An internet service provider (ISP) is a company that provides internet access usually for a charge. Charges vary and can be based on downloads/uploads or time.
Charges based on downloads/uploads
Download is all traffic coming into your computer from the internet, including the viewing of web pages, videos etc. and saved files. Upload is all traffic sent by your computer to the internet. Charges based on downloads/uploads vary with the amount of data traffic between the user’s computer and the internet.
Included downloads or uploads vary considerably between ISPs and contracts, and you should check the details of your plan with your ISP. This includes all graphics, music files, emails and text. An example of this type of charge is 300 MB (megabytes) for $50 per month.
Some consumers are not always aware of how much data they use in one ‘internet sitting’ and this can lead to complaints against ISPs, especially if a specific number of megabytes is included free as a part of the plan. If websites have, for example, many graphics, consumers can quickly use up their download limit and be amazed to find they've exhausted their supply of free usage.
You should check details of your monthly download/upload quota with your ISP and whether any usage above the quota will be shaped (where the speed of your internet access is slowed once your quota has been reached) or charged at a higher rate per unit of download/upload used in excess of your quota.
ISPs have usually been accessed via a modem connected to the consumer’s phone line. In metropolitan areas this is usually the cost of a local call, unless the consumer is accessing a website that uses a different number (e.g. a premium 190 number). Internet users outside metropolitan areas may have higher call charges.
For many internet users this is still so; however, new technologies such as broadband cable, satellite and wireless now give consumers more choice and greater internet speeds. ISPs can provide up-to-date information on new technologies and their cost so that consumers can make an informed choice based on current needs.
Not all ISPs offer the same deals. Consumers and businesses should shop around and check all details carefully, especially the terms and conditions.
Some danger words to look out for
Free—if something is free, there should be no hidden costs. Check all the terms and conditions carefully for connection fees, admin fees and excess usage fees. Some ISPs offer ‘free’ access but it is capped and once a time or download limit is up, fees will be charged.
Unlimited—this can apply to downloads or to service. Consumers should read contracts carefully and note whether there are any hidden conditions such as limits on time and data.
Call-connection costs—is this a timed call or a local call?
Is the charge based on downloads/uploads or time?
Is the service reliable—will access be immediate every time I want to log on?
Are there any caps, limits or hidden costs related to connecting to the ISP?
Are there any caps, limits or hidden costs associated with viewing the material on the internet—for example, excess charges after a defined download level?
Is there a way to check usage?
Cost of help lines—will I get help if I have problems?
What kind of security is available?
Will my private information be safe?
As with all services, consumers should be as informed as possible before making a choice.
Internet sites such as Whirlpool provide news and information about broadband and allow you to compare the internet packages offered by various internet service providers.
