Get Connected with Broadband

Download this article
Get Connected with Broadband
Part of a educational series presented in part with a grant from the
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development

The Pennsylvania eCommerce Association interviewed Michael Cubbins, Marketing Manager for Verizon, on broadband, what it is, how it works and why businesses need to understand and adapt this technology.

Q. Do small businesses – especially those in rural Pennsylvania – understand the need for broadband connectivity?

Some do, some don’t. Most small businesses that are in a ‘technology sector’ or that serve this sector to any degree understand the need for broadband connectivity. For them, it’s often not as much an option as it is a necessity. I believe that there are many other small businesses who fall into the category of not knowing what they’re missing. This is either because economical broadband has never been available to them or because they; A) just don’t see the need or B) have no application for it. I think very few small businesses fall into the ‘no application’ category. It’s more a matter educating them on how much more they could do if they had broadband.

Q. Other than the obvious speed differences, what are the major differences between broadband and dial up service?

A few of the major differences include: The cost of the phone line needs to be considered with dial-up access. You may think you’re only paying $15 or $20 per month for dial up, but while you’re on the internet, that telephone line is dedicated to that use only. Also, there are often usage charges (cost of the call) associated with dial-up. So you may need to double that cost estimate.

With a service like DSL, you can still use the telephone line for voice or fax transmissions simultaneously while you’re online. Most broadband connections are referred to as “always on”, meaning that there isn’t a dial-up or logon sequence that needs to happen. The connection between the PC or router and the Internet is constantly maintained, unless there is an interruption of service or the user device is turned off.

Q. Why do broadband rates vary depending upon your location?

Prices vary depending on the service provider, the type of broadband access and the speed packages offered. Some technologies are very consistent in price and others are very divergent. Similarly, some communications companies may have different pricing based on geography while others have state-wide or national pricing.

Speaking for Verizon, our High Speed Internet pricing is very consistent throughout the state of PA. Usually the pricing differences have to do with the speed package or optional services that are selected.

Other technologies, like T-1 service for instance, are ‘mileage sensitive’. This means that the further away from our Central Offi ce you (and your ISP) are, typically the more the service would cost. The rate per mile and charge per termination point would be fairly consistent (based on tariff rates) but the distance (mileage) could make a big difference in the end price to customers.