DSL and cable are two options for high-speed internet. DSL uses a telephone line and is cheaper, but has distance limitations. Cable requires cable TV and is faster, but more expensive. Cable can also offer bundled services. Both require a modem.
Today’s online content requires a high-speed Internet connection. The first choice to make is which type to get, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or cable? Knowing some of the differences between DSL and cable should help you decide which one will best suit your needs.
The first difference between DSL and cable is that DSL comes over a standard telephone line, whereas cable requires cable television service. In both cases the lines can handle other transmissions in addition to the Internet service. For example, you can use your telephone to make and receive calls while online with DSL, since DSL uses separate frequencies from telephone communications. Likewise, you can watch television while online with cable Internet service.
Before we get into the other differences between these two services, keep in mind that a DSL subscriber will need to be within a certain distance of a telephone hub to get good DSL service. Therefore, DSL is not available in all areas, although this is becoming less of a problem. Any DSL provider that provides service in your area can tell by your phone number if you are eligible for DSL service.
DSL and cable packages vary in price based on speed. Entry-level DSL plans offer speeds of up to 768 kilobits per second (kbps), while the more competitive plans range from 1.5 megabits per second (mbps) to 3.0 mbps. Cable plans typically range from 1.5 megabits per second (mbps) to 5.0 mbps.
One benefit of DSL service is that the speed remains the same no matter how many people use the service. With cable Internet service, the number of users in your local area can affect bandwidth availability and result in slow service. Your personal experience depends on the number of active users at any given time.
There is another significant difference between DSL and cable service. While major DSL providers have introductory prices starting at $14 US Dollars (USD) plus change per month (for the slowest plan), cable Internet service tends to be three to four times as expensive because their plans they are faster than these introductory DSL plans. The low introductory DSL price is for new subscribers in most cases and requires a one-year contract, but it’s a great deal when switching from dial-up. Even for mid-range plans, DSL tends to be cheaper than cable. For high-speed plans cable typically becomes cheaper, although offerings vary regionally and DSL technology is evolving to compete at higher speeds.
Cable Internet service, however, can offer something that DSL cannot. Cable services can save you money with digital packages that include cable television, Internet service, and digital phone service in one bill. For some people with high phone bills, the savings can offset the “higher” cost of cable Internet service. The best option is to check out both types of services in your area and see what each has to offer.
Both DSL and cable Internet service require a broadband modem. In many cases, the service provides a free pre-configured modem, to be returned upon cancellation of the service. You can also supply your own broadband modem.
If consolidating your phone, cable television, and Internet service doesn’t interest you, DSL service will likely be less expensive. Fortunately, both DSL and cable provide a welcome relief from much slower dial-up service, so you’ll win either way.
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