Digital subscriber line (DSL) service is high-speed Internet access delivered through copper telephone lines. It offers upload and download speeds much higher than dial-up and allows users to use the phone and be connected to the Internet simultaneously. DSL is not the only high-speed Internet service option available. If you cannot get DSL service where you live or do not want to pay for a home phone line, there are several alternative services that may suit your needs.
Cable Broadband
Cable broadband is transmitted through the same coaxial cables that bring cable TV into homes and businesses. Upload speeds for cable broadband are about the same as DSL's speeds; however, cable download speeds are normally slightly higher than DSL's download speeds. Cable broadband signals are not degraded as they travel through the lines, so any building wired for cable can utilize cable broadband Internet. As of 2011, monthly service fees are typically on par with DSL's fees and average $45 per month. Cable broadband requires a modem, as does DSL service, and installation is normally free.
Satellite
Satellite Internet service is another alternative to DSL. It is a suitable choice for remotely located homes not wired for telephone or cable services. A satellite dish and a modem are required for service, which can cost a lot of money and the monthly service is quite a bit higher than DSL or cable at around $70 per month, according to My Blue Dish. In addition to the higher costs, satellite Internet speed is less than one-third that of DSL. In rural areas where the choice is between dial-up and satellite, satellite offers the higher speed option.
WISP
WISP, or wireless Internet service provider, is a wireless Internet service. A newer Internet technology, WISP allows users to connect to the Internet from anywhere within the provider's coverage area using a small modem connected to the USB port of their laptop. The modem typically costs about double the price of a DSL modem, but many providers offer rebates making the modem free. Service is also a bit higher at about $60 per month and many providers charge an additional fee per megabyte for usage exceeding 5 Mb.
Dial-Up
The service that started it all, dial-up, is still available as an alternative to DSL. Like DSL, dial-up requires a phone line, but it also occupies that phone line anytime the user is online. This means any incoming or outgoing calls will disconnect you from the Internet. The speed of dial-up modems is limited to 56 Kbps, which is quite slow compared to high-speed Internet. Some companies charge as little as $10 per month for dial-up service, which attracts users with minimal Internet usage needs. Dial-up connections are not influenced by distance or line quality, so anyone with a working phone line can use dial-up Internet.
References
- FCC; Getting Broadband
- Which VOIP; Cable Broadband Internet Service Explained
- My Blue Dish; Satellite Internet, Why is It More Expensive?
- Webopedia: Cable vs. Dsl