Who Else Has High Speed Internet Besides Comcast?

DSL stands for digital subscriber line. DSL high-speed internet connections use phone lines to transfer information, but the transfer uses a different frequency than voice communication, so DSL services do not disrupt phone services even though they use the same line. A DSL Internet connection requires a DSL modem to transmit and interpret the information from the computer and the service provider. Many local phone companies provide DSL services. AT&T; and Verizon offer nationwide DSL services, but their service areas may not extend to every home in every city.

Cable television networks provide cable Internet access. In a cable high-speed Internet connection, the installer physically connects the cable modem to the outside cable connection, which requires wires through the walls and attic or crawl space. You can connect to existing cable outlets when they are available. The main disadvantage of cable Internet access is that it is not available in all areas because of the wiring that is necessary to complete the connection, and not all cable television providers can service Internet connections. In addition to Comcast, Knology and Cox Communications provide cable internet connections in limited geographic areas.

Satellite Internet service is available in areas where other types of services are not. The service provider installs a small satellite dish on the roof that communicates with the modem and with the orbiting satellite. Satellite Internet services are faster than dial-up, available nearly everywhere in North America and most providers offer unlimited usage plans. Satellite services are often more expensive than other Internet services, and weather, such as wind and rain, can temporarily disrupt the connection. Satellite high-speed Internet providers include DirecTV, Dish Network, WildBlue, HughesNet and SkyWay.

Most wireless service providers, such as cell phone companies, offer a small USB modem that transmits digital information to provide high-speed internet service using cell phone towers. These services are as reliable as cell phone service, so there are dead spots in service coverage with most companies. The main disadvantage of wireless service is the limited usage. Most service plans limit the data transfer to 5 MB or less per month, with additional fees for overages. Companies offering wireless Internet services include AT&T;, U.S. Cellular, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile.