How to Choose the Right ISP for Your Needs

ISPs grant access to the Internet by providing the necessary infrastructure so that you can browse your favorite websites, send emails, and perform online tasks at record-breaking speeds.

You may have heard of the big carriers like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon for homes, or CenturyLink or Cox Business for businesses. These giants may seem like the only options on the market, but local ISPs often offer unique combinations of services that match or even surpass the big names.

ISPs provide more than just the Internet

First, ISPs provide services to access and use the Internet. They can take many forms, such as commercial, community-owned, nonprofit, or private. ISPs entered the public market in the 1980s, creating new digital opportunities for businesses and individuals.

They play a vital role in making the internet accessible by providing high-tech services that connect computers to the internet, ensuring that users can browse the web, stream videos, play online games, and more.

ISPs can be divided into three tiers based on network size, reach, and control.

Tier 1 ISP

Tier 1 ISPs are top-tier Internet providers with global reach. They have networks spanning multiple countries and continents, ensuring seamless international connectivity.

Unlike lower tiers, they do not pay for data transfer because they exchange traffic directly with other Tier 1 networks. Notable examples include AT&T, CenturyLink, and Arelion.

While tier-one ISPs are much more expensive than lower-tier ISPs, they provide strong and reliable connections, which are critical for businesses with high traffic and bandwidth needs.

Secondary ISP

Tier 2 ISPs bridge the gap between global and local connectivity. They sign agreements with Tier 1 ISPs and other Tier 2 ISPs to ensure data reaches areas they don’t directly cover.

For example, a Tier 2 ISP like Cogent Communications might pay AT&T (a Tier 1 ISP) to route some of its traffic globally, while also exchanging traffic directly with another Tier 2 ISP like KPN to enhance regional connectivity.

This combination of paid and free peering connections ensures wider network coverage.

Tier 3 ISP

These are the smallest ISPs, usually operating in a small region or a single country. They purchase all of their internet connections from Tier 1 and Tier 2 ISPs. For example, local broadband and phone companies.

Imagine a local bookstore in a small American town, all they need is the internet to process transactions and manage inventory.

They might use a Tier 3 ISP, such as a local broadband company, to provide them with a basic Internet connection. Tier 3 ISPs purchase Internet access from larger Tier 1 or Tier 2 ISPs, so that the bookstore can stay connected even though it is located in a smaller local area.

Additional services provided by ISP

In addition to providing Internet access, ISPs also offer additional services that provide added value to their customers.

Email Accounts

Most ISPs offer email accounts to their users as part of their Internet packages. The service includes email storage, spam filters, and virus protection.

Unified Communications as a Service

Some ISPs offer UCaaS, which integrates communications services such as messaging, voice and video calls, and web conferencing into a single platform.

Virtual Host

ISPs typically provide web hosting services, allowing individuals or businesses to access their websites through the World Wide Web.

Virtual Private Network

Some ISPs offer VPN services for enhanced security and privacy. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection, which is especially useful when using public Wi-Fi networks.

TV and telephone service

Many ISPs offer bundled services that include digital TV and landline phone plans. These bundles can be very cost-effective for users who want a combination of services.

Additionally, many ISPs offer VoIP services. If you want to use VoIP service, I recommend that you first perform a VoIP speed test to make sure your network is strong enough. This will help you avoid common VoIP problems before you spend any money.

In some cases, it may be helpful to consider a specialist VoIP provider. These providers often have more robust infrastructure dedicated to VoIP systems, which can improve call quality and reduce costs.

Local ISP vs. National ISP

A local ISP is a company that provides Internet service in a specific geographic area, such as a city or region. In contrast, a national ISP like Verizon provides service nationwide, with a large network and a wide range of services.

Advantages of Local ISP

• Personalized customer service.
• Solve problems quickly.
• Community support.

Choosing a local ISP can provide a more personalized service experience. Its proximity can help resolve issues quickly and reduce downtime.

Additionally, by choosing a local ISP, you are likely supporting businesses that give back to the community and grow the local economy.

Disadvantages of Local ISPs

• Limited coverage.
• The speed may be slower.
• The service content is limited.

While local ISPs have certain advantages, they often have limited coverage, which can be a disadvantage if you move or need to access the internet in a different location. Additionally, their speeds and service options may not be comparable to those of large, national ISPs.

Advantages of National ISPs

• Wide coverage.
• Better infrastructure.
• High speed internet.
• Multiple services.

Choosing a national ISP like Verizon ensures reliable, high-speed internet across a wide coverage area. They offer a wide variety of services and plans, allowing customers to choose the solution that best suits their needs.

Disadvantages of National ISPs

• Lack of personal customer service.
• Higher costs may occur.
• Contractual obligations.

While national ISPs offer wide coverage and high-speed internet, their large-scale operations can sometimes result in longer wait times for customer service. Additionally, their services can cost more, and they often require customers to sign long-term contracts, which can lack the flexibility that some users prefer.

How to Choose the Right ISP

With so many ISPs to choose from, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. Here are some key factors to consider for consumers looking for simple home internet:

• Availability: Not all ISPs serve all areas. Check which ISPs serve your area.
• speed: Depending on your internet usage, you may need different speeds. For basic browsing and email, speeds of 5-10 Mbps are sufficient. However, if you frequently stream videos or play online games, you may need speeds of 100 Mbps or higher.
• price: Costs vary by connection speed and type. Basic home internet service can cost anywhere from $20 to $60 per month. Be sure to understand what’s included in your plan and if there are any additional fees.

Businesses have similar considerations, but also need to keep other factors in mind:

• Data caps: Some ISPs limit the amount of data you can use each month. Businesses, especially those that rely heavily on cloud services or video conferencing, should choose a plan with no data caps.
• Bundled Services: Many ISPs offer bundled services such as email, web hosting, and VoIP. These services may be convenient, but it is important to evaluate the quality and cost-effectiveness of these services.

In some cases, a business may consider using a provider other than its ISP to provide bundled services. For example, if the ISP’s VoIP offering is expensive or lacks the features it needs, the business may explore a dedicated VoIP provider. These providers often offer more advanced features and competitive pricing.

Choosing the right ISP requires balancing a variety of factors, including availability, speed, price, and additional services. Individuals and businesses alike should carefully evaluate their specific needs to make an informed decision.