Number 235 - December 2002
Points To Consider When ISP-Shopping
by Anick Jesdanun, The Associated Press
from Oct 27th Tacoma News Tribune
    Thinking about choosing a new Internet service provider? Before you begin your search, you should ask yourself whether getting a new ISP will be worth the trouble of switching your e-mail address.

    Unless you're using Hotmail, Yahoo!, an e-mail forwarding service from your college, your own domain name or some other account not tied to your ISP, chances are you'll have to notify friends, relatives and colleagues when you switch.

    The good news is that people sending junk e-mail will have to find you all over again.

    Plus, some ISPs offer e-mail forwarding options and lower-priced services that let you keep e-mail and other features if you connect through another provider. You might not get the cost savings from switching, though. If you still want a new ISP, consider:
   
  • Do you travel a lot and need dial-up access from other locations? If so, choose an ISP that has local phone numbers in the areas you'll likely be.

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  • Do you use your account more than 10 hours a month? If not, you might not need an unlimited plan. Many ISPs offer cheaper, limited-access plans--although they're sometimes hidden, so you'll have to ask.
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  • Might you want high-speed service someday? Many smaller ISPs offer dial-up service only, so if you switch to broadband later, you'll have to again change ISPs--and your e-mail addresses. You can avoid that problem by getting e-mail with Hotmail or another service not tied to your ISP.


    •     Several Web sites, including ispworld.com and thelist.com, are directories that let you compare ISPs. Just type in your area code or your location, and you'll get a list of ISPs serving that area. Be sure to verify with the phone company that the access number is indeed local.

        And keep in mind that some ISP directory sites accept payment for listings.

        Many of the ISPs featured at Web sites are larger providers that happen to serve your local area. To find a truly local ISP, the American ISP Association suggests using something more traditional: the Yellow Pages.

        It's a good idea to do some research about a prospective ISP. Try calling an ISP's access numbers several times around the clock. Just pick up the phone and dial; no need to set up your computer to do it. If you get busy signals often, you could have problems logging on if you sign up.
      Number 235 - December 2002