Internet Service Providers

Choosing An Internet Provider

There are a large number of Internet Service Providers available – each charging different monthly fees and offering different features. Whether you are signing up with your first Internet Service Provider or are looking to make a change from your existing service, it is always good to shop around for a provider that meets your particular budget and usage needs.

NOTE: Students using AOL as their Internet Provider may experience difficulties in accessing databases and other library resources from off-campus.

Before making any decision regarding an Internet Service Provider look at the complete “package” being offered to you and then choose the service that works best for you. For example, you may not want to pay extra for unlimited usage if you know you only want to search the web a few hours per week.
Look at the service agreement and be clear about cancellation policies and the duration of the contract.
If your provider is a dial-up service, make sure that the ISP’s modem line is a local or toll free call from your area code. Remember that downloads on a modem line, even at 56K will be very slow.
Look at the extras that are provided by the ISP and evaluate whether they are useful to you.
Check with friends or colleagues to see what kind of service they use and whether they have been satisfied.

Find Other Providers

To find out about providers in your area, you may want to use an Internet Service Provider Search Engine such as ISPCheck or The List. When you go to the ISPCheck website, choose either Dialup Access or Residential Broadband from the Connectivity section menu on the left side of the screen. These allow you to enter an area code and search a national database for providers in that area code. You will get information about monthly charges, limitations on access, and special services. For more information you may also want to check out this internet service provider section.