How to choose the best option for broadband Internet access

Not too many years ago, Internet access was a “one size fits all” technology. When he wanted to surf the web, send and receive email, post files to a website, or just play games on AOL, he accessed it all through his phone line using a standard dial-up account and modem. Most of us didn’t care because we realized that the slow speeds we put up with were shared by everyone else. The notion of “speed envy” of the Internet had not yet emerged.

Well, those days are long gone! Today, in increasing numbers, people are ditching their old dial-up modems and slow connections for a much faster Internet experience through DSL, cable, and satellite technologies. In 2002, only 21% of Internet users had a broadband connection 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, it’s often because they live where cable and DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) 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, it is more often older and poorer Americans who choose to keep dial-up.

Which Internet access option is best for you?

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

Wired internet access

Using your home’s existing cable TV lines, you can get Internet access included for an additional fee. Expect a huge speed boost compared to dial-up. In fact, in many cases cable Internet access is the faster alternative. Installation is usually completed quickly with just one visit from your cable company technicians. You’ll also need a cable modem (supplied by the cable company in most cases, but can also be purchased separately).

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

ADSL internet access

Digital Subscriber Line Access uses your existing phone line in an innovative way to dramatically increase your Internet speeds. 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 phone company technician. You’ll need a DSL modem, which most providers include at no extra charge when you sign up for an extended service contract.

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

The two big advantages to choosing DSL are cost and speed. You just need to get the modem and follow some simple instructions to set it up. If you agree to a one-year contract with your phone service provider (most major carriers), the modem won’t cost you anything. And the service itself is usually in the $15-$40 per month range, making it a pretty good deal.

Speed ​​is a bit more complicated with DSL. It’s slower than cable (maximum speed is about 6 Mbps) and major providers offer different packages that cap speeds based on the price you pay per month. To further muddy the waters, DSL is what is known as a “limited distance” technology. This means that the distance you live from the nearest phone 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 get only half that speed. Just like 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 in relation to your street or neighborhood switching station. If you have a next-door neighbor with DSL, ask them what their experience has been, as yours will probably be very similar.

Satellite Internet Access

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

The main advantage of satellite Internet access is that connection speeds are faster for people who live in places where cable and DSL are not available. Users can expect to download data at speeds 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 disrupted when the weather turns bad. Clearly the other two are better options unless you live where they are not available.

The bottom line

In general, cable and DSL are excellent broadband Internet access solutions for most people living in urban or suburban areas. Satellite access adds a much-needed alternative for people living in rural areas, rounding out the coverage area for the vast majority of the United States and Canada. While proponents of both cable and DSL 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 in your location.

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