These days, people can do more using the internet than ever before, and America Connects offers you more ways to get connected. Simply enter your address in the box above to find internet service providers and the most economical plans in your town.
Trying to determine which internet package will work the best for you? Keep reading for more info about internet access solutions, speeds and more.
Which North Carolina High Speed Internet Service is Right for you?
The internet has turned into a powerful tool that allows you to keep 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) recognize that your internet needs are unique and now they deliver more options for high speed internet than ever.
What is High Speed Internet?
When the internet was first launched in the mid-1990's, the only option was what is known as dial-up service. Dial-up delivers internet access in to the home by using a local phone number and active telephone line. At the time this was an effective method for many since most people already had a home telephone.
Even so, internet speeds tended to be slow and depended on your local area. Another drawback was that in order to access the internet the phone line used as the connection had to be free. As the internet evolved to include more robust media and sites many discovered they required a quicker internet service.
ISPs looked to cable and digital subscriber lines (DSLs) to deliver faster internet services. These methods are known as "broadband". Over time as internet services have improved, the measurement for what's considered high speed has evolved.
These days, the FCC considers an internet service to be high-speed if they have data download or upload speeds exceeding 768,000 bits per second (768 Kbps). The speed of your high speed internet can still vary based on a few factors such as how much bandwidth you share with other customers employing your ISP as well as your proximity to your internet service provider.
Those thinking about broadband internet can choose between cable internet, DSL internet, satellite internet, or fiber optic broadband internet services.
North Carolina Cable Broadband 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 on the users end and a cable modem termination system at the cable operators end. The length between the modem and termination system can be approximately 100 miles with virtually no difficulties occurring.
Cable broadband internet can work at around 30 Mbps, however some cable modems may limit the amount of data being transmitted. Moreover, when using cable broadband internet services you share bandwidth with other subscribers. The network monitor makes sure that bandwidth is distributed efficiently to ensure service doesn't slow during hours when overall usage peaks.
There are many service provider options for cable broadband internet. Comcast, Time Warner and Cox Communcations are all leading cable internet service providers throughout the majority of the US.
Check the availability of cable high speed internet service in your neighborhood - call the number above or enter your address in the secure search form to get started.
North Carolina DSL High Speed 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.
Digital subscriber lines go 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 go up to 5 miles long. This factor also affects the actual download and upload speeds.
The good thing is that little to no infrastructure is involved and it's a genuine high speed internet service that transmits data at a rate up to 10Mbps. DSL may also deliver better dependability and security than some other options because it is being supplied by a phone line that often isn't shared.
Leading DSL service providers include AT&T and Verizon. You can find DSL options from ISPs in your area by entering your address within the box above.
North Carolina Satellite Broadband Internet Services and Providers
Satellite broadband 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 many miles users can sometimes 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 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 broadband internet services.
See if satellite broadband internet services are available in your area by entering your address in the box above.
North Carolina Fiber Optic High Speed Internet Services and Providers
Fiber Optic is the most recent and fastest way to bring internet into the home. Networks of fiber optic cables can deliver internet up to 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 troubled by storms, static or noise.
For those trying to find 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.
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 began providing fiber optic broadband 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.
