts now offer comparatively high-speed experiences at half or less the cost of a DSL line. You could always upgrade from free Internet service later if need be.

I recommend: Among the better-known national dial-up providers are NetZero, Earthlink, and AT&T. Most will try quickly to up-sell you into a faster DSL account, but it's a start.

Cable Internet service vs. DSL for business

What's heavier, a pound of feathers or a pound of lead? Of course, they are the same -- one pound. Same thing happens when comparing DSL and cable Internet service for home or business. Cable likes to claim its Internet service is faster, but it's fairer to say that maximum speeds in a cable system are higher, but no faster when compared apples to apples. A 3 Mbps bandwidth rating will act basically the same regardless of how it comes into your home or office. You get what you pay for.

I recommend: Take a look at business DSL Internet service from Verizon, XO Communications and Earthlink. Popular high speed Internet service cable providers include Comcast, Charter, Time Warner and Cox.

When satellite Internet service makes sense

Loving your satellite dish for TV programming? Well, you can get the web using that or a similar dish on your roof. Do a close analysis of cost, though, since a bundled dish with Internet service isn't a big enough seller yet for volume discount pricing. However, if you live in the boonies, it might be the best and, perhaps, only good choice for high speed Internet service.

I recommend: Some big vendors of satellite Internet service include HughesNet, DirecTV and DishNetwork.

Wireless Internet service: broadband, Wi-Fi and coming Wi-Max

Wi-Fi "hotspots," those airport lounge and coffee shop Internet zones, were first to take off, but high speed Internet service via cellular broadband using plug-in cards in laptops is catching up, and Wi-Max -- a variety of Wi-Fi that extends over miles -- is likely to become standard in large cities soon.

I recommend: T-Mobile and Boingo are big Wi-Fi providers of wireless Internet service. Find a hotspot near you on Ji-Wire. Verizon, Sprint/Nextel and AT&T offer mobile, wireless Internet service via cellular networks. Clearwire is among the first to offer Wi-Max in the United States.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Business DSL Internet service is enough for small offices, but consider a fractional T1 line of you have more than a few dozen employees online at once.
If you have a lot of mobile employees, a simple laptop card and a wireless Internet service account can keep them up and productive all day.
Never sign a long-term contract for business Internet service unless it provides a serious incentive -- like discounting -- upfront. High speed Internet service pricing is dropping fast.

The official source of Internet Service is the Internet Service page at Business.com

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