Email and the Internet
How do I choose an Internet Service Provider?
Your choice of Internet Service Provider (ISP) will depend mainly on how much data you expect to send and receive, and what features you require. There are a number of aspects to consider.
- Type of access required - some ISPs can provide only dial-up connections though most now offer ISDN/ADSL options. A true broadband connection will be expensive but is a realistic option if you start your business in an incubator or managed workspace.
- Pricing - some ISPs charge an initial join-up fee, and charging options include a flat monthly rate and paying per dial-in.
- Reliability - make sure that the ISP has a good service record.
- Compatibility - many ISPs only offer access in Microsoft Windows format.
- Technical support - if you are new to the Internet, use an ISP that you can phone with any questions.
There are also free services available, which are useful if you need to keep costs low. But these ISPs may not always be reliable and might not, for instance, allow you to retrieve email when you are out of the office.