Optimum Online is offering internet speeds comparable to fiber-optic connections.
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Comcast and Optimum Online are two providers of cable broadband Internet service. Cable broadband is an option for users who want high-speed Internet but do not want to pay the high price tag of fiber-optic broadband. Unfortunately for consumers, the Internet broadband is a seller's market characterized by a lack of choice for consumers. According to a 2007 survey carried out by Consumer Reports, 22 percent of users chose their broadband Internet provider because it was the only one available. If you do have a choice between providers in your area, however, it is worth researching the main differences between providers.
Optimum Online
Optimum Online is a branch of Cablevision Systems Corporation. Cablevision provides a portfolio of telecommunications media and entertainment services that include digital television and high-speed VOIP and internet. Optimum Online offers customers the chose between a simple Internet connection or combining digital TV, voice over Internet protocol, also called VoIP, and high-speed Internet at a discount price.
Comcast High-Speed Internet
Comcast High-Speed Internet is also a broadband Internet provider that is part of a larger telecommunications corporation. Besides high-speed Internet, Comcast offers digital TV and Digital VoIP calling. If you sign a contract for all three services you can save money and pay for all three with one bill. The fact both Comcast and Optimum Online provide digital TV may cause their selection of cable TV channels to also influence your choice, as well as the particular strengths and weaknesses of their Internet service.
Comcast Internet Speed
Comcast provides a rate of data transmission of up to 15 megabits per second, or 15 Mbps, with its proprietary PowerBoost option. A speed of 15 Mbps will allow you to download three 5-megabyte MP3 files in 10 seconds and a 5-gigabyte high-definition movie in 56 minutes. Comcast also includes in its service a free comprehensive security suite and a free customizable internet portal.
Optimum Online Speed
Optimum Online also offers an Internet connection of 15 Mbps, but it also offers the option of adding an Optimum Online Boost for an extra fee. This increases the maximum speed provided by Optimum Online to 50 Mbps, which is comparable to the speed provided by fiber-optic connections. With a rate of transfer of 50Mbps you can download a 5-gigabyte movie in 17 minutes and a 5-megabyte MP3 file in 1 second.
References
- Consumer Reports: Internet Service
- Optimum Online: Pricing
- Comcast High Speed Internet
- Consumer Reports: How Much Speed Do You Need
Resources
- Consumer Reports: Internet Providers Ratings
Photo Credits
- Photos.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images