Everything You Need to Know About Internet Service to Your Home

Most of us rely heavily on the internet for work, entertainment, and staying connected with friends and family. Yet, while many of us have cursed a slow connection for keeping us from doing what we need to do online, most of us are unaware of what goes into getting our internet service.

From devices to common issues and the latest tech, we’ve explored everything you need to know about internet service for your home.

What is Internet Service?

Internet service is a way to connect your home to the internet. There are several ways to do this, including through a phone line (DSL), cable line, fiber optic line, satellite, or even wireless.

Internet service is important for your home because it allows you to access the internet, which is essential for so many things, such as working from home, streaming movies and TV shows, and even online shopping. Having reliable internet service in your home is crucial for staying connected and doing the many things you and your family need to do online on a daily basis.

Types of Internet Service

There are several types of internet service available, each with its own pros and cons. We have compiled a list of the most common types of internet service available.

Dial-up: This uses a phone line to connect to the internet and is one of the first, and now the most outdated, forms of internet. It’s slow and not very reliable, but it may be the only option in some rural areas.
DSL: This is a type of internet service that uses a phone line to connect to the internet. While it is faster than dial-up, it is generally slow when compared to more current options.
Cable: As the title implies, this uses a cable line to connect to the internet. It’s faster than DSL and Dial-up and usually more reliable.
Fiber Optic: This is the fastest and most reliable type of internet service. It uses fiber optic cables to deliver internet service to your home. Because it is the latest in internet technology, it is not currently available in all regions.
Satellite: As the title implies, Satellite uses satellites to provide internet service to your home. It’s slower than some of the other options and can be affected by weather conditions.
Wireless: Popular among users who bundle with their mobile providers, this type of internet uses cellular towers to provide internet service to your home. It is faster than dial-up but generally ranks middle-of-the-ground for speed when compared with other options.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Internet Service

When choosing internet service for your home, these are the most important factors to consider.

Speed: How fast do you need your internet to be? This is largely based on what you use the internet for and how many people will be using it.
Price: How much are you willing to pay for internet service? Prices can vary widely depending on the type of service and where you live, and you shouldn’t break the bank for great internet.
Reliability: How reliable is the internet service in your area? Do other customers report experiencing frequent outages or slow speeds?
Availability: Is the type of internet service you want available in your area? As already mentioned, fiber optic is an example of a type of internet service that isn’t currently available in all areas.

If you still need assistance finding the best service for you, we highly recommend utilizing our serviceability engine to get the very best of what is available in your region.

Setting Up Internet Service

Once you’ve chosen the type of internet service you want, independently or with the help of our serviceability engine, you’ll need to set it up in your home. This will typically involve purchasing or renting equipment, such as a modem and router, and having the service installed by your chosen service provider.

The installation process will vary depending on the type of service you choose. For example, if you choose cable internet, the installation process may involve having a technician come to your home to install the cable line and set up the equipment.

Internet Service Providers

Once you know the type of internet you want to utilize as well as what is available in your region, it is time to compare Internet service providers (ISPs). With so many ISPs to choose from, you must carefully consider each company’s strengths and weaknesses. While ISPs vary largely from region to region, here are some of the most popular ISPs.

AT&T: Offers DSL, fiber optic, and wireless internet service (service availability dependent upon region).
Comcast Xfinity: Offers cable internet service.
Verizon Fios: Offers fiber optic internet service (service currently only available in the Northeast United States)
Dish Network: Dish Network offers satellite internet service.

When choosing the right provider for you, we recommend comparing prices, speeds, and customer service ratings to find the best fit for your needs. Talking to neighbors or reading online reviews is a great way to make sure the service provided in your region will meet your unique needs.

Troubleshooting Internet Issues

Even with the best internet service and equipment that money can buy, you may occasionally experience issues with your internet. Some of the most common problems identified by consumers are slow speeds, connectivity issues, and outages.

To troubleshoot these issues yourself, you can start by rebooting your modem and router. If this does not work to resolve the issue, you can then check your cables and connections, or run a speed test to see if you’re getting the speeds you’re paying for. If after all of these steps, your internet still is not working as it should, you may need to contact your ISP for further assistance.

Get The Most Out Of Your In-Home Internet

Internet service for your home is essential for staying connected and getting things done in the current landscape. When choosing internet service, it’s important to consider factors such as speed, price, reliability, and availability.

Setting up internet service may involve purchasing or renting equipment and having the service installed by a technician. Troubleshooting common internet issues may involve rebooting your equipment, checking your cables and connections, and running a speed test.

With the right internet service, you can optimize your online experience and stay connected with the world.

At Sciera, we’re dedicated to providing fast, reliable internet service to your home. Contact us today to learn more about our internet service options and how we can help you stay connected.