Internet Service Providers in Florence, AL

The Best Internet Services in Florence, AL

Choosing an Internet service in Florence, AL requires an understanding of the different services and how they work. The problem that many consumers have is selecting the best service from an endless selection of choices. Some of the top services are fiber optics, cable, DSL and satellite. Since there are many companies competing for business, the market has become very competitive, and the consumer benefits from this change because it's easier to find great deals. The downside is that it can be much more difficult to know what service to pick. Some providers offer bundles for their services, which can help customers save even more money on phone and Internet services.

MyRatePlan allows consumers to navigate the ocean of choices and find the best high-speed Internet service. Consumers can use MyRatePlan to compare Internet services in Florence, AL and take advantage of several different tools. Many consumers want to find a service provider that is compatible with their existing TV or phone service, and MyRatePlan makes it quick and easy to do this.

If you need a provider for business Internet, you'll find a special section within MyRatePlan for this purpose. There is even a tool that can be used to check the speed of an existing Internet connection, and the test is compatible with most devices because it doesn't run on Flash or Java.

Compare Fiber Optic Internet Providers in Florence, AL

What is all the talk about fiber optic Internet about? Fiber optic Internet services, often referred to as “FiOS,” use fiber optic cables to transmit data using light, instead of electricity. On the cutting edge of digital technological advances, fiber optic cables can transmit data at speeds approaching the speed of light with minimal signal loss or weakening across large distances. However, this does not mean that your actual download speeds will approach futuristic light speed levels. Fiber optic cables only ensure strong and reliable connections between traditional electric hubs, and your internet service will likely still be limited by electronic hardware such as your router or Internet service provider. Fiber optic networks are often seen as the most “future proof” internet connection and may provide superior download speeds and ultra-low latency in certain areas of Florence, AL.

DSL Internet in Florence, AL

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 Florence, AL.

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 Service Providers in Florence, AL

Another type of Internet service provider in Florence, AL is satellite Internet, which provides access through a satellite dish. Customers using satellite Internet connect a home modem to the dish. An orbiting satellite sends frequencies received by the dish, which transmits them to the modem. This transmission of frequencies allows a local customer to have an Internet connection.

In Florence, AL, satellite Internet is not a highly-used option. On the other hand, in rural and remote areas, satellite can be an essential option for an Internet connection. Cable and telephone companies may not provide traditional service to these areas. If cable or DSL services are available at all, the distance from the providers' offices may mean insufficient or low-quality connections. Customers subscribing to satellite Internet will need to install a satellite dish that faces the equator. If you already have a satellite dish or are in a rural or remote area, satellite Internet could be an excellent choice. MyRatePlan can point out the satellite services available in the area.