Most of us have come a long way since then, and today, one of the most frequently asked questions I receive is wanting to know what is the best business option for upgrading to a broadband connection.

Broadband is a loosely used term that refers to any type of high-speed Internet connection. Basically, it is anything other than your standard dial-up connection, which was traditionally limited by the technology of a basic phone line.

There are three general categories for broadband connections Ñ DSL, Cable and Wireless. I will discuss the pros and cons of each followed by a list of companies that provide these services locally.

I should also mention that there are levels of connectivity higher than this middle tier of price and speed. Most have heard of T1 or T3 lines but I am purposely leaving those out of this column, as they are price prohibitive for most small business owners, not to mention just plain overkill for most people's needs.

As far as price is concerned, the old dial-up is probably costing you about $20 per month plus the cost of the phone line. Many people just gave their fax line double duty and if you were online, you just didn't receive any faxes or vice versa. For broadband, expect to pay closer to $50 to $80/month.

Fortunately, you get a lot for the extra money. The obvious advantage is a faster connection. Once you use a broadband connection for a while, you will not be satisfied with the speed of your old dial-up modem. Plus, broadband connections are always on. This means no wait or annoying clicks and buzzes when you want to hit the Internet. Just open your browser and surf away. And, the last biggie is, it frees up your phone line so you can give your fax line back to your fax machine full time, or you can cancel your extra line.

The first of the three options to discuss is DSL, which is the acronym for Digital Subscriber Line. DSL has been in Yuma longer than any other broadband service and is considered to be very reliable. The technology is based on your connection traveling over specialized phone lines, but unless you order your DSL directly from Qwest Communications, you don't need to deal with the phone company during installation or once it is in use. In other words, no extra phone bill from Qwest.

The main advantage to going with DSL is reliability, a variety of companies from which to order the service and several connection speed options. which allow you to keep the service within your budget or expand it to fit your growing needs.

Unfortunately, there are some limitations and downsides with DSL. One of the biggest obstacles is that service can only be offered within a short distance of the Qwest Central Office - approximately 15,000 feet. Another downside is you can expect to wait at least a few months for installation. If you are in a hurry, this is not the option for you. But if you can afford to wait and your location qualifies for the service, you are in great shape.

The second option for Broadband is cable. As the name suggests, this connectivity comes through your cable TV connection and doesn't use any phone lines at all. That alone is one of the major advantages to cable. Another big advantage is the install is usually a few daysÕ wait instead of a few months with DSL. And, let's face it; we all want it done yesterday, right? Cable also has good coverage and as long as you are in the main part of the Yuma area, you will probably be able to order their service.

The downside to using this option is there is only one cable company - Adelphia. And, even if you call their local number, you are automatically sent into a national support phone queue that doesn't seem to be in touch with what is really happening with the local technicians and service department. And, if you are a business, you must pay the business rate for the service, which is at the higher end of the spectrum. Still, this option is my personal recommendation after weighing all the options.

The third kind of broadband being discussed here is wireless. This is the newest option for our area and, like the other two, offers distinct advantages and disadvantages.

If you are thinking wireless, it is probably because your location is out of the DSL or cable service areas. While it is necessary to have a line of site location to one of the towers located throughout Yuma, these antennas have been placed in areas that offer a much wider coverage area than DSL and cable.

And, when it is working, the speeds are fast and the price is affordable.

However, I have several clients running their Internet connection through various local wireless providers and they confirm the reputation that the reliability can be rather spotty. Things like rain or windstorms frequently disrupt your line of site and knock out your connection. And, being newer technology, it just isn't as reliable as the other options.

Plus, it is necessary to install an antenna on the roof of your location so you can receive the signal from the main tower.

Without getting into the technical mumbo-jumbo behind these three technologies, this outline should give you a pretty clear idea of what service is right for you.

If you are ready to make the jump to a broadband connection, here is a list of providers in our area:

DSL

Cyber Trails www.cybertrails.com 888.GO-CYBER

Digital Dune www.digitaldune.com 928-344-1110

The River www.theriver.com 877-887-4837

Qwest www.qwest.com 800-603-6000

Cable

Adelphia www.adelphia.net 888-683-1000

Wireless

Beamspeed www.beamspeed.net 928-343-0300

Digital Dune www.digitaldune.com 928-344-1110