Vital statistics
Looking for straight facts on DSL and cable Internet access? Check these charts for average cost and speed, plus the pros and cons of each.
| Service | Installation & activation | Average monthly fee1 | Maximum download speeds | Maximum upload speeds | | ADSL | $0 - $150 | $48 | 1.5Mbps | 128Kbps - 384Kbps | | Cable modem | $0 - $100 | $45 | 2Mbps - 3Mbps2 | 128Kbps - 384Kbps |
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1 Average of five national providers' standard monthly rates for new subscribers.
2 Note: The most common speed limit is 2Mbps, though some providers, such as Cox Communications, offer 3Mbps.
| DSL | Cable modem | | Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons | High-speed downloads (up to 1.5Mbps)
Business-level DSL service offers guaranteed data rates.
Lets you surf the Net and gab on the same line at the same time. | Not every phone line will work; no easy way to find out if yours does.
Speed drops as you get further from phone company central office.
Not as widely available as cable. | Speeds are not dependent on distance from central office.
Faster maximum speeds (2Mbps+) than DSL.
Sometimes cheaper than DSL, especially when bundled with TV service. | May require professional installation.
Line shared with others in neighborhood; speeds may vary.
May place limits on data downloads and uploads. |
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{Intro} {The lowdown on DSL} {The inside skinny on cable} {DSL vs. cable: the death match} {Vital statistics}
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