The ABCs of choosing Internet connection
Nadisha Hunter,Gleaner Writer
Life comes in packages, it is said. So do Internet connections, and more than often one is left confused about what are the ideal needs.
Ricardo Thomas, computer engineer at Fiscal Services Limited, says Internet users require different packages, depending on their level of usage and the different functions the family will use the Internet for.
"If persons choose a package that is too extensive for their use, they would be only wasting money, so persons need to choose wisely," Thomas said.
The speed at which data are transferred via the Internet is measured in kilobytes or megabytes. Most of us use the Internet to check email, browse websites and at times download data. For this purpose, a 1MB connection is sufficient.
Users who download massive files, such as movies and music, will have to kick it up a notch to about 3Mb.
Mariano Doble, executive vice-president at Cable and Wireless Jamaica, said the average consumer's need for speed usually refers to downloading capabilities. But, he says, more megabytes doesn't necessarily mean higher-quality service.
"Once the service provider delivers a consistent service level that facilitates an excellent response time on the Internet, the customer will generally have a positive online experience," Doble said.
Executives at Flow also give similar advice. "Think about how often you will be using the Internet and for what. Downloading large amounts of data such as graphics will require more bandwidth," said Alicia Beckles, public relations officer at Flow.
PACKAGES
- Flow: J$650+tax to J$2,800+ tax.
- Cable and Wireless US$29.95 (J$2250) to US$49.95 (J$3700) For further information, call Cable and Wireless at 929-2194 or customer care centre at 1-888-225-5295; Flow at 620-2200.
Key tips on choosing the best package for you
- Decide whether you want to pay monthly or opt for a contract. Ideally, choose a service that allows you to cancel after a month or so if you decide to go elsewhere. If this is not an option, opt for monthly payments for a while, until you are sure that the service meets your requirements.
- Read the small print. How long do special offers last, and what are the terms and conditions of any guarantees or features? What are you and aren't you allowed to do with your Internet connection?
- Compare prices. Don't opt for the cheapest company, but make sure that you are getting a good price for the features you require.
- If you are opting for dial-up connection, make sure you consider the call charges you will incur. There are free dial-up services available, but they will overlay banner advertisements into your web browser, and their service may be very unreliable.
- When you're choosing your Internet service provider (ISP), make sure you test them out first. You should not compromise on good customer service for the lowest price; ensure that all your requirements will be covered, and that you can rely on your ISP to help you if you have any difficulties.
- Make sure that download and upload speeds will suit your needs. Remember that the advertised speeds are almost always highly optimistic; you will never actually get the advertised speed because of overheads and network traffic. You will also find that at peak times, your connection is slower.
- If you are looking at cable broadband, you will probably be best off purchasing one of the combined cable Internet/television packages, rather than buying cable broadband on its own, which tends to be prohibitively expensive. You may also want to consider telephone options.
DID YOU KNOW?
'High-speed' dial-up is a somewhat misleading name; page-loading times may be improved (often at the cost of poorer image quality), but file-transfer times will usually remain the same as with ordinary dial-up connections. nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com