MyRatePlan.com - (Compare Internet Access) - How to get connected to the web

	Compare Internet Access Options

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There are now no fewer than five different ways to get online. We've summarized them in this table for quick reference. Click on the graphic links for more information about availability and promotional offers in your area.

Element	Dial-Up >>>	DSL >>>	Cable >>>	Satellite >>>
For Further Information and Availability in Your Area	Save $200 a year vs. AOL	First month free!		New lower prices for plans & equipment
Connection Summary	Internet connection thru a 56k modem that is internal to almost all personal computers	Internet connection thru a normal phone line and a digital modem	Internet connection thru a modem operating over ordinary cable system	Internet connection via satellite dish
Theoretical Speed vs. 56k	N/A	Up to 50 times faster	Up to 100 times faster	Up to 50 times faster
Speed Impacted by	Modem limitations	Distance from phone company "central office" or "switch". The further away, the less speed you will get. Beyond about 18,000 ft., DSL is not generally an option.	Speed degrades as more users simultaneously access the shared network	Weather and line-of-sight to satellite
Connectivity	Session-based: Dial-up line will eventually disconnect without continued activity	Continuous	Continuous	Continuous
Monthly Price	Varies greatly --- from $9.95 (many providers) up to $23.90 for AOL	Generally varies by download speed desired; lowest price offers generally have one-year commitment	$40-50 a month; introductory offers available	$59.99-$99.99 per month
Other Considerations	2^nd phone line needed if simultaneous talking and surfing desired Dial-up phone numbers may incur toll charges, particularly in rural areas Accelerator option with some ISPs can speed up loading of some pages	Can avoid cost of 2^nd phone line and of a separate ISP "Bring your own access" programs allow for continued use of some ISPs (e.g., AOL) at a reduced rate Possible modem or installation charges	Can avoid cost of 2^nd phone line and of a separate ISP Can be stand-alone (i.e., cable TV subscription not required) Possible modem or installation charges Best option for VoIP phone service	May be the only high speed choice in more remote locations Equipment is coming down in price; even less expensive lease options available No separate phone line or ISP required
MyRatePlan Online Partners	Lower-priced alternatives to AOL	Verizon DSL AT&T Yahoo!	Comcast Road Runner	HughesNet

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