So you’ve made the decision to switch from cable to satellite TV.  Good for you! But wait!  What about your internet access? If you’ve been relying on your cable company to provide you access to the internet, you’ll be happy to know that DirecTV can also supply you with access to your favorite websites.

DirecTV has partnered with several major internet access providers to ensure their subscribers have continued high-speed internet access, without depending on a cable connection.  In addition to Verizon, Bellsouth (now AT&T) and Qwest, DirecTV offers its customers internet access from Earthlink and Wildblue.

Click here to see the complete list of choices for getting your Internet service through DirecTV .

How do you decide which internet provider is the right one for you?  Well, for some of you that decision has been made a bit easier.  Not all providers are available in all areas. You can search from their High-Speed Internet Access page to find out which ones service your area.

The name Verizon is easily recognized as one of the major players in the telephone industry, now making a splash in the internet access provider pool.

Verizon delivers broadband internet service through existing copper telephone lines. Up to 20 times faster than traditional dial-up, technology now allows you to be on the phone and the computer at the same time. It’s worth mentioning that there are several factors that may affect your speed:

•    Distance of your phone line to a Verizon Central Office
•    Condition of the phone wiring inside and outside
•    Configuration of your computer
•    Internet congestion
•    Server speed of the websites you visit

AT&T, a long-time leader in the telephone arena, offers several choices for accessing your favorite sites. With prices ranging from $20-45 and the option of choosing dial-up, FastAccess DSL or broadband via satellite, this provider has a plan for everyone’s budget and preference.

Qwest, whose region is concentrated in the western half of the country, is another telephone company partnered with DirecTV. Qwest advertises prices ‘for life’ on their packages, but only if the internet access package is bundled with a qualifying home phone package.

The other two partners, Earthlink and Wildblue are the only ones specializing in providing internet access service. Earthlink has been doing just that for the past 11 years. They offer access to the World Wide Web via cable, DSL, satellite and wi-fi.

Wildblue concentrates its efforts on satellite access to the internet. With speeds up to 30 times faster than dial-up, you’re truly surfing at lightning speed.

Of course, you have to have an unobstructed view of the southern sky for any satellite connection, but their minidish is small enough (28 x 26 inches) to be mounted just about anywhere. Wildblue requires a 12 month commitment with substantial penalties if you break the contract.

So what’s the next step?  First you need to find out which of the DirecTV partners provide service in your area.

You can easily find out with a quick visit to DirecTV's website . (Click on the link.)

Next, decide what you want to spend. Lastly, check with each provider for the latest promotions and compare their package prices so you get the best value for your money.  

All that’s left for you to do is enjoy the feeling you’ll get from severing ties with the cable snake!