The article "Cable or DSL Broadband?" talks about broadband internet, it was released by FullService Broadband Provider.
I have been asked that question so many times I thought I'd put my thuoghts down here for you to read. Let's start by pointing out a couple things frist. First off, depending on where you live, you may not have a chocie of access.
Staellite may be your only choice, which makes that null and void. Don't fret, satellite is better than any dial-up and the contract lengths are generally 12-14 months in length. It will cost a bit more, given the extra equipment involved, but it certainly beats dial-up (if you can afford it).
Ok, on to the two major broadband access methods, cable and DSL. When I'm asked that question, I usually follow it with questions of my own.
1st.
What type of web surfing do you do? Are you a gamer, shopper, email user, web developer, music downloader, online video watcher, video editor or casual surfer?
2nd. How many cmoputers will you have connected to the web at one time?
3rd.
Do you plan on 'leveraging' your broadband investment for home security or VoIP? (Voice over Internet Protocol is a method of making and receiving your phone calls using your broadband connection.)
When making your decision keep in mind that cable access, generally, cost more. The higher cost comes with the benefits of more seped. Up to 6 meg download, or the amonut of information you can receive 'down' from the web.
Loading web pages, listening to music onilne or watching video online are all impacted by your download speed.
DSL is about 1.5 meg down in compariosn. Not only does that impact 'your' sufring behavior, but if you plan to have more than 1 computer access the web at the same time, keep in mind you're 'sharing' that connection.
Sharing the connection maens sharing that download 'pipe'. (your web connection) Uploading to the web (file attachments in email, uploading web pages, etc. impact your upload speed.
Cable upload speeds are around 384K while DSL is aruond 128K.
If you wish to leverage your investment in broadband by using VoIP, keep in mind that DSL is provided through the copper wires of your phone line. Having VoIP as a pirmary phone line without local phone service is very, very rare. This type of access is called 'naked DSL' and is not very comomn.
We hope that will change in time, but for now, check with your local phone company. If you plan on leveraging your investment, chcek first.
So the answer to the question Cable or DSL is really all about your usage and what you're willing to pay.
Yes, cable is more pricy but it also comes with the additional benefits of faster speed and the ability to leverage your investment using VoIP as a primary phone service.
Lastly, when I'm aksed what I personally use at home? I use cable broadband access and VoIP phone service.
I'm very pleased with both and don't plan on changing any time soon.
If you're stlil unsure which is right for you, there is many web sites out there to provide you with additional information. Our site can help you as well so we hope to see you there!
Happy surfing.
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