Getting Broadband
Contact a provider in your area; this can be a local telephone company or other provider for DSL and fiber, a cable company for cable modem, a wireless or satellite company for wireless broadband, or an electrical utility for BPL. There are differences among broadband services, and the equipment of one provider may not work in another area or with another provider. Check with your broadband service provider for information on compatibility. Providers sometimes offer promotions or discounts on necessary equipment.
Before ordering service, check with the service provider to find out the cost and what transmission speeds they promise. Be aware that the actual transmission speeds you experience depend on many factors and may be less than the maximum potential speed stated by your provider. When you receive your contract, be aware of the fine print and the conditions of service. After receiving the service, contact your provider regarding any problems. If you are not pleased with your current service or provider, investigate obtaining service through a different provider.
A satellite provider may be able to provide broadband service to your home, even if other types of broadband services are not available in your community. If you are unable to obtain broadband service in your area, there may be several courses of action available to you.
You may want to contact your local library and see if it has applied for the federal E-rate program, which subsidizes broadband to libraries and schools.
You could contact local government officials such as your mayor, county executive, or town or county council members and ask what they can do to attract broadband service providers to your area. Because it is usually expensive to extend a broadband network to a new area, the more individuals that you can find to pre-subscribe to a provider’s service, the more likely it is that a broadband provider will choose to serve your area. Your county may be able to offer a broadband provider video franchise rights, making building out a broadband network more attractive to potential providers.