Internet Service Providers in Dumfries, VA

Comparing the Best Internet Service Providers in Dumfries, VA

Are you trying to decide the best Internet connection type for your needs? You may have heard of options like DSL, cable, fiber optic, and satellite, and the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. Which is the fastest? Which will best run Skype, video conferencing, and telephony applications? Which connection can provide me with Internet service in remote locations? Here is a short summary of the different options for Internet service in Dumfries, VA and their advantages and disadvantages.

The state of Internet technologies has advanced dramatically in the past few years, flooding the market with different providers and competitive packages of services. Download speeds are increasing, connectivity and reliability are improving, and prices seem to be dropping every day. The bundling of services such as Internet, television, and even telephone can help customers find a comprehensive package for all their needs for a low monthly price but can add to the sense of confusion and overwhelmingness.

Thus enters MyRatePlan, providing customers with easy access to the best deals and packages for Internet service in Dumfries, VA and elsewhere. By keeping data on various area service providers and packages, MyRatePlan can help match customers with the plan that is right for their needs. Customers can simply enter their ZIP code and find the best high-speed Internet options for their area. MyRatePlan can even help customers to find an Internet package which will work with their existing phone and television services. Customers looking for business Internet options can use a separate area of the website to find the best business Internet packages and deals, while all users can benefit from the MyRatePlan Internet Speed Test tool. With this tool you can test the download speed of your current Internet service, even if you do not have Java or Flash installed on your computer.

Fiber Optic Internet Service Providers in Dumfries, VA

Some of the most advanced and newest Internet technologies are being provided over fiber optic services. In Dumfries, VA, customers can find fiber optic providers with Internet, television and phone options. Fiber optic Internet functions much akin to cable service. However, in many areas, fiber optic Internet is even faster. Some fiber optic services are labeled "FiOS." MyRatePlan can help you to review these options in comparison with each other and additional types of Internet services.

Selecting the Best DSL Internet Service in Dumfries, VA

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 Dumfries, VA 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 Dumfries, VA 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 in Dumfries, VA

Service providers for satellite Internet in Dumfries, VA require a satellite dish. To make this Internet service work, a modem must be connected to a satellite dish, and once it's connected, it receives signals transmitted by a satellite. Although satellite isn't the top choice for Internet in Dumfries, VA, it tends to be the better choice for users who live in remote or rural areas.

These are customers who don't have access to local cable or telephone line. For satellite Internet to work, you must choose a service provider and have a satellite dish that is facing towards the equator. Satellite Internet service works best for customers who don't live close enough to get a high-quality connection to cable or telephone lines.