Internet Service Providers in Gaston, NC

Comparing the Best Internet Providers in Gaston, NC

When deciding on an Internet service provider, it's important to understand how satellite, cable and DSL services work because each service comes with specific advantages and disadvantages.

In the modern world, there is no shortage of services to choose for high-speed Internet. Some of the top choices are satellite, fiber optics, cable and DSL. Since there is such a variety of services to choose from, every company is competing for business. Due to the competition, the price of every service is dropping, and the number of features offered is increasing. With many different services available in Gaston, NC, the options can be difficult for consumers to decide on. To make the situation even more confusing, companies are offering bundled services.

Consumers can use MyRatePlan to find great deals for high-speed Internet in Gaston, NC. We compare several different Internet providers and help consumers compare the different offers. If consumers need a way to find a service that will work with their current television service, we have a helpful tool that will make the process easier. To begin your search, you must enter your ZIP code into the tool. MyRatePlan even has a separate section for business Internet providers, and there is also a tool that can be used to test your Internet speed. The speed testing tool doesn't require Flash or Java, so it should work on any device.

Selecting the Best Fiber Optic Internet Service Provider in Gaston, NC

The highest Internet speeds available come over fiber optic connections. Fiber optic Internet connections aren't yet installed across the nation; however, Gaston, NC residents do have the opportunity to choose this ultra-fast type of connection in some areas. Just like cable Internet service providers, fiber optic cable providers in Gaston, NC also offer telephone service, cable television access, and high-speed Internet. A fiber optic connection is made of flexible plastic or glass and features several strands woven together that can transmit high amounts of data. For consumers who want the highest speeds available and don't yet have access to fiber optic Internet connections, it may be only a matter of time before the country's main fiber optic Internet service providers expand their cabling to bring access to all of Gaston, NC.

DSL Internet in Gaston, NC

DSL is short for digital subscriber line, and to provide Internet service, it uses the connection within an analog telephone line. The telephone line gives users access to the bandwidth that they need to connect to the Internet. The connection that DSL uses is the same line that transmits telephone calls, and since telephone calls don't use a huge amount of bandwidth, the excess bandwidth is used to connect users to the Internet. The process for using DSL is simple, and it consists of connecting a special modem to your computer. Once the modem has been connected, the service provider uses a DSLAM to deliver a high-speed Internet connection. MyRatePlan serves as one of the best ways to compare DSL Internet service providers in Gaston, NC.

The DSL Internet connection is made possible by extra bandwidth within analog telephone lines. A major advantage of choosing DSL Internet is the ability to make phone calls while using the Internet connection. Another major advantage of a DSL connection is the lack of connection sharing. One of the problems with high-speed cable Internet is that consumers are forced to share a connection with other cable subscribers in the area, and if other subscribers use the Internet heavily, it can reduce the connection speed for other users.

Since a DSL connection uses a dedicated line, it doesn't expose users to the issue of connection sharing. However, high-speed DSL Internet service doesn't come without its own set of disadvantages, and one of the problems with DSL is distance. Consumers who live a long distance away from a DSL service provider might not get a good connection. When considering DSL, it's important to compare services and check reviews. Consumers who don't have an existing phone line will need to have one installed to access a DSL Internet connection.

Satellite Internet Services in Gaston, NC

Many residents of Gaston, NC are looking for satellite Internet, and they want to get the best deals available. Satellite Internet uses a satellite dish and doesn't work like cable or DSL. To use this Internet connection, you must have a satellite dish, and it must face towards the equator. A modem is needed to establish a connection between your computer and satellite dish. Once you're paying a service provider, the satellite dish receives a signal that is beamed down from a satellite. The modem translates the data and provides a working Internet connection.

Satellite Internet service isn't terribly popular with residents of Gaston, NC because it's not as fast as cable or DSL. However, it's almost always the best option for people who live in rural, remote areas because it's not cost effective for providers to install physical lines in these areas. Cable and DSL tend to be the best options for most people who don't live in rural areas.