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The Best Option for your Broadband Needs

August 20, 2008 |

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.

The main choices the typical consumer has are DSL, cable, and fiber optic broadband service. The three have different speeds and prices, and their level of access to you can depend on location. But, they all do offer a great boost over the connection speeds one would see with dial up service.

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 an option run by your local cable television service and provides a middle tier of broadband options. The price is higher than DSL, ranging from $25 to over $500 per month for business access, but offers a faster speed than most DSL packages.

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.

Fiber Optic technology, which has been primarily introduced by Verizon?s FIOS, is the high end of connectivity. Since Fiber Optic cables (a cable with a small piece of glass that reflects beams of light) are required, this is not available in most areas.

The price of fiber optic service can range from $30 to over $200 per month depending on the package. But, for those seeking the fastest speed, have a lot of computer users in the home, or run a website or other online business, fiber optics can be the way to go.

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.

If you liked this article be sure you check out additional information about High speed internet providers. If you are considering switching providers, it is very helpful to High speed internet service providers prior to signing an agreement.

Article Source: The Best Option for your Broadband Needs




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