CABLE HIGH SPEED INTERNET SERVICE
OVERVIEW
Cable high speed internet availability usually coincides
with the availability of cable TV service.
Cable Internet Providers use the same lines
used to provide cable TV service and as such
is typically offered by your Cable TV provider.
PERFORMANCE
Cable internet downloads
generally range from 3-10 MBps (Megabytes per second)
or about 60 to 200 times faster than a 56K
dial-up connection. Some cable providers are now offering speeds of up to 105 MBps, but infrastructure an equipment upgrades restrict these "next generation" internet services to larger, more densely populated communities. Internet traffic and computer hardware limitations often prevent subscribers from reaching the maximum advertised speeds. Uploads speeds are usually throttled
back by the cable internet provider to about twenty percent of the maximum download speed in order to prevent customers
from running high load servers or file sharing over their internet service.
INSTALLATION
Cable internet can be installed
using existing cable TV jacks, but the technician
will typically install a new jack near your
primary computer. Your cable internet provider's
"modem" connects to your cable jack
and to your computer using an Ethernet or
USB cable. Most newer computers can accommodate
these types of connections, but if yours cannot
the technician can usually supply and install
an ethernet card into your computer. Many companies now offer wireless home networking at part of their service and may install a wireless router in addition to the cable modem.
COST
Generally $35.00 to $45.00 per month.
High performance plans may cost $100-$200 per month or more. Many cable internet providers are now offering
introductory pricing between $20.00 and $30.00
for up to 12 months. Some cable internet providers
will ask you to buy the equipment (cable modem
and ethernet card, if necessary). Some will
ask you to rent it. Some will simply give
it to you (returned to them if you cancel).
Some cable internet providers offer to buy
back the equipment if you cancel - some do
not. Confused yet? Be sure to ask the provider
when you call or read the fine print when
applying online.
Many companies are now offering
a "Lite" cheap cable internet in the $20.00- $30.00 range. It is
slower than regular broadband internet and "full" cable internet
but fast enough for many, if not most, consumers.
Most companies offer discounts on high speed internet service when the customer is subscribed to a bundle of services including digital television and phone services.
TIPS
Cable internet performance
is dependent on a "clean signal"
from the broadband provider. If the signal
is weak or distorted, broadband performance
will be reduced or it simply will not work.
The signal can be weakened by bad grounding
or the addition of line splitters used to
accommodate additional jacks. Be sure that
the technician does not leave before confirming
good signal strength that will allow you to
add more equipment (a TV, for example) without
hindering cable internet performance. If necessary
the cable internet provider's technician can
run a new clean cable line into your house.
Be sure to evaluate all options
before choosing a High Speed Internet Service
Broadband Provider.
