Broadband Choices ? Which is the best?
If you’re in the market to upgrade your internet access from dial up or choose a broadband provider for the first time, it can be confusing. With the different options available, the choice to move to a broadband one is an affordable and smart one as the internet adds more and more broadband content.
For many consumers, the three main broadband options are DSL, cable, and fiber optic. Each of these offers a great boost in speed over the typical dial up connection, but their differences can affect what kind of service and internet experience you might have.
DSL, which is installed and supported by phone companies is the cheapest but slowest of the three. The technology is limited by your distance from the phone company?s office so it may not be available in your area. Service is typically $15 – $30 a month depending on speed. For the basic user who wants to occasionally browse the web, upload some pictures, and send some emails, this is the preferred way to go.
Cable broadband is a little more expensive than DSL, and is run through your local cable television provider. The service can be more expensive, with packages going up from $25 per month, but the connection speeds are generally faster than DSL.
Unlike DSL, cable is not distance limited as long there is television service in your area. For the user who wants to watch/download videos online, play ?live? games, download/stream music, or has 2+ regularly used computers, cable modem would be it.
For the technologically advanced user, and the user seeking the best in connectivity, fiber optic technology is the best way to go. Many areas of the country do not have fiber optic connections, but for those who do, services like Verizon’s FiOS can provide you with the best connection available.
Bandwidth is by the far the greatest of the three, and there is more potential for network growth. Prices range from $30 – $200 depending on the package you choose. For those people with 3+ computers and are highly ?connected?, run websites, or upload/download a lot of content, this is your best choice.
Before you make your decision, be sure to see all of your options by visiting your phone and cable company?s websites to see what they offer in your area. Don?t forget that if you bundle your Internet service with phone and/or TV, you will save even more money.
Filed under: Broadband