Nowadays, users are able to do more using the internet than ever before, and America Connects gives you more ways to get connected. Simply enter your address within the box above to locate internet service providers and the cheapest plans in your neighborhood.
Trying to decide which internet package is best for you? Read on to learn more about internet access options, speeds and more.
Which Utah High Speed Internet Service is Right for you?
The internet has turned into a powerful tool that allows you to keep 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) recognize that your internet needs are unique and now they deliver more options for high speed internet than ever.
What's High Speed Internet?
When the internet was initially launched in the mid-1990's, the sole option was what's known as dial-up service. Dial-up delivers internet access into the home using a local phone number and active phone line. At the time this was an effective method for many individuals since most already had a home phone.
However, internet speeds tended to be sluggish and depended on your physical location. The other 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 evolved to incorporate more robust media and sites many discovered they needed a quicker internet service.
ISPs looked to cable and digital subscriber lines (DSLs) to deliver faster internet services. These methods are known as "broadband". Through the years as the services have gotten better, the measurement for what is considered high-speed has evolved.
Today, the FCC considers an internet service to be high speed if they have data download or upload speeds greater than 768,000 bits per second (768 Kbps). The speed of your high-speed internet may still vary depending on several factors for example how much bandwidth you share with other subscribers using your internet service provider and your proximity to your ISP.
Those considering high-speed internet can choose between cable internet, DSL internet, satellite internet or fiber optic internet services.
Utah 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 is a cable modem on the users end along with a cable modem termination system at the cable suppliers end. The distance between the modem and termination system can be approximately 100 miles with virtually no issues occurring.
Cable internet can function at up to 30 Mbps, however some cable modems may limit the volume of data being transmitted. Furthermore, when using cable broadband internet services you share bandwidth with other subscribers. The network monitor makes certain that bandwidth is distributed efficiently so that service doesn't slow during hours when overall usage peaks.
There are many service provider options for cable broadband internet. Time Warner and Comcast are top rated cable broadband internet service providers throughout much of the U.S..
Check the availability of cable internet service in your town - enter your address within the box above.
Utah DSL 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 are not used for making phone calls by splitting the line in two - one for voice calls and another for high speed internet use.
DSL lines run from a central office out to customers. This typically confines 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.
The good thing is that virtually no infrastructure is needed and it's a true broadband internet service that transmits data at a rate up to 10Mbps. DSL also provides better dependability and security than various other options because it is being provided by a phone line that usually isn't shared.
Top rated DSL service providers include AT&T. You can find DSL options from ISPs in your neighborhood by entering your address in the box above.
Utah Satellite Broadband Internet Services and Providers
Satellite internet services employ orbiting satellites to capture and pass on 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 about 1-2 seconds.
Despite the potential for short delays, satellite high speed internet is capable of supplying data at 5Mbps. Satellite broadband internet is perfect for those wanting high speed internet in rural locations where DSL and cable services aren't available. AT&T, and the Dish Network are both prominent providers of satellite internet services.
See if satellite high speed internet services are available in your town by entering your address within the box above.
Utah Fiber Optic Internet Services and Providers
Fiber optic is the newest and fastest way to bring broadband internet into the home. Systems of fiber optic cables can deliver internet nearly 25 times faster than other broadband options and are more reliable than cable, DSL and satellite services. This is due to the fact that fiber optic wiring is more durable than other connections and isn't impacted 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 as high as 50 Mbps.
Currently, Comcast and AT&T provide fiber optic/copper hybrid services but 100% fiber optic internet services are only obtainable through Verizon FiOS. They began 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 town - enter your address in the box above.
