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 |
|
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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