How to Get a Cable Modem

Even though at the beginning of 2000 only 17 percent of North American homes had access to a cable Internet connection, availability is expanding quickly. When cable access arrives in your area, you might want to take advantage of its excellent speed potential.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cable Modems

1. Find out if your local cable television provider currently offers Internet service in your area. (If your local cable system is not yet set up for Internet connections, you won't be able to get a cable modem.)
2. Check the Web sites of @Home Network (the largest cable Internet service), Road Runner Group, High Speed Access Corporation and SoftNet Systems to see if they offer service through your cable company.
3. Check computer and consumer electronics chains in your area to see if you can arrange for cable service through a store.
4. Consider your current satisfaction with service, especially customer service, provided by your cable television company before choosing it to be your ISP.
5. Expect your cable ISP to provide the cable modem and the necessary 10BaseT Ethernet card and cabling. Most cable companies include a lease charge for the hardware in your monthly fee; some will give you the option to purchase the modem.
6. Expect your cable ISP or other vendor to install the hardware and set your connection.
7. Expect the installation cost to be at least $150, unless it is waived or discounted as a promotional incentive.
8. Expect to pay about $40 per month for "always connected" service with unlimited access. You will be charged less if you have purchased your cable modem, and more if you do not also subscribe to cable television service.

Tips & Warnings

• A West Coast consumer electronics chain began offering Excite@Home service in late 1999.
• If cable modem service isn't yet available in your area, consider DSL service, if that's available, or satellite Internet service. (See the related eHow "Choose a High-Speed Internet Access Method.")
• Make sure your computer meets the system requirements for the service.