Categories: TECHNOLOGY

High-Speed Internet Access: Save Money with DSL Service

While it might not sound like it as you read this review, I previously favored cable high-speed Internet access over standard DSL. But for many users looking for an Internet Service Provider, or better rates, DSL service offers many advantages, including lower cost and with speeds fast enough to please both the average and power Internet user. Note that the DSL Internet Service Providers of even a year ago are not the same as today, with higher speeds and more economical plans.

Is DSL Internet Service Right for You?
The Advantages of DSL over Cable

High-speed Internet access is now affordable for nearly everyone who already pays for dialup access to the Internet. With some broadband (high-speed) Internet Service Providers (ISP) you may actually save money over your current dialup Internet service rates. If you already have high-speed Internet service you may find that if you investigate alternative Internet Service Providers there are more competitive broadband pricing plans available.

The greatest savings for high-speed Internet service typically involves the increasingly popular DSL service, which can be bundled with other telephone services for more savings. In practical terms, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), is a broadband connection using your home telephone line, but it allows simultaneous voice and data use. DSL doesn’t tie up your voice phone line as standard dialup internet service does.

Though cable Internet Service Providers tend to provide faster broadband service, this is not always the case. There are various factors that more readily influence cable Internet service speeds. Not limited to the fact that cable Internet Service Providers use shared access, via the cable line, with other users in a given area. This means that if there is very high traffic, (many users actively online in a given area) you may not achieve optimum or even good broadband speeds. Also, if you have an older computer or otherwise significantly lack computer speed (memory), any speed difference between cable and DSL Internet Service Providers would be negligible.

DSL high-speed Internet access also has the advantage of being more economical for individuals without cable. Cable Internet Service Providers tend to charge significantly more for non-subscribers of their cable service. Another perk with DSL Internet service is that it tends to be easier to set up – without the need for a technician.

If you request that an Internet Service Provider send a technician to install your high-speed internet access, either cable or DSL, the rates generally range from $50 – $200. The majority of people have the ability to set up broadband Internet service by themselves with the instructions and setup discs provided. Some Internet Service Providers also include technical help via phone and online, with some companies better than others in this regard.

What DSL Internet Service Provider Should You Use?

First , you will need to find out which DSL providers are in your area. There are several resources (see below) online to do so. Though DSL service availability is improved it is still more limited than the reach of cable high-speed internet access. This is primarily due to the technology used that imposes distance requirements for DSL service from the Internet Service Provider. You will also need home phone service provided by the DSL Internet Service Provider you choose. So, if you do not want to switch phone carriers, your choice will be simple.

When choosing a DSL Internet Service Provider it helps to look at ratings and reviews. Though reviews of DSL providers vary and ratings even 6-months old may not be as accurate, for companies and technologies change. I tend to favor collections of everyday customer reviews rather than those supported by a certain industry, such as the technology sector. Aside from any prejudices that may exist, the participants involved in the technology sector, are by virtue, more tech savvy. Still, at times, they are worth an overview.

DSL Internet Service Provider Recommendations:

Overall, AT&T; Yahoo! is one of the highest rated DSL Internet Service Providers and offers the most economical plans. It is, at this time, limited to service in 13 states for high-speed access. Verizon, another leading competitor, has outshined AT&T; in some DSL reviews but it does cost a bit more. For reliability, speed, customer service and value, these two companies are favored, and either makes a good choice.

Next to cost, speed (and reliability) is the priority for people considering DSL internet access. AT&T;’s Basic and Express broadband plans outperform others and with a lower price. For $19.99 a month, no contract, the AT&T; Express plan (up to 50 X the speed of dialup) offers twice the speed Verizon offers (up to 20X the speed of dialup) at this price. The AT&T; Basic plan, equivalent to Verizon’s Basic Plan (up to 20 X the speed of dialup), is only $14.99 a month.

If you want speeds that will rival cable Internet service, with AT&T; try the Pro or Elite plan for $24.99 and $34.99 respectively (month-to-month). Verizon offers a plan similar to AT&T;’s Pro Plan for $37.99 month-to-month, with a year-long Verizon contract the price is $29.99 a month.

Many Internet users are satisfied with the lower-end plans, but if you watch many online videos, play many online graphic-intensive games, download a lot of files, or perform considerable business online, the 3.0 Mbps connection speed (AT&T; Pro or Verizon Power Plan) is the best minimum high-speed internet access to get. Both companies offer DSL broadband speeds even faster, at 6.0 Mbps (equivalent to higher-end cable connections).