Broadband internet access also known as high speed internet access is the best option for common internet users and businesses, as it offers high speeds for activities such as downloads and uploads of various media consisting of large files such as games, movies music and other documents. The standard minimum speed of broadband is 768 Kbps and can be up to 50 Mbps for residential or small office internet access depending on the service. Even faster internet speeds are available, typically pursued by larger businesses.

Internet service providers offer DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) internet access. DSL connects users to the ISP through a phone line, without the need of installing new wiring and cables. DSL allows users to use one phone line to connect to the internet and talk on the phone simultaneously. This is possible due to the DSL technology, which splits frequencies of a phone line into two bands of high and low frequencies. DSL delivers faster speeds than dial up internet access. DSL internet infrastructure and hardware includes a phone line, phone line splitter, phone line filter, DSL modem, and Ethernet cable to connect to the computer. Prices for DSL internet services are competitive and may include other fees for installation and equipment. DSL internet speeds depend on the distance between a user and the ISP office, with the closest distance providing faster speeds and farther distance providing slower speeds. There is also a distance limit for DSL delivery, and if a user is too far away from the ISP the service cannot be delivered. The technology that delivers internet service is technically called ADSL (Asymmetric DSL.)

Cable modems deliver high speed internet through an established cable television service (exclusively from the cable company.) Cable internet infrastructure and hardware includes coaxial or fiber optic cables, cable line splitters, cable modems and router, and ethernet cables to connect to the computer. A Cable line can be split, allowing separate connections to the a computer and a television. A user can watch cable television and use cable internet all coming from a single cable line. Inquiries from local cable companies can be made about cable internet service, which are available at competitive prices and sometimes within bundled multi-service packages and deep discounts. Cable internet service is very reliable and is rarely affected by external factors. The use of cable wires and fiber optics means that there are no distance limits for the service delivery and very low losses of signal strength if any.

DSL and cable modems allow computers to be connected in a network, such as a small home or office network. Multiple computers can connect to each other and share files and folders and a single internet connection. Typically, routers or “access points” are connected to the modems to provide network connections among the computers and other peripherals. Ethernet networks can be created by physically connecting all the computers to the router or modem with Ethernet cables. Wireless networks can be created by connecting computers to the router with either PCI or PC cards or USB wireless adapters.

In the New York area, some of the best and well known internet service providers of mobile broadband are Sprint, Verizon and AT&T. Wi-fi hotspots are scattered across New York and the surrounding boroughs in areas such restaurants, cafes, shops, airports and hotels. Users can connect their laptops to the internet through wireless technology at these hotspots. Laptop wireless cards are required to establish such connections. Companies such as Sprint and AT&T offer special wi-fi internet access plans at compatible hotspots or wi-fi zones, which are usually found in abundance in the streets of New York City. Wireless internet at wi-fi spots offers speeds greater than 10 Mbps, something that users might be used to only at home or office through cable and fiber optics.