Broadband
Internet Access
This Web site has been designed to answer some of our most
frequently asked questions about broadband. While much has been written about
broadband lately, many consumers are not sure exactly what it is, what it can
do, and what is the potential.
What is
Broadband?
Broadband refers most commonly to a new generation of high-speed
transmission services, which allows users to access the Internet and
Internet-related services at significantly higher speeds than traditional
modems. It has the potential technical capability to meet consumers’ broad
communication, entertainment, information, and commercial needs and desires.
Are There Different Types of
Broadband?
There are several types of broadband services:
- Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
- Cable Modem
- Wireless Internet
- Satellite
What are the Advantages
of Broadband?
You can access the Internet without the nuisance of dialing up your
Internet service provider over a telephone line. Broadband facilitates advanced
telecommunication capabilities.
The speeds at which information is downloaded into your
computer are sometimes 50 times faster than a dial-up modem's. Users can go
online without tying up their telephone lines. Businesses can use broadband
networks for videoconferencing, for example, and to let employees telecommute.
It can tap into an expanded number of entertainment resources. Links can often
be established in even the remotest parts of the country.
What Are Some of the
Options with Broadband?
Broadband technology will potentially allow users to download more
information, including new multimedia applications, streaming news, music,
games, video conferencing, telephony applications, and eventually video
programming similar to current television and cable services.
What is
Narrowband?
Narrowband PCS uses a smaller portion of the spectrum than broadband PCS.
It is broadly defined by the FCC as a family of mobile or portable radio
services that may be used to provide wireless telephony, data, advanced paging,
and other services to individuals and businesses, and which may be integrated
with a variety of competing networks. For example, advanced paging systems may
become equipped with a small keyboard allowing the subscriber to both retrieve
and send complete messages through microwave signals (e.g. wireless E-mail).
Narrowband licenses will most likely be used to provide such new services as
voice message paging, two-way acknowledgement paging, and other text-based
services.
Test Your
Speed
Below is a website that offers free speed tests for your Internet
connection.
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