How to choose an Internet service provider
Checklist
- Assess your internet needs (see points 2-9): your internet requirements form the basis for choosing a suitable internet service provider (ISP).
- Establish whether you want an Internet connection for a single computer or a network; consider how many email addresses you want.
- Determine what type of connection you require: standard dial-up or a faster broadband connection.
- Decide if you want the ISP to host your website; if so, estimate how large the site will be and how much traffic is likely.
- Decide whether you want to register and own one or more domain names you have chosen.
- Investigate whether you will use any special technologies: for example, for handling e-commerce payments or linking to a database.
- Consider whether you need access from outside the office, or even internationally.
- Assess whether you are likely to need support: for example, troubleshooting or building and maintaining your website.
- Consider how your internet needs are likely to change in future.
- Seek ISP recommendations from your IT experts, advisers and contacts with similar internet needs.
- Check which ISPs meet your requirements and whether they offer any extras you would find useful, such as software.
- Compare costs, including any set-up and domain-name registration fees, annual fees, call costs, web space or usage charges and support costs.
- Investigate ISPs' reputations for speed and reliability; look for published performance data and check whether they have signed up to the Internet Service Providers' Association's code of practice.
- Check what security measures they provide to protect your email and website (if required) against viruses, unsolicited emails and hacking.
- Check what contract terms the ISP offers - for example, contract duration and service standards - and how problems will be handled.
Cardinal rules
Do:
- base the decision on your requirements
- choose an ISP likely to meet your future needs
- assess costs based on how you will use the Internet
Don't:
- assume all ISPs offer good service
Contact
- The Internet Service Providers' Association for a list of members, 0870 0500 710
