Internet Access

By Bethany Ramos

The Internet is no longer considered a flash in the pan trend. It has become a way of life for most demographics across the US. As recently as April 2012, 53% of adults ages 65 and older in the US regularly used the Internet and email. Although adults over 65 were once considered the least likely age group to use the Internet, more than half of all seniors in America are now “surfing the net.”

If you’re looking for the most affordable Internet access for home use, you’ve come to the right place. BuyerZone's Internet access sellers only offer broadband solutions for businesses, but we've pulled together some helpful information on pricing and other features of residential Internet access to better guide you.

Residential Internet basics: Where to begin

DSL

A digital subscriber line (DSL) is an inexpensive digital solution that transports high-speed data from your phone company's central office direct to your home. The data is transmitted over the same copper wires used by your phone and is filtered through a standard DSL modem, which your vendor will provide. DSL for home use is classified as xDSL and categorized into ADSL and SDSL services, with speeds ranging from 128 Kbps-9 Mbps.

DSL is very distance-sensitive. The closer you are to the phone company's central office - where phone lines connect to switching equipment - the faster your connection. It is generally recommended to be located within 2-3 miles of the central office for faster, more affordable service. Beyond three miles, you would only qualify for low-speed DSL service - if any at all. You can find out if you are within range for DSL by calling your local ISP, or looking up your location online. There are many Internet sites that allow you to check if your area can get DSL and how fast a connection you qualify for.

Cable

Residential Internet access customers can also consider cable Internet access - a high-speed option that runs on the same connection as your TV cable hookup. Cable Internet provides fast, convenient online access for home users since a coaxial cable offers significantly greater bandwidth than a telephone line, with speeds ranging from 512 Kbps-20Mbps.

However, depending on the provider, multiple users may access the same cable Internet service to cause connection delays. Sharing this cable connection can also pose security issues with the potential for other users to access your files.

Wireless

Wireless broadband Internet is one of the newest Internet connections available, providing access through radio-frequency bands in lieu of cable or telephone networks. Wi-Fi Internet offers a convenient connection from any location within a set geographic coverage area.

Currently, wireless Internet is most popularly used in urban areas with more provider connectivity, although technology continues to expand into rural areas. Residential wireless Internet speeds may range from 5-10 Meg; speeds can often slow due to physical obstructions, radio interference, and weakened signal strength over a long distance.

Residential Internet pricing

DSL

Residential DSL prices range from $15-$45 per month with a two-year contract. A setup fee and modem charge may apply, starting at $60 and $99 respectively. You can often get more favorable rates if you bundle multiple services from a vendor (such as DSL, cable, and landline phone). Equipment is usually provided for free when you subscribe to the service, and in some cases, you can keep it even if you cancel.

Cable

Cable Internet prices may range from $20-$75 per month with a 12 month contract. More advanced cable Internet services will allow multiple devices and users to access the Internet at once, offering free Internet security features and dozens of email accounts.

Wireless

Standard home wireless Internet services range from $40-$70 per month. Additional charges may apply for a static IP address at roughly $11 per month or a wireless router at $5 per month. Most Wi-Fi package prices include multiple email accounts, spam filtering, and free email virus protection.