To access the Internet from an off-campus location requires that you have your own Internet Service Provider (ISP).
We do not endorse andy specific Internet Service Providers (ISPs). You will need to choose your own provider and can locate a local ISP by looking in your phone book under "Internet." "Computers -- Internet," or by inquiring at a local computer store.
Speed vs. Cost
Keep in mind that some ISPs require the use of a traditional phone lines, while others use higher-speed digial connections.
If you are considering using an ISP that provides dial-up service via your regular telephone line, the disadvanages will be that you have a slow connection rate and your phone will be busy when you are online. However, the main advantage is that you will have a lower monthly fee than if subscribing to a high-speed service.
ISPs that provide digital connection, such as DSL or cable modems, will provide faster connection speeds but are usually more expensive. When using either DSL or cable modems, your phone line will not be busy.
If you are using a laptop, you might also consider the high-speed Internet services provided by some cellular phone companies. These services are usually more expensive than having a connection at your home location, but you have the freedom to access the Internet almost anywhere at anytime.
Your choice of the ISPs also depends on your home location, local telephone service, and travel patterns (if you intend to use your computer on the road). Some questions to ask are listed below:
- Does the service use your phone line or does it have a digital connection?
- Is it accessible from a local phone number?
- Can I use this ISP when I travel on business? If so, how does that work?
- Does the provider have a 1 (800) or local support service number available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
- What is the monthly charge?
- Is the monthly charge for unlimited service rather than by the hour?
Available ISPs
The ISPs listed below offer service to the Muncie area. The list was compiled based on ISPs that were available at the time this Web page was updated. It may not be an all-inclusive list. You may find other ISPs listed in your phone book. We do not endorse a specific ISP.
- ATT Uverse -- For high-speed digital access.
- Comcast -- High speed cable internet service that does not use a phone line.
- CoreCom -- Nationwide access previously available in Muncie under the names of NetDirect and Voyager.net
- Earthlink -- Nationwide access, DSL service in select areas, and home network available. See vendor web site for availability.
- IQuest -- Indiana ISP with Muncie access telephone numbers.
- LocalNet -- Nationwide access.
Free Providers
Several Web portals (some of which are listed below) offer free Internet dial-up access. These services are normally funded through advertising. Every site requires registration and most collect personal information to assist in delivery of appropriate advertisements. Most of these sites place a special advertising window or navigation bar on the user's computer screen. Not all free Internet access providers support Macintosh computers. If you wish to consider using a free ISP be sure to verify that your computer operating system is supported.
- Juno.com (free service limited to 10 hours per week)
- NetZero.com (free service limited to 10 hours per week)