Cable ISPs offer high-speed internet over the same coaxial cable as cable TV, while fiber optic cable can carry more bandwidth. Cable ISPs can be bundled with TV and phone services, but may have bandwidth caps. Fiber optic services offer faster speeds and unlimited internet, but are limited to certain areas. DSL services offer unlimited internet and are not affected by load. AT&T U-verse is a hybrid service that offers high-speed DSL and TV with no bandwidth caps. Research and read the fine print before committing to any ISP.
A cable Internet service provider (ISP) provides high-speed Internet over the same coaxial cable that carries cable television into your home. Fiber optic cable, differentiated from coaxial cable, is capable of carrying much more bandwidth. Fiber-optic Internet services may cost more than standard cable services, but they can offer faster speeds. Most addresses are served by a single cable or fiber optic TV operator, which in turn offers a single choice of ISP for cable or fiber optic service.
One potential advantage of getting a cable ISP over digital line service (DSL) is that most people already pay for cable TV. Cable ISP service can be bundled on the same bill, along with optional digital phone service. Aside from the potential savings, it pays to pay for three services in one bill.
Older neighborhoods that have copper telephone wires (which DSL runs on) are usually served by coaxial cable TV. A major cable TV provider is Time Warner® Cable (TWC), which uses Road Runner® High Speed Online as its cable ISP offering. Road Runner® is a division of TWC, also contractually offered by some third-party cable operators.
Before switching to a cable ISP, keep in mind that bandwidth caps may apply which limit the amount of data that can be uploaded and downloaded. For those who remember the dial-up days, all Internet services were initially limited. Over time, unlimited remote access services became the norm, eliminating usage caps. Some major cable companies want to revive the limited Internet model by making those using the most bandwidth pay accordingly. In some areas, TWC has implemented bandwidth limits, not only on Road Runner® but also on its DSL service. Comcast® also implements a bandwidth limit. Exceeding a limit will incur fees for the overage.
Bandwidth limits are an important consideration due to the trend of using computers for more than email and browsing. If you enjoy watching online TV on sites like Hulu.com, movies, or documentaries, the modest limits could quickly be outgrown, particularly if the whole family shares an Internet account. Other free services like Pandora Radio allow users to create a custom streaming radio station to play background music while you work or browse, and online backup services can consume several to hundreds of gigabytes with each use. Virtual environments like Second Life® and online gaming can also increase bandwidth – all food for thought when considering a cable ISP imposing a bandwidth cap.
Another consideration before accessing with an ISP with standard coaxial cable is that the speed can decrease if too many people in the immediate area are using the Internet at the same time. Before committing to a carrier, check with neighbors who use their cable ISP and ask what time of day they’re online and how the service works. If the people in your area are generally happy with it, and if the bandwidth caps (or potential caps) are generous enough for your needs, you’re good to go. If, however, your research or the limitations disappoint, consider DSL. Most DSL services, outside of TWC, offer unlimited internet and usage is unaffected by load.
Verizon® FiOS (fiber-optic service) offers lightning-fast Internet and, according to reports released in 2010, currently has no plans to introduce caps. Fiber optic cable is replacing copper telephone wires in select areas and is the cable of choice for new developments. This is good news if you are looking for a cable ISP with unlimited internet. Fiber optic TV and digital phone can be grouped together for added convenience. Availability is limited, however, to those areas that have been equipped with fiber optic cable.
AT&T® U-verse® is a hybrid service that uses copper and fiber optic lines to deliver very high bitrate DSL (VDSL) and TV packets. U-verse® VDSL speeds rival standard fiber optic services and impose no bandwidth caps as of this writing.
To find a cable, fiber, or DSL service in your area, enter the service address on a site like theISPguide.com. Remember to read the fine print before entering into any contracts, as packages are constantly evolving and this article is intended to provide general information only, subject to change. DSLReports.com is also useful for customer reviews of DSL, cable and fiber operators.
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