Local ISPs are Not a Good Deal for Consumers.

Local ISPs

A discussion of the four categories of dial up Internet Providers. (Continued from previous page.)

Local ISPs generally cannot compete with nationwide services. Because of the large subscriber base that nationwide Providers have, they have huge "economies of scale" savings, which they can pass on to their subscribers.

The average local provider charges $20 & up for standard internet service.

The main reason local providers exist is that many folks - especially those in small towns and rural areas - don't realize that nationwide providers have local access numbers available everywhere. So they end up looking in the Yellow Pages for a local provider.

But this is changing. From a high of over 10,000 local ISPs just a few years ago, it's now down to less than half of that. And the trend is continuing. It's predicted that within a few years, local providers will be nonexistent.

Pros
None.

Cons
Too expensive.

Bottom Line:
Not Recommended. It doesn't make sense to pay $20-$25, when you can get the same type of service for half of that.

Mid-Range ISPs

These are nationwide ISPs that are in between the low-priced and the Custom ISPs. Prices are generally in the $18/month range.

Pros
These ISPs don't require the huge custom software installation that Custom providers have. As a result, you are not limited to a particular type of browser or email program. You can pick and choose what and how you want to use the 'Net.

Another advantage is if you like to speak to technical staff by phone. Low cost providers don't have live phone support (except for the first month of service). Everything - including support - is done online. So if that is an issue for you, then Mid-Range ISPs are a good option.

Cons
Prices are higher than the value priced Providers. Over a 12 month period, you will be paying $80-$100 more than for a low cost ISP.

Additionally, these type of providers don't provide the full range of services found at Custom providers.

Bottom Line:
Because the difference in price isn't significant between Mid-Range and Custom ISPs, we recommend staying with AOL or another Custom ISP if you need live support. If you don't need the live tech support, the best option is one of the value priced ISPs.

Next Page