Internet Dial

Dial-Up, What to Look For

Why would you use dial up access to the Internet?

• You don't go on line more than 15 hours per week and most of what you do is simple (few or small attachments) electronic mail.
• You travel and need connectivity from hotel rooms and/or client locations (even though there are now a number of "high speed" options - like Wi-Fi!).
• Backup for your broadband connection (believe me, you'll need it from time to time!).
• You're just "dipping your toe" in the murky waters of the Internet.

What should you consider when choosing a dial-up Internet Access Provider? 

1. Coverage - of course, coverage doesn't matter if you NEVER travel, but if you ever "go on the road" or even want to access your email while you're basking on the beach, then coverage is important.  Additionally, if the "local" access number is outside your "local" calling area, that $7.95 a month ISP fee could quickly turn into $100 per month in long distance charges.
2. Availability - if you can never access the network because the 2 modems in your city are being "hogged" by other users, it's pretty tough to do business.
3. Customer Support - most of the "big guys" have electronic "chat" systems as well as electronic mail, "800" operators (although the wait can be tedious, time-consuming and nerve-wracking) and online knowledge bases ("help yourself" customer support).  However, when things aren't working...
4. Software Compatibility - almost everyone wants to send you a CD with their software interface (hasn't everyone experienced the ubiquitous AOL disk and now CD?).  Making sure it actually works with your system configuration is key.
5. Price - isn't it always an issue?  And like cellular plans, getting through the "fine print" of Internet Access plans can be tricky.
6. Business Focus - almost all dial Internet Access plans, services and support are designed for the consumer.  But you are looking for a business service.  Separating those who understand business users from consumers is key.

Dial Internet Access Review

Dial-up remains the most prevalent method for individuals to access the Internet.  However, most individuals and home-based

 business owners decide on their service provider based on recommendations from their friends, what was pre-installed on their new personal computer as part of an affinity program or just what was "easiest".  In the following review, Home Office Reports takes closer look at dial-up providers, especially from the perspective of the home based business user. 

We think the most important things to consider in a "dial" world are:

• Local Access Numbers - make sure your ISP has a number in your LOCAL dialing area.  If it doesn't, that $9.95 or $19.95 a month in ISP charges can turn into $100 telephone bills.
• Tech support - if you have to pay when there's a problem, the cheap access you purchased just turned into an expensive communications service.  If you're a "self sufficient" type, this isn't a problem, but if you're not....
• Extras - Pop-up blockers, spam blockers and anti-virus services are great - especially in a dial up world.  They are real time (and money) savers.  Check out the "extras" that come (or don't come) with your dial access.  Your perception of the service's price just might change.

Those are the basics - let's take a look at the world of dial-up.

 (Note:  If you don't recall our rating system:  How We Rate 'Em.)  Detail - and our reasoning for the ratings follows the rating table.

Web Home Office Reports

Mass Market Dial-Up Service Providers*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

AT&T

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

The AT&T software interface is easy to install and works well.  You can either download it from their site or order the CD.

Cost - $$$$

AT&T has one service offering and three prices for it.

AT&T Plan	Pricing
AT&T Yahoo! Dial	Unlimited Internet Access - $15.95 per month with 6 month commitment, $9.95 per month with 6 month commitment and purchase of other "qualifying" AT&T services, $21.95 per month with no commitment

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

AT&T services include some nice "extras" that will help you use their service and the Internet more effectively.  Extras include a mail account with 2GB online storage space and 10 additional email addresses each with 2GB of space, online anti-spyware and anti-virus protection as well as a pop-up blocker.

Ease of Use - @@@@

AT&T software is very easy to use and you'll also have access to your address book, calendar and email at their web site if you're on the road and aren't using your "main" system.

Works With - YYYY

AT&T's service offering is Windows and Macintosh compatible.

Support - pppp1/2

AT&T is consistently ranked as one of the most reliable dial ISPs in the industry.  The tech support area of their web site includes a wealth of information and capabilities.  You can change account and personal settings as well as access service bulletins, access telephone numbers and software downloads.  If you need more help, you can use AT&T's online chat or call them on their "800" number 24x7.

Features - iiii

AT&T services include up to 10 email IDs each with 2GB online storage, pop-up blocker, anti-virus and anti-spyware protection, Yahoo! Photos with unlimited online storage and parental controls.  A good set of features and functions for the home business owner. 

Overall Rating - %%%%

The AT&T dial service is a solid Internet access service for those home business owners who cannot get broadband or are not ready to "make the leap" to high speed access.  But with the price of AT&T's entry level DSL service at $14.99 per month - why would you settle for dial-up?

CompuServe

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

The CompuServe software interface is easy to install and works well.  Sign up online - and download the software.

Cost - $$$1/2

CompuServe offers four pricing plans.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

CompuServe adds calendaring to standard access services to help you get just a bit more from your networking investment.

Ease of Use - @@@@

CompuServe allows you to customize your home page to help you get the information you need quickly.  The CompuServe software is easy to setup and use as well.

Works With - YYY

CompuServe's software is designed for the Windows environment.

Support - pppp

The CompuServe web site includes a FAQ to help you answer basic questions regarding the service and software.  If you need more help, you can contact technical support via email or on their "800" number Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM Eastern and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern.

Features - iii

Basic Internet dial access services that include email, a web portal and calendar.

Overall Rating - %%%+

CompuServe is one of the original dial up network access providers - so the service is reliable and tech support strong.  However, a number of features/functions are limited compared to competitive offerings.  CompuServe offers a basic service at a basic price. 

EarthLink                                                                           

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

The EarthLink software interface is easy to install and works well.  You can either download it from their site or order the CD.

Cost - $$$$

EarthLink offers two pricing plans for you to choose from as well as some add-on service "extras".

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

EarthLink's software/service includes some nice "extras" that will help boost your business productivity - the accelerator improves Web surfing times, spamBlocker, Pop-Up Blocker and SpyWare Blocker are all designed to shield you from extraneous and annoying email and advertisements and EarthLink includes 8 email addresses and 10MB of personal web space with your account.

Ease of Use - @@@

EarthLink's software and service is easy to use. 

Works With - YYYY

Works well in most Windows environments and EarthLink has an interface for Macintosh users as well.  Internet Call Waiting services are not available for Macintosh users.

Support - pppp1/2

EarthLink is recognized as a solid performer in the areas of reliability and availability.  The tech support area of the EarthLink web site includes account management and a vast assortment of technical information.  If you need more help you can email tech support or "chat" with them online or call them on their "800" number 24x7.

Features - iiii1/2

A nice bundle of "extras" - EarthLink Accelerator to speed your connection up, spamBlocker, Pop-Up Blocker, Instant Messaging, 8 email addresses, 10MB personal web space, Spyware Blocker and some nice "add-on" services like Internet Call Waiting, Internet Call Waiting Pro, Remote Access (access your home PC from any Internet-enabled device) and EarthLink Email by Phone - two service options that are especially applicable to the owner of a home-based business.  Earthlink also offer PC diagnostic services to keep your system healthy and working at its best.

Overall Rating - %%%%1/2

EarthLink is a solid, established and well respected provider of dial Internet access services.  Nice features and capabilities and some extra services that might well be very useful to you for your business - especially if you only have one phone line that you use for both Internet access and voice calls.

MSN

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

MSN's new 9.0 software and dial services are easy to use.

Cost - $$$

MSN has one pricing plan for dial services.  MSN also offers MSN TV (hardware and service) that provides Internet access without the need for  PC.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

MSN services/software include software tools to help you be more productive - firewall, phishing filter, virus protection, spyware protection, email anti-virus and SPAM protection, pop-up blocker, a connection accelerator and a very nice "shared calendar" that allows you to share your personal calendar with friends and/or close business associates.  Additionally, MSN Messenger is a very popular and Instant Messaging service you can add to your MSN service capabilities (it's free - you can download and use it even if you're not an MSN subscriber).

Ease of Use - @@@@

MSN's software is very easy to use and you can access your email on the road through the MSN web interface or even use their mobile Hotmail services to send and receive email from a handheld or data-enabled cell phone.

Works With - YYYY

MSN software is available for Windows and Macintosh environments.

Support - pppp1/2

MSN has a rich and very helpful tech support page available where you can manage your account information as well as get help with problems.  If you require more in depth information, you can use online "chat" or call MSN tech support personnel 24x7.

Features - iiii

Lots of nice extras - antivirus, firewall, phishing filter, spyware protection, email anti-virus, SPAM protection, pop-up protection, a photo swap capability, shared calendar and connection accelerator.  The other big extra they have for the business user is MSN Messenger. Learn more about it at our Messaging page.  MSN also offers their MSN TV product/service that provides a method of accessing the Internet without a PC. 

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

Solid dial-up service.  MSN Messenger is a great "add on" and if you don't have a web site and want a personal address for your email.

Netscape

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Netscape includes easy to install and use software at sign-up.

Cost - $$$$

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Netscape offers Spam blocker, email virus scan and pop-up blocker are good tools to keep unwanted viruses and email out of your mailbox or off your screen when surfing the web - and your system healthy and working for you.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Netscape's personal portal includes web access to your email, Internet radio, an online chat service compatible with AOL AIM,  and a Photo Center to share and trade photos.  Nice touches to enhance the service's usability.

Works With - YYY

Netscape's software is designed for the Windows environment.

Support - pp1/2

Netscape's tech support page on their web site allows you to manage your account and personal setting as well as access technical information to help you solve problems with the service or on your system.  If you need more help, you'll have to pay:  $9.95 per event for email support, $39.95 per event for telephone support (provided by third party - DecisionOne).

Features - iii1/2

Netscape's service includes a web accelerator and pop-up blocker and optional spam blocker and email virus scan.  The web site includes AIM-based (AOL Instant Messenger) IM services, web-based email access and a photo sharing area.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

Netscape is a service that competes on price - but you'd better hope you don't have any trouble with the service that requires tech support - or you'll pay more for tech support than the service itself.

Netzero/Juno

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

NetZero provides easy to install software - the service is straight forward to use and includes a personal web "portal" to serve as your entry point to the net.

Cost - $$$$1/2

Time Savings - ¹¹¹1/2

NetZero's services include 250 or 1GB a pop-up blocker and 250 safe and block email lists.  The Hi-Speed service includes a connection accelerator to speed up your web surfing, pop up blocker anti-virus and 100 minutes long distance voice.  These tools will help enhance your Internet experience.

Ease of Use - @@@@

NetZero's personal portal includes web access to your email, an online chat service compatible with AOL AIM, Yahoo! Messenger and MSN Messenger and a Photo Center to share and trade photos.  Nice touches to enhance the service's usability.

Works With - YYYY+

NetZero software is compatible with Windows, Macintosh and Linspire environments.

Support - ppp1/2

NetZero's tech support page on their web site allows you to manage your account and personal setting as well as access technical information to help you solve problems with the service or on your system.  If you need more help, it is available 24x7 via email, online chat or "800" telephone number for $1.95 per minute (these charge can add up fast!)

Features - iii1/2

NetZero's service features include 250 email safe/block lists (upgradeable to 500 with MegaMail service), 50 mail assistants, a pop-up blocker, anti-virus, up to 1GB mail storage and web mail, chat and a photo center through their web portal.  The Hi-Speed 3G service also includes 100 minutes of long distance based on NetZero's Voice 100 product line.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

NetZero's service is all about price.  If that is THE central criteria in  deciding on a dial Internet-access provider, and you don't want to sign up for a "bundled" local/long distance/Internet access service from your local telephone company (or one isn't yet available), a good choice.  As with other low cost services, tech support comes at a premium, so if you need help, expect to pay for it.

PeoplePC Online

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

PeoplePC Online provides easy to install software - the services are straight forward to use and includes a personal web "portal" to serve as your entry point to the net.

Cost - $$$$

PeoplePC Online offers two pricing plans.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

PeoplePC's dial up services will help you get on the "net" simply and inexpensively.  The service includes technology to boost network performance up to 5 times - a big help over slower dial connections as well as spam controls and a virus blocker to keep unwanted email to a minimum and avert virus/worm attacks on your system.

Ease of Use - @@@@

PeoplePC's personal portal includes email and no banner ads.  Simple usable services.

Works With - YYY

PeoplePC's software is designed for the Windows environment (Accelerated requires Windows 98 or later).

Support - ppp

PeoplePC's web site includes a FAQ and lots of useful information to help you migrate from your existing provider to PeoplePC (surprise!).  If you need more help, PeoplePC offers free email support (but if you're having trouble getting access to the Internet, it's pretty tough to send tech support an email!).  Telephone support is available at a cost of $1.95 per minute - a 10 minute call would cost more than a month of their high end Accelerated access service!

Features - iii

PeoplePC's Unlimited Internet access service includes 2 email addresses, 100MB email storage, Internet Call Waiting, a pop-up blocker, spam controls, no banner ads on the portal, a performance accelerator, smart dialer technology and compatibility with standard Instant Messaging services (Yahoo!, MSN, AOL).  The Security Plus service adds the PeoplePC Internet Security Pack with anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software along with 2 extra email addresses.  PeoplePC has more than 9,271 dial up numbers to choose from, so there's a pretty good chance you'll find one within your local dialing area.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

PeoplePC markets itself as a low cost alternative to AOL - and the price is indeed less.  The large number of access number is a plus as well.  However, with lower price comes, in this case at least, expensive technical support.  If you don't think you'll ever need any help from PeoplePC's tech support, a viable, inexpensive Internet access alternative.

Home based business owners also have the option of contacting one of the myriad of other ISPs that provide local, regional or national services (with partners).  Services range from "free" (ad based so be ready for low productivity as your limited dial bandwidth is eaten up by banner ads and pop-ups), $6.95, $7.95 a month to standard $21.95 and higher rates per month.  Listings of these ISPs can be found at the following web sites:

• The List

• The Directory

• Meta Directory of ISPs

• Free Internet Access.

However, some things to keep in mind when choosing a "smaller" player versus one of the "big guys":

• Viability - with all of the failures and bankruptcies in the telecommunications industry, make sure that the provider you choose will be around when you need them.  This will save you time and money in the future.  If you have to change providers, convert email and Web addresses it can be painful and time consuming.  Also, if your provider does "go under", it could result in missed 'connections' with your customers and business partners - and financial impact to your business.

• Customer Support - although sometimes local is better, make sure its the case with your provider.  Does their operations and help desk function 24 x 7?  Are their folks knowledgeable and helpful?  Do they have a Web site with a knowledge base available to answer your basic questions?

• Reliability and Availability  - if the local provider is operating "on the edge", it is possible that getting things fixed, upgraded or maintained could be a problem.  Of course, if things aren't being repaired or maintained your service will suffer.

• Performance - Most small providers rely on the "big guys" for connections to their networks and Internet "peering points" (the places in the Internet where all the large network providers "meet" and interchange data).  They are, therefore, customers of the "big guys" as well, and suffer many of the same frustrations you would have in dealing with them.  Additionally, because the smaller provider is paying significant dollars to the "big guys", they may be reluctant to upgrade the bandwidth in the connections to them.  As traffic rises, and bandwidth gets squeezed, the performance of your service will suffer.  So, make sure your provider has more than enough capacity to service its user base.

Maybe by now, you've decided that dial-up is only good for you when you are traveling.  If that's the case, check out our Broadband page and realize the productivity gain that a faster network connection can bring