These days, users can 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 most affordable plans in your city.
Trying to decide which internet package will work the best for you? Keep reading for more info about internet access options, speeds and more.
Which Texas High Speed Internet Service is Right for you?
The internet has turned into a powerful tool that lets you keep in touch with family and friends, work remotely from home, download media to enjoy on your own schedule and much more. Internet service providers (ISPs) realize that your internet needs are unique and now they offer more options for high speed internet than ever.
What's High Speed Internet?
When the internet was first introduced in the mid-1990's, the only option was what is known as dial-up service. Dial-up brings internet access to the home by using a local telephone number and active telephone line. At the time this was a great solution for many people since most people already had a home phone.
Nevertheless, internet speeds tended to be sluggish and depended on your physical location. Another drawback was that in order to gain access to the internet the telephone line used as the connection had to be free. As the internet expanded to include more robust media and sites many found they required a faster internet service.
ISPs looked to cable and digital subscriber lines (DSLs) to supply faster internet services. These methods are known 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 broadband if they have data download or upload speeds over 768,000 bits per second (768 Kbps). The speed of your high speed internet can still vary based on a few factors for example how much bandwidth you share with other consumers using your internet service provider and your proximity to your internet service provider.
Those considering high-speed internet can pick between cable internet, DSL internet, satellite internet or fiber optic internet services.
Texas Cable High Speed Internet Services and Providers
Cable broadband internet services utilize a cable TV connection to provide customers with high speed internet access. In order to make the connection there's a cable modem on the users end along with a cable modem termination system on the cable operators end. The length between the modem and termination system can be up to 100 miles without any problems occurring.
Cable high speed internet can run at up to 30 Mbps, however some cable modems may limit the volume of data being transmitted. Moreover, when using cable high speed internet services you share bandwidth with other consumers. The network monitor makes certain 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 high speed internet. Time Warner and Comcast are leading cable internet service providers throughout the majority of the US.
Check the availability of cable broadband internet service in your city - enter your address in the box above.
Texas DSL Broadband Internet Services and Providers
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) broadband internet services transmit data using 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 another for high speed internet use.
Digital subscriber lines run from a central office out to subscribers. This typically restricts DSL distribution to a short distance of 2 miles from the central office, though some lines go up to five miles long. This factor also affects the exact download and upload speeds.
Fortunately virtually no infrastructure is required and it is a true broadband internet service that transmits data at a rate up to 10Mbps. DSL also provides better stability and security than various other options because it is being provided by a telephone line that usually isn't shared.
Leading DSL service providers include AT&T. You can find DSL options from internet service providers in your neighborhood by entering your address in the box above.
Texas Satellite Broadband Internet Services and Providers
Satellite internet services utilize orbiting satellites to capture and relay broadband data between a satellite company and its customers. Although 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 possibility of short delays, satellite broadband internet is capable of delivering data at 5Mbps. Satellite broadband internet is ideal for those wanting broadband internet in rural areas where DSL and cable services aren't available. AT&T, and the Dish Network are both leading providers of satellite high speed internet services.
See if satellite internet services are available in your town by entering your address in the box above.
Texas Fiber Optic Broadband Internet Services and Providers
Fiber optic is the most recent and fastest way to bring internet into the home. Systems of fiber optic cables can deliver broadband internet nearly 25 times faster than other high-speed options and are more stable than cable, DSL and satellite services. 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 trying to find the fastest high speed high speed internet access fiber optic is the way to go. Fiber optic networks are known for their ability to transmit data at rates of up to 50 Mbps.
Presently, Comcast and AT&T deliver fiber optic/copper hybrid services but 100% fiber optic broadband internet services are only obtainable 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 internet services are available in your city - enter your address in the box above.
