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| High speed internet is a huge annual expense for | | | | In comparison, let's take a look at DSL access. |
| many American homes and businesses. Often | | | | DSL is available in most locations since it usually |
| costing upwards of $60 a month, it adds up | | | | requires telephone service. Remote locations that |
| quickly, and can have a huge impact on the | | | | aren't serviced by cable often have their high |
| bottom line of your budget. The question for | | | | speed internet needs met by DSL. The pricing is |
| many families and business owners has been | | | | usually similar, if not a bit cheaper than cable. The |
| "what are my other options?" This question is | | | | speed usually runs a bit slower than its cable |
| especially valid when the history of high speed | | | | counterparts, and can sometimes be subjected to |
| internet access is put into perspective. For years, | | | | "line noise," particularly in older neighborhoods |
| cable and DSL were the only option. Now, as | | | | where phone lines are somewhat dated. Again, |
| satellite internet has lowered in cost, a reasonable | | | | similar to cable, very rural neighborhoods may not |
| third option exists, and forces many consumers | | | | have access to DSL at all due to the ages of the |
| to reexamine the issue. | | | | phone lines in the area. |
| | | | | |
| First, let's examine cable internet. Cable has been | | | | Finally, in comparison to the former two, we have |
| a mainstay of the high speed internet business for | | | | satellite internet, a relatively new entrant to the |
| the better part of 15 years, and its readily | | | | residential market. Although satellite broadband |
| available in many urban and suburban communities | | | | internet has been available for years, the cost has |
| around the country. Its availability and easy | | | | come down recently. The technology to run |
| "add-on" potential with television services make it | | | | satellite internet has become easier to install, and |
| a popular choice for homes and businesses. | | | | companies that offer the service now compete |
| Among the advantages offered by cable are | | | | – something that's a boon for consumers. As |
| speed and "always-on" functionality. Combined | | | | it becomes more popular, its also forcing prices |
| billing might also be an advantage for some | | | | down for other high-speed internet providers. |
| households. As for disadvantages – most | | | | Satellite internet is one of the most widely |
| consumers tend to experience these further | | | | available internet services, requiring only a clear |
| down the line. Prices are frequently raised after a | | | | view of the southern sky to work. The dish is |
| 3 or 6 month introductory period to sometimes | | | | similar to a satellite TV dish, and can simply be |
| astonishing levels. In addition, customers may find | | | | mounted on a roof. Regardless of where you live, |
| it more difficult to discontinue their cable service | | | | satellite internet is a fast, reliable option that has |
| later on. Doing so will also adversely raise the | | | | gained increasing popularity nationwide. |