Giving an internet connection as a gift can be a good idea, depending on many factors. Does the person want an internet connection in their home? Can they afford to pay for the service after your gift subscription has run out? Do they have a computer so they can connect to the internet? Do they even know how to use a computer, much less the internet?

Approximately 75% of Americans have access to the internet. This does not mean they have a connection in their home; it could be at work, school, an internet cafe, etc. When you consider the US population of about 3.3 million people, this leaves a lot of people without internet access.

So now you think you just might want to give an internet connection as a gift, what next? You should take into consideration whether the person you have in mind has experience on a computer and/or the internet. If not, are you willing to teach them? If not, then you need not consider this gift any further. There is no reason to give a gift if the person will not be able to use it. If you are willing to teach them, remember to be patient. They may be intimidated and overwhelmed at first, but eventually it will become easier. And try not to forget that things you will think are common sense will not be to the computer or internet newbie.

If the gift is for someone who accesses the internet at work, but not at home, you will need to find out why. They may not be able to afford an internet connection at home. They may be tired of the internet by the time they get home and not want to even think about it once they leave the office. They may not want it in their house because they don't want it to take away from family time. So be considerate and find out why they do not have one already.

Do they have a computer? If not, are you willing to buy them one? Why give an internet connection to someone who cannot connect to it? This may be a time when you and other members of your family go in together and together you buy the person a computer and internet connection as a package. This can be an ideal gift for an elderly person who has never been online, but wants to keep in touch with family who has moved away. Again you will probably need to be willing to teach this person how to use their new PC and internet. But imagine how happy they will be when they receive those first pictures of the grandchildren in an email.

There are alternatives for people who do not have a computer. There are services that cost no more than a

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