Is a DSL Provider Really for You?
In the gratification-based society that we currently live in, the focus on speed from cable or DSL providers seems to be a top consideration when deciding if you should go for high speed Internet access. While all of us occasionally have the need for speed, sometimes it is difficult to determine how much speed we actually need. Testing your speed and neighbors connections can help you identify if high speed is for you, and if so, how fast you may want to travel the information superhighway.
For those users who tend to surf the web daily and medium size files, comparing DSL providers at the plan level ensures a comparison based on the same playing field. Usually something in the realm of 1.5 to 3.0 Mbps should be more than enough to handle their Internet needs. Similarly, those who rely on the Internet for basic searching, instant messaging, and small downloads, medium speeds can handle these tasks with ease. However, in cases, where a user is downloading large files, like multi-media files or streaming video, it is recommended that a minimum of a 5 Mbps connection be utilized. Simply buying the fastest connection, however, is not always the answer as it could cost you more money than you need to invest in your Internet access.