Internet Service Providers in Mendenhall, PA

Comparing the Best Internet Providers in Mendenhall, PA

When deciding on an Internet service provider, it's important to understand how satellite, cable and DSL services work because each service comes with specific advantages and disadvantages.

In the modern world, there is no shortage of services to choose for high-speed Internet. Some of the top choices are satellite, fiber optics, cable and DSL. Since there is such a variety of services to choose from, every company is competing for business. Due to the competition, the price of every service is dropping, and the number of features offered is increasing. With many different services available in Mendenhall, PA, the options can be difficult for consumers to decide on. To make the situation even more confusing, companies are offering bundled services.

Consumers can use MyRatePlan to find great deals for high-speed Internet in Mendenhall, PA. We compare several different Internet providers and help consumers compare the different offers. If consumers need a way to find a service that will work with their current television service, we have a helpful tool that will make the process easier. To begin your search, you must enter your ZIP code into the tool. MyRatePlan even has a separate section for business Internet providers, and there is also a tool that can be used to test your Internet speed. The speed testing tool doesn't require Flash or Java, so it should work on any device.

Compare Fiber Optic Internet Providers in Mendenhall, PA

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 Mendenhall, PA.

DSL Internet in Mendenhall, PA

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 Mendenhall, PA.

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 Mendenhall, PA

Another type of Internet service provider in Mendenhall, PA 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 Mendenhall, PA, 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.