The birth of the modern internet in the early 2000s transformed our planet. Today, it is possible to speak with someone else across the globe, download gigabyte-sized files in minutes, and even stream high-quality cat videos from the convenience of your mobile phone. Unfortunately, not all internet providers deliver the same level of service. So, to ensure that you do not end up staring at that loading buffer the next time you play a YouTube video, you may want to learn more about the various types of internet access services available.
What is Internet Access?
Internet access is the service that allows you to browse various websites, speak with friends on social media, receive emails, and much more. Today, companies popularly known as Internet Service Providers (ISPs) work hard to deliver this solution to individuals, schools, and businesses, ensuring everyone enjoys a seamless connection to the digital world.
What are the Types of Internet Access Providers
Before choosing a company for your phone, office, or home network, you must be aware that not all internet access providers are the same. In general, there are three main types of ISPs:
- Area Providers: These types of ISPs tend to focus on delivering a service to only a specific area, which could either be an entire country or just a state or region within that nation. For instance, while you may never struggle too much for a good signal with a Verizon router regardless of what part of the country you live in, a regional ISP may stop working the moment you cross a state’s borders.
- Mobile Network Operators: These operators tend to focus on delivering high-quality internet speeds across cellular networks rather than through broadband or fiber optics. If you have a modern smartphone, then it is already likely that you have an e-SIM or a physical card from one of these companies popped into the SIM slot of your device.
- Satellite ISPs: Although some of the first ISPs used satellites to deliver internet access, this method faded into the background with the emergence of broadband, fiber optics, and mobile network operators. However, companies such as Starlink and ViaStat have recently been carving out a new niche for themselves by using their satellites to provide internet access to individuals and companies in remote locations where traditional providers often have weak coverage.
What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing an Internet Service Provider?
- Coverage: If you have ever pointed your phone up to the sky searching for a better signal, then it is likely that you have walked into a low-coverage area. Although most ISPs try as much as possible to deliver high-quality speeds at all locations, they cannot cover every blade of grass. So, be sure to research a company’s coverage before signing on the dotted line with them.
- Speed: Speed is one of the most important factors that everyone researches when signing up with an ISP. Some internet companies can deliver higher speeds than others. So, going with the fastest provider may be something you want to consider, especially if you are involved in fields such as streaming or gaming where near real-time connections are always important.
- Data Cap Level and Price: Most ISPs today will either shut off your connection or limit your browsing speed after surpassing a specific usage limit. While this will help ensure that nobody takes advantage of the system, you should always consider if the cap limit is suitable for your use case.
Conclusion
Accessing the internet daily has become part of the modern human experience, with a significant number of people using the net to connect with friends, access the news, and entertain themselves on platforms such as YouTube. This crucial role that the internet plays in our lives is why choosing the right ISP is so important, as the quality of your connection can affect your ability to work, stay informed, and connect with others.
