Shopping Product Reviews

How to choose the best broadband Internet access option

Not many years ago, accessing the Internet was a “one size fits all” technology. When you wanted to surf the web, send and receive emails, post files on a website, or just play AOL games, you accessed everything through your phone line using a modem and a standard dial-up account. Most of us didn’t mind because we found that everyone else shared the slow speeds we endured. The notion of “speed envy” of the Internet had yet to emerge.

Well those days are behind us! Today, in increasing numbers, people are ditching their old dial-up modems and those slow connections for a much faster Internet experience via DSL, cable, and satellite technologies. In 2002, only 21% of Internet users had broadband connections at home. By the end of 2005, that number had risen to 53%. [Source: Pew Internet & American Life Project].

For the remaining 47% who still use dial-up access, it is often because they live where DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and cable technologies are not available. Yes, there are still many rural areas that do not have access to either. Among those who do have access to broadband connections, older and poorer Americans most often choose to maintain dial-up access.

Which Internet Access Option Is Best For You?

You may be wondering which broadband solution is the best option. While much depends on what is available in your area, for many users this is a personal choice, focused on convenience, speed, and cost. Let’s examine the various technologies and the relative advantages of each.

Internet access by cable

With the existing cable TV lines in your home, you can get included Internet access for an additional fee. Expect a huge speed increase compared to dial-up. In fact, in many cases, wired Internet access is the fastest alternative. Installation is usually completed quickly with a single visit from your cable company technicians. You will also need a cable modem (supplied by the cable company in almost all cases, but can also be purchased separately).

Clearly, the biggest advantage of opting for wired access is speed. All things being equal, it is the fastest of the three broadband alternatives, with a maximum speed of 10 Mbps (Megabits per second). That being said, your cable speed can be substantially reduced if you share a local network with many other subscribers. People who live in densely populated areas, or places where the cable company has many users on the same network, will only get a fraction of that top speed. It’s a good idea to call your cable provider and ask a few questions about these issues before ordering. Better yet, ask neighbors who have wired internet what kind of speed they get.

DSL Internet access

Digital Subscriber Line Access uses your existing phone line in an innovative way to dramatically increase Internet speed. While cable is typically faster, DSL is substantially faster than traditional dial-up and offers a much better experience for a modest increase in cost. Installation is quick, usually only requiring a simple change to your home phone booth away from home by a technician from the phone company. You will need a DSL modem, which most providers include at no additional charge when you sign an extended service contract.

If you live where DSL is not currently available, please be patient. Major carriers like Sprint, Verizon, and AT&T are expanding their coverage areas rapidly. Even many rural areas can expect to have DSL access in the coming months.

The two big benefits of choosing DSL are cost and speed. You just need to get the modem and follow a few simple instructions to set it up. If you accept a one-year contract with your telephone service provider (most major providers), the modem will cost you nothing. And the service itself is generally in the $ 15- $ 40-per-month range, which makes for a good bargain.

Speed ​​is a bit trickier with DSL. It is slower than cable (the maximum speed is about 6 Mbps) and the main providers offer different packages that limit the speeds based on the price you pay per month. To further muddy the waters, DSL is what is known as “limited distance” technology. This means that the distance you live from the nearest telephone company switching station determines your actual speed. Those who live within a few yards will experience the highest speeds, while those at the other end of your street or block may have only half that speed. As with cable, call your local phone provider and ask questions about the various services and what kind of actual speed you can expect based on your exact physical location relative to your street or neighborhood switching station. If you have a next-door neighbor with DSL, ask what their experience has been, as yours will likely be very similar.

Satellite Internet access

Satellite Internet access uses a small mounted dish and a group of electronic devices to send and receive data via satellites orbiting the Earth above the equator. Users must have a clear view of the southern sky (in the US) from the front of the platter, unobstructed by trees, buildings, and other obstacles. Coaxial cabling connects outdoor equipment to indoor sending and receiving equipment which is then connected to your computer via a standard USB connector or a network card.

The main advantage of satellite Internet access is that connection speeds are faster for people who live where cable and DSL are not available. Users can expect to download data 10 to 30 times faster than dial-up. While satellite Internet connections are significantly faster than dial-up, they are slower than cable and DSL, and should not be the first choice for those who have cable or DSL at their disposal. Satellite access is also more expensive than DSL or cable and can be cut off when the weather turns bad. Clearly the other two are better options unless you live where they are not available.

The bottom line

Overall, cable and DSL are excellent broadband Internet access solutions for most people living in urban or suburban locations. Satellite access adds a much-needed alternative for people living in rural areas, completing the coverage area for the vast majority of the United States and Canada. While cable and DSL advocates have legitimate arguments in favor of their services, the decision between them must be made on an individual basis, determined by the actual speeds and costs of each at your location.

If speed is your top priority and you live where there aren’t many other users sharing the local cable network, go for cable (especially if your neighbors report high speeds and good service). If not, look for DSL. If cost is your main consideration and speed isn’t that important, a low-end DSL service will probably suit you better, as long as you don’t live too far from the nearest telephone switching station. Lastly, if you live in a rural area, satellite Internet access may be ideal for you, especially if you want faster downloads and browsing websites.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *