| In spite of government and internet companies’ | | | | Reliability and convenience are two areas where |
| eager attempts to make broadband available to the | | | | dial-up exceeds satellite. Connecting to the internet |
| entire U.S., many rural homes across the country | | | | with most dial-up services is available to any |
| have little or no access to DSL and cable. Two types | | | | computer that has a land line phone. That means you |
| of internet are often available for these areas: dial-up | | | | can take your services with you when you vacation |
| and satellite. | | | | or travel. It is not confined to the home where the |
| Dial-up internet has multiple benefits over satellite | | | | satellite dish is installed. |
| internet. The most obvious difference is the price. | | | | Satellite does brag faster speeds, but can be abruptly |
| The total monthly cost of dial-up is between 10 and | | | | terminated in the event of inclement weather or |
| 20 dollars a month with little or no additional fees | | | | damage to the expensive satellite dish. Also, satellite |
| including set up or equipment fees. Satellite internet | | | | is limited to only those homes that are owned |
| has a monthly fee somewhere between 40 to 350 | | | | (renters must have permission to install a dish) and |
| dollars a month, not including the price of leasing or | | | | have a clear view of the southern sky. This makes it |
| buying the equipment, installation, and other fees | | | | difficult for anyone who lives in a wooded area or |
| such as repair plans, technical support, or contract | | | | near other large buildings. |
| fees. | | | | Getting started with dial-up is often as simple as a |
| Even a far stretch of the possible expenses of | | | | phone call and a configuration of settings on the |
| dial-up will not come near the price of satellite. A | | | | computer, where setting up satellite could take |
| dial-up modem, for example is typically between 20 | | | | several weeks, not to mention the amount of time |
| and 50 dollars, but is usually already installed on the | | | | and cost that would be considerably higher should a |
| computer. Other than a land line and a phone cord, | | | | repair be necessary. |
| that is the extent of the “equipment” and | | | | If you need a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to |
| “installation” costs. | | | | connect to the internet, choose dial-up! |