| Internet Access |
Dial-Up
Providers |
EarthLink
- Once large, then small, now a major player!
MSN - International. Decent.
Getting better all the time.
AT&T WorldNet - Trying hard. Ups and
downs. Changing prices.
AOL - International. Not for pro
use.
Primus Hosting (Formerly Shore.Net)
- Regional.
TheWorld - Small local
service. The 1st ISP. Still there.
|
| Cable |
Comcast Internet (formerly
AT&T, formerly MediaOne)
High speed access via TV cable system. After years of problems,
the service is now quite reliable and offers very good throughput. |
| DSL |
Once there were many DSL
providers but all collapsed in 2000-2002. In late 2002, Verizon
brought DSL to this area with a speed of 768 kbps to you and 128 kbps
from you. It's about 1/2 the speed of Comcast cable at about $20
less. There typically had more installation problems but is
improving. |
| CLEC's |
Competitive Local Exchange
Carriers (CLEC's) offer the same services as Verizon who are forced to share their lines with the CLEC's.
CLEC's often bundle services such as local phone service, long
distance, data lines, and Internet access. Lightship
is such an example, bundling Internet access with commercial
phone service at a lower rate. Not cost-effective for home
but worth investigating if you have 3+ phone lines and need Internet.
Beware: If the FCC changes its regulations, CLEC's could be forced out
of business. |
|
