Internet Service Providers in Harrisburg, PA

Comparing the Best Internet Providers in Harrisburg, PA

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 Harrisburg, PA, 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 Harrisburg, PA. 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.

Harrisburg, PA Fiber Optic Internet Service

Many consumers have learned about the benefits of fiber-optic Internet, and they've already made the switch from other providers. One of the latest advancements in Internet technology is the addition of fiber-optic lines. When compared with coaxial cables, fiber-optic lines can deliver faster data transfer, which can result in faster Internet speeds in some areas. Use MyRatePlan to see if there are fiber optic Internet service providers in Harrisburg, PA.

DSL Internet in Harrisburg, PA

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 Harrisburg, PA.

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.

Compare Satellite Internet Providers in Harrisburg, PA

Satellite Internet service beams Internet data through the air using satellites. While this may seem like the technology of the future, satellite Internet is far behind most wire-based Internet connections in terms of speed, latency (around 200 to 600 millisecond response time), and reliability. This is because it takes much less effort for your computer to talk through a traditional cable than to transmit data through a satellite dish to a satellite in outer space and then back to earth. It is because of this dedicated equipment that satellite Internet will usually be the most expensive Internet option, and is often metered in how much data you can use each month. However, satellite may be the only option for receiving Internet service in some very remote locations.

Satellite isn't a very popular option for Internet service in most areas as there are plenty of wire-based providers usually. However, customers living in rural areas who already have a satellite dish may find satellite Internet to be a viable option. If you do not have a satellite dish, you will be required to purchase and install an equator-facing dish. MyRatePlan can help you to find satellite providers in Harrisburg, PA and also let you know if there are other options available.