Internet Service Providers in Grand Rapids, MI

Choosing the Best Internet Service in Grand Rapids, MI

The Internet services available in Grand Rapids, MI work differently, and before you decide on a particular service provider, you should understand how the different connections work. When shopping for high-speed Internet services, you have a variety of options to choose from. A few well-known services are satellite, fiber optic, cable and DSL. Although the wide range of choices can be confusing, consumers benefit from increased competition among service providers. The download speeds available from different services are increasing while the price continues to drop. For the average consumer, the increased competition results in better deals. The downside of being able to choose from many different providers is confusion.

Fortunately, MyRatePlan makes it easier for customers to find excellent deals on high-speed Internet in Grand Rapids, MI. MyRatePlan compares many different DSL, satellite and cable Internet providers, so consumers don't need to spend too much time trying to find the best deals. There are many consumers who want to find an Internet service that is compatible with their television or telephone service, and by entering a ZIP code into our tool, it's possible to search for compatible services.

MyRatePlan even has a dedicated section for business Internet providers, which is a useful feature for business owners. Many consumers want to test the connection speed of their Internet service, and MyRatePlan offers a tool that makes testing quick and easy. The Internet speed tool can run without Flash or Java, so it's compatible with a wide range of devices.

Compare Fiber Optic Internet Service in Grand Rapids, MI

A newer option that consumers have in certain regions is fiber-optic Internet, and in many areas, it's the fastest option available. Many providers offer fiber-optic Internet to consumers, and it's commonly called FiOS Internet. A fiber-optic network is very similar to a cable network, but the material inside of the cables is different, so it's capable of providing faster speeds. Use MyRatePlan's ZIP code tool to see if fiber optic Internet service is available in your area.

Selecting the Best DSL Internet Service in Grand Rapids, MI

A digital subscriber line (DSL) is different from cable Internet in that it utilizes the phone line to create an Internet connection rather than a cable line. A telephone line has extra bandwidth that isn't needed to make telephone calls, and it is this extra bandwidth that is used by the DSL connection to provide high-speed Internet to the home, apartment, or other residence. Similar to cable Internet, DSL requires a user to connect to the Internet via a modem.

Even though a DSL customer must use the phone line to access the Internet, it's possible to make telephone calls and access the Internet simultaneously. One of the interesting features of DSL is that it's not a shared line like a cable Internet line, which means a customer may enjoy a more consistent speed than with cable Internet, even if the top available speed is lower than local Grand Rapids, MI cable Internet options.

DSL works best when the home receiving Internet service is reasonably close to the service provider's local office. Therefore, if a home or apartment isn't close to the Grand Rapids, MI DSL service provider's office, cable Internet or another high-speed Internet option may offer a better experience and higher maximum speed. In addition, anyone who doesn't have a landline and relies on their cell phone for calling will need to set up home telephone service to use DSL.

Satellite Internet Service Providers in Grand Rapids, MI

Another type of Internet service provider in Grand Rapids, MI 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 Grand Rapids, MI, 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.