Nowadays, users are able to do more with the internet than ever before, and America Connects gives you more ways to get connected. Just enter your address inside the box above to find internet service providers and the best-priced plans in your neighborhood.
Trying to decide which internet service is the best for you? Keep reading for more information about internet access solutions, speeds and more.
Which Maine High Speed Internet Service is Right for you?
The internet has become a powerful tool that allows you to stay in touch with family and friends, work remotely in your own home, download media for entertainment on your own schedule and much more. Internet service providers (ISPs) realize that your internet needs are unique and now they provide more options for high speed internet than ever.
What exactly is High Speed Internet?
When the internet was first introduced in the mid-1990's, the sole option was what is known as dial-up service. Dial-up brings internet access in to the home employing a local phone number and active telephone line. At the time this was a good solution for many since most people already had a home phone.
Nevertheless, internet speeds tended to be slow and depended on your location. One other drawback was that in order to access the internet the telephone line used as the connection had to be free. As the internet expanded to incorporate more robust media and websites many discovered they required a quicker internet service.
Internet Service Providers looked to cable and digital subscriber lines (DSLs) to provide speedier internet services. These methods are often referred to as "broadband". Through the years as internet services have gotten better, the measurement for what's considered high speed has evolved.
Today, the FCC considers an internet service to be high speed broadband if they have data download or upload speeds above 768,000 bits per second (768 Kbps). The speed of your high speed internet may still vary based on several factors for example how much bandwidth you share with other consumers employing your internet service provider and your proximity to your ISP.
Those considering high-speed internet can select between cable internet, DSL internet, satellite internet, or fiber optic high speed internet services.
Maine Cable High Speed Internet Services and Providers
Cable internet services utilize a cable TV connection to supply subscribers with high speed 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 suppliers end. The space between the modem and termination system can be up to 100 miles with virtually no difficulties occurring.
Cable broadband internet can function at up to 30 Mbps, however some cable modems may limit the volume of data being transmitted. Moreover, when working with cable internet services you share bandwidth with other consumers. 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 cable high speed internet service providers throughout much of the U.S..
Check on the availability of cable broadband internet service in your town - call the number above or enter your address in the secure search form to get started.
Maine DSL Broadband Internet Services and Providers
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) high speed internet services transfer data utilizing a copper phone 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 internet use.
DSL 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.
Fortunately virtually no infrastructure is required and it is a true high speed internet service that transmits data at a rate of up to 10Mbps. DSL may also provide better dependability and security than some other options because it is being delivered by a phone line that often isn't shared.
Leading DSL ISPs include AT&T and Verizon. You can find DSL options from providers in your town by entering your address inside the box above.
Maine Satellite Internet Services and Providers
Satellite internet services utilize orbiting satellites to capture and pass on broadband data between a satellite company and its customers. Though the download and upload speeds qualify as broadband, because data must travel to the satellite and back over thousands of miles users can sometimes experience signal delays of around 1-2 seconds.
Despite the possibility of short delays, satellite broadband internet is capable of delivering data at 5Mbps. Satellite internet is ideal for those wanting high speed internet in rural places where other internet services aren't available. AT&T and the Dish Network are both top rated providers of satellite broadband internet services.
See if satellite internet services are available in your neighborhood by entering your address within the box above.
Maine Fiber Optic Internet Services and Providers
Fiber Optic is the latest and fastest way to bring broadband internet into the home. Systems of fiber optic cables can deliver high speed internet nearly 25 times faster than other high-speed options and provide an extremly dependable internet connection. This is due to the fact that fiber optic wiring is more sturdy than other connections and isn't impacted by storms, static or noise.
For those looking for the fastest high speed internet access fiber optic is the way to go. Fiber optic networks are well known for their ability to transmit data at rates as high as 50 Mbps.
Currently, Comcast and AT&T provide fiber optic/copper hybrid services but 100% fiber optic internet services are only available through Verizon FiOS. They started providing fiber optic broadband internet services in 2006 and are continuously increasing their service areas.
See if fiber optic high speed internet services are available in your town - call the toll free number above for personal assistance or enter your address in the secure search form.
| HIGH SPEED INTERNET Services by City and State | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Gardiner High Speed Internet |
Houlton High Speed Internet |
Millinocket High Speed Internet |
Topsham High Speed Internet |