The cheaper option in internet surfing

In today’s modern, technology driven world, doing things manually no longer holds. With the introduction of the fibre optic cable, much more data will be accessible at much higher speed and to many more people.

In its initial days, it would cost as much as Sh5 per minute to surf the internet but as more places cropped up, the rates came down to Sh2, Sh1 to stand at today’s 50 cents for the same period. Technological advancements have also brought with them a rise in the number of internet service providers.

Mobile phone service firms have also not been left behind with the introduction of modems that allow access for users. The most common equipment used to receive and send bulk data whether to one person or many is the computer.

A personal computer or PC continues to appear like an expensive, out of reach item for many who still rely on cyber cafes to access the net.

Consider this: A daily visit to a cyber café for an average of one hour, even at 50 cents a minute would cost Sh30. That would cost Sh210 per week or Sh900 per month. Over a year this would come to Sh10,800.

With increased competition among manufactures, faster, more efficient computer models are being released into the market ever so often. This means machines are fast becoming outdated.

It is, therefore, not difficult to secure a used but good machine for about Sh15,000 or newer, better models at between Sh20,000 and Sh25,000.

Alternatively, there are firms that allow customers to ‘hire purchase’ a new computer while making regular payments, normally over six months based on credit worthiness of course and a guarantor, preferably, an employer or own business.

In-store mobile phone shops in larger supermarket chains like Nakumatt and Tuskys are some of the firms with this facility.

It would also be worth it to access funds through social networks, employers or friends to buy a good machine that one can use at home with the whole family.

Add on a modem whose prices have fallen to as low as Sh3,000 from mobile phone service providers and you would have the whole outfit.

Compare that with Sh10,800 per year or Sh54,000 over five years if that is how long you have been relying on cyber cafes. Next time you are there, get yourself one.