Dial-up Connection

A Dial-up Internet Connection (or dial-up for short) allows your computer to connect to the Internet through a voice telephone connection. For a monthly fee, a computer uses a dial-up modem to “talk” to a server just like you use a telephone to talk to your neighbour.

When in use, a dial-up connection does not allow other people to call you directly on the telephone because the line is busy. A dial-up connection is a slower yet less expensive way to access the Internet, and is usually the only method of Internet access in rural areas that do not have the entire infrastructure needed to carry faster Internet connections.

High-Speed Connection

A High-Speed Internet Connection (or high-speed for short) is usually an “always on” connection that is several times faster than dial-up. For a monthly fee, high-speed Internet connections can travel over coaxial cable (like cable TV), fiber-optic cable, or from a satellite connection. High-speed connections also don't tie up your telephone line giving you the convenience to talk on the phone and surf the Web at the same time.