Shopping For DSL Providers

Are you trying to choose between DSL providers? There are many features and options that can make a company more attractive than the competition.

There are a few issues to ponder, depending on your needs. Do you need:

• Phone service bundled with DSL?
• A “static” IP address for running your own e-mail server or other functions?
• A DSL connection between your home and the office?
• A backup connection?

DSL providers offer a wide range of services and some divide their offerings into ordinary DSL and business accounts. If you need more business features, you should consider a business or professional account that can offer additional connections for a reduced price for a small office or even a home office if you have an employee who helps you during the work week.

Phone companies offer combined telephone and DSL access for home use, but in the age of cell phones, and voice-over-Internet calling, many people are ditching the home phone in favor of DSL-only. When shopping for DSL providers, many people are passing on phone companies that charge an extra fee for “unbundling” phone and DSL service. Check the fine print on any agreement you sign to make sure you aren’t paying fees you feel are not necessary.

Some DSL accounts (pro and ordinary alike) offer multiple e-mail addresses and offer static IP addresses to let you host your own e-mail server. A static IP address means you get one numeric address on the Internet that never changes. This allows you to act as a host for media, games, or other multi-user functions without having to give users a new address to connect to every time you start another session. Static IP addressed aren’t useful for all customers, and chances are if you didn’t know about it to begin with, you don’t have a current need for static IP. Some DSL providers charge extra for this service, so again, shop around before you decide to use this feature.

Depending on the DSL provider, business customers can get special pricing on multiple DSL connections between the office and home. When talking to your DSL rep, ask them what your options are as an ordinary customer and how much this feature would cost as part of a business DSL plan. Another business feature to consider is a backup dial-up modem connection you can use in emergencies. If something goes wrong with the main connection, you can still get business done online using the backup modem.

Are you an experienced DSL user? You may be able to avoid installation fees by setting up your DSL router/modem yourself instead of having a company rep come to set up the software and establish your computer settings. If you are reasonably sure you can handle the installation yourself, ask the DSL provider if you can waive a set-up fee. If you aren’t allowed to save money in this way, you may consider checking out some other DSL providers before signing up.

There are many DSL options to choose from. Ask plenty of questions, take notes, and with a bit of persistence, you will find the best deal for your home or business.