How to Determine Whether DSL or a Cable Modem Is Worth It

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(3 Ratings)

High-speed Internet access should be at least five times faster than what you can get with a 56K modem. But DSL and cable-modem services are expensive at the beginning of 2000, and the many "catches" and trade-offs associated with the newer technologies might mean you'll be better off waiting for increased competition, improved service, and lower prices.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Cable Modems
DSL Lines

Basic Evaluation Factors

Step 1

Decide if you spend enough time on the Internet to justify paying for more speed.
Step 2

Consider the value of the time you spend online. Will increased speed help you conduct a business better? Or will it just enhance your leisure surfing?
Step 3

Expect legislation, court decisions, and other future government regulation to affect digital online services and use and cost of them in the next couple of years.
Step 4

Expect access fees to change as the services develop.
Step 5

Find out what services are available in your area. Call your cable company to see if cable modem service is available. Call your telephone company to see if you can get DSL.
Step 6

Evaluate offers for both individual service and service bundles that include hardware and installation.

Probable Disadvantages

Step 1

If your current ISP doesn't yet offer DSL, decide whether your current ISP offers extra benefits you don't want to give up (features such as a large amount of free Web space, multiple e-mail accounts, local access numbers from other parts of the country, extraordinary technical support). (If you choose a cable modem, your ISP will change to the cable company.)
Step 2

Figure the number of individuals and businesses you will have to notify about your new e-mail address.
Step 3

Expect that group e-mail lists might take a long time to be updated, and individuals and organizations may be slow to update their records.
Step 4

Consider your need and cost, if any, for new business cards, letterhead, or other materials with your new e-mail address.
Step 5

Understand that you are likely to experience considerably less speed than the maximum possible from your modem and service. (See the related eHow "Understand Why a High-Speed Connection Isn't as Fast as Advertised.")
Step 6

Expect to pay at least $40 per month for a cable modem or DSL, plus hardware and installation expenses.

Probable Advantages

Step 1

Expect extra speed to save time and enhance (or make possible) multimedia capabilities, such as streaming audio.
Step 2

Obtain the convenience of never having to dial into an ISP - your connection is always available.
Step 3

Eliminate a telephone line if you are currently paying for two.
Step 4

Get the convenience of one bill if your ISP is also your local telephone or cable company.
Step 5

Expect a package deal if you already have cable television.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If you are planning on buying a cable modem, check eBay first! I got one for $25 total. Hey, it may be used, but it beats the heck out of paying $100 or more for a new one. I haven't had a problem with the one I am using.

on 11/22/2005 Here's how to choose: DSL speed depends on how far away from phone company you are. We're just far enough to get DSL, but were limited to 40k/12k (down/up). When we switched to cable, we've had downloads as fast as 500k/s. Find location of phone company!

on 11/22/2005 Living in a rural area and having a 56k modem, I never achieved a higher speed than 33.3 due to our phone lines being outdated. Rather than waiting for new lines to be installed, I opted for the cable modem, which increased my speeds tremendously.

on 11/22/2005 DSL is better.

on 11/22/2005 If you don't use the Internet much now, it's probably because it is so slow. I have a cable modem, and I don't think life would be the same without it. Instant access to all the information you will ever need. I stress Instant!!