In the world of high speed internet services consumers have many choices. Consumers can choose from wireless, DSL, cable, satellite, and fiber optic. In most cases your location dictates which services will be available to you. Each service offers pros and cons but overall most work quite well in comparison to one and other.

Wireless internet service is transmitted via cellular towers in your area similar to that of cell phone service. Wireless internet speeds vary from 128Kbps up to 3Mbps. Wireless internet service is popular with business travelers and those who require internet access with their laptop while traveling. Like cell phones there are still dead areas will you will be unable to receive service.

DSL is one of the most popular ways to connect to the internet in the U.S. and abroad. DSL runs through phone lines and is usually administered by phone companies. DSL offers speeds of 128Kbps up to 9Mbps. DSL does require a phone line to be present at the site. This may be a drawback to some consumers who would rather only have a cell phone with no landline.

Cable internet service continues to grow in popularity as more and more cable companies offer service. Cable service can offer speeds of up to 30Mbps though most service providers employ some form of bandwidth cap. Normally limiting speeds from 3Mbps to 15Mbps. One drawback to cable is that if many users in your area use the internet at the same time speed can be significantly reduced. Cable though does not require any phone service and can even support VOIP services.

Satellite internet service is an alternative for those customers who find themselves in an area with only dialup service available to them. Satellite internet plans offer speeds of up to 2Mbps. Satellite internet service providers also employ bandwidth caps in the form of limiting the amount of downloading you can do per day. If you exceed this limit in most cases you are slowed down to 56Kbps.

Fiber optic internet service is a relatively new player in the high speed internet game offering speeds of up to 30Mbps similar to cable. The drawbacks to Fiber optic is simply that it is not available in most areas and the high costs due to the cost of running the fiber optic cables.

When selecting an internet service or provider it is important to know what you are getting make sure to take the time and learn about the product. After all many of the providers do require you to sign a contract for a set time period. So learn all you can and the jump on the web!