Alabama Broadband
Due to the ABI and Executive Order Number 42, Alabama broadband provides a great deal more high speed Internet access for the state of Alabama and the Gulf Coast region, than it did just a few years ago. Broadband connections have replaced dial up Internet as the way people connect to the world in the last ten years, though rural areas have been slower to adopt the new technologies than people in the cities. That is changing as you read with Alabama online hookups, though, because Alabamians now understand that, in the Information Age, the economic climate of a geographic area is partially measured by the availability of broadband access.
Executive Order No. 42
In May 2008, Governor Bob Riley of Alabama authored Executive Order Number 42, which stated the importance of broadband availability for the people within the state, as well as the lack of broadband access to much of the state's rural areas. This order also formed the Alabama Broadband Initiative (ABI).
Alabama Broadband Initiative
The goal of the ABI was to expand the availability of broadband Internet access across Alabama. A contract resulted with a company called CostQuest. The contract gave the company the responsibility of analyzing current broadband access and determining how to improve access for the millions of Alabama residents who were unable to contract broadband Internet.
The secondary goal of the ABI was to ensure that Alabama broadband connections would be affordable.
How to Get Broadband Access in Alabama
There are several different ways that consumers in Alabama can get broadband access in Alabama. Availability depends on the specific location within the state.
In many rural areas, access is available only via satellite. The problem is, satellite broadband is expensive and doesn't offer the speed of a standard broadband package. Three additional types of broadband access are available: DSL, Cable and Wireless.
Alabama High Speed Internet
In addition to the three common types of high speed internet in Alabama, there are also different speeds. The process of selecting a broadband package in Alabama can be a bit confusing for those who don’t understand the differences.
Alabama DSL Broadband - Verizon and AT&T
A DSL broadband connection is provided by an Alabama telephone company such as Verizon or AT&T. DSL utilizes the phone lines in your home to deliver high speed Internet. DSL connections are offered in two different speeds: 512Kbps and 1.5Mbps.
The 1.5Mbps connection is twice as fast as the other speed and most people now opt for this faster speed connection. It should be noted that both are at least 20 times faster than a dial up connection at the highest available speeds.
Alabama Cable Internet Broadband - Comcast and Adelphia
A cable Internet broadband connection is provided by an Alabama cable companies, such as Comcast, Road Runner or Adelphia. Cable broadband is available in one of the two speeds also offered for DSL. There is little observable difference between a DSL and a cable connection today, and most people choose between the two simply based on prices.
Alabama Wireless Broadband
A wireless broadband connection is, generally speaking, not as fast as either DSL or cable, but it is also much cheaper. With a wireless broadband, the Internet connection runs over a cellular phone network and is managed and sold through a cell phone provider in Alabama.
The biggest benefit of this type of wireless broadband access is availability everywhere within the cell phone provider’s network. Since most of these are now national, this is a good option for rural Alabamians needing wireless Internet service.
Wireless Hardware Accessories
Regardless of the type of broadband connection you choose in, you'll be required to buy or rent some type of specific hardware to make the connection. This might be a router, cables or other necessary connection equipment. A wireless connection requires the purchase of a brand-specific mobile broadband adapter for your computer.
Bad Internet Connections in Alabama
Depending on where you live within the state, your access to broadband Internet may vary from other cities and towns. While the ABI has done great things for making broadband more accessible, there is still a need for better service to outlying rural areas. The hope of all, is that before long there should be more affordable and more accessible broadband access for the entire state.
