Perhaps the most dicey part of accessing the Internet is finding the right ISP. The first decision you need to make is whether to go with a dialup ISP or a broadband ISP such as a DSL provider or satellite or cable Internet service. We thought it would help if you could have an overview of the differences between dialup and broadband services, and so, here’s a table:
2. Check out their Web sites. These same people who already use the Internet, or the cyber-cafes in your vicinity would be more than willing to give you a few minutes to access the Web sites of popular ISPs. Most ISPs have their tariffs and schemes detailed on their sites. Here are some of the URLs that would be of help:
http://airtel-broadband.com/
http://broadband.sify.com/
http://mumbai.mtnl.Net.in/Internetservices/index.html
www.bsnl.co.in/service/dataone.htm
http://www.tataindicombroadband.com/
www.rcom.co.in/Webapp/Communications/rcom/Netconnect/rm_netconnect.jsp
Whichever you opt for, when you’re choosing an ISP there are few fundamentals you should consider:
1. Local phone number: ISPs typically need you to dial a number that your computer must contact to connect to the Internet. If this number is not local but a long-distance one, you could
spend a lot more than you intend to.
spend a lot more than you intend to.
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2. Cost: Costs that you will incur in using an ISP’s services vary from one provider to another, and is usually the factor that will most influence your choice. Each ISP gives a certain number of hours per month which you can use. Charges differ according to the kinds of service you need and the quantum of data you give or receive. Off-peak hours are sometimes free, while extra charges are applied for every extra hour (or MB) you use. Some ISPs charge a one-time fee for setup and then a monthly rental. We advise you to first determine the kind of usage you have in mind. If you are an occasional user and don’t think you’ll need the Net much, just settle
for good old dialup. But if you need to send or receive a lot of data, you could choose from the variety of schemes that are offered by ISPs that let you connect through cable or DSL.
for good old dialup. But if you need to send or receive a lot of data, you could choose from the variety of schemes that are offered by ISPs that let you connect through cable or DSL.
3. Mailboxes: ISPs often allow you to have multiple e-mail addresses for your Internet account. This is sometimes free and can be availed of.
4. Software: ISPs usually provide a CD-ROM with software that you must use to connect to and use the Internet. This disc already has the software you need.
5. Technical support: It would be ideal if you could opt for an ISP that gives you a helpline number that you could call 24 x 7 if you encounter any glitches (and believe us, there could be plenty).
Often, these help-lines take ages to actually reach an operator on the other end and however unimportant that seems, think it out—or better, call the number and try it out even before you
actually subscribe to the service.
Often, these help-lines take ages to actually reach an operator on the other end and however unimportant that seems, think it out—or better, call the number and try it out even before you
actually subscribe to the service.
6. Bandwidth and speed: How many channels does your ISP claim to manage simultaneously over a single line? How much data do they claim to be able to transmit per second and how much, in reality does get transported?
7. Accessibility: if you’re using a modem, the busy signal is possibly going to be one of your daily hindrances in attempting to access the Internet. You could waste a lot of time dialling and redialling. The best way to check this out would be to ask the Internet users in the same area whether they face difficulties in getting connected to the ISP you are intending to subscribe to.
8. Latency: It would be to your benefit if you could get an idea of the latency (delay in data transmission) problems that occur if you use a particular ISP. Latency is basically the amount of time a packet of data needs to reach from one point in the network to another.
Identifying ISPs In Your Area Or City:
Identifying ISPs In Your Area Or City:
1. Ask friends. Actually, even ask your enemies. There’s nothing like getting the low-down straight from the horse’s mouth. People who already use the Internet would be ideal to tell you
about their experiences with particular ISPs and help you to work out a comparative evaluation of the most optimal one in your area.
about their experiences with particular ISPs and help you to work out a comparative evaluation of the most optimal one in your area.
2. Check out their Web sites. These same people who already use the Internet, or the cyber-cafes in your vicinity would be more than willing to give you a few minutes to access the Web sites of popular ISPs. Most ISPs have their tariffs and schemes detailed on their sites. Here are some of the URLs that would be of help:
http://airtel-broadband.com/
http://broadband.sify.com/
http://mumbai.mtnl.Net.in/Internetservices/index.html
www.bsnl.co.in/service/dataone.htm
http://www.tataindicombroadband.com/
www.rcom.co.in/Webapp/Communications/rcom/Netconnect/rm_netconnect.jsp
3. Look for the ads of the ISPs and read them carefully. If possible, visit their local offices and get hold of a brochure of their services. Keep the list of questions regarding basics of choosing ISPs As discussed above in mind and ask where necessary.Each ISP usually offers separate time-based (a certain numberof hours), volume-based (a limited available MB of space), or unlimited plans according to volume.
