There are many different types of Internet services that an interested consumer can select from. Dial-up was the original method by which users accessed the Internet and despite the fact that there are now services that provide faster connection and delivery speeds, it continues to remain quite popular for several reasons. There are a couple of distinct advantages as well as disadvantages to using a dial-up Internet service to connect to the World Wide Web.

Dial-up is perhaps the simplest form of connectivity on the market today. This type of service uses Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) which utilizes an existing phone line and a modem. You may have heard the odd sounds that occur when your modem is connecting to the Internet. This sound occurs during modulation (conversion of an analog signal into a digital signal) and demodulation (conversion of a digital signal into an analog signal). When you send a message it is modulated by your modem and then transmitted to a central location where it is demodulated. On average, an individual can send and receive data at a maximum rate of approximately 45 kbps.

While those who have experienced high-speed access may not think so, there are actually a couple of advantages to using dial-up. It is very affordable with the cost ranging anywhere from $4.95 a month and to $24.95 a month. Many find this appealing when they discover that most high-speed Internet services start at $19.95 a month or higher. For the individual who is on a tight budget or looking to save some cash, this can prove to be extremely beneficial.

Another advantage to this type of Internet access is that there is no special equipment needed apart from a standard telephone line and a modem. Most computers, when purchased, already have a modem. This makes it less expensive to setup and worry-free when it comes to maintenance. In addition, it is also easy to troubleshoot if something does go wrong. Most of the time, simple connectivity issues can be resolved by speaking to a qualified technical support representative over the phone.

The disadvantages can and often do sway people away from it. The connectivity speed is significantly slower than that of a high-speed service, which means that pages load slower and downloading and uploading files take longer. You may also find it difficult to view certain videos or play online games and music. Perhaps the biggest disadvantage is that you may miss important telephone calls while you are online because it uses your phone line to connect.

Whether or not dial-up Internet service is right for you depends on your specific needs. If you are only going to check your email or surf the net then you should have no problem with it. However, if you frequently download and upload files or if you like to watch videos, play games, or play music, you might want to consider a service such as DSL, satellite, or cable.