Internet Service Providers in Lake Stevens, WA

Selecting the Best Internet Service Provider in Lake Stevens, WA

A full understanding of available Internet service providers (ISPs) in an area ensures a consumer will find the lowest rate for service, select the provider with the best service reputation, and choose the most appropriate type of service for the home. The following paragraphs feature valuable information about satellite Internet, digital subscriber line (DSL), and cable Internet options in Lake Stevens, WA, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each Internet access type.

Consumers today may choose from many different types of Internet services; however, each region may not feature access from absolutely every major service provider. Examining the benefits of each carrier in a given city will aid a consumer who wishes to find an affordable service that also provides reliable service and fast upload and download speeds. The option to bundle Internet service with cable television and telephone service can make things somewhat complex.

MyRatePlan is an ideal option for consumers who wish to compare many facets of high-speed Internet service in Lake Stevens, WA. By examining the options for every cable, DSL, and satellite high-speed Internet service provider, a consumer can choose the best combination of services at the most affordable price. Try a search by entering a ZIP code into the comparison tool above.

Business owners interested in selecting the best Internet service provider for business will want to head to the business section at MyRatePlan. Speed checks are also available through the MyRatePlan Internet Speed Test. Access the tool on any device. The test doesn't require Java or Flash so a user can test his or her Internet speed on anything from a smartphone to a desktop computer.

Fiber Optic Internet in Lake Stevens, WA

Over time, many advances have been made for Internet service, and one of the newest innovations is fiber-optic Internet. Several service providers in Lake Stevens, WA offer fiber-optic Internet service, and the greatest advantage of this new service is speed. When compared to the alternatives, fiber optics can deliver connection speeds that are significantly faster. However, the speed of a fiber-optic connection depends on the area. Most Internet service providers call it FiOS.

Compare DSL Internet Providers in Lake Stevens, WA

DSL, short for Digital Subscriber Line, uses your analog phone line to transmit Internet data. However, unlike the old days of dial-up Internet, you can still make phone calls if you are connected to the Internet. This is because phone calls only use up a small portion of the bandwidth which their lines allow for. DSL Internet providers in Lake Stevens, WA will supply you with a special modem which allows you computer to speak to your Internet service provider over your phone line. Users who do not already have an analog phone line in their home will have to pay for installation of this line. DSL Internet providers are often more expensive than cable Internet providers.

DSL is not a shared connection type like cable, so your Internet speeds should not fluctuate as much from day to day. The connection you have should be about the same speed and reliability from day to day. However, it depends on your location and distance from your Internet service provider whether your DSL connection will be faster than cable or not. Usually, a good rule of thumb is that the further you are from your provider, the more the quality of your connection will deteriorate. DSL can provide much faster connections than cable if you are located near a provider, or much worse if you are far away from your provider. The latency of a DSL line can vary by a wide margin (around 10 to 70 millisecond response time) depending on the providers in your area. You will need to ask around in your area to see if you are ahead to switch to DSL, and MyRatePlan can help you to find the best DSL providers in Lake Stevens, WA.

Satellite Internet Service Providers in Lake Stevens, WA

Another type of Internet service provider in Lake Stevens, WA 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 Lake Stevens, WA, 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.