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Finding and comparing internet alternatives is an exhausting research task that HomeLinkd knows you certainly don’t have time for.
From fixed wireless to DSL to fiber to satellite, what does it all mean? And which one is best for you? These are the questions we’re here to answer. Learn more about internet alternatives available on HomeLinkd!
The truth is, there are a lot of different types of internet connections out there. But don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you. Here are the most popular types of internet connections:
- Cable
- DSL
- Fiber
- Satellite
- Fixed Wireless
- Dial-up
- Mobile internet
So, which internet connection is right for you? The answer depends on your needs and budget.
One type of internet connection that’s becoming increasingly popular is called “fixed wireless.” It uses radio signals to connect your home or office to the internet service provider (ISP).
Fixed wireless is a great option for people who live in rural areas where other types of internet connections, such as cable or DSL, are not available. It’s also a good choice for people who want an alternative to satellite internet, which can be unreliable due to weather conditions.
One downside of fixed wireless internet is that it requires a clear line of sight between your home and the ISP’s tower. This means that trees, buildings, and other obstacles can interfere with the signal and cause connection problems.
Fiber internet uses thin, flexible fibers of glass or plastic to connect you to the internet. Fiber is the fastest internet type available, and it’s becoming more widely available in both urban and rural areas.
One advantage of fiber internet is that it’s much faster than other types of internet, including cable and DSL. Additionally, your speed will not be affected by how many people are using your connection at the same time.
However, one downside of fiber is that it can be more expensive than other types of internet. Additionally, your service may be interrupted if there are problems with your fiber optic cable.
Satellite internet uses a orbital satellite to connect to the internet. Satellite is widely available in both urban and rural areas and can be a good option for people who live in areas where other types of internet are not available.
One advantage of satellite internet is that it typically offers faster speeds than DSL. Additionally, your satellite connection speed will not be affected by how many people are using your connection at the same time.
However, one downside of satellite is that it can be more expensive than other broadband connections. Additionally, your service may be interrupted if there are problems with your satellite dish or receiver.
DSL, or digital subscriber line, uses your home’s existing telephone service line to connect you to the internet. DSL is one of the most common internet connection types in the US and is widely available in both urban and rural areas.
One advantage of DSL is that it’s typically cheaper than other connections, such as cable or fiber. It’s also relatively easy to set up and doesn’t require any special equipment.
However, one downside of DSL is that it can be slower than other types, particularly if you live far from the nearest phone line. Additionally, your internet speed may be affected by the number of people using your connection at the same time.
So even your plan offers high-speed internet, your connection speed might not be as fast if there are many users connected at once using the internet
Cable internet is a that uses the same coaxial cable as your cable TV service to connect you to the internet. To get access to cable internet - you will need a cable modem. Cable is one of the fastest connections available, offering high upload and download speeds, and it’s widely available in both urban and rural areas.
One advantage of cable internet connection is that it’s typically faster than DSL and fixed wireless connection. Additionally, your connection speed will not be affected by how many people are using your connection at the same time.
However, one downside of cable is that it can be more expensive than other types. Additionally, your service may be interrupted if there are problems with your cable TV service.
Dial-up uses a dial-up modem and your home’s existing telephone line to connect you to the internet. Dial-up is the oldest internet type still in use and is available in both urban and rural areas.
One advantage of dial-up connection is that it’s typically the cheapest type available. It’s also relatively easy to set up and doesn’t require any special equipment.
However, one downside of dial-up is that it can be very slow, with download and upload speeds reaching around 56 Kbps, particularly if you live far from the nearest phone line. Additionally, your service may be interrupted if there are problems with your phone line.
Mobile internet is when you receive internet access through cell phones. Mobile internet is widely available in both urban and rural areas and can be a good option for people who live in areas where other internet types are not available.
One advantage of mobile internet is that it typically offers faster internet than DSL. Additionally, your speed will not be affected by how many people are using your connection at the same time.
However, one downside of mobile internet is that it can be more expensive than other types. Additionally, your service may be interrupted if there are problems with your cellular signal.
A good example of fixed wireless broadband is 4G or 5G. This internet option is often used in big cities or busy suburbs, but not in rural areas. This is because the proximity to a cell tower is vital for the technology to work and rural areas are often far away from cell towers.
4G or 5G are known for their speed, which make them excellent choices for home offices, gaming, streaming and more.
The type of connection you choose will depend on a few factors, including:
- Your budget: The price of internet can vary depending on the type of connection you choose. Cable connection and fiber tend to be the most expensive, while DSL and mobile are typically cheaper.
- The speed you need: The type of broadband connection you choose will also determine the speed you can get. Cable and fiber connections are typically the fastest, while DSL and dial-up are usually the slowest.
- The availability in your area: Not all internet connections are available in every area. For example, cable is not available in all areas, and rural areas may only have access to DSL or dial-up.
- Your usage needs: Your internet plan should also be based on how you plan to use it. If you need
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best plan for your home internet.
- If you need a fast, reliable connection and price is not a concern, cable or fiber internet may be the best option for you. Cable providers and fiber ISPs offer speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps, which is ideal for gaming, streaming and working from home.
- If you need a slower, more affordable connection, DSL or dial-up may be the best option for you. DSL and dial-up offer speeds of up to 10 Mbps, best for basic internet use such as emailing and web browsing.
- If you live in a rural area, mobile internet may be the best option for you. Mobile internet is widely available in rural areas and can offer speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
The best internet service providers (ISPs) vary depending on the type of connection you choose.
Some of the best ISPs for cable or fiber internet include:
For DSL internet, some of the best ISPs include:
For satellite connection, some of the best ISPs include:
For mobile internet, some of the best ISPs include:
Finally, for mobile internet, some of the best providers include AT&T Wireless, Verizon Wireless, and Sprint.
The quick answer – yes, you can. There are a number of cable internet providers that offer packages without cable TV:
1. CenturyLink: $50.00 per month with speeds up to 100 Mbps
2. Cox Internet Starter 25: $29.99 per month starting at 25 Mbps
3. Frontier Basic Internet: $37.99 per month with speeds up to 25 Mbps
4. AT&T: $35.00 per month with speeds up to 300 Mbps
In 2022, there were over 50 streaming services available in the US alone. From Netflix to Hulu to Amazon Prime, the best in movies and series has found a new home: In the radio wavelengths transmitted from a cell tower to your smart TV. Streaming has become so dominant in the home entertainment industry that it is expected to grow to $842 billion in market share value by 2027. That’s a 21% increase from 2021!
A major perk that streaming services have on cable TV is that they are separate entities from your internet provider. You don’t have to bundle your home entertainment with an internet or phone plan. In addition, combined cable TV and internet plans are often on a long-term contract, meaning you’re tied to your cable TV even if you’ve stopped using it. Streaming services aren’t on contract, so you can cancel at any time.
Cable shouldn’t be disregarded just yet. Although streaming relies on technology that is getting bigger and faster with each passing year, cable has been a staple broadband access choice for a reason: It’s reliable. Cable internet works through coaxial or fibre-optic cables that are placed underground. This stops the weather from affecting your internet connection, which can happen even if it rains a little too hard.
Our range of internet connection options will cover whatever your internet needs may be, from work to gaming to social media surfing.
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