When choosing your Internet Provider, there are a lot of factors that you need to consider. You would opt for the most reliable and fastest Internet service as per your broadband needs to ensure productivity. In this era, communication is fundamental for working professionals, students and high-speed access is crucial for uninterrupted access.

Choosing the right technology

Direct Subscriber Line (DSL):

DSL is an internet connection where data is transmitted over telephone lines. Telephone lines are made of copper; while copper is a great conductor, a DSL connection cannot move data as fast as a cable or fibernet internet connection. One crucial factor that will affect your decision on DSL is the distance between your home and the telephone provider's office. This means that the farther you are from the mainline, the weaker the signal and the slower the internet connection.

Cable:

Cable internet connections run on telephone lines that use coaxial cables to transmit data, and these can carry more bandwidth than a direct subscriber line connection. When compared to DSL, a cable connection's connectivity does not depend on the distance. However, unlike a DSL connection, a dedicated telephone line, cable connections are usually shared among users. This would mean that the bandwidth gets divided among users, also a lesser secure option. In terms of speed, cable connections are 3 to 4 times faster than DSL and provide speeds of 10-50 Mbps usually.

Fibernet:

Fiber optic cables are the latest technology in the internet service business. With these cables, the data can transmit at the speed of light. Unlike cable or DSL, the transmission happens over the glass, immune to all interference. There are two broad types of fiber connections - direct internet access (DIA) and fibernet broadband. Direct internet access is an option more commonly used by businesses as it is a dedicated internet line that provides more security and reliability of connectivity. Individuals use Fibernet broadband at home. Fibernet speeds range from 150 Mbps to 1000 Mbps.

How to choose your broadband?

1. Understand your internet usage

   The first step to buying a broadband connection for your home is understanding your internet usage. List down the activities you use internet services for and the amount of data they consume. The below table should help in giving a brief idea of internet speed, data, and usage.

2. List out the top providers and their plans.

   Speak to your neighbours to find out the most used internet service provider in your area. Create a list of 4-5 internet service providers in your locality and list down their plans and tariff basis your internet usage. The chances are that the most used internet service provider has the best customer service in your area.

3. Compare the offers

   After making a list of the top 4-5 internet service providers in your locality, look out for the top offers. Most ISPs have offers on their full-time plans. For example, with most six-month plans, ACT Fibernet offers a free router/extra month of internet and free installation. These offers will help you save a lot of costs in the long run.

4. Run a speed test

   After purchasing your internet plan, do run an internet speed test to check the speed test results that your ISP is delivering. You can check your internet speed on ookla speed test. Know more about speed test results here.