You have your hardware and software and are now ready for the next step, choosing an Internet service provider. There are a number of them out there. If you have checked the papers lately there seem to be more popping up here and there. The type of service connection you will need to have to access the Web is called a SLIP or PPP connection. The following is a series of questions that may prove helpful for you to ask your potential Internet service provider before deciding to sign up with one.
Most service providers have different price options based on connect time.
Some common options are rates based on hours per month, ie. Some service providers charge a fee to sign you up to their service in the beginning. This is the fee they charge for you to establish an account with them. If you are dialing a number that is not considered a local phone call, you will be faced with paying not only your service provider's monthly fee but long distance charges on your telephone bill as well. Some providers offer limited free trials to potential customers so it pays to ask.