Signing up for high-speed Internet access can be as easy as calling a DSL service provider directly or working through a vendor. If you're able to evaluate the customer service, pricing, and technology of multiple providers and choose the best one yourself, you can call that provider directly. If you want expert help in comparing the various ISP offerings without having to contact each one, a broker can do all the legwork for you.

An Internet access broker can connect you to multiple DSL service providers to find you the best combination of price and services. Best of all, this is a completely free service from the broker as the DSL service provider pays the commissions.

When you work with a broker to find a DSL service provider, make sure you get plenty of attention. If the provider follows up with you and asks good questions rather than simply throwing price quotes out, it is a positive sign that they care about your satisfaction above their bottom line.

Customer service is where you should demand the most attention. You want a DLS service provider that offers 24/7 live person support and who will monitor your setup remotely, install patches, and configure system upgrades after you get connected. A reliable DSL service provider will also provide you with e-mail contacts and let you know when there’s a network problem or your Internet access is slow or down altogether.