These days, users are able to do more using the internet than ever before, and America Connects offers you more ways to get connected. Just enter your address inside the box above to locate internet service providers and the cheapest plans in your neighborhood.
Trying to determine which internet package is the best for you? Read on to learn more about internet access options, speeds and more.
Which Illinois High Speed Internet Service is Best for You?
The internet has become a powerful tool that allows you to stay in touch with friends and family, work remotely from home, download media to enjoy on your own schedule and much more. Internet service providers (ISPs) understand that your internet needs are unique and now they provide more options for high speed internet than ever.
What is High Speed Internet?
When the internet was initially introduced in the mid-1990's, the only option was what is known as dial-up service. Dial-up delivers internet access into the home by using a local phone number and active phone line. At the time this was a great choice for many since most already had a home phone.
Nevertheless, internet speeds tended to be slow and depended on your local area. Another drawback was that in order to access the internet the telephone line used as the connection needed to be free. As the internet grew to include more robust media and websites many determined they required a faster internet service.
ISPs looked to cable and digital subscriber lines (DSLs) to deliver faster internet services. These methods are often referred to as "broadband". Over time as internet services have improved, the measurement for what is considered high-speed has changed.
These days, the FCC considers an internet service to be high speed if it's got data download or upload speeds in excess of 768,000 bits per second (768 Kbps). The speed of your high-speed internet may still vary based on several factors such as how much bandwidth you share with other consumers using your internet service provider and your proximity to your ISP.
Those interested in high speed internet can pick between cable internet, DSL internet, satellite internet, or fiber optic broadband internet services.
Illinois Cable High Speed Internet Services and Providers
Cable broadband internet services use a cable TV connection to supply consumers with broadband internet access. In order to make the connection there's a cable modem at the users end and a cable modem termination system at the cable operators end. The length between the modem and termination system can be up to 100 miles with virtually no complications occurring.
Cable broadband internet can run at up to 30 Mbps, however some cable modems may limit the amount of data being transmitted. In addition, when working with cable internet services you share bandwidth with other customers. The network monitor makes certain that bandwidth is distributed efficiently to ensure service doesn't slow down during hours when overall usage peaks.
There are many service provider options for cable internet. Comcast, Time Warner and Cox Communcations are all top rated cable broadband internet service providers throughout most of the U.S..
Check the availability of cable internet service in your city - call the number above or enter your address in the secure search form to get started.
Illinois DSL Broadband Internet Services and Providers
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) high speed internet services transmit data through a copper telephone line. Unlike dial-up services, DSL works off of frequencies that aren't used for making telephone calls by splitting the line in two - one for voice calls and the other for broadband internet use.
Digital subscriber lines run from a central office out to subscribers. This typically restricts DSL distribution to a short distance of two miles from the central office, though some lines run up to 5 miles long. This factor also affects the specific download and upload speeds.
The good thing is that virtually no infrastructure is needed and it is a true high speed internet service that transmits data at a rate of up to 10Mbps. DSL may also offer better stability and security than some other options because it is being delivered by a telephone line that usually isn't shared.
Top rated DSL service providers include AT&T and Verizon. You can find DSL options from service providers in your city by entering your address inside the box above.
Illinois Satellite Broadband Internet Services and Providers
Satellite internet services use orbiting satellites to capture and relay broadband data between a satellite company and its customers. Although the download and upload speeds qualify as broadband, because data must travel to the satellite and back over thousands of miles users can occasionally experience signal delays of about 1-2 seconds.
Despite the potential for short delays, satellite high speed internet is capable of providing data at 5Mbps. Satellite broadband internet is perfect for those wanting broadband internet in rural locations where other internet services aren't available. AT&T and the Dish Network are both major providers of satellite high speed internet services.
See if satellite high speed internet services are available in your city by entering your address in the box above.
Illinois Fiber Optic High Speed Internet Services and Providers
Fiber Optic is the newest and fastest approach to bring broadband internet into the home. Systems of fiber optic cables can deliver broadband internet up to 25 times faster than other broadband options and provide an extremly solid internet connection. This is mainly because fiber optic wiring is more durable than other connections and isn't impacted by storms, static or noise.
For those wanting the fastest high speed high speed internet access fiber optic is the way to go. Fiber optic networks are recognized for their ability to transmit data at rates as high as 50 Mbps.
Presently, Comcast and AT&T provide fiber optic/copper hybrid services but 100% fiber optic high speed internet services are only available through Verizon FiOS. They started providing fiber optic high speed internet services in 2006 and are continuously adding to their service areas.
See if fiber optic broadband internet services are available in your neighborhood - call the toll free number above for personal assistance or enter your address in the secure search form.
