Today, users can do more using the internet than they ever have before, and America Connects gives you more ways to get connected. Just enter your address within the box above to locate internet providers and the most affordable plans in your area.
Trying to decide which internet plan is the best for you? Keep reading for more info about internet access solutions, speeds and more.
Which Massachusetts High Speed Internet Service is Right for you?
The internet has turned into a powerful tool that enables you to stay in touch with friends and family, work remotely at home, download media to enjoy on your own schedule and much more. Internet service providers (ISPs) know 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 introduced in the mid-1990's, the only option was what is known as dial-up service. Dial-up brings internet access into the home using a local telephone number and active phone line. At the time this was a good solution for many since most already had a home telephone.
Even so, internet speeds tended to be sluggish and depended on your local area. Another drawback was that in order to gain access to the internet the phone line used as the connection needed to be free. As the internet expanded to incorporate more robust media and websites many discovered they needed a faster internet service.
ISPs looked to cable and digital subscriber lines (DSLs) to supply faster internet services. These methods are often referred to as "broadband". Over time as internet services have gotten better, the measurement for what's 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 exceeding 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 customers employing your internet service provider and your proximity to your internet service provider.
Those interested in broadband internet can choose between cable internet, DSL internet, satellite internet, or fiber optic high speed internet services.
Massachusetts Cable High Speed Internet Services and Providers
Cable internet services use a cable TV connection to provide consumers with internet access. In order to make the connection there is a cable modem on the users end and a cable modem termination system on the cable providers end. The length between the modem and termination system can be approximately 100 miles with virtually no problems occurring.
Cable internet can function at around 30 Mbps, however some cable modems may restrict the volume of data being transmitted. Furthermore, when you use cable high speed internet services you share bandwidth with other consumers. The network monitor makes certain that bandwidth is distributed efficiently so that service doesn't slow during hours when overall usage peaks.
There are a number of service provider options for cable broadband internet. Comcast, Time Warner and Cox Communcations are all top cable high speed internet service providers throughout much of the country.
Check on the availability of cable internet service in your neighborhood - call the number above or enter your address inside the secure search form to get started.
Massachusetts DSL Broadband Internet Services and Providers
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) internet services transfer data through a copper phone line. Unlike dial-up services, DSL works off of frequencies that are not used for making phone calls by splitting the line in two - one for voice calls and one for broadband 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 actual download and upload speeds.
Fortunately virtually no infrastructure is needed and it is a true broadband internet service that transmits data at a rate up to 10Mbps. DSL may also provide better dependability and security than various other options because it is being provided by a phone line that often isn't shared.
Top DSL internet service providers include AT&T and Verizon. You can find DSL options from service providers in your city by entering your address within the box above.
Massachusetts Satellite Broadband Internet Services and Providers
Satellite high speed internet services use orbiting satellites to capture and relay broadband data between a satellite company and its customers. Though the download and upload speeds are considered broadband, because data must travel to the satellite and back over thousands of miles users can occasionally experience signal delays of around 1-2 seconds.
Despite the chance of short delays, satellite broadband internet is capable of delivering data at 5Mbps. Satellite broadband 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 providers of satellite high speed internet services.
See if satellite internet services are available in your city by entering your address within the box above.
Massachusetts Fiber Optic Internet Services and Providers
Fiber Optic is the most recent and fastest approach to bring internet into the home. Systems of fiber optic cables can deliver internet nearly 25 times faster than other high-speed options and provide an extremly reliable internet connection. This is due to the fact that fiber optic wiring is more resilient than other connections and isn't troubled by storms, static or noise.
For those looking for the fastest high speed high speed internet access fiber optic is the way to go. Fiber optic networks are renowned for their ability to transmit data at rates of up to 50 Mbps.
Currently, Comcast and AT&T offer fiber optic/copper hybrid services but 100% fiber optic broadband internet services are only obtainable through Verizon FiOS. They started providing fiber optic internet services in 2006 and are continuously increasing their service areas.
See if fiber optic 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.
