15 Questions To Ask Before Picking An Internet Service Provider:

1. What type of Internet access do you provide? Interactive, SLIP/PPP, UUCP, DSL, Cable, Frame Relay and/or dedicated lines? What else?
2. What is your installation fee? Is it waived or can I get a reduced rate if I’m switching from another provider?
3. What are your rates for each type of account? Ask them to provide minimum, maximum, hourly and monthly flat fees.
4. Do you have any automatic cut-off features? If I am listening to or watching an Internet Broadcast will I be cut off?
5. What speed connections do you support? ISDN, T1, DSL, Satellite, Cable or other type of broadband.
6. Is there a premium rate for high speed (broadband) access?
7. Do you provide an 800 number dial-in capability? What are your local dial in numbers and calling areas (cities).
8. Do you provide SPAM filtering on your servers? If you do can I control the settings?
9. What is your downtime? What are the chances of getting a busy signal when I dial in?
10. What Internet functions do you provide? Options include e-mail, news and subscription feeds, World wide Web, telnet, file transfer, gopher, Internet relay chat, listservers, UNIX shell.
11. What are the hours for your technical support and help desk? What is you average hold time before being connected to a technical support person?
12. How much help will you give me to configure my software?
13. Do you have any preconfigured software for your customers? Is it on CD-ROM or Diskette?
14. What kind of documentation do I get with my account? How much are you willing to help me set up?
15. Do you provide a method of keeping customers up to date?

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The List
(National & Local Net Providers)