Preparation

• Before calling Internet access companies, write down your address and distance from the nearest town. Companies like AT&T can look up your physical address and tell you what their access options are for you. Also, be prepared to discuss distance with the cable and phone companies. If cable or DSL comes close but not directly to your house, you may be able to pay for extended cabling or extra poles to get the signal to you. Be aware, however, that when this conversation starts, it will mean expensive options. Also, if you are discussing DSL, there is a limit to how far the signal can travel from the phone office in any direction. It's possible that your neighbor can get a DSL signal and you can't, no matter how much you discuss it with the company salesperson.
  
  

Wireless Broadband

• Major cell phone providers, such as Verizon and AT&T, can offer Internet access over a cell-phone signal in most areas. This involves tethering your cell phone with a cable to the computer for access, or USB cards that act as cellular modems. This option can also be used when you travel, but for most companies, your Internet usage is not an unlimited service. This business model is focused on email while traveling and light file transfers. There are monthly caps, or limits, on the amount of broadband used, and the companies make no allowances for the home user that has wireless broadband as the only Internet option.
  
  

Satellite

• If you are located too far for cable or DSL and cell-phone reception is spotty, check into satellite service by providers such as WildBlue or HughesNet. For this you have to have a clear view of the southern sky and not be blocked by trees, buildings or mountains. This setup is expensive, however the service is fairly stable and fast. It is prone to interference by clouds and weather events. Most of the providers, such as HughesNet, have a fair access policy that means if you are a heavy user downloading lots of large files like movies, they can and will cut your speeds down without warning. The cut can be almost to dial-up speeds.