Time Warner Basic Internet Vs. Turbo

The main difference between Road Runner Basic and Road Runner Turbo is the connection speed of the service. Faster service can be a benefit when downloading larger files such as video files, or when more than one user is accessing the network. Road Runner Basic is rated by Time Warner at a speed of 1.5 Mbps, while Turbo is the fastest option offered, with speeds at up to 15 Mbps. Plus, Turbo comes with Time Warner's trademarked PowerBoost technology, which increases the speed during big downloads.

Road Runner Basic can be ideal for casual Internet users and those who only use the service for checking emails and performing basic functions such as online banking, social networking and other web surfing. Road Runner Turbo provides an advantage for families and those whose web habits include the need for expanded capacity, such as downloading music and video files, online gaming and viewing streaming video without the wait while the video buffers.

Though actual prices will vary depending on the location, Road Runner Turbo generally costs $20 a month more than Road Runner Basic, as of the time of publication. Prices will also depend on whether you purchase the Internet service individually or if you purchase it bundled with other Time Warner services; it also depends on any specials and discounts offered by your local Time Warner office, such as offering Turbo to new customers for a limited time.

Other Time Warner broadband Internet options include Road Runner Lite -- the slowest and least expensive service offered at 768 Kbps -- and Road Runner Standard, with speeds at up to 7Mbps and PowerBoost technology, which places it between Basic and Turbo in terms of connection speed and pricing.