Chances are, if you are reading this, you have experience in choosing an Internet Service Provider (ISP). However,
many of you may not be considering switching providers, or are helping someone else get themself set up online.
Before you decide which company to go with, take some time to consider
1. your needs, and
2. how much you are willing to spend or can afford.
I have found my online needs to be progressive. For example, when I was a student at the University of Alberta,
the Internet access they provided (many refer to it as "free" Internet access, but in reality,
students pay for it as part of their general fees) gave me a chance to sample the many flavours of
the Internet. It gave me an excellent idea of what I would be needing in the future -- namely,
consistent email and browsing capabilities, plus a lot of time online. I know of others who barely ever used
their University accounts -- they knew that if they continued being online after they graduated, that they
needed something simple and basic (and cheap!).
If you want high-speed access, you can choose
Shaw's High Speed Internet or
Telus which has both dial-up and high speed (ASDL) access.
Some of us still rely on dial-up access. Established names of local dial-up ISPs include Interbaun Communications, Internet Centre, and Internet Crossroads. Packages vary in terms of
services (number of email addresses, hours online, amount of Web server space) and cost, so be sure to shop around before
making your final decision.
Speaking of business, most of the above providers offer business packages with some or all of the following perks: extra Web space, domain name registration,
search engine submission, multiple email accounts, and professional Web site support. There are a few companies that deal only with
corporate clients and do not offer dial-up or high-speed accounts -- in other words, they will host, support and service your Web site, but you still
need to have an account with another company in order to access the Internet. An examples of such a company is Emergence by Design,
which is best-known
for aiding businesses in setting up e-commerce sites.
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