There are few things more important in the modern world than the internet. Having access to it is critical for most of us, no matter where we live. As you can probably imagine, Kentucky is no exception.
Whether you’re an individual or a family, chances are you need the internet for something. Be it work, school, or even hobbies, it’s a pretty integral part of our lives. This means that finding the right internet service provider is essential.
This begs the question, though: what are these providers? While you can look at resources like this: https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-an-Internet-Service-provider-ISP-a-server-and-a-website, don’t worry – this is what we’re here to discuss today.
After all, as you start to consider what internet service provider (or ISP) you want to work with, you should learn what they are and how they operate. That way, you can make an informed and educated decision.There are a ton of options across Kentucky.
What is an ISP, Anyway?
Naturally, our first order of business here is to explore what an ISP is, and what sorts of services they offer to us as consumers. To an extent, it may seem obvious (it’s the company that gives us internet access at home), but there’s a lot more to it than that.
You see, internet service providers (ISPs) are companies that provide access to the internet for both individuals and businesses. They typically offer a range of services, including internet access, email, web hosting, and domain registration. As you can see, it can get complicated fast unless you really know what you’re looking for.
Of course, for the average consumer, the main thing to think about is what speed of internet you’re looking for. We’ll cover some of the various options further on in this article, so be sure to stay tuned for that.
How Does It Work?
Admittedly, there’s not much reason to fully explore the mechanical process here. Still, it’s worth being aware of, at least in passing. Let’s take a moment to explore it.
Simply put, ISPs connect customers to the internet through a few different technologies. These include digital subscriber lines (DSL), cable modems, fiber optics, and wireless connections. In some homes and businesses, customers can opt for a combination of those to ensure the connection can be accessed anywhere in the building.
Something else to keep in mind is that customers pay a monthly fee for access to the internet, which can vary based on the speed and quality of the connection. You can call them at (502) 484-9975 to understand a bit more about how the tiers work. Here’s a basic rundown:
Basic: As you can probably guess, this is meant for simple tasks that require the internet. If you don’t use the web for much more than sending emails, browsing sites, or watching video content, then this tier will probably work for you. It usually allows for up to five simultaneous connections, at twenty-five megabytes per second.
Enhanced: This is a step up from the previous tier. It’s best for someone who is streaming content a lot, since it allows for high definition and 4K streaming. Additionally, it allows for more simultaneous connections with multiple devices at fifty megabytes per second.
Premium: Again, this is an improvement over the former tier. It allows for up to one hundred megabytes per second of streaming on unlimited devices, and it’s optimal for anyone who plays video games online. All of these features make it quite popular with consumers.
Platinum: For our example here, this is the highest tier available. It supports 4K streaming on up to five systems at once, with the internet speed capping at a whopping two hundred and fifty megabytes per second. If you know that you have a large family who are simultaneously playing online games and watching high-quality videos (etc.), then this may be something to investigate.
Choosing an ISP
The next thing to consider in this process is, well, how to go about making this sort of choice in the first place. Now, as you can see in this article, sometimes half the battle is figuring out who your current provider is (if you’re planning to switch, that is). If you’re moving to a new home or something like that, though, then you’ll be starting at square one.
What are the things that you should take into consideration when choosing an ISP, then? Well, one of the first things is, of course, availability. Make sure that the company you’re thinking about services your area. Thankfully, most of them tend to have some sort of map on their website, and you can always call if you’re uncertain.
Now, there’s still more to it than just that. You see, ISPs also play a key role in managing internet traffic and ensuring that data is routed efficiently between various networks. They utilize several technologies, such as routers and switches, to direct data packets to their intended destination. Take this into account when selecting one as well.
What else is there? Well, in addition to providing internet access, ISPs often offer additional services. That could include email accounts, security services, and even cloud storage. Some ISPs also offer bundling options, where customers can subscribe to multiple services, such as internet, phone, and television, for a discounted rate.
If you’re looking for a bundle, then you may want to shop around a bit between the different providers. See which one is offering the best deal for what you’re looking for, whether that’s internet and phone service together or something else. Don’t feel the need to rush through this process if you don’t have to!
Overall, selecting an internet service provider can be quite a challenge, but it’s one that’s well worth the time and effort necessary. Realistically, since there are plenty of options throughout Kentucky, the hardest part will be the comparison stage. You can also read customer reviews to see how other consumers feel about the services they’ve been provided with.
