If you are considering one of the “big three” Internet service providers (AT&T, Verizon, or MSN), it’s important to compare all three services to see which company may offer the best deal to suit your needs.

IAre you looking for dial-up access? AT&T, Verizon, and MSN all offer plans for those still using a dial-up modem to access the Internet. How do the three companies measure up to one another?

• MSN offers dial-up service, but some area codes are not served. You may be required to dial a different area code to get dial-up Internet access. Check with your phone company to learn whether long distance charges apply.
• AT&T offers dial-up access with an extensive list of area codes served, and also offers an 800 or 888 option billed at 10 cents per minute.
• Verizon offers a variety of area codes with the warning that some locations may be required to dial a long-distance number if their local area code is not served.

Dial-up prices and plan details vary from company to company. Verizon offers plans, including a low-cost (under $10) subscription, but you are limited to 50 hours of Internet use a month. For a higher fee, you can get Verizon’s unlimited dial-up plan. AT&T offers a low-cost monthly dial-up plan restricted to 10 hours a month, with extra hours billed at 99 cents per hour. A plan for 150 hours a month is also offered for around $20. MSN offers a “metered” Internet plan with 20 hours of connection time, but the unlimited plan is only a few dollars more.

For those looking for high-speed DSL access, these three companies are quite competitive. AT&T’s rates for DSL service start at around $20 and offer faster connections and download speeds for an additional cost per month, excluding equipment fees and taxes. MSN and Verizon offer broadband Internet together, advertising Verizon Broadband with MSN Premium. This service is comparably priced and features exclusive content from MSN. The perks for choosing broadband Internet include unlimited connection time, anti-virus software, several e-mail accounts and online storage.

All three companies have attractive offerings for both broadband and dial-up Internet service. If you find it hard to choose between the three, here are some tips to help determine your Internet needs:

• How much time do you currently spend on the Internet? Will that time increase after you get a subscription plan? If so, don’t choose a metered plan, go for an unlimited subscription.
• Some basic DSL or broadband Internet plans are only a few dollars more per month than dial-up. Can you afford to move to a faster connection? If so, make the switch.
• Is my area code currently serviced by dial-up plans from one of the three companies? Will I need to pay a long-distance fee to connect? The cost of DSL may be comparable to the final costs you pay in those long distance fees.

No matter which service you choose, an informed choice is your best bet. Compare the plans, consider the perks offered by each company, and choose a plan based on your Internet habits and your download speed needs. After a bit of homework, you can choose your Internet service provider with confidence.