On Technical Assistance from Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Typically, ISPs that charge a low monthly rate don’t offer very much technical assistance to customers. Even if you go with an expensive ISP, find out how long the company takes to reply to e-mail queries for technical assistance. Find out as well whether the ISP maintains a 24-hour telephone line that you can call if you need technical assistance. (By the way, queries as to what to do about smoke coming from a modem should be directed to the local fire department,
which is obliged to respond faster than an ISP.)